Reserving 2 dogs spots on Airplane

[dawna]

Hello,

I have read up on the requirements for bringing 2 dogs to Canada, and everything seems to be pretty straightforward, except on how I actually reserve the spots for my pets on the plane.

I am flying with Korean Air at the end of August. On their website it says to reserve the spot for your pets after you have your medical forms completed, however these only need to be completed within 10 days or 72 hours before you travel, so I am confused.

I called the airline, and the woman was not easy to understand. Basically what she ended up telling me was that I didn't need to reserve the spot for my animals, and that I just show up with them at the time of my flight.

This sounds very strange to me. If anyone has traveled with Korean Air, could you please let me know what you did to ensure your pets had a spot on the plane?

Thank you so much!!

Dawna

[Karen]

Hi Dawna,

It's bizarre to me that they would tell you that you don't need to reserve for your pets, but frankly every experience I had with Korean Air was a little bizarre (they forgot to charge us for the dogs for one way of the flight on two separate occasions, I'm not complaining, though!)

As far as I've read and experienced, space reserved for pets on flights is limited. I've always booked for my the pets at the same time I made my reservation (around 2 months before the flight), and called to confirmed at least once long before departure day (I'm paranoid, for sure).

The last time we flew we used a travel agent who may have looked at the dogs' medical records when she made the reservations... Not the health papers, yes those are made 72 hours in advance, just the medical records. I'm not sure if the agent needed those or not.

Anyway, I would definitely call them again and confirm that you have a reservation for the animals. If possible, ask a Korean person to call for you, just for clarity's sake. I am 99.9% sure you need to reserve your pets as far in advance as you book yourself.

Hope that helps!

Karen

[dawna]

Ok, thank you so much. I thought that seemed very strange as well. Our flight is already booked so maybe that is where the confusion is?

Thanks for your help! (p.s. I hope they forget to charge me too! haha)

[Karen]

Have you been able to confirm your pets yet? I hope so. I know it's so stressful.

Maybe the fee forgetting is an Incheon thing, actually our last flight was Air Canada and they almost forgot to charge us, too, but called us up to the desk to pay right before boarding :(

[dawna]

I asked my boss to call for me. He has a tendency to forget things, but I will just keep harassing him till he does! Thanks for checking up!

[pukka]

Hi Dawna,

I would do that as soon a s possible! Good luck!

[Gina]

Hello,

Just want you to make sure about that.. (Im Korean, so maybe I can be more exact haha) Anyways, All Airlines requires to book the space as soon as possible. This is the exact thing. Usually almost airlines has a limitation for quantity of pets on one aircraft (in case of the excess baggage..! and usually 2 pets or 3 pets!) so actually - first come, first served. So when you book your ticket, then please book the space for the pet immediately..(As Karen Did!!) Sometimes people cannot bring the pet because another person already booked the allotted space on that aircraft.

After booking the space, you should check whether it confirmed or not. If there is available space for pet, then first, airlines office in Korea, they will confirm that first, and after that, airlines head office will confirm it. And finally it will be confirmed at the airport. Sometimes, people are rejected at the airport because the dog is over size or over weight. (I saw people were crying ... :-( )

So, I just want to tell you again even though another friends here figured it out..

a. Please please book the space as soon as possible and give them a size & weight.

b. Please check the confirmation - you can check several times before shipping even though you got a confirmation from the airlines. And please do not check this with the tour agency. Please check that with the airlines directly. That will be much more better.

c. As I know, you dont need to give any medical papers to the airlines before shipping. If the destination has strict rule or any permit, they will require to have it in advance but in case of US area, no papers required when you book the space. (but also this depends on the airlines.. If you transit somewhere, then you may need to send copies of vaccination certificate to the airlines in advance....etc) About the Health Certificate, I think they want to say, Health certificate is required and certificate is valid for 10 days from issuing date. But you dont need to visit your local vet and issue the health certificate within 10 days before departure (if your dog is over 3months old)because you should visit the quarantine office before flying and give them a rabies shot certificate then quarantine office will issue the International Health Certificate to you. (Original & Duplicate) then you can keep the original and duplicated should be given to the airlines staff when you check it.
Quarantine inspection will take 10~20min so you can go to the airport more earlier than check-in time and visit the quarantine office. :)


Sorry for long message :( And Im not sure this is the right answer for you but hope this can be more helpful to figure that out more exactly.

