TL;DR
- Etihad has introduced an in-cabin pet fare of USD 399 per segment through 31 May 2026
- Cats and dogs up to 8kg (including carrier) can fly in Economy or Business cabins
- Etihad remains the only UAE airline offering pets in the cabin
- Booking requires a form seven days ahead and health docs 72 hours before departure
- Opens up Abu Dhabi routes for clients who prefer cabin travel for their pets
A Lovely Little Update for Pet-Owning Clients
A useful one landed from Etihad this week, and it’ll solve a client conversation many of us know well. Etihad has introduced a promotional fare for its Pets Onboard service, bringing the cost down to USD 399 (roughly £320) per flight segment for cats and dogs travelling in the cabin.
The offer runs through the end of May and applies to flights to and from Abu Dhabi. Etihad is the only carrier in the UAE letting pets travel up top with their humans, which gives pet-owning clients another cabin-based option on Abu Dhabi routings.
For clients who see their pets as family and would rather not use the hold, this opens up a tangible route with transparent pricing. A handy one to have nearby.
What to Know
Pets need to be at least 16 weeks old and weigh no more than 8kg, carrier included. In Economy, the carrier goes under the seat in front. In Business, clients can book an extra seat beside them for their pet, though it’s worth checking seat availability first, since not all Business configurations allow it.
On the paperwork side, clients submit a booking form seven days before departure, then provide health certificates and UAE entry permits 72 hours ahead. One pet per passenger is standard, though two pets from the same household can travel if a second guest books as well.
Etihad’s ground teams handle the prep work for Abu Dhabi arrivals, including the health certificates and release permits that the UAE requires. It takes some of the admin weight off your shoulders, which is always welcome.
The carrier itself needs to be soft-sided, leak-proof, and fit comfortably under the seat. Most standard airline-approved pet carriers meet the requirements, though it’s worth confirming dimensions with clients before they book.
For Your Client Conversations
This promo gives you a fixed price to quote, which makes those early chats simpler. No surprises, no variables beyond the carrier requirements.
The appeal here is emotional as much as practical. Plenty of travellers find the idea of the hold distressing for their animals. Being able to offer cabin travel takes that concern off the table, particularly for shorter-haul routes or onward connections through Abu Dhabi.
It’s also a nice fit for families relocating to the region or extended-stay travellers who want their animals with them from day one. The 16-week age minimum means young puppies and kittens are out, but most established pets qualify easily.
One small detail worth knowing: if you have clients travelling with falcons (it happens), those fly free in the cabin or USD 500 checked. Trained service dogs are also permitted with the right certification, separate from the pet programme.
A Handy Detail to Keep Nearby
A fixed promo fare through May makes Etihad an easy option to mention when pet travel comes up on Abu Dhabi quotes. One of those useful ones to tuck into your notes for the next conversation where it fits.
