Best And Worst Airlines For Traveling With Pets

Getting Their Fur Flying: Top Tips for Taking Your Pets On Holiday

• New research by Compare the Market shows the best places to take your pets on holiday, and how to get them there.
• Air France, TUI and Thomas Cook are among the top pet travel options.
• Pitbulls least likely to be allowed to join you on holiday while American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Terriers are also banned by several countries.

With summer coming up, the entire globe is dreaming of sun, sea and city breaks, with a spike in holiday bookings and wanderlust. However, many of us will also be fretting about our furry friends at home - wouldn’t it be much easier if we could just take them along with us?

Compare the Market has commissioned new research into the most pet-friendly countries and airlines around the globe, so you can take your dog, cat (or meerkat) with you this summer. They’ve also produced a definitive list of the most famous globetrotting animals to give you inspiration - and shed light on the unlucky pets who are less likely to be able to join their owners on holiday.

It’s All About the Journey….

Getting your pet to your chosen location might seem daunting, but most airlines today have a policy in place to allow pets to accompany their owners onboard. While the policies themselves are manifold, no two are the same - so we’ve pulled the top travel options together for you, including:

• Air France - Leaders in the pet transport field, Air France allows you to bring up to three pets along for the cost of an extra suitcase. Pets of up to 75kg (including carrier) can travel with you in the cabin, and you can buy carriers to keep your small friends in comfort. There are also freight options for heavier pets, who’ll be made welcome in their own holding area. 
• Thomas Cook - There’s not only a wide range of animals allowed on Thomas Cook, there’s no maximum weight for pets on holiday either - and you can get them on board for just 15 euros per dossier plus an excess baggage fee. 
• TUI - while a more expensive option - with a total cost of 81.60 euros per pet - TUI allows pets up to 6kg to travel in the cabin alongside you, and heavier pets can be put up in the cargo hold for the duration of the flight. Pets can also be added to an existing flight with a quick call!

While animals are now often a common sight on most airlines, there are some that are best to avoid. EasyJet, Emirates and FlyBe won’t let you onboard with a pet at all, which means you should definitely take time to check flight providers on online packages, especially if they’re different providers both ways!

Pets on Location

Of course, great transport options are only part of your pet’s holiday experience. The location is always the most important part of any holiday, and some countries are more likely to welcome fluffy travellers than others. Compare the Market found some of the most surprising pet-friendly destinations for a trip away were:

• New York - The Big Apple was the most pet-friendly destination, with no bans on pets of any breed. Pets also don’t need their own passport to travel to NYC, and only dogs will need a vet’s certificate proving they’ve had a recent rabies vaccination. Working dogs from certain destinations, including Mexico, may also need to prove that they’ve been vaccinated for tapeworm.
• Tokyo - Your furry friend won’t need a passport to travel to Japan, but you will need to make sure they’re chipped and that you’ve filed an Advanced Notification Form with the Animal Quarantine Service 40 days before you travel. A vet must also complete a Japan Veterinary Certificate before travel, confirming that you’ve had your pet inoculated against Japan’s list of illnesses, including hepatitis for dogs and calicivirus for cats.
• Seoul - Korea is also a fan of pets, and doesn’t require a pet passport if your pet has been properly chipped. While a list of banned animals isn’t published, it is worth enquiring with your travel agent before you book just to make sure, and all animals travelling must be vaccinated against rabies.

When looking into travelling with pets, it is always advisable to look at getting them their own passport, as a third of destinations will require one. An EU passport is your best bet for speedy pet transfers, with most European countries including Spain, Germany and the Netherlands accepting these. Microchips are also required in a whopping 90% of countries, while almost all countries will require your pet to be vaccinated against rabies. Having these three musts up-to-date is a great starting point for globetrotting pets.

Jet Set Pets

Wherever you’re travelling in the world with your pet, there’s no such thing as too much information - whether it’s transport to your destination, which country to choose, or even whether your pet will be able to accompany you on your next adventure.

For full research on Jet Set Pets and where to take them, visit Compare the Market’s handy guide for a quick rundown of the best places for ‘petsetters’.   

Air France Opens Newly Redesigned Business Lounge In Hall L At Paris-Charles De Gaulle

Air France  has reopened a completely redesigned, much larger and totally renovated Business class lounge. With an open kitchen, private saunas and a detox bar, the company has created a real bubble of well-being for its Business customers and Flying Blue Elite Plus cardholders in Hall L at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Terminal Two.