Thanks and have a good day ,friends!

P.S.. Please remind each airlines has different condition for the pet so my message doesnt say every airlines has above rules. This is the general information..Thanks!

[luvadog]

There is an embargo against carrying pets in cargo in July and August because it's too hot if they have to stay on the runway too long. You can't take them unless they're carry-on. This was true 2 years ago and I was told I couldn't take Toby with me when I booked. My Ko-Am friend here called the airline and cleared him for carry-on. I was so relieved. Two other teachers had to give up their rabbit for adoption when returning to Canada then. Check with the airline directly and see if the rule still applies and then change your flight to Sept 1 and stay in a hotel. That's what I'd do unless someone has a better idea.

[Karen]

There is an embargo against carrying pets in cargo in July and August because it's too hot if they have to stay on the runway too long. You can't take them unless they're carry-on.


I've flown with dogs in cargo from Incheon to Toronto 3 times in July (returning to Korea in August), twice with Korean Air, once with Air Canada. Taking a direct flight if possible, and choosing one that doesn't depart or arrive at mid-day when it's hottest avoids the "swelter on the tarmac" scenario.

I can't think of anywhere in Canada as hot as some US destinations, so maybe the rules are stricter for the US.

[luvadog]

Thanks Karen. That's good to hear. This was a couple years ago and it was a Canadian couple at SLP where I worked. I was headed to Nashville and frantic about leaving Toby behind but when I told them he was a carry-on, it was ok. He's only 2.5 kg and with the bag, under 5kg. The bag was 25cmx25cm by 18 in...(sorry about the mixed units)...soft-side. I have flown UA and NW. Price was 130,000 won...WON way. Only flew Korean Air once BT (before Toby.) But checking the price to America, it's 260,000 won. I don't know about cargo. But now that I have Umbee, I'd like to know how much it is. She's only 1.5 kg. I thought I read somewhere here it's about $200?? Is it the same for all sizes as I might adopt again.

[dawna]

Wow,

thank you for all the information. It is a little overwhelming I must say! Seeing as how my boss really doesn't seem to be too concerned right now, I am going to have to try an alternative route I guess. The hardest part is that our ticket is paid for by our boss, so we don't have too much say in the matter as to when we fly.

Thanks for all the help!

[alibuch]

luvadog: I've checked on flying Louise cargo (she's definitely too big for a carry-on). On most of the airline websites (UA and NWA I've definitely checked because I mostly fly with them) and there's a chart on there. You have to multiply a number (for the weight) with a base price to get your total. It's not too bad.

[luvadog]

luvadog: I've checked on flying Louise cargo (she's definitely too big for a carry-on). On most of the airline websites (UA and NWA I've definitely checked because I mostly fly with them) and there's a chart on there. You have to multiply a number (for the weight) with a base price to get your total. It's not too bad.

Thanks Alibuch, I'll give them a call. Cause now I have 3 dogs. The spaniel I just adopted from the Daejeon Shelter is a real fatty at 25 lbs-12kg. They are well-fed there! BUT...time to diet and join a jimjilbang. Is that animal cruelty?

[luvadog]

I just remembered...The couple from SLP were flying to Thailand first for a vacation before returning to Canada. They had wanted to send their rabbit home without accompanying him so that probably makes a big difference as far as time on the tarmack.

[alibuch]

Louise is up to 10kg from 8kg when I adopted her. haha The vet told me it's time to put her on a diet. I'm hoping two hour walks in the mornings before work will be good (I need a diet as well haha) because I don't think I'm overfeeding her.

[laura-and-ryan]

What are the general restrictions to bringing a dog on as a carry on?

[luvadog]

What are the general restrictions to bringing a dog on as a carry on?

