Falcon Passports

I saw something about this on a TV show not so long back. And as I’m travelling via Dubai, thought I would check it out. Apparently, falcons in the UAE can fly in normal planes with people. Not necessarily in the cargo area as do dogs and cats and other animals.
 

So could I get on a plane and have a falcon sitting next to me?

I did some research and the answer is: Highly unlikely.

They are allowed in Economy Class which was my first question. 

They are only allowed on certain flights within the UAE and to some other destinations in Pakistan. So that leaves that out.

“Due to the popularity of falcons, some Arab States such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have issued falcon passports.  The issuance of such passports is to ease the ability of traveling with a falcon.  However, at the same time, the falcon passports also have raised some controversy as they are seen by some as “legal mechanism to launder falcons” on the Black Market.”

http://americanbedu.com/2012/05/23/saudi-arabiauaeworld-its-not-just-people-who-get-passports/

Here are some of the rules:

Diamond First Class

• Up to 2 falcons per guest (per seat) are permitted. Charge for each falcon (which is considered 3 kg) is 3 times the normal excess baggage rate of the journey.
• Up to 2 additional falcons can be carried when an extra seat is purchased within same class. No excess baggage charges for the additional falcons will apply. 

Pearl Business Class

• Up to 2 falcons per guest (per seat) are permitted. Charge for each falcon (which is considered 3 kg) is 3 times the normal excess baggage rate of the journey.
• Up to 2 additional falcons can be carried when an extra seat is purchased within same class. No excess baggage charges for the additional falcons will apply. 

Coral Economy Class

• 1 falcon per guest (per seat) is permitted. Charge for one falcon (which is considered 3 kg) is 3 times the normal excess baggage rate of the journey.
• 1 additional falcon can be carried when an extra seat is purchased within same class. No excess baggage charges for the additional falcon will apply. 

http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Etihad_Airways/pets.php
Note: The charge for each additional seat purchased will be the fare applicable for an adult guest occupying the seat. This applies to all travel classes and charges will depend on the number of seats, the travel class and sector of travel. Guests are not entitled to any additional free baggage allowance for the additional seat(s) purchased for falcons. Per UAE Civil Aviation norms, no piece of baggage may exceed 32 kg in weight or 80 inches in dimension.

How awesome is that. They have to follow certain rules before they can get a passport.

This is one of the reasons I love travelling. So different in so many different ways.

I might see one at the airport, but I’m not going to hold my breath.

Madeleine

Monday, 3 December 2012