Danish Air Transport

Flying with animals on Danish Air Transport (DAT)

Traveling with a pet can be wonderfully manageable on DAT (IATA: DX) if you plan ahead. DAT generally allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin when space, route rules, and aircraft constraints permit, while larger animals may travel in the hold only on specific aircraft and subject to welfare conditions. Availability is limited, so it’s best to request pet carriage at booking—ideally—and no later than 24 hours before departure. Policies can vary by route and aircraft type, and regulations may change, so always confirm the details with DAT before you finalize plans.

Cabin travel: comfort under the seat

If your companion is small enough, the cabin is usually the simplest option. DAT typically accepts one pet per passenger, with a limited number of pets permitted per flight (often 2–3 total). Your pet must remain inside a secure, ventilated carrier that fits fully under the seat in front of you for the entire journey. Expect a combined weight limit around 8 kg (pet + carrier), with soft-sided carrier dimensions close to 40 × 25 × 23 cm to suit under-seat space on regional aircraft. You won’t be assigned an exit/bulkhead seat, and the carrier cannot be placed on a seat at any time.

Animals in the hold: only on suitable aircraft

Hold acceptance depends on the aircraft operating your flight and on temperature/handling conditions at the airports involved. On many turboprop services (common in the DAT fleet), the baggage hold may not provide an animal-safe environment at all times, so hold transport can be restricted or unavailable. Where accepted, your pet must travel in an IATA-compliant hard crate, large enough for the animal to stand, turn, and lie naturally. Airlines in Europe often cap a single animal + crate at 32 kg for checked-baggage handling; larger or oversized crates may require specialized cargo arrangements. Always verify hold availability and size limits for your exact flight, as door dimensions and loading procedures can be limiting.

Carriers and weight limits: what DAT looks for

The carrier should be escape-proof, well-ventilated on three sides, and leak-resistant with an absorbent base. Soft-sided bags are preferred in the cabin to help fit the under-seat space; hard crates are required in the hold. Measure carefully and weigh your pet and carrier at home to avoid surprises at check-in. For your pet’s comfort, the carrier should allow a natural posture—too cramped is not acceptable, and staff can refuse travel if the animal appears distressed or the carrier is unsuitable. Do not sedate your pet; sedation can increase in-flight health risks and is generally not permitted.

Documents and vaccinations: EU rules at a glance

For travel within the EU/EEA, dogs and cats must have an ISO-compliant microchip and a valid rabies vaccination recorded in an EU Pet Passport (or an EU Animal Health Certificate for pets arriving from outside the EU). The rabies shot must be administered at or after 12 weeks of age and is valid only after a 21-day waiting period. Entry from high-rabies countries may require a rabies antibody titre test and additional waiting time. Some destinations (e.g., the UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta, and Norway) require tapeworm treatment for dogs within a strict window before arrival. Bring originals of all documents and keep them accessible for check-in and border checks.

• Essential paperwork: microchip certificate, EU Pet Passport/Health Certificate, proof of valid rabies vaccination (and titre test if required), import permits where applicable, and tapeworm treatment proof for listed destinations.

Fees, booking limits, and special cases

DAT charges a pet-handling fee per direction; the amount varies by route and market. As a ballpark, expect a cabin-pet fee in the range of roughly €40–€70 (or local-currency equivalent), with hold carriage—when available—typically higher. Space is limited; once the flight’s pet quota is reached, no additional pets can be accepted. Trained assistance dogs are transported in the cabin free of charge, subject to documentation and advance notification; emotional-support animals are not treated as service animals under European rules. If your itinerary includes other airlines or a codeshare, the operating carrier’s pet policy applies for each segment.

Species and destination restrictions

DAT typically accepts only cats and dogs. Young animals must be weaned and meet minimum-age and vaccination rules; for international trips, practical minimum age is often 15 weeks due to rabies timing. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds may be restricted from hold carriage because of elevated risk; pregnant or ill animals can be refused for welfare reasons. Routes to/from the UK and certain islands may prohibit pets in the cabin and sometimes in the hold, with exceptions for recognized assistance dogs under national rules. Seasonal heat or cold can trigger temporary embargos for hold transport in the interest of animal safety.

Preparing before you fly: calm pet, smooth journey

Help your pet practice staying calmly inside the carrier for increasing periods at home, and include short walks or play beforehand so they board relaxed. Offer a light meal well before departure and keep water available—an absorbent mat in the carrier helps if there are spills. Label the carrier with your name, contacts, and pet details, and pack a small kit with wipes, a spare mat, a leash, and a familiar item like a blanket. Arrive early to allow time for check-in, fees, and document checks, and remind gate staff you’re traveling with a pet so boarding can be coordinated smoothly.

• Quick check: prebook pet space, confirm aircraft acceptance (cabin/hold), measure and weigh carrier + pet, gather documents, and review destination veterinary requirements.

