Travel with Pets - International Business Class-room under seat flying PHX-MAD?

I will be traveling to Madrid this summer and would like to take my small dog with me. I have enough miles to travel in business but am noticing that most business class seats have "lie-flat" beds that don't allow anything under the seat in front of them.

Does anyone know of an airline that flies PHX-MAD, with one stop, that allows pets under the seat in front, in business class? Thanks!

I've flown in one biz class "lie flat seat" configuration. Your concern, of course, is whether the seat in front of you will be flat. I would not automatically assume that if you find a biz class with non-lie-flat seats that your pet can ride in the cabin with you. You will likely have to start calling individual airlines and/or ask a travel agent. I took my cats with me to a couple of overseas diplomatic postings and had to phone airlines about their policies even though they were flying in the baggage hold.

Several airlines can have policies against taking pets during summer months, as a result of lawsuits by people who lost their pets during layovers, etc. When I flew from Washington, DC to southern Africa, some airlines said they could not take the animals since it was mid-summer. Lufthansa was one that said it could, regardless of the temp on the tarmac (a measurement use by some airlines, at least then), since they kept any pets in an air conditioned building untilit was time to load them. During a layover in Frankfurt, the cats were kept in the airline's kennel facility. For our return, they flew KLM.

I'd start checking airlines with your acceptable one-stop criteria now. And, of course, realize that having enough miles for a biz class seat doesn't mean you can actually get that seat (there may be restrictions). There at lots of sources, including the Humane Society of the U.S., and APHIS, with info on flying with pets. I'm betting there's an organization somewhere that lists airplane configurations acceptable for carry-on pets but I don't know what it is.

p.s. and don't forget the vet certificate and certificate from the Department of Agriculture (APHIS) that allows a pet to travel. And make sure the carrier you use meets the airline's standards. Once when we took a cat from DC to Brazil, we had a carrier labeled as airline-approved, but United rep at the airport said it wasn't acceptable so we had to buy one from them at the airport. Finally, be prepared for what you'll do if they say the dog must ride in the cargo hold.

Thanks for the reply. I have the appropriate carrier and will have the vet forms, etc. I have also looked around pet travel blogs for info on business seat configurations but haven't found a chart that tells you if you can fit something in the seat in front of you. So frustrating! I think you're right and I will have to call airlines that fly to Madrid, individually. Thanks again.

Whether reclining or lie flat, a lot of business and first class seats do not have significant space under the seats for storage. Often this area houses the electric motors and mechanisms that move the seat into different positions. Also, in-seat IFE systems often occupy this space.

What you really need to do is to call airlines directly and find out their policies for pets in the cabin, and choose an airline that way.

In terms of under-seat storage space, you might actually be better off in economy class. If you need even more space, you could buy an extra economy seat to have the needed space.

With pets, it is always important to keep the routing as direct as possible to make the journey easier for everyone.

Mike, thanks for the response. You're right, keeping the flight short and simple is important. I don't want to make an uncomfortable trip even longer just so I can travel in business. The irony, is that I assumed business class seats would provide MORE room, for me and for my dog too. Not the case, I'm finding out...

Yes, economy invariably has more under-seat storage space, because of the simpler design of the seats.

I agree that the shortest possible routing would make a lot of sense, but it also is important to take into account the in-cabin pet policies of the different airlines. It is probably best to contact each airline you are considering directly.

American Airlines pet policies http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/specialAssistance/travelingWithPets.jsp?anchorLocation=DirectURL&title=pets

Delta http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/special_travel_needs/pet_travel_information/pet_travel_options/index.jsp

Continental https://www.continental.com/web/en-us/content/travel/animals/in_cabin.aspx

Edit- It seems AA might not allow pets in the cabin on Transatlantic flights:(

It looks like Continental will allow pets in the Economy cabin only.

Delta also seems to allow in cabin pets on TATL flights, and seems to allow them in both the Economy and Business Elite cabins, subject to certain restrictions.

