Airline Pet Travel Rules for Lanzarote-Bound Flights: A Comprehensive Guide
Travelling to Lanzarote with a pet is an exciting prospect for many pet owners, given the island’s stunning volcanic landscapes and year-round sunshine. Lanzarote Airport, officially known as César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport (ACE), serves as the main gateway to this Canary Island paradise. Located just 5 kilometres southwest of Arrecife, the island’s capital, it connects travellers to a destination renowned for its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. However, bringing your furry companion along requires careful planning due to airline-specific pet travel rules and Spain’s entry regulations. This guide explores everything you need to know about flying pets to Lanzarote, alongside practical insights into the island’s offerings, from transport to attractions.
Lanzarote’s appeal lies in its otherworldly terrain, shaped by volcanic eruptions, and its commitment to sustainable tourism, largely influenced by artist César Manrique. Whether you’re drawn to Timanfaya National Park’s lunar-like vistas or the golden sands of Playa Blanca, understanding pet travel logistics ensures a smooth journey. Let’s delve into the essentials of airline policies, airport facilities, and how to make the most of your Lanzarote adventure with your pet.
Understanding Airline Pet Policies for Lanzarote Flights
Airlines operating from Lanzarote Airport, such as Ryanair, Jet2, easyJet, and British Airways, have varying pet travel policies. Most budget carriers, like Ryanair and easyJet, do not permit pets in the cabin or hold, except for assistance dogs. Jet2, a popular choice for UK travellers, also restricts pet travel, focusing instead on passenger luggage allowances. British Airways, however, offers more flexibility through its cargo service, allowing pets to travel in the hold under specific conditions.
For those flying from the UK, Lanzarote’s proximity—about a four-hour flight from London—makes it an accessible getaway. Before booking, confirm your airline’s policy, as many require advance notice and documentation. Spain, as an EU member, mandates that pets have a microchip, rabies vaccination, and a European Pet Passport or equivalent health certificate. Lanzarote Airport’s Terminal 1, handling international flights, has no dedicated pet facilities, so plan for your pet’s comfort during transfers to nearby resorts like Puerto del Carmen, just a 10-minute drive away.
Preparing Your Pet for Travel to Lanzarote
Preparation is key when travelling with pets to Lanzarote. Start with a visit to your vet to ensure your pet meets EU entry requirements: a microchip implanted before the rabies vaccine, which must be administered at least 21 days before travel. Dogs, cats, and ferrets under 15 weeks old cannot enter Spain, as the vaccine isn’t valid until this age. For UK travellers post-Brexit, an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) replaces the EU Pet Passport, costing around £100-£200 and valid for 10 days from issuance.
Lanzarote’s mild climate, averaging 22°C annually, is pet-friendly, but the journey requires care. Airlines like Iberia, which flies to Lanzarote via Madrid, allow pets up to 45kg (including crate) in the hold, with cabin options for smaller animals. Book early, as space is limited. Once on the island, explore pet-friendly beaches like Playa de las Coloradas, a short drive from the airport, where your pet can stretch its legs amidst stunning coastal scenery.
Specific Airline Rules for Lanzarote-Bound Flights
Iberia stands out for pet travel to Lanzarote, offering cabin transport for pets under 8kg (including carrier) and hold options for larger animals. The carrier must fit under the seat, with maximum dimensions of 45cm x 35cm x 25cm. Fees vary by route—around €120 from the UK via Spain—but bookings must be confirmed 48 hours in advance. Connecting flights require transit times between 90 minutes and four hours to ensure pet safety.
British Airways, operating direct flights from London Gatwick, partners with IAG Cargo for pets in the hold. Costs start at £300, depending on weight and distance. Assistance dogs travel free in the cabin, a boon for visitors heading to Lanzarote’s accessible attractions like the César Manrique Foundation, a 15-minute drive from the airport. Always check with Lanzarote Airport’s information desk in Terminal 1 for updates, as policies can shift seasonally, especially during peak summer months when flights increase.
Comparison Table: Pet Travel Policies for Major Airlines to Lanzarote
| Airline | Cabin Allowed? | Hold Allowed? | Weight Limit | Cost (Approx.) | Advance Notice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iberia | Yes | Yes | 8kg (cabin), 45kg (hold) | €120-€150 | 48 hours |
| British Airways | No (except assistance dogs) | Yes | Varies by cargo | £300+ | Yes |
| Ryanair | No | No | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Jet2 | No | No | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| easyJet | No | No | N/A | N/A | N/A |
This table highlights the limited options for pet travel, with Iberia and British Airways leading for Lanzarote-bound flights. Always verify details directly with airlines, as Lanzarote’s popularity as a winter sun destination can affect availability.
Navigating Lanzarote Airport with Your Pet
Lanzarote Airport, named after the island’s iconic artist, handles over 7 million passengers annually across two terminals. Terminal 1 serves international flights, while Terminal 2 is for inter-island travel. Neither offers pet relief areas, so arrivals with pets should head outside quickly. The airport’s compact size—easy to navigate in 10-12 minutes from coach to check-in—means minimal delays, but pet owners must plan post-arrival logistics.
Public buses (lines 22 and 23) connect to Arrecife, while lines 161 and 261 reach Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen. Taxis, available at the arrivals concourse, are pet-friendly if pre-arranged, costing around €15 to Puerto del Carmen. Car hire from companies like Avis, located in Terminal 1, offers flexibility for exploring Lanzarote’s volcanic wonders, such as the Fire Mountains in Timanfaya National Park, a must-visit 30-minute drive from the airport.
