Air Malta is to introduce a pet travel policy as from next January 1.
Through this policy, passengers who wish to travel with their small cat or dog in the passenger cabin will now be able to subject to certain conditions and procedures.
A spokesperson for the airline said:
"Air Malta successfully introduced the carriage of guide-dogs in the passenger cabin more than two years ago. We are now building on this policy to meet the needs of many pet owners who wish to include their pets in their travel plans.
"Our customers and employees have forwarded us suggestions in this regard and after a thorough review we are launching this policy as from next year."
This facility will be available on all Air Malta's network, with the exception of flights to/from the UK. Pets should be carried in an appropriate pet carrier measuring not more than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm.
The maximum allowed weight of the pet including the pet carrier is 10kgs. A fee of €70 per way is applicable per container. Pets should be registered in advance with the airline's call centre.
Only three pets including guide dogs will be accepted on the same flight. Therefore, pets that are not registered may be refused boarding at the airport. Two pets of the same species may travel in the same pet carrier, as long as all conditions related to their size, weight, safety and well-being, are met.
A valid pet passport and other necessary documents are required for the pet to be allowed to travel. Passengers travelling with pets will also be required to provide a pet health certificate confirming that the animal is in good health, harmless and inoffensive.
Larger pets and other animals can still be carried in the aircraft hold.
www.airmalta.com/pets?l=1