Thanks for the links!! I checked with Delta but on the flight to MAD in business class, they have lie-flat seats, so I'm guessing no room under the seat in front. I think I've exhausted my options?

Thanks for the links!! I checked with Delta but on the flight to MAD in business class, they have lie-flat seats, so I'm guessing no room under the seat in front. I think I've exhausted my options?

I don't understand why you are guessing about anything- you need to contact the airlines and find out exactly what your options are to fly with your pet. The type of seat could be irrelevant.

Pets are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call Delta in advance at 800-221-1212 to arrange to bring your pet on board.

Thanks for the links!! I checked with Delta but on the flight to MAD in business class, they have lie-flat seats, so I'm guessing no room under the seat in front. I think I've exhausted my options?

I don't understand why you are guessing about anything- you need to contact the airlines and find out exactly what your options are to fly with your pet. The type of seat could be irrelevant.

MikeFromTokyo is correct as the DL site says nothing about the lie flat beds being an issue. In fact they say that they limit the number of pets in the BE cabin which many of their aircraft have lie flat beds installed on to only two carryon pets being allowed. You need to call DL and clarify this point and I would suggest that if they say it is ok to also ask for a confirming email.

Delta limits the number of pets per flight, but only one per passenger, to:
Class Number of Pets Allowed
First Class 2
BusinessElite® 2
Main Cabin 4

MikeFromTokyo is correct as the DL site says nothing about the lie flat beds being an issue. In fact they say that they limit the number of pets in the BE cabin which many of their aircraft have lie flat beds installed on to only two carryon pets being allowed. You need to call DL and clarify this point and I would suggest that if they say it is ok to also ask for a confirming email.

Delta limits the number of pets per flight, but only one per passenger, to:
Class Number of Pets Allowed
First Class 2
BusinessElite® 2
Main Cabin 4

The Delta BE 767 lie flats are very nice, and the layout is spacious. I wouldn't imagine any problems with a pet carrier, as long as DL confirms that they will allow the pet in the cabin.

If the cabin is not full, it would be ideal if the OP could get a middle section seat next to an empty seat.

I think that room under the seat in front is only really an issue during takeoff and landing- which would be no problem as the seat would not be extended at that point. During the flight, however, I would imagine that the pet carrier could be moved to allow the seat to be reclined.

After a lengthy discussion with Delta, I confirmed that most business class seats from ATL to MAD do not accomodate pets under the seat in front. Just in case this could help someone else, the planes are:

A330 200
300
767 400
300
777 200
757 200

So far, I haven't found any other kind of plane on Delta that flies to Madrid so I'll try other airlines. American and USAir don't allow pets TRATL, Continental and Lufthansa have all lie flat, United doesn't fly to MAD, Air France and Iberia leave from LA making the trip too long.

My choices at the moment seem to be: Air Europa (not thrilled about that) or hope Continental has Economy Plus by this summer and travel in Eco +. My trip isn't until this summer, so I'll continue looking...

So far, I haven't found any other kind of plane on Delta that flies to Madrid so I'll try other airlines. American and USAir don't allow pets TRATL, Continental and Lufthansa have all lie flat, United doesn't fly to MAD, Air France and Iberia leave from LA making the trip too long.

My choices at the moment seem to be: Air Europa (not thrilled about that) or hope Continental has Economy Plus by this summer and travel in Eco +. My trip isn't until this summer, so I'll continue looking...

Delta does have "Economy Comfort" which is equivalent to UA/CO Economy Plus. Another option to get more space would be to buy two seats in economy.

As you know, United and Continental have merged and are in the process of integrating to become the "new" United. This means that United will, in the near future, fly to MAD. Depending on the airline's integration process and the date of your trip, it is possible the CO flights will have become UA, and different rules could apply.

Although I still wish I could find something in business, I'll check out Delta's Economy Comfort, which I didn't know about. Thanks for the tip!

I flew Delta from JFK to PRG in Business Elite with a cat in the cabin and there was no problem whatsoever. I believe the plane was an 767-300. No lie flat seats (yet).

