Falcons welcome on Middle Eastern flights
1st June 2012
No pets allowed! Oh, except falcons... Passengers travelling on Middle Eastern flights are welcome to bring their pet bird of prey
It's common knowledge that pets aren't allowed in aircraft cabins, apart from guide dogs of course, but it turns out that many Middle Eastern carriers allow one avian exception: the falcon.
While the falcon seems like an unlikely travel companion, there is in fact a reason behind this bizarre allowance. As the national bird of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman the falcon is seen as a symbol of force and courage in much of the Middle East while falconry is considered a traditional pursuit.
Qatar Airways, Emirates and Royal Jordanian all offer the option of travelling with a pet falcon, provided handlers sit in economy class and the bird is hooded and secured with a leash for the length of the journey. Qatar Airways allows passengers to carry only one falcon but Royal Jordanian stipulates that two may be carried if a second seat is purchased. There is, of course, the small matter of a fee for this privilege: each falcon is charged at three times the normal excess baggage rate.
Next time you travel with a Middle Eastern carrier, keep your eyes out for a feathered friend among your fellow passengers.
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