Etihad Airways has jumped on a growing niche: passengers who refuse to fly without their furry companions. In a 16 April update, Arabian Business reports that the Abu Dhabi flag-carrier has cut the surcharge for its ‘Pets Onboard’ service to AED 1,465 (about US$399) for bookings made until 31 May and flown any time in 2026. The offer applies to cats and dogs under eight kilograms, including carrier. Etihad introduced in-cabin pet travel in 2023 but priced it at a hefty US$1,000 each way. The new rate brings the fee closer to those charged by major U.S. and European carriers and undercuts regional rival Emirates, which still requires pets to travel as manifest cargo except for falcons on GCC routes. Travel-industry analysts say the price drop is aimed at VFR (visiting-friends-and-relatives) passengers and long-stay expatriates whose relocation decisions increasingly factor in pet-friendliness. Multinational companies relocating staff to the UAE have welcomed the change: corporate-relocation firm Santa Fe Relocation estimates that pet-shipping costs can add 15-20 per cent to assignment budgets. Allowing smaller animals in the cabin reduces quarantine stress and simplifies last-mile logistics. Etihad cautions that advance approval is still required and that only two pets are allowed per aircraft in economy, one in business. Health certificates, microchips and up-to-date rabies vaccinations are mandatory. Mobility managers planning group moves should therefore lock in space early, especially over the summer peak.
Source: Arabian Business
