Most of the airlines flying from Bristol Airport do not carry ordinary pets at all. Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 only accept recognised assistance dogs, not pet cats or dogs travelling as cargo or in the cabin. TUI is the exception: it will carry a pet in the hold if you book through its cargo team in advance. Checked against each airline's own policy pages, checked 2026.
Which Bristol Airport airlines carry pets?
Bristol Airport's scheduled leisure airlines split sharply on this:
- Ryanair: does not carry animals on any flight, except recognised guide or assistance dogs.
- easyJet: animals are not allowed on its flights, apart from recognised registered guide and assistance dogs.
- Jet2.com: does not carry pets in the cabin or hold. Its only exception is a qualifying assistance dog.
- TUI: will carry a pet dog or cat in the pressurised hold, but you must contact its cargo team before booking to confirm your route can accommodate it.
If you fly with another airline from Bristol, including a charter operator, check its own pet policy directly rather than assuming any of the rules above apply, since policies vary between operators and can change.
Why don't more airlines carry pets?
Most UK short-haul leisure carriers, including the three above that don't carry pets, have simply chosen not to offer the service, rather than being blocked by regulation. It comes down to each airline's own commercial policy, not a Bristol Airport rule, so the airport itself can't override an airline's decision either way.
How does flying with a pet on TUI work?
If you want to bring a dog or cat with you on a TUI flight from Bristol, you need to contact TUI's Cargo Department before you book, since not every route or aircraft can accommodate an animal. Your pet travels in the hold, not the passenger cabin, in a secure travel box with a water bowl fitted so it's accessible without opening the container mid-flight. TUI's own guidance says the hold is pressurised and kept at a similar temperature to the cabin.
A few practical rules apply if your pet qualifies:
- You cannot medically sedate your pet before travel, because of the hold's pressurisation, though herbal calming products are allowed.
- TUI recommends avoiding feeding your pet in the six hours before the flight and giving them a good walk before check-in.
- Travelling to Europe now needs a health certificate if your pet doesn't already hold a passport issued by an EU country. Further afield, an export health certificate and import permit apply for most destinations.
- If you're flying home with another airline on the return leg, contact TUI first so it can check whether that airline's pet policy matches.
What about assistance dogs?
Assistance dogs, including guide dogs, are treated completely differently from pets and are welcomed by all of Bristol's main airlines, including the three that don't carry ordinary pets. Bristol Airport runs a specific protocol for recognised assistance dogs through its Assisted Travel team (ABM), covering both departures and arrivals.
To qualify, the dog must be individually trained to assist with a specific disability or medical condition, behaviourally trained for public and in-flight conduct, wearing an identifying jacket or harness, and always under the owner's control. The owner needs to notify their airline at least 48 hours before travel, ideally at the time of booking, and provide documentation including a pet passport or third country veterinary certificate, microchip confirmation, and rabies vaccination records.
On arrival into the UK, an Animal Clearance Officer meets the flight and checks the dog and its paperwork before the dog owner is escorted through immigration, baggage reclaim and customs. Designated relief areas for assistance dogs are on the grassed area in front of the terminal building, before security.
Bristol Airport pet and assistance animal policy at a glance
| Airline | Pets (dogs/cats) | Assistance dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | No | Yes |
| easyJet | No | Yes |
| Jet2.com | No | Yes |
| TUI | Yes, in the hold, book via Cargo Department first | Yes |
What documents do you need for an assistance dog at Bristol Airport?
At minimum, expect to need a valid EU pet passport or third country official veterinary health certificate, proof of microchipping, rabies vaccination records, and documentation confirming the dog is affiliated with a recognised body such as Assistance Dogs International, Assistance Dogs UK or the International Guide Dog Federation. Entry rules differ slightly for travel to and from Northern Ireland, which uses a separate Northern Ireland pet travel document rather than the standard pet passport system.
What if my assistance dog's paperwork isn't in order?
If a dog fails the Pet Travel Scheme clearance check on arrival, typically due to incorrect documentation or an unreadable microchip, Bristol Airport's duty manager will arrange for a local quarantine kennel to collect the animal while the paperwork is resolved. The owner is responsible for any costs this involves, so it's worth double and triple-checking documentation before you travel rather than relying on being able to sort it out at the airport.
Planning your trip with an assistance dog or pet
If you're flying with an assistance dog, start the process with your airline as early as possible, ideally at the time of booking, since 48 hours' notice is a minimum rather than a comfortable buffer. If you want to fly with a pet and only TUI will carry it, build extra time into your planning for the Cargo Department booking process, since not every route or flight can accommodate an animal and you'll want to know well before departure day.
For general accessibility help beyond animals, see our special assistance at Bristol Airport guide. For getting to and from the terminal, our taxis and parking pages cover transport options that work equally well whether or not you're travelling with an animal.
Bristol Airport Guide is an independent travel guide, not affiliated with Bristol Airport. Airline pet and assistance animal policies can change; always confirm directly with your airline before booking if you plan to travel with an animal.
FAQs
Can I bring my dog on a Ryanair, easyJet or Jet2 flight from Bristol?
No, as a pet. These three airlines only carry recognised guide or assistance dogs, not ordinary pet dogs or cats, in the cabin or the hold.
Which airline from Bristol Airport will carry my pet?
TUI is the main option. It will carry a pet dog or cat in the hold if you contact its Cargo Department before booking to confirm your route can accommodate it.
Do assistance dogs need to be booked in advance at Bristol Airport?
Yes. Airlines ask for at least 48 hours' notice, and you should tell your airline as soon as possible, ideally when you book, since Bristol Airport's Assisted Travel team needs time to arrange checks and documentation.
Where can an assistance dog go to the toilet at Bristol Airport?
The designated relief area is on the grassed area in front of the terminal building, before security. An airside area is planned but won't be available until the Departure Lounge development completes in 2027.
What documents does my assistance dog need to enter the UK through Bristol Airport?
A valid EU pet passport or third country veterinary certificate, microchip confirmation, and rabies vaccination records, plus proof of affiliation with a recognised assistance dog organisation.
What happens if my assistance dog's documents aren't accepted on arrival?
Bristol Airport's duty manager will arrange for the dog to go to a local quarantine kennel while the issue is resolved. The owner covers any costs involved, so check all paperwork carefully before you travel.