Turkish Airlines has taken a thoughtful step forward by opening a dedicated Pet Lounge at Istanbul Airport (IST), aimed at improving the travel experience for pets flying in the cargo hold. This facility provides a more comfortable space for animals, reflecting growing awareness in the aviation industry about the challenges of pet travel.
The Pet Lounge covers 250 square meters (around 2,700 square feet) and offers both indoor and outdoor areas, including a terrace. It can accommodate up to 78 pets at a time—32 dogs, 36 cats, and 10 birds. A full-time veterinarian is also present, ensuring pets’ well-being while they wait for their flights.
Improving the Pet Travel Experience
Turkish Airlines allows pets weighing up to 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) to travel in the cabin if they meet the size criteria, while larger pets must travel in the cargo hold. Transporting pets in cargo can be stressful for both the animals and their owners. This new lounge, with its dedicated space and professional care, helps ease some of that stress by providing a calmer pre-flight environment.
The introduction of specialized pet check-in counters at Istanbul Airport further simplifies the process for travellers with pets. These counters allow a more organized and efficient check-in, which benefits both passengers and staff.
A Step Forward for Pet Travel Services
While Turkish Airlines’ Pet Lounge is a positive development, it’s worth noting that other airports, such as New York JFK, have also introduced dedicated pet areas. These services reflect a broader shift towards more compassionate treatment of animals in transit, although they are still far from standard across the industry.
The presence of a veterinarian in the Turkish Airlines lounge is a particularly commendable feature, as it ensures professional care for pets that may experience stress during travel. However, some might argue that more airlines should focus on improving the conditions within the cargo hold itself rather than just the pre-flight experience.
Final Thoughts
Turkish Airlines’ Pet Lounge is a welcome addition for passengers travelling with pets, addressing a commonly overlooked aspect of air travel. While not groundbreaking, it is a step in the right direction for improving how pets experience flights. As the demand for pet-friendly travel grows, it would be encouraging to see more airlines adopt similar facilities, focusing not just on pre-flight care but on the entire journey for animal passengers.