How to Request Special Assistance for Service Animals on Turkish Airlines?

The thought of a long international flight with complex regulations can bring anxiety. That’s why a service dog isn’t just a helper; they are a vital lifeline. Fortunately, Turkish Airlines has established clear, comprehensive policies to accommodate these essential travel companions. The rules for flying with an animal, especially one essential for support, differ significantly from country to country and airline to airline. This guide provides the definitive answers, breaking down Turkish Airlines’ special assistance protocols to ensure you meet every requirement for a stress-free flight with your essential travel partner

What Are Service Animals (SVAN)?

Service animals, which are dogs specifically trained to assist passengers with medical or physical needs, are welcome on Turkish Airlines flights. Their goal is to ensure a smooth and confident travel experience for their handlers.

What to Consider Before Planning Your Trip With A Service Dog On A Turkish Airlines’ Flight?

If you are flying between Istanbul and the United States, Turkish Airlines follows the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for accepting service dogs. Therefore, you must confirm your reservation at least 48 hours before departure to ensure all documentation is in order.

In addition to DOT requirements, travelers must also comply with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rules. This includes completing and submitting:

1. The DOT Service Animal Transportation Form
   
2. The Service Animal Relief Attestation Form
   

Conditions for Traveling with a Service Dog:

To travel as a service animal, your dog must:

• Be professionally trained and certified
  
• Have a valid training certificate, vaccination record, and ID card
  
• Meet the entry requirements of the destination country
  

If these documents are missing or incomplete, Turkish Airlines may only allow the animal to travel in a carrier (PETC) or in the aircraft hold (AVIH), depending on flight conditions. Additionally, if your destination country prohibits the entry of certain dog breeds, the airline cannot allow those dogs to board.

Does Turkish Airlines allow a service dog to fly free of charge?

Yes, all service dogs, including guide dogs for the visually or hearing impaired and medical alert dogs, can travel free of charge in the cabin.

For flights between Istanbul and the U.S., Turkish Airlines even extends this privilege to psychiatric service dogs. However, if your trip includes connecting flights that are not part of this route, your dog must be placed in a cage for those segments. The airline collects the applicable handling fee at the first exit point, based on baggage rules.

Explain Connecting Flight Procedures To Travel with Service Dogs on Turkish Airlines Flight:

Here is what you must make note of: 

Service Dog Travel Rules via Istanbul:

If you are traveling with service dogs via Istanbul here are things to keep in mind: 

• Departing from the U.S.: 

Before check-in, hand over an empty carrier/cage for your psychiatric service dog. This container will be stored in the aircraft’s cargo hold during your flight and will be available for use on your onward journey from Istanbul.

• Traveling to the U.S. via Istanbul: 

Your dog must remain in its carrier during the initial flight to Istanbul. Once you transition to the main route (the flight from Istanbul to the U.S.), the service dog is then permitted to travel freely with you in the cabin.

Traveling on Non-U.S. Routes:

For routes outside the U.S., passengers must show that their service dog will not need to use the restroom mid-flight or cause any hygiene issues. Acceptable proof includes:

• A veterinarian’s signed statement
  
• A written declaration from the owner about preventive measures
  
• A signed promise with visuals showing the dog’s ability to relieve itself hygienically
  
• An assurance to clean up any mess, along with personal cleaning supplies like bags, wipes, and cloths.
  

Also Read: Is It Safe to Fly With Turkish Airlines While Pregnant?

Rules for Flying Safely on Turkish Airlines:

To ensure a smooth journey, your service dog must comply with the following regulations:

• Identification & Restraint: The dog must wear an ID collar or vest and remain leashed or harnessed to your belt for the duration of the flight.

• Seating: The dog must stay on the floor in front of your seat, never on the seat itself.

• Behavior & Hygiene: The animal is expected to be calm, clean, and quiet. You must have a muzzle readily available to use if there is excessive barking or aggression.

• Seating Restrictions: For safety, passengers with service dogs cannot occupy emergency exit rows or bassinet rows, but are free to choose other seats.

• Non-Compliance: If the dog is unclean, disruptive, or poses a safety risk, the airline may deny boarding or rebook your travel. In these instances, the dog may be transported as cargo AVIH or in the cabin as a pet PETC, subject to availability.

• Liability: You are responsible for any damage caused by your animal during the flight.

Here’s a Special Note on Search and Rescue Dogs:

When deployed for disaster relief or emergencies, search and rescue dogs fly at no cost. To facilitate rapid response, they are even allowed the special privilege of traveling in the passenger cabin with their attending rescue teams.

Steps to Request Turkish Airlines Special Assistance for Service Dogs:

Here is how to request Turkish Airlines’ special assistance to carry service dogs along: 

Mandatory Advance Notice: 

You must notify Turkish Airlines of your travel with a service animal (SVAN) at least 48 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure. It is highly recommended to do this as early as possible, ideally right after booking your ticket.

How to Notify:

You may notify Turkish Airlines when carrying service animals in the following ways: 

• Contact their Call Center or Sales Offices: 

This is typically the most direct way to make a special assistance request. You can check the Turkish Airlines website for the contact number relevant to your region.

• Online/Through Booking: 

Some special assistance requests may be possible to add during the online booking process or by managing your reservation, but directly contacting them is generally the most reliable method for a service dog.

Conclusion:

Turkish Airlines offers detailed and respectful assistance policies, making the process simple. A smooth, hassle-free journey is guaranteed when you complete all required documentation, confirm your dog is fully trained and well-behaved, and meet all international entry standards. Turkish Airlines’ special assistance team deeply respects the vital role service dogs play and works hard to ensure comfort and dignity during every stage: from booking and check-in right through to your time in the air. With just a little careful preparation, you and your loyal companion are ready to travel the world with ease.

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