My cat was only under the seat during take-off and landing; the rest of the time I had the carrier on my lap or on the empty seat next to me. I have a Sherpa soft carrier.

Why don't you just pick your flight and call Delta and ask them if you can have a cat in the cabin with you on that flight? Don't go into plane types or anything like that. If they say yes, then book the flight.

Have you checked Iberia? You could fly AA (perhaps to Miami) and then connect to Iberia. AA does allow in cabin pets for domestic flights. I am not sure about Iberia's policies for the TATL...

Iberia's pet policies (http://www.iberia.com/OneToOne/v3/obsmenu.do?prgOid=8478&tabId=3&menuId=02100700000000&menuRP=3&language=en&country=US&market=US&IS_ANONYMOUS=true) say that in-cabin pets are accepted, and there is nothing that says that they cannot travel in Business class.

...

I agree with STBCypriot, do not give any more details than you need to, and do not mention the issue with lie flat seats. If they accept the pet for travel in business class, then you should be good to go.

As I said before, I see no reason why a small pet carrier would be any more of a problem with the Delta lie flats than with their old Business elite recliners. In practice, as pointed out above, the pet carrier need not be under the seat in front of you for the entire flight.

Unfortunately, Iberia doesn't accept pets on transatlantic flights

Carry-on pets are NOT ALLOWED to/from Hawaii or Transatlantic/Transpacific destinations or to/from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Venezuela

And per the Delta website:

Pets are not allowed in BusinessElite on certain flights with flat bed seats. You can check your aircraft here. Other restrictions may apply.

(I have checked the aircraft on the list in their link against the planes that fly to MAD and they all have flat beds, so Delta on business is off the list.)

Unfortunately, Iberia doesn't accept pets on transatlantic flights

Carry-on pets are NOT ALLOWED to/from Hawaii or Transatlantic/Transpacific destinations or to/from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Venezuela

What you have quoted here matches, word for word, the AA pet policy. Are you sure you are looking at the policy for Iberia operated flights, and not for AA codeshare flights marketed by Iberia? It sounds a bit strange coming from Iberia as they do not even fly to Hawaii or on Transpacific routes.

I suspect that what you have read comes from this website: http://www.iberia.com/jba/aa/en_US/specialAssistance/travelingWithPets.html which refers to American Airlines operated flights marketed by Iberia as codeshares, and thus is identical to AA. This does NOT necessarily apply to Iberia operated Transatlantic flights

On the only page I have found that refers to Actual Iberia operated flights Iberia Pet policies (https://www.iberia.com/OneToOne/v3/program.do?prgOid=8478&tabId=3&menuId=02110700000000&isPopup=true&AAA=true), there is no mention of pets not being allowed on transatlantic flights.

From the Iberia website:

2. Admittance to the cabin

At the request of the passenger, and subject to authorisation from the booking office, certain pets may be carried in the cabin, provided that they meet the following conditions:

The weight of the animal plus the container or cage in which it is to travel may be no more than 8 kg. The container may be a maximum of 45 cm in length, 35 cm in width and 25 cm in depth, provided that the sum of those 3 measurements does not exceed 105 cm.

Animals must be carried in suitable containers (solid, ventilated and secure, and with a leakproof base). Such containers may be provided by passengers or purchased from Iberia. In the event of a container failing to meet the minimum conditions for admittance, it will be rejected when boarding.

Birdcages must be durable and have a secure lock. It must not be possible for food or drink to be spilled therein. Additionally, cages must always be covered.

In the case of animals of reduced size or weight, several of the same species may be admitted in a single container.

Under no circumstances will animals whose particular characteristics, unpleasant odour, etc., may disturb other passengers or the crew be admitted.

Animals must travel with the passenger, without disturbing those travelling alongside them.

Passengers carrying an animal in the cabin may not occupy seats in rows corresponding to emergency exits.

Under no circumstances may animals be released from their containers inside the cabin. Caring for the animals will be the responsibility of the passenger.