Make sure you call the airline directly to reserve her a spot and get the most recent dimensions and rules. My soft side carrier is 25cmX25cmX50cm and it must fit under the seat in front of you. It's supposed to be zipped the whole time but I unzipped and put my hand in the bag to comfort him while enroute. Also you can make several trips to the restroom and let her out. Toby went on the pee pad in the restroom one time. :D Oh yes, you're not supposed to feed for 12 hrs before the trip. Make sure he does his business the morning of the flight. Hopefully, she's regular. My cost was 130,000won and $130.00, but then they only charged me $75 coming back one time. Now that I have 2 tiny babies, It's gonna be hard putting one under in cargo. Toby=2.5kg, Umbee=1.5kg. My Miss Piggy Maggie Magpie won't be a problem.

[alibuch]

Can you carry two dogs on for one person or is someone else going with you?

[laura-and-ryan]

does the carry on have to be a certain size in regards to the dog? Is it similar to cargo?

[luvadog]

Can you carry two dogs on for one person or is someone else going with you?

I don't know but I hope so. btw...I don't have to go home now. I found an apt and will start moving tonight. But when I asked her if A dog was ok, she didn't like it much but said ok. I said A dog, and then didn't elaborate. I have 3. sssshhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

[alibuch]

laura-and-ryan,

The dog with carrier must be under like 5 or 6kg

[Anabolina]

I just flew with Korean Air last month from Dallas to Seoul and it was all kinda last minute, so I ended up calling 2 days before leaving (yes that was almost my entire notice) and they asked for the dimensions of the flight, weight of the dog and the crate, and if I had all my paperwork. The gentleman also said something about needing aproval from Incheon and that 48 hours might not be enough time. Everything went well and I called back the next day to confirm and Luna did come with me in cargo for $220 (a bargain from what I'd been imagining.)

Good luck with your journey.

[dawna]

Hello,

So I am getting my flight dates worked out as we speak, but I have heard that there will be room on the plane, so hopefully that stays true for the next few days until we can actually reserve!

Gina has been SO helpful with providing us crates for our pups, so thank you SO much for that!

My last question is: Does anyone know how we can get to Incheon airport from Masan (near Busan) with our two dogs?

We have the option of flying from Busan to Gimpo and then taking a half hour bus to Incheon, but that just seems like too much disturbance for our dogs, who are not quite secure with strangers. We figured having to only check them in once would be the best as we have a direct flight from Seoul. We will have ALL of our luggage with us and two dogs so it won't be easy but if anyone can let us know the best option, we would be very happy!

Thanks for everyone's help!

Dawna

[alibuch]

you could take the KTX and then take the subway to Incheon...

[pukka]

Can you ask somebody who speaks Korean to call a car service pick up
and ask how much it would cost?
More than a month ago I went to Incheon at 3Am with a car service and
I paid 170.000won(Daejeon-Seoul)
This was expensive because I was alone with a small
bag.
But if you are total 2 adults,2dogs and luggage then it would be more than
worth it.They pick you up at your house and will drop you by the door of the
terminal anytime you want, 24 hours a day.

[dawna]

Wow,

170,000 from Daejeon eh? We are 1 hour west of Busan, so I think that that would be a VERY expensive cab ride. And as for taking the subway, I just don't think we could handle that. We will have all of our luggage from a year each, plus two dogs. We could barely manage lugging it here BEFORE we had dogs. Maybe we should just take the flight from Busan. Do the airport buses not allow pets on them?

[Ryan]

Take the KTX to seoul, then you can take a bus or subway the rest of the way. It's very reliable and cheap. You'll pay around 50,000 each for the KTX, then either 5,000 for the subway, or 8,000 for the bus. That's your best route IMO

[pukka]

Dawna, It was a 3hour ride from Daejeon to Seoul by car,that should be almost
the same ride from your place? The rates are always fixed upfront,that is why
it is better someone call for you first before you deside as I suggest before.

I think it is still cheaper than a flight and in the past I did fly from Daegu
to Incheon and you have to check in twice.
Even without the dogs I didn't like it.Prepare,check in on time,all that will
take as much time as traveltime by taxi.

Good luck!

[pukka]

Dawna,I saw on the map that you are about 5hours away from the airport
so it might cost you about 240.000won/250.000 won.
Still though, if this way takes you direct from door to door I would do this
instead of the flight.
Another option is if you know somebody with a car,maybe they would help
you out?

[luvadog]

Wow,

Do the airport buses not allow pets on them?


