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Kitten traveling India to Brasil transit LHR

25 10:06:09

Question
I am travelling with my 6 month old kitten from India to Brazil on British Airways, with a stopover in London. Is checked baggage possible with BA or in this case or is travelling as cargo essential? Are pets given a special place in the cargo hold? The total duration of the journey is over 30 hours, so I don't think withholding food is an option. Does staff at the layover point usually refill water containers? What are your recommendations for this journey?

Answer
Dear Leah
Your choice of going thru UK is the worst choice you could make.
Pets MUST travel ONLY as cargo.  Under no circumstances can pet be in
cabin or even as excess baggage.  BA should have explained this to
you.  You MUST have at least 6 to 8 hrs for connection as Humane
authorities will NOT allow a pet to make a quicker connection
They will take excellent care of pet, however, while in their
custody.  Yes of course there is special place in cargo hold for pets. Withholding food is the ONLY option, unless you want life to
be miserable for the pet.  How would you like to need a bowel
movement, and either hold it, or make a mess and live in it?
If you can, fly with Lufthansa, KLM or Air France.  They may allow
you to take pet into cabin, or at least as excess baggage.  The pet
would then clear customs with you.  As cargo on BA, the cat would
go to a different building in Brazil and would be even a much longer
wait for you to get the pet.
I know this is NOT just what you wanted to hear, but life is not
always on our side !!!
Good luck
Regards, Jerry Mishler