The 3,200 sq. m. lounge will open in two stages. A first part of 2,180 sq. m. was unveiled on January 25 and a second in July 2018, where new areas will be revealed.

"This lounge is perfectly in line with Air France's strategy to move upmarket, in the same way as the lounge at Terminal 2G,” explained Anne Rigail, Customer EVP. “It has been designed to surprise our customers with innovative services on the theme of well-being and gastronomy."

A subtle balance between elegance, comfort and creativity, this lounge reflects the identity of the Air France brand. In the choice of materials, furniture and with a palette of bright colors, Air France and the agency Brandimage have designed a refined new lounge, a new ambassador of chic French style.

The largest well-being area in an Air France lounge

For the first time, an Air France lounge is devoting more than 550 sq. m. entirely to well-being. In a refined setting, everything has been designed to immerse the customer in a cocoon where time seems to stand still. The well-being area provides customers with:

·         An "Instant Relaxation" area to relax comfortably on loungers or in mini-suites for optimal rest;

·         A detox bar to relax, with a selection of fine teas;

·         An area dedicated to facial treatments with two private cabins where customers can benefit from the expertise of Clarins beauticians;

·         Two private saunas to freshen up between flights;

·         Large luxury showers.

Fine dining on show

The lounge highlights the finest French dining experience:

·         A "La Table Gourmet" dining area, designed in the spirit of a Parisian brasserie, with an open kitchen where a Chef prepares tasty hot dishes by putting the final touch on the dish in front of customers;

·         A self-service offer which invites customers to discover seasonal flavors for all tastes, with simmered casseroles, salads and pastries;

·         A selection of wines and Champagnes chosen by Paolo Basso, world's best sommelier in 2013.

Digital art at the heart of the customer experience

In collaboration with French start-ups Superbien and Tetro and the agency Brandimage, Air France has created a real immersive and sensory experience thanks to digital services:

·         In the entrance hall, a series of screens accompanies customers and takes them into a world of travel with soft and airy lighting effects;

·         A three-dimensional digital creation is on show in the center of the well-being area. A surprising art form that changes shape, intensity and color throughout the day;

·         A sky with soothing lighting, in a light therapy style, for a moment of complete relaxation.

Unique spaces

To meet the needs of all customers, Air France has also come up with:

·         "Le Club", a private area, to spend time alone or with others in a warm atmosphere;

·         "Le Petit Salon" to take time out in a place where all is quiet and smartphones are silent;

·         An "At Your Service" area, to be assisted by Air France staff in the lounge to reserve showers and saunas, change seats or flights, etc.;

·         "Air France Shopping" showcases to discover and purchase a selection of unique Air France-branded objects.

More surprises to come in July 2018

This lounge also has other surprises in store, including a beautiful creation by the French designer Mathieu Lehanneur. More details to come in July 2018.

About Air France

Air France, a global airline of French inspiration, with high standards and a caring attitude, turns the flight into a moment of real pleasure on all its daily operations in France, Europe and worldwide.

Air France-KLM is the leading Group in terms of international traffic on departure from Europe. In 2017, it offers its customers access to a network covering 328 destinations in 118 countries thanks to its five brands Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Transavia, Joon and HOP! Air France. With a fleet of 534 aircraft in operation and 93.4 million passengers carried in 2016, Air France-KLM operates up to 2,300 daily flights, mainly from its hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol.

Its Flying Blue frequent flyer programme is one of the leaders in Europe with over 27 million members.

Air France-KLM and its partners Delta Air Lines and Alitalia operate the biggest trans-Atlantic joint-venture with over 270 daily flights.

Air France-KLM is also a member of the SkyTeam alliance which has 20 member airlines, offering customers access to a global network of over 17,000 daily flights to more than 1,060 destinations in 177 countries.

Air France Announces New A La Carte Menu Options, "My Fun Menu" Created For Teenagers And Young Adults

As of April 1, 2018, Air France will add a new menu to its A La Carte Menu selection on board long-haul flights* - “My Fun Menu”.  This menu, created from high-quality ingredients, will delight the taste buds of the most demanding gourmands.  This new offer notably meets the expectations of teenagers and young adults.  It will be available for purchase starting January 11, 2018 for flights departing from April 1, 2018 onward at a price of 13 euros or 4,500 miles.