EU and Spanish Pet Entry Regulations for Lanzarote
As part of Spain, Lanzarote adheres to strict EU pet import rules. Beyond microchipping and rabies vaccination, pets from non-EU countries like the UK require a blood titre test if travelling within three months of vaccination, proving immunity. The test, conducted at an authorised lab, must show a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Upon arrival, declare your pet at Lanzarote Airport’s Civil Guard Fiscal Security Office with all paperwork.
Lanzarote’s biosecurity measures protect its unique ecosystem, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Non-compliance risks quarantine or refusal of entry, so preparation is non-negotiable. Once cleared, enjoy pet-friendly accommodation like the Aparthotel ILUNION Costa Sal in Puerto del Carmen, where you can unwind near the beach after a day exploring the island’s lava fields and vineyards.
Pet-Friendly Transport Options on Lanzarote
After landing at Lanzarote Airport, getting around with your pet is straightforward. The island’s Guaguas bus service connects major towns, though pet policies vary—small pets in carriers are typically allowed, but confirm with drivers. Taxis offer a reliable alternative, with many drivers accustomed to tourists and pets. A trip to Costa Teguise, known for its windsurfing beaches, costs about €20 from the airport.
Car hire is ideal for freedom, with agencies like Cicar offering pet-friendly vehicles. Drive to La Geria, Lanzarote’s wine region, where vines grow in volcanic craters—an unforgettable sight 20 minutes from the airport. Roads are smooth and well-signed, with a maximum speed of 90 km/h on highways, making it easy to explore pet-friendly trails in the island’s northern cliffs.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation in Lanzarote
Lanzarote boasts around 100 open accommodations, many welcoming pets. In Puerto del Carmen, the Hotel Los Fariones offers pet-friendly rooms near the beach, perfect for evening strolls. Playa Blanca’s Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort, a 40-minute drive from the airport, provides luxury with pet amenities. Booking in advance is wise, especially during high season (summer, Christmas, Easter).
Arrecife, the capital, offers budget options like the Hotel Lancelot, where pets are accommodated with notice. These stays position you near Lanzarote’s cultural gems, like the San Ginés festival in August, featuring traditional sports and fireworks—a vibrant experience to share with your pet, provided they’re comfortable with crowds.
Exploring Lanzarote’s Attractions with Your Pet
Lanzarote’s attractions are a treat for pet owners. Timanfaya National Park, with its geothermal wonders, allows leashed pets on certain trails—check with rangers at the visitor centre, a 30-minute drive from the airport. The park’s restaurant, designed by Manrique, grills food over volcanic heat, offering a unique dining experience while your pet rests nearby.
Playa de las Coloradas in Playa Blanca is a pet-friendly beach, ideal for a dip after the 40-minute drive from Lanzarote Airport. The César Manrique Foundation, showcasing the artist’s lava-inspired home, welcomes well-behaved pets outdoors, providing a cultural stop close to the capital. Lanzarote’s 300 sunny days a year ensure plenty of outdoor fun for you and your companion.
Local Experiences and Pet Travel Tips
Lanzarote’s culinary scene delights pet owners, with seafood dishes like grilled octopus available at pet-friendly tapas bars in Arrecife. Try “Mojo Potatoes” at local eateries in Teguise, the historic former capital, a 20-minute drive from the airport. Markets here, held Sundays, offer pet-safe treats if you avoid crowded hours.
Pack light clothing and sun cream for yourself, plus water and a portable bowl for your pet, given Lanzarote’s dry climate. Avoid midday heat for walks, opting for early mornings or evenings. The island’s laid-back vibe, shaped by Manrique’s legacy, makes it a relaxing retreat—perfect for unwinding with your pet after navigating travel rules.
FAQs: Airline Pet Travel Rules for Lanzarote-Bound Flights
What documents do I need to fly my pet to Lanzarote?
You’ll need a microchip, rabies vaccination record, and either a European Pet Passport (EU residents) or an Animal Health Certificate (non-EU, e.g., UK). A titre test may be required for non-EU pets.
Which airlines allow pets on flights to Lanzarote?
Iberia permits pets in the cabin (up to 8kg) or hold (up to 45kg), while British Airways offers hold travel via cargo. Ryanair, Jet2, and easyJet restrict pets, except assistance dogs.
Are there pet facilities at Lanzarote Airport?
No, the airport lacks dedicated pet areas. Head outside after arrival for relief, then use taxis or car hire to reach pet-friendly destinations like Playa Blanca.
Can my pet join me at Lanzarote attractions?
Yes, leashed pets are allowed on some Timanfaya trails and outdoor areas of the César Manrique Foundation. Beaches like Playa de las Coloradas also welcome pets.
How do I book pet-friendly accommodation in Lanzarote?
Contact hotels directly—options like Hotel Los Fariones in Puerto del Carmen accept pets with prior notice, especially outside peak seasons.
Conclusion: A Seamless Pet-Friendly Journey to Lanzarote
Travelling to Lanzarote with your pet is entirely feasible with the right preparation, despite limited airline options. Iberia and British Airways cater to pet owners, though strict EU regulations demand diligence in documentation and timing. Lanzarote Airport, while lacking pet-specific amenities, is a manageable hub, connecting you swiftly to the island’s treasures. From volcanic parks to serene beaches, Lanzarote offers a wealth of experiences for you and your companion.
The island’s charm—its stark beauty, sustainable ethos, and pet-friendly spots—makes the effort worthwhile. Whether sipping wine in La Geria or hiking northern trails, your pet can share in the adventure. Plan ahead, choose the right airline, and embrace Lanzarote’s unique allure for an unforgettable trip. For more details, visit Aena’s pet travel page or the UK Government’s pet travel advice. Lanzarote awaits—pet in tow.