I just called Iberia reservation in the US out of curiosity, asking for a business class flight from PHX to MAD, and the said that they do allow small dogs in Business class.

When I pretended to be enquiring about a booking, they offered me a connection on American Airlines from PHX to ORD (AA does allow pets on domestic flights), and then an Iberia operated flight, in business class, for the transatlantic portion was also okay to fly with a pet in the cabin.

For random dates in July, the price was not bad either, roughly $4000 round trip.

If you choose this option, I suggest that you make your booking directly through Iberia, and make sure that the Transatlantic flight is an actual Iberia operated flight, as the Iberia AA codeshare flights will not work with the pet.

Alternatively, if you want to use miles, you can book using Iberia, AA, or any other One World airline's mileage program, subject to availability. In this case, make sure to contact Iberia directly regarding the in-cabin pet arrangements, after ticketing.

They told me that the extra charge for an in cabin pet is $150.

I hope this helps!

Oh my gosh, Mike, Thanks!!! How kind. That helps tons! I'm going to get my miles in a row (from SPG) then give Iberia a call. Thanks so much for calling.

Oh my gosh, Mike, Thanks!!! How kind. That helps tons! I'm going to get my miles in a row (from SPG) then give Iberia a call. Thanks so much for calling.

I'm so glad that will work out, now you and your pet can travel in comfort!

It looks like SPG points don't transfer to Iberia, so it is probably best to use American Airlines miles or British Airways (or whatever other participating One World program you prefer).

If you use American, you can put the award tickets on hold to guarantee availability even before you transfer in from SPG. Additionally AA allows you to purchase up to 40k miles if you need more.

Before doing anything though, make sure to call Iberia reservations to find the flights you want, and to confirm that everything is okay before you transfer points. They did tell me that small dogs were okay, so I'm sure it will be fine.

After you ticket your award tickets through AA (or any other One World airline), it would help to ask them for the Iberia PNR for the Iberia operated transatlantic flights. You can use that PNR to locate your reservation quickly when you call Iberia to add your dog as an in-cabin pet on the itinerary.

Sorry, I'm such a newbie...

PNR? Also, not sure I understand the points transfer scenario. 1) call Iberia, to find the flights I want. 2) reserve through AA online and hold award ticket 3) transfer points from SPG to AA And then? I can use the AA points to book the Iberia ticket?

Sorry, I'm such a newbie...

PNR? Also, not sure I understand the points transfer scenario. 1) call Iberia, to find the flights I want. 2) reserve through AA online and hold award ticket 3) transfer points from SPG to AA And then? I can use the AA points to book the Iberia ticket?

I know these things are complicated, sometimes even for the people most experienced Flyer Talkers as well:)

I will try to number the steps as clearly as possible. If you have any further questions don't hesitate to send me a PM here on flyertalk, or post in this thread and I will do my best to help.

First of all, which One World airline programs do you have account(s) with? If you have a high balance with one, it may make sense to use that program. Any One world airline's mileage can be used to ticket awards on any other OneWorld airline, including Iberia.

Even if you don't have any account, you can create one easily online with American Airlines. Unless you have a mileage balance already on another One World airline, AA probably makes the most sense since you are in PHX, and the domestic legs of the itinerary will be operated by AA. Additionally, their program is excellent, they allow free date changes (subject to award availablity), and they allow the purchase of up to 40,000 miles per year in case you need extra.

According to the SPG website, it looks like Iberia miles won't work, because spg points cannot be transferd to Iberia According to this chart on spg.com (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/account/starpoints/transfer/airline_partner_list.html).

So, assuming you choose to book through AA, these are the steps:

1) Call American Airlines and ask for 'Award Reservations' - then ask the agent to search for business class flights from PHX-MAD. It is important to tell the agent that the transatlantic flights must be operated by Iberia, not AA. Your connection options will most likely be through Chicago (ORD) or Miami (MIA). Once you have found suitable connections and flights, do not ticket them-- instead put them on hold (usually they give you about a week)

Also, tell the AA agent that there will be an in-cabin pet (perhaps they can check for in-cabin pet availability on the AA domestic segments)

2) Print out or make note of your itinerary, you will need the exact dates and Iberia flight numbers.