I took the airport bus 3 times r/t with Toby as a carry-on and it was no problem from Daejeon to Incheon. It was only 21,000 won.

[luvadog]

[QUOTE=dawna;2953]Wow,

We will have all of our luggage from a year each, plus two dogs. We could barely manage lugging it here BEFORE we had dogs. QUOTE]

Can you ship some of it to lighten your load? Surface mail from the post office is pretty cheap for a large box. At one time, shipping by container was 750,000 per 3 cubic meters....but that was more than a year ago. Pretty expensive but more convenient.

[alibuch]

If you ship it by boat, it's like 50,000w for a a significant amount of weight.

[dawna]

Do you mean shipping to Canada would only cost 50,000?

Are the shipping services by boat reliable? And do you know how long it would take?

This could be a good option for us. It would definitely make life alot easier on the way home.

[alibuch]

Well, I met a girl when I first got here (she was Canadian) and she said after her first year teaching she shipped most of her stuff by boat (I believe a 100lb box almost) and it was very reasonable (50,000w... though that sounds a bit cheap to me). She said it takes a month to get to there.

It'd be better if you had known earlier because you could've shipped it to coincide with your arrival home but if you send stuff you don't immediately need then it's okay.

[dawna]

Thank you for information,

I will definitely have to look into this. We don't leave for another 5 months so I have some time to plan! You are right though, that seems unbelievably cheap.

[luvadog]

Great that you have time. I thought you were leaving at the end of the month. At the post office you can send my air mail or surface mail. Surface (boat) takes from 1 to 3 months arrival time. Usually 2 months. I sent a beautiful, large jewelry box to my mom and it cost 80,000 won air mail but it was her birthday so I wanted it to get there fast. By surface it would have cost me 20,000 won. I haven't checked the maximum weight, but they sell the mailing boxes there cheap-cheap so you can ask them the price by weight. Boxes of clothes shouldn't be much.

The other option is by surface container (boat) door-to-door or cheaper if you pick it up at the port of entry. I'm opting for this as I have collected some antique furniture (that someone threw away and would sell at Insadong for a fortune) and some large soo-mook-hwa paintings in the traditional (very heavy) frames in silk. The weight isn't an issue with container shipping...only the cubic meters.

Oh yes, there's DHL but that's 2 day service and expensive. I checked on sending one of my paintings and the large one would be 350,000 won. It's 2 feet X 4 feet and about 25 pounds.

[dawna]

Wow,

That is really great information! Thank you so much, it is all VERY helpful!

[Scarlet13]

I don't know but I hope so. btw...I don't have to go home now. I found an apt and will start moving tonight. But when I asked her if A dog was ok, she didn't like it much but said ok. I said A dog, and then didn't elaborate. I have 3. sssshhhhhhhhhhhhh!!


I have three as well, and I am traveling alone, can this be done or will I have to ship them with Petairline? I checked their site (Air Korea) and it didn't say, it just said it was space available. Does anyone know? I'm leaving in July.

[Scarlet13]

Hello,

For those of you flying to canada I will let you know that Air Canada just lifted their stupid anti-pet sanctions..YAY!!!

So here is my situation, Ollie will be flying home with my bf on May 10th, so I have his book with his shots recorded inside by the vet, is that enough for the certificate? Or do I need an actual fancy print out from his vet?

Once I have the certificate I have to go to the airport vet right before the flight. (Same day is ok? How much time does it take and what does it cost?) The vet there will look at him and the rabbies certificate/book and issue a formal certificate and a health certificate. Right?

The extra copy is given to the airline staff when he checks in? Ollie will be checked in at that point.

So 11 hours later my bf will land in Vancouver (he has to connect to Regina) so he must claim his baggage and the dog (in the luggage area??) and then go through customs and declare the dog at which point he will show the certificates right? He will have a two hour lay over, can he go and walk the dog? Then he will check in again? I have never flown into Canada from overseas so I'm not sure.

So that will leave me with two dogs, does any airline allow one person and two dogs?

[Karen]

Hello,

For those of you flying to canada I will let you know that Air Canada just lifted their stupid anti-pet sanctions..YAY!!!

Cool!
I've flown with dogs a few times, so I'll try to answer your question based on my experience (latest was last July~ things may have changed by then, though...)

so I have his book with his shots recorded inside by the vet, is that enough for the certificate? No.