My Fun Menu Includes:

Main dish:

• Burger made from French beef, with Emmental cheese and Bearnaise sauce
• Kettle chips with sea salt

Dessert:

• Mini Yop yogurt drink (strawberry flavor)
• Donut with caramel filling

Sweet treat:

• Haribo sweets

A La Carte Menus – a selection of menus to suit all tastes

In the Economy and Premium Economy cabins, Air France now offers five A La Carte Menus on flights departing from Paris to all destinations**. The options include:

• Le Marché de Jean Imbert – an exclusive culinary creation designed by the rising star of French cuisine;
• Une Sélection Lenôtre – a meal exclusively designed by the famous Lenôtre restaurants and boutiques;
• Ocean Menu – a seafood specialty menu offering a taste of the sea on board the flight;
• Tradition Menu – an array of French gourmet products allowing customers to enjoy the famous French culinary heritage;
• My Fun Menu – a feel-good menu to satisfy our young gourmands.

To learn more about Air France’s A La Carte Menus, visit  https://www.airfrance.us/US/en/common/resainfovol/achat/menu_a_la_carte.htm.

*On departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly

**Excluding flights to Amman, Bangalore, Damascus, Delhi and Mumbai and flights AF022 on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle and to New York and AF3519 on departure from Reunion and to Paris-Orly during the summer season.

About Air France

Air France, a global airline of French inspiration, with high standards and a caring attitude, turns the flight into a moment of real pleasure on all its daily operations in France, Europe and worldwide.

Air France-KLM is the leading Group in terms of international traffic on departure from Europe. In 2017, it offers its customers access to a network covering 328 destinations in 118 countries thanks to its five brands Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Transavia, Joon and HOP! Air France. With a fleet of 534 aircraft in operation and 93.4 million passengers carried in 2016, Air France-KLM operates up to 2,300 daily flights, mainly from its hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol.

Its Flying Blue frequent flyer programme is one of the leaders in Europe with over 27 million members.

Air France-KLM and its partners Delta Air Lines and Alitalia operate the biggest trans-Atlantic joint-venture with over 270 daily flights.

Air France-KLM is also a member of the SkyTeam alliance which has 20 member airlines, offering customers access to a global network of over 17,000 daily flights to more than 1,060 destinations in 177 countries.

With Air France's Night Service, Dine In The Lounge And Sleep On Board!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WITH AIR FRANCE’S NIGHT SERVICE, DINE IN THE LOUNGE AND SLEEP ON BOARD!

 

Passengers to arrive refreshed at Paris-Charles de Gaulle

Air France is innovating and anticipating its Business customers need to rest on departure from New York-JFK airport on its night flights. Eager to offer them optimum comfort, the company is introducing its "Night Service", enabling them to enjoy the same meal in the airport lounge as the one served on board*, with the meal served at their table in a dedicated private area.

 

During the flight, customers can enjoy a good night’s sleep in the comfort of the Air France Business class cabin. A quiet, private cabin guarantees a peaceful night’s sleep in a seat that transforms into a lie-flat bed. Customers with a very healthy appetite can choose to eat again during the flight.

 

When they awake, as the French coast looms on the horizon, breakfast is served before landing at Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

 

A gourmet and practical new service available exclusively at New York-JFK

                 

The Night service is only available on departure of flights AF011 (21:45) and AF009 (23:25) from New York-JFK as of April 11, 2016. With no prior booking required, customers can choose to enjoy this new service when they arrive in the Air France lounge in New York.

 

^{* Except for special meals that can be enjoyed on board only.}

 

About Air France

Air France, a global airline of French inspiration, with high standards and a caring attitude, turns the flight into a moment of real pleasure on all its daily operations in France, Europe and worldwide.

Since 2004, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have formed a global air transport giant with a strong European base. The Group also offers cargo transport and aeronautical maintenance solutions.

Air France-KLM is the leading Group in terms of international traffic on departure from Europe. In 2015, it offers its customers access to a network covering 316 destinations in 115 countries thanks to its four brands Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Transavia and HOP! Air France. With a fleet of 546 aircraft in operation and 87.4 million passengers carried in 2014, Air France-KLM operates up to 2,200 daily flights from its hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol.

Its Flying Blue frequent flyer programme is one of the leaders in Europe with over 25 million members.

Air France-KLM and its partners Delta Air Lines and Alitalia operate the biggest trans-Atlantic joint-venture with over 250 daily flights.

Air France-KLM is also a member of the SkyTeam alliance which has 20 member airlines, offering customers access to a global network of over 16,320 daily flights to 1,052 destinations in 177 countries.

