Transportation of pets

Transportation of Pets

The transportation of pets (PETC and AVIH) accompanying passengers on Southwind Airlines flights is not included in the free baggage allowance and is subject to an additional fee. Only the following pets are allowed to be transported on our international flights.

Pets carried in Cabin (PETC):

  • Dogs;
  • Cats;
  • Birds.

Documents Required for European Flights:

Documents Required for Flights to Russia:

  • The cage size should not exceed 55X40X20 cm.
  • The cage is provided by the owner of the livestock.
  • When weighed together with the pet cage, it should have a maximum weight of 8 kg. Pets weighing more than 8kg with their cage are considered AVIH (Animal on Hold) and must travel under the plane.
  • The label on the cage should include the passenger's full name, address, phone number, the number of pets being transported, and the name of the pet.
  • The pet inside the cage should be able to stand, lie down, and turn around in its natural position.
  • The cage structure should be waterproof, sturdy, lockable, adequately ventilated, and resistant to scratches and impacts.
  • Birds should be transported in a specially designed cage for bird transportation. Within the cage, birds should have enough space to stretch their wings or be placed in individual compartments that do not restrict their movement and prevent damage to their feathers. For cabin transport, it is necessary to cover the top of the cage with a dark-colored cloth to block out daylight.
  • Absorbent material should be placed inside the cage. We recommend blankets or old clothes. Newspapers, cardboard or sand are not allowed.
  • The PETC in the cage will be secured under the seat in front of you. If this is not possible, it should be attached to your seat belt with a leash while in the cage
  • One Cage/Box for each passenger can be taken into the cabin.
  • One pet can be transported per Cage/Box. However, there may be exceptions:
  • The pet fee is charged per cage. Pets of the same species who are accustomed to living together (2 birds, 2 cats, 2 dogs) can be transported in the same cage within the cabin, as long as they do not exceed the maximum weight (8 kg) and size limits (55 x 40 x 20 cm).
  • If there are two cats in a cage with the passenger, only per cage is charged, not for each cat.
  • Pets with a combined weight of 0-8 kg, including their cage, are considered as AVIH (Animals in Hold) and are required to be transported in the aircraft's cargo hold. In this case, they will be subject to the applicable fees and regulations for transporting pets in the hold.
  • The pet must have a chip. Each animal must be identified by a clearly recognizable tattoo or a microchip (this is mandatory for newly identified animals as of July 3, 2011).
  • The dog and bird are carried in different cabins or in the same cabin as far as possible.
  • Endangered and protected domestic animals specific to Turkey, such as Sivas Kangal, Ankara Cat, and Van Cat, are prohibited from being taken out of the country. However, if you have obtained approval from the relevant departments of the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, transportation may be permitted. We would like to remind you that, according to the instructions of the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, you must obtain a health certificate from a veterinarian prior to your international travel with your pet. Unfortunately, without the necessary documentation, you will not be allowed to board the flight.
  • Small bird species other than budgerigars and canaries are not allowed in the cabin. Parrot and pigeon species that are pets are only accepted as (AVIH).
  • Pets under the age of 3 months on the date of the flight and pregnant adult pets are prohibited. 2. Pets must be "at least 7 months old" on flights to European Union destinations from "unlisted third countries" specified in regulation EU-576/2013. (For example: flights from Egypt, Turkey to European Union destinations).
  • Owners of dogs and cats older than three months are required to have their pets vaccinated against rabies once a year. Animals that have not completed their vaccinations will not be accepted for the flight. The valid rabies vaccination should be documented in the pet health certificate. (Please note that the rabies vaccination should be administered after the microchip is implanted to ensure accurate and traceable administration). On the day of the flight, it is important to remember that the rabies vaccination on the vaccination record should be no newer than 21 days and no older than one (1) year. For cats and dogs, you should have the vaccination record containing their identification information, and for birds, you should have the flight certificate with you.
  • Guests aged 12 and under (UM) traveling alone cannot travel with a pet (PETC).
  • Guests traveling with pets (PETC) cannot sit in the emergency exit and in the front seat.
  • Responsibility for using sedatives under veterinary control before the flight for nervous, aggressive, restless pets belongs to the guest.
  • Pets are accepted within certain limits. Pets will not be accepted if the limit is reached. Passengers should indicate their intention to carry pets when booking or purchasing a flight ticket with the Airline, or send an e-mail to crm@southwindairlines.com at the latest 3 days before the flight date or get approval from our Call Center at 444 80 79.
  • Care is taken to ensure that domestic animals are clean, odorless and calm-looking. Pets with poor health and appearance are not accepted for transport.

The following dangerous breeds and crosses are prohibited on Southwind flights:

  • American Pit Bull Terrier;
  • American Staffordshire-Terrier;
  • Pitbull Terrier;
  • American Bully;
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier;
  • Japanese Tosa;
  • Dogo Argentino;
  • Doberman;
  • Pincher Doberman;
  • Rottweiler;
  • Tropical region animals;
  • Fila Brasileiro.

Passengers are assumed to be fully responsible for complying with all health, safety, animal management, government-mandated conditions and approvals, regulations, entry and exit permits, country-specific health certificates, and restrictions imposed by governments, regions, or relevant authorities. Travel requests with pets may be denied at the airport, even if the reservation is confirmed.

If there are passengers who report an allergy to pets with a doctor's report before the flight, the pets are accepted into the passenger cabin according to certain conditions:

  • If the passenger who declares to have an allergy and the passenger who has a pet have a travel request at the same time, the acceptance procedures are carried out by considering the reservation priority.
  • Before buying a ticket, it is necessary to send an e-mail to crm@southwindairlines.com or get approval from our Call Center at 444 80 79.
  • (AVIH) It can be carried as registered baggage in the luggage compartment of the aircraft in accordance with IATA Live Animals Regulations (IATA Live Animals Regulations-(LAR) and operating airline procedures.
  • Cats and dogs weighing more than 8 kg including the carrier can be transported as special baggage in the air-conditioned cargo hold of the aircraft under certain conditions.
  • Important: In case the baggage and cargo compartments of the aircraft are technically suitable, AVIH will only be accepted upon the approval of the airline.
  • The airline may refuse the carriage of a passenger with a pet if the carriage of the pet has not been booked, confirmed or paid for.
  • For the transportation of pets, passengers must present all the documents required by the laws of the country where the transportation is taking place during the check-in process.
  • If a pet exhibits aggressive behavior and poses a threat to the safety and well-being of other individuals or disrupts the flight operations, the airline has the right to refuse the transportation of the pet.
  • The acceptance of transporting pets is conditional upon the passenger assuming full responsibility for them. The airline is not liable for any physical injuries, illnesses, or deaths of the pets, as well as any refusal of their importation or transportation from any country or region.
  • Important: Some countries have specific rules and regulations regarding the entry of pets. We recommend contacting the embassy or consulate of the destination/transit country in order to clarify the export/transit/import rules for pets.