Or do I need an actual fancy print out from his vet? Yes.

Once I have the certificate I have to go to the airport vet right before the flight. (Same day is ok? How much time does it take and what does it cost?) I think the certificate must be issued within 72 hours of flying, but I also think it depends on the airline because I've heard different times. Airport vet "inspection" is very quick, 10 minutes tops, if there is no waiting for other people, and costs about 10,000.


The vet there will look at him and the rabbies certificate/book and issue a formal certificate and a health certificate. Right?Yes.

The extra copy is given to the airline staff when he checks in? When you check in and check your bags they tape it to his crate.

Ollie will be checked in at that point.No. Pets get checked in at the special luggage counter. You may have time to take him for a walk at this point, but ask at the special check-in counter when they want him by. They have to tape the crate doors shut, etc.

So 11 hours later my bf will land in Vancouver (he has to connect to Regina) so he must claim his baggage and the dog (in the luggage area??) Yes, probably the "fragile" section, but sometimes just in the middle of nowhere :confused: Actually each time it was in a different place, ask at an information desk where he's expected to roll in.

and then go through customs and declare the dog at which point he will show the certificates right? Yes, but in a special line-up for Agriculture Canada. And pay an inspection fee, about $40.

He will have a two hour lay over, can he go and walk the dog? If he still has time after all that. The Agriculture Canada is usually long in my experience.

Then he will check in again? Ask the airport staff. I've never had a connection while with a pet.

So that will leave me with two dogs, does any airline allow one person and two dogs?Yep, as far as I know 2 is the limit per adult.

[luvadog]

Yep, as far as I know 2 is the limit per adult.

Do you mean 2 carry-ons? Or 2 total? I have 3 dogs. How would I take them all home if Maggie isn't adopted by someone else?

[Karen]

Yep, as far as I know 2 is the limit per adult.

Do you mean 2 carry-ons? Or 2 total? I have 3 dogs. How would I take them all home if Maggie isn't adopted by someone else?

Two total per adult is what I've heard, you would have to confirm that with an airline. If that is the limit (please do check) then one would have to be shipped or you'd have to travel with a friend, I think.

[Scarlet13]

Air Canada will only let me take one:( but who knows what will happen once they get their policy in order again.

I know I can fly Westjet (for the record they allow 3 kennels per person)from Vancouver to Regina but I wasn't sure if Air Korea etc would take two dogs.
I have been soooooooooooooo stressed about this! The petairline can't get them to Regina because they don't have an agent there so I would have to drive either from Toronto to Regina or to Winnipeg to pick them up...but it looks like both of those plans won't really be possible now. THANK GOD Air Canada changed their policy and Ollie can get home with my bf or I don't know what I would have done...something VERY expensive in all likelihood.

I am still going to call Air Canada CARGO and see what their rates are but no one at ACC's Seoul office speaks English:( and the Canadian office can't help me. Isn't in mandatory that all AC employees speak English and French??? So why am I calling some random dude's cell phone which he answered with a very professional HUH???:S

I am worried that my school will insist on an Air Canada ticket because they appear to be about 400,000won cheaper than AK which would really be unfortunate. Although I did just save them about 1,000,000 won by acting as their recruiter for FREE so maybe that will get me leverage. Sigh...the things we do for our pets;)

[Karen]

Oops, I was wrong. I just checked Korean Air and their limit is one pet per person also, whether in cabin or in cargo :(

http://www.koreanair.com/local/kr/gd/eng/cs/sn/eng_cs_sn_pt.htm

Do you know anyone else who is flying back to Canada around the same time as you?

[Scarlet13]

No I don't know anyone else leaving:( but I might get Petairline to send them to Vancouver and then I will take them the rest of the way.

I had it all worked out to drive them with my little sister but then family politics ruinned it. This is very complicated.

[JEA]

I've flown with dogs in cargo from Incheon to Toronto 3 times in July (returning to Korea in August), twice with Korean Air, once with Air Canada. Taking a direct flight if possible, and choosing one that doesn't depart or arrive at mid-day when it's hottest avoids the "swelter on the tarmac" scenario.