Chef Yves Camdeborde Signs New Dishes On Air France's Business Class Menu From April 1st To September 2016

From April 1^st to September 2016, Air France invites chef Yves Camdeborde to sign creative gourmet dishes on its Business class menu

Chef Yves Camdeborde is taking over as signature chef for Air France’s Business class menu on board its long-haul flights on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle throughout Air France’s long-haul network, as well as to a number of destinations on its medium-haul network*. This exceptional partnership forms part of the move upmarket of Air France’s products and services.

Yves Camdeborde’s cuisine focuses on simplicity and well-balanced flavours, while providing texture and conviviality in his dishes. The chef personalizes his cuisine with a variety of quality produce.

The chef’s eclectic range of dishes are typical samples of a new trend of cuisine invented by Yves Camdeborde himself - a mix of « bistrot » cuisine and classic gastronomy known as bistronomy.

The chef has created six new dishes for Air France customers. These gourmet creations will be available on the in-flight menu for a period of six months, with each dish renewed every 15 days:

·         Cod and smoked salmon with apple and celery, Parmesan crumble, Sunflower and Espelette pepper;

·         Salmon papillotes with Paris mushrooms and tarragon, vegetable balls, clear lemongrass and ginger broth;

·         Pan-cooked chicken with red onion pickles and grapes, supreme sauce and oven-steamed rice;

·         Slow-cooked beef fondant with Banyuls vinegar, vegetable balls and chestnuts with orange zest**;

·         Confit of veal shank with preserved lemons, artichokes and penne in white sauce**;

·         Tajine-style chicken with turmeric, fine semolina, kumquat and buckwheat.

Yves Camdeborde  –  Portrait of a renowned chef

A native of Béarn, Yves Camdeborde learned his trade in the largest and most prestigious restaurants such as the Ritz, the Tour D’Argent and especially under the leadership of Mr Christian Constant at the Crillon. He opened his first restaurant in 1992, La Régalade in the 14^th district of Paris. For over 10 years, he offered both traditional and reinterpreted regional cuisine.

He then became the owner of the charming 4-star hotel, Le Relais Saint Germain and its restaurant Le Comptoir in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. He offers « Bistrot Brasserie » cuisine, which promotes fresh market produce and tasty dishes to revive the tradition of refined French gourmet cuisine.

Very well known and after having published several cookbooks, Yves Camdeborde was recently on the jury of the famous TV programme «Master Chef» on TF1.

Air France and the art of French cuisine

Innovation and surprise are the two watch words characterizing Air France’s ambition to offer a French gastronomic experience. The ambition to constantly innovate, to match the new expectations of our demanding customers in their constant quest to discover new tastes. For Air France, the element of surprise also illustrated by its many partnerships with talented and skilful chefs, as well as an expression of the quintessence of French haute cuisine with quality dishes.

In an aim to offer a choice of refined dishes on board throughout the year, Air France’s airline catering subsidiary, Servair, offers its expertise and know-how to satisfy the Company’s customers. Servair’s chefs thus adapt the starred chefs’ recipes to the constraints of airline catering, while maintaining the full spirit of the original recipes. Servair chefs also provide cabin crews with their expertise and know-how in an aim to highlight the value of the dishes on offer.

*Dishes available on medium-haul flights on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Algiers, Amman, Athens, Bucharest, Casablanca, Istanbul, Kiev, Moscow, Rabat, Saint-Petersburg, Sofia, Stockholm, Tel Aviv, Tunis and Yerevan.

**Dishes exclusively available on long-haul flights.

About Air France

Air France, a global airline of French inspiration, with high standards and a caring attitude, turns the flight into a moment of real pleasure on all its daily operations in France, Europe and worldwide.

Since 2004, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have formed a global air transport giant with a strong European base. The Group also offers cargo transport and aeronautical maintenance solutions.

Air France-KLM is the leading Group in terms of international traffic on departure from Europe. In 2015, it offers its customers access to a network covering 316 destinations in 115 countries thanks to its four brands Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Transavia and HOP! Air France. With a fleet of 546 aircraft in operation and 87.4 million passengers carried in 2014, Air France-KLM operates up to 2,200 daily flights from its hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol.

Its Flying Blue frequent flyer programme is one of the leaders in Europe with over 25 million members.

Air France-KLM and its partners Delta Air Lines and Alitalia operate the biggest trans-Atlantic joint-venture with over 250 daily flights.

