Flying with one cat can be stressful—imagine doing it with five! When we decided to relocate from Valencia (Spain) to Mexico City with our entire feline family, we knew it would be a challenge. Here’s our detailed experience, packed with useful tips for anyone facing a similar journey.
Planning the Trip: The First Obstacle
The first big question was: can we all travel together on the same flight? After a quick call to the two airlines operating the Valencia-Mexico City route (Iberia and Aeromexico), the answer was a resounding “no.”
Both airlines allow a maximum of four animals in the cabin per flight, with only one pet per passenger. Our only option was to split into two groups, traveling on separate flights with friends or family members to comply with the restrictions.
In the end, three cats flew with Aeromexico (Valencia-Madrid operated by AirEuropa), and two with Iberia.
Preparations: Documents and Requirements
Every country has different regulations for bringing pets. Fortunately, Mexico doesn’t have overly strict requirements. Here’s what each cat needed:
- Microchip
- Passport
- Rabies vaccine (administered less than 10 days before travel)
- Triple vaccine
- Internal and external parasite treatment
- Veterinary health certificate (issued within 15 days before departure)
Booking the Flight: A Bureaucratic Nightmare
Booking tickets turned out to be more complicated than expected, especially for the Aeromexico flight. Even though we had purchased the ticket entirely with them, the first leg from Valencia to Madrid was operated by AirEuropa. And that’s where the chaos began.
After several phone calls, an Aeromexico representative told us that AirEuropa had to authorize pet travel before they could confirm it. We called AirEuropa, only to hear the opposite: Aeromexico had to approve it first. Classic blame-shifting!
In the end, the solution came thanks to our Mexican friend Fer, who called AirEuropa’s Mexican customer service center. Using a smart approach, she first asked about the correct procedure and then, without giving them a chance to contradict themselves, proceeded with the reservation. Problem solved!
Booking with Iberia, on the other hand, was smooth and easy over the phone.
At the Airport: Check-In and Security Controls
One of our biggest concerns was airport security: would we have to take the cats out of their carriers? Thankfully, no! Security personnel simply inspected the carriers without requiring us to remove the cats, avoiding any unnecessary stress.
The only requirement was that the carriers had no hard bases or internal accessories. In Valencia, both airlines asked for the cats’ passports and health certificates; AirEuropa also required a copy for each cat.
During the Flight: Managing Stress and Comfort
The flight went more smoothly than expected. To avoid issues, we didn’t feed the cats solid food before departure. Instead, we used liquid treats (such as calming Feliway snacks and others without calming agents) to keep them hydrated.
Four of the cats remained calm throughout the journey, while one meowed during some turbulence—likely due to stress or needing to urinate. Fortunately, a quick change of the absorbent pad in the carrier solved the issue.
Another useful tip: keep the carrier under the seat. It seems to be a quieter spot where the airplane noise is less intense, making it more comfortable for the cat.
Arrival in Mexico: Fast and Stress-Free Checks
Once we landed in Mexico City, the process was quick and efficient. After passing through passport control, we found the office for pet inspection. In less than 10 minutes, they checked the passports, recorded the data, and had us fill out a residency form.
Conclusion: A Surprisingly Smooth Experience
What initially seemed like a logistical nightmare turned out to be a more manageable experience than expected.
The secret? Plan well in advance, thoroughly research regulations, and, most importantly, be patient with airline bureaucracy. If you’re considering traveling with your cat (or multiple cats!), we hope our experience helps make your journey smoother. Safe travels to you and your feline friends!
