Excess Baggage & Pet Travel

Yes, you can. Most airlines are quite accommodating when traveling with infants or children. Collapsible strollers, car seats, and pack-and-plays can often be checked in free of charge, sometimes even right at the aircraft door.

However, every airline has its own specific rules and restrictions regarding what is allowed for free and what counts as extra baggage. To avoid surprises at the gate, please contact us before you travel. We will check your airline’s exact policies and register your baby equipment in your booking.

Yes, you can. In almost all cases, essential mobility aids (like wheelchairs or walkers) and life-saving medical equipment (such as CPAP machines or portable oxygen concentrators) can be brought free of charge. Most airlines do not count these approved devices toward your standard baggage allowance, but they must be registered in advance.

However, every airline has strictly enforced safety and weight guidelines, especially regarding the type of battery in electric wheelchairs or whether medical devices are approved for use in the cabin. If you are carrying larger quantities of medical supplies to donate, you will also need specific customs paperwork.

Please contact us as early as possible (at least 72 hours before departure). We will verify your airline’s specific rules, help you with the donation requirements, and officially register your medical equipment so you can travel without any worries.

Small musical instruments (like violins or flutes) can usually be taken into the cabin as part of your carry-on luggage. Larger instruments (like guitars, cellos, or keyboards) must be checked in as excess baggage in a hard-shell protective case, or you may need to purchase an extra seat for them.

Because instrument dimensions, weight limits, and fees vary greatly per airline, we highly recommend contacting us before booking your ticket. We will find the most instrument-friendly airline for your route and register your gear in advance.

Yes, absolutely. As long as these supplies fit within your standard baggage allowance (in terms of weight and dimensions), you can pack them and check them in as regular baggage.

If you need to bring more than your allowed luggage, or if the items are too large or heavy, it will be treated as excess or oversized cargo. In that case, please refer to the next question: “What are the rules for oversized cargo, heavy tools, or solar panels?”.

Items that exceed standard suitcase dimensions (typically over 158 cm / 62 linear inches) or weight limits (over 23 kg / 50 lbs) are considered oversized or overweight.

Airlines have very strict and differing rules for oversized items. Some aircraft simply do not have the hold space for large boxes or solar panels, while others charge heavy fees at the check-in desk. Please inform SIAMA at least 7 days before your departure. We will check the airline’s limitations, and inform you of your options.

Yes, but only under very specific conditions. Most airlines allow very small dogs and cats (usually weighing under 8 kg / 17 lbs, including their soft-sided travel bag) to travel in the cabin with you. This is known as PETC (Pet in Cabin).

Important: Airlines have a very strict maximum limit on the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight (often only 2 or 3). Because rules, fees, and cabin bag dimensions vary per airline, you must register your pet well in advance. Contact our team as soon as possible so we can check availability and secure a spot for your pet.

If your pet exceeds the cabin weight limit, they must travel in the aircraft’s cargo hold. This is called AVIH (Animal in Hold). Your pet will be placed in a special, temperature-controlled, and pressurized section of the hold.

For this, you must use an official IATA-approved travel crate that is large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Please note: Some airlines do not transport pets in the hold during extreme summer or winter temperatures, and some aircraft types cannot accommodate AVIH. Please contact SIAMA before booking your ticket so we can find the safest and most pet-friendly airline for your journey.

No, absolutely not. Many countries restrict the entry of live animals to specific “designated airports” that have approved veterinary inspection stations.

• United States (CDC Rules): The USA has strict regulations for importing dogs. Dogs can only enter the country through specific CDC-approved ports of entry (such as JFK in New York, LAX in Los Angeles, or MIA in Miami). If your flight lands at a non-approved airport, your dog will be denied entry. Furthermore, depending on where the dog has been in the past 6 months (especially high-risk rabies countries), you will need a valid CDC Dog Import Form and specific microchip/vaccination records.

• Other International Destinations: Countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa have similar, highly strict “pet routes.” In the UK, for example, pets can only enter via specific authorized airports and airlines that have checked baggage clearance for animals.

Never book a flight with a pet without checking the arrival airport regulations first. Airlines will often let you book the ticket, but customs will stop you upon arrival. Contact SIAMA before booking so we can map out a safe, compliant route that routes you through the correct designated airport.

Yes. Fully trained service dogs, guide dogs, and psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) can travel in the cabin free of charge on most major airlines. They do not have to fit in a travel bag and can sit at your feet.

However, airlines enforce very strict verification processes for service animals. You must submit official training certificates, veterinary health forms, and airline-specific declaration forms weeks before your flight. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are generally no longer recognized as service animals by most airlines and must travel under standard pet rules.

Please contact SIAMA as early as possible. We will guide you through the required documentation and officially register your service dog with the airline.

Traveling internationally with an animal requires meticulous preparation. Depending on your destination, you will generally need:

• An international pet passport (EU pet passport or equivalent).

• Proof of an active microchip registration.

• Up-to-date vaccinations, especially against rabies (often required at least 21 days before departure).

• An official health certificate signed by an authorized veterinarian shortly before travel.

• Specific import permits for your destination country.

Because customs and quarantine laws differ immensely per country, we highly recommend starting your preparations at least 3 months in advance.