Air France-KLM is also a member of the SkyTeam alliance which has 20 member airlines, offering customers access to a global network of over 16,320 daily flights to 1,052 destinations in 177 countries.

Air France And KLM Now Offer New Cabins On All Houston Flights

 Beginning March 28, 2016, Air France’s new cabins will make their debut on the daily Houston-Paris route.

Meanwhile, KLM’s Houston-Amsterdam daily nonstop route is operated by a Boeing 747-400 with the new World Business Class and Economy cabins on board.

Both Air France and KLM offer daily nonstop services from Houston to their two European hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol, enabling travelers to make seamless connections to numerous destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Air France and KLM have had a strong and lasting presence in the Houston market for almost 54 and 56 years, respectively.

Air France

Air France’s Houston-Paris route – the only nonstop service between Houston and France – is operated daily by a Boeing 777-300 and a Boeing 777-200 on a rotating basis. These flights are equipped with the brand new La Première,* Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins for the summer season.

In the new La Première cabin, guests each have a designer suite with over 32 square feet of personal space. Air France has dressed each suite with thick curtains, equipped with leather tiebacks. In an instant, the La Première seat turns into a fully-flat bed over two meters long. With the curtains closed, the partition raised and soft lighting, the suite offers a calming, private space. During the trip, each guest has a personal 24-inch HD touch screen, one of the largest ever seen on board.

In the Business cabin, Air France has designed a cocoon in the sky. The seat adapts to the shape of each individual, from seating position to a real two-meter-long bed. At the heart of the curved structure, each passenger creates their own space, according to their desires. The seat's soft foam is designed to offer impeccable quality of sleep. With a soft duvet and XXL-sized feather down pillow, everything has been designed to ensure peaceful sleep among the clouds. Each passenger has a wide 16-inch HD touch screen.

In the entirely separate Premium Economy cabin, more comfortable seat cushions and a multi-position footrest further enhance the travelers experience as they enjoy 40% more personal space than economy and Sky Priority access. In Economyclass, there is a new fully-revised seat, with more legroom, a new seat cushion, more comfortable headrests and a wider tray table.

The seat also features new functionalities including an electric socket and a headphones holder. As for entertainment, wider HD touch screens have been introduced, measuring 12 inches in Premium Economy and nine inches in Economy. More than 1,000 hours of music, film, games and other programs are available on demand.

Business and La Premiere passengers will have complimentary access to the Air France Lounge at Houston-George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

*The new La Première suites are available on Boeing 777-300 aircraft, which Air France will operate on select flights to Houston starting April 8, 2016.  

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM’s Houston-Amsterdam daily nonstop route is operated by a Boeing 747-400 with two cabins: World Business Class and Economy.

The revamped World Business Class cabin was introduced on the Houston route in January 2014 and is now available on the entire fleet of 747s, 777-200s and 787s.  It offers passengers a full flat seat-bed and plenty of space. Meanwhile, passengers traveling in Economy class have the option of paying a fee to sit in the Economy Comfort zone, located in the front of the Economy cabin and offering additional legroom for recline. KLM passengers in all cabins enjoy individual video-on-demand entertainment and complimentary beer, wine and spirits.

The KLM Crown Lounge at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport accommodates 98 eligible guests, providing 1,115 square feet of space for them to work, dine or relax. Features include free Wi-Fi and data ports in every seat; cabins with computers and work space; a buffet with snacks and beverages; a smoke-free environment; and check-in facilities for transit passengers.

About Air France-KLM

A global giant with a strong European base, the Air France-KLM Group’s main areas of business are passenger transport, cargo transport and aeronautical maintenance.

Air France-KLM is the leading Group in terms of international traffic on departure from Europe. In 2015, it offers its customers access to a network covering 316 destinations in 115 countries thanks to its four brands Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Transavia and HOP! Air France. With a fleet of 546 aircraft in operation and 87.4 million passengers carried in 2014, Air France-KLM operates up to 2,200 daily flights from its hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol.

Its Flying Blue frequent flyer program is one of the leaders in Europe with over 25 million members.

Air France-KLM and its partners Delta Air Lines and Alitalia operate the biggest trans-Atlantic joint-venture with over 250 daily flights.

Air France-KLM is also a member of the SkyTeam alliance which has 20 member airlines, offering customers access to a global network of over 16,320 daily flights to 1,052 destinations in 177 countries.

www.airfranceklm.com