I can't think of anywhere in Canada as hot as some US destinations, so maybe the rules are stricter for the US.

Hi Karen,

I am going to fly home to Canada in July. I am going into Toronto but I wasn't sure if it were best to to direct or if it would be easier to stop in Vancouver first? I feel as though it would be easier to get it all done with in one shot. What airline provided the best services for your dog? Air Canada or Korean Air?
Thanks!

[Scarlet13]

I'm flying in July too, if I can share my recent experiences with you maybe I can help you out.

Air Canada is about 4-$500.00 cheaper and nearly every Air Korea flight I checked out had stops in China or Japan never mind being $1440.00. I wouldn't want my dog to have to stop over in either place (wouldn't it have to go through customs there too?).

Also I am being warned about customs taking upto 5 hours to clear a dog!!! Which means you could very well miss your connecting flight:( To fly to toronto only takes a few hours more, and if you factor in landing/take off/customs it would probably be alot easier to just fly directly.

Both Air lines only fly one dog per person, and only 4 max per plane. I have flown twice with Air Canada with my golden retrievers and they were fine, I had no issues.

Good Luck!

[JEA]

Thank you so much for the quick response. Does Air Canada fly any other time other than in the afternoon? I'd rather avoid the hot temperatures in the day. Thanks again!

Jessica

[luvadog]

[QUOTE=Scarlet13;3292]
Air Canada is about 4-$500.00 cheaper and nearly every Air Korea flight I checked out had stops in China or Japan never mind being $1440.00. I wouldn't want my dog to have to stop over in either place (wouldn't it have to go through customs there too?). QUOTE]

I stopped over in Tokyo every time and they checked Toby's papers. He was carry-on. As we landed, they paged me and directed me to quarantine. (I felt very important.:rolleyes:) They just looked for a few minutes and I was done. Then waited 2 hrs for my connecting flight. I'm with you though. I wouldn't want to take a pet through China either. They eat everything with 4 legs except the table.

[Scarlet13]

Air Canada WILL take TWO dogs...Whoo hooo! And they can travel together in the same crate. I'm so relieved.

[pukka]

Air Canada WILL take TWO dogs...Whoo hooo! And they can travel together in the same crate. I'm so relieved.

wow that is great,now your fiancee can take 2 and you too :D

All my pets are going with cargo flight.So we won't travel together but the
airline can arrange that we arrive at about the same time ;)

[Scarlet13]

Ollie is going to Canada on Saturday:( I just want to make sure I have everything in order.

1)He has his crate, I called to confirm it was within Air Canada's standards. It is.
2) He has his health record book and his rabbis certificate from the vet.

So we will get to Incheon at 7am and his flight leaves at 5pm pnty of time for walks and such. Where is the vet located? how long is the wait usually? I am 5 hours or so from Incheon so I can't really get there before the day he flys, this is ok right? The vet will just check him out, and give him his health check right? How much is it?

When he goes through customs in Vancouver (before connecting to Regina) he will be checked out by customs right? and the fee is about $50.00 correct?

If I am missing anything please let me know.

[Gina]

Just a quick note.

So we will get to Incheon at 7am and his flight leaves at 5pm pnty of time for walks and such. Where is the vet located?

>> You mean Quarantine office, right? It is on the 2nd floor and almost center of the airport. If you know the McDonald's on the 1st floor, the quarantine office is just above McDonald's.

how long is the wait usually? I am 5 hours or so from Incheon so I can't really get there before the day he flys, this is ok right? The vet will just check him out, and give him his health check right? How much is it?

>> Usually, it takes 10min. Or sometimes, 20min more due to another people. And they just check your dog and issue the certificate.. Very simple procedure. And it costs 10,000KRW so please bring cash for this. And you dont need to be at the airport 1 day before the departure because of the dog. You will need to check-in with your dog. (when the counter opens.)

And just one more thing, you will get Original/Duplicate of International Health Certificate. Then you can hold the original until arrival and you should give Duplicate one to the airlines. :) And if the rabies shot certificate(issued by local vet) is in English, please keep it to th destination. Sometimes quarantine officer takes original.


Hope this is the right answer for you.
Thanks,

[Scarlet13]

The rabbies certificate is in Korean. Is that a problem?

Thanks Gina!