3) Call Iberia reservations 1-800-421-4655. Speak to an agent, and verify with the agent that Iberia will accept an in cabin pet in Business class on your particular flights. They told me they do accept them, but just double check this before transferring any SPG points.

4)You will need 100,000 AA miles for this itinerary in business class. SPG allows you to transfer up to 79,999, plus they give you bonus miles, for a total of 94,999 maximum from SPG. This is not a problem, because you can buy up to 40,000 miles from AA if you need more to hit 100,000.

You will need to promptly transfer (and purchase if necessary) any miles you need, as this can take a bit of time to process.

5)Once you have 100,000 miles in your AA account, call AA Award Reservations again and ticket your award itinerary. At this point, ask them for the Iberia PNR (Record Locator)- literally "Passenger Name Record"- this is a mixture of Letters (instead of numbers) that identifies your reservation.

Even if you don't have the PNR, your name, travel dates, and flight numbers should work too- but the PNR just makes it easier to find your reservation when calling Iberia.

When ticketing, make sure AA adds your pet to the itinerary for the AA flight segments

6) After ticketing the award itinerary with AA, call Iberia reservations. Give them your name and the Iberia PNR (or simply the flight numbers, dates, and your name). Then, tell them that you need to add your pet to the itinerary as an in-cabin pet. At this point, you can also make your seat selection with Iberia.

After step 6 everything should be complete, and you and your pet should be ready to go!

** A note about SPG transfer:

This can take time, depending on the day of the week you transfer the points. Information about this can be found on the SPG forum. Therefore it is important that you proceed quickly with the transfer after putting the itinerary on hold and verifying in-cabin pet availablity with Iberia.

If you have a significant number of miles on British Airways or Japan Airlines, or any other One World airline that is partnered with SPG, it could make more sense to use those miles than to book through AA. Otherwise, if this is not the case, as I said AA definitely makes the most sense.

Don't hesitate to send me a PM if you have any questions.

This is SO helpful, thanks!!! I'll let you know how it goes.

I realize I started this thread months ago but I thought I would give an update in case it helps someone else.

In the end, we used Avios to travel from Phoenix to Miami on American Airlines (economy) and Miami to Madrid on Iberia (Business Plus). My concern from the beginning was whether or not I would be allowed to take a pet in business class if there was a lie flat seat because several airlines did not allow pets unless they were completely UNDER the seat in front, so I chose Iberia because I was told the seats just
reclined.

The flight on AA was a non-event. No one asked to see our vet papers, I had the middle seat in economy and my husband had the aisle. Our bichon slept through the 4 hour flight and although there wasn't much room at my feet neither the flight attendants nor fellow passengers seemed to notice we had a dog.

In Miami, I took our dog into a "family" bathroom which has a sink, a toilet and a lock on the door. I let our dog out, so he could stretch and walk around, I offered him a small amount of water, and laid out a pee pad which, unfortunately, he didn't use. (Not enough pre-flight potty training?).

After a little play time he went back into his carrier and we boarded the Iberia flight to Madrid. I was VERY surprised to discover that Iberia Business Plus has completely lie flat seats! The seat in front of me was three feet away and there was no space to put anything UNDER the seat. I put the dog carrier in front of me on the floor, and I had a window seat so I felt he was somewhat protected from sliding around during the flight. The flight attendants were attentive and friendly and again, no one questioned me, asked to see papers, or even realized I was traveling with a dog.

I'm not sure if this was unusual or if Iberia is just very relaxed about "securing" luggage, bags, dog carriers, etc. On the one hand, if this had been a bumpy flight, the dog carrier would have been able to slide around into the aisle. But on the other hand I was thrilled to have tons of room and a truly "first class" experience on Iberia Business Plus.

Thanks again to everyone who offered advice and tips.