Final word

Rules evolve, and aircraft constraints matter on regional fleets. For the safest trip, confirm your exact flight’s pet acceptance, size/weight limits, and fees with DAT before purchasing or at least 24 hours prior to departure. With the right preparation, you and your companion can travel comfortably and confidently.

Traveling with Danish Air Transport (DAT, IATA: DX) with little ones can be straightforward when you know what to expect. DAT operates mostly short‑haul, regional flights, so procedures are practical and focused on getting you settled quickly. Below you’ll find how ages are classified, what to do about seats and tickets for infants, how baggage works for children, and what to plan for strollers, car seats, and onboard comfort. Policies can vary slightly by route and aircraft, so consider this your friendly guide and double‑check specifics in your booking or with DAT before you fly.

Age categories on DAT

For airline purposes, an infant is generally a child under 2 years on the date of each flight, while a child is from 2 to 11 years, and adults are 12 years and above. If your child turns two during your trip, you’ll likely need a paid seat for any flight taken after their second birthday. Each infant must travel with an adult; carrying two infants usually requires an additional seat or another accompanying adult. Children—no matter how tall—cannot be seated in exit rows, and crew may reseat families for safety reasons. These definitions align with common European practice and are the baseline you should expect on DAT.

Seats and tickets for infants

You can travel with an infant on your lap (an infant fare is applied and taxes/fees still apply) or purchase a separate seat for them. Lap infants are secured according to EASA‑compliant procedures; the crew will provide and brief you on any required safety device and seating position. Expect restrictions such as no seating in exit rows and, on some rows, limits due to the number of oxygen masks; if needed, the crew will move you to a compliant row. A paid seat can make long days easier and is required if you want to use an approved child car seat on board. When choosing seats, window positions are typically preferred for car seats to keep aisles clear, and bulkhead rows may be restricted for safety.

If you bring a car seat, ensure it’s an approved child restraint device (look for labels such as ECE R44/04, UN R129/i‑Size, or “FAA Approved for Use in Aircraft”). The seat must fit within the aircraft seat and be installable with the standard lap belt; rear‑facing models can be bulkier, so verify dimensions in advance. The crew has the final say on suitability and installation, and you’ll need a booked seat for your infant to use the device. As a rule, keep car seats out of exit rows and avoid aisle seats to prevent blocking egress. When in doubt, note the exact model and ask DAT or your travel agent to annotate the booking.

What the program is (and isn’t)

Danish Air Transport (DAT, IATA: DX) keeps loyalty simple. Instead of a sprawling, alliance-driven scheme, DAT runs a straightforward points program that rewards you for flying on its own network. You create a free account, add your number when you book, and collect points that can be used toward future DAT travel. For many travelers—especially on Denmark’s domestic and short regional routes—this minimalism is actually helpful: fewer rules, faster redemptions, and clear value. Just remember that terms can change, so it’s wise to glance at DAT’s current conditions before you plan a redemption.

Membership tiers and how to qualify

There are no published elite status tiers with DAT at the time of writing. That means no Silver/Gold ladder to climb and no separate qualification tracks; you simply join and earn. The upside is that every member engages with the same, easy-to-understand benefits: accumulate points from flown tickets and redeem them back into DAT travel. If you’re used to large-carrier status perks, you won’t find them here—but you also won’t be juggling complex rules, fare-class restrictions, or alliance charts.

Earning points: flights and partners

DAT’s points are primarily earned on eligible DAT-operated flights, usually based on the ticket’s base fare. Taxes, fees, and most add-ons (like bags or seat selection) typically don’t accrue points, so the number you see tied to your fare is what counts. Always enter your loyalty number during booking and keep your boarding passes until points post; if something goes missing, you can usually submit a retro-claim within a limited window. Posting times vary, but points often appear a few days after you fly.

DAT is not part of a global alliance and has limited (or no ongoing) airline earning partners. That puts the focus squarely on DAT flights rather than a web of partner accruals. Non-air partners, when offered, are generally promotional and may be time-limited; think occasional vouchers or special campaigns rather than a permanent shopping portal. In practice, you’ll maximize earning by concentrating your DAT trips in one account and ensuring every segment is credited.

Redeeming rewards: what your points buy

Redemptions center on DAT-operated flights, either as full award tickets or as part-payment to reduce cash outlay. Availability and pricing are typically dynamic, so the value you get per point can vary by route, date, and demand. If your schedule is flexible, searching off-peak times often opens better options and stretches your balance further. DAT flies single-cabin aircraft on most routes, so classic “cabin upgrades” aren’t a major use case; your points are best seen as a travel credit back into future flights.

A quick overview

Danish Air Transport — better known as DAT (IATA: DX) — runs a compact, versatile fleet built around ATR turboprops and a small number of Airbus A320-family jets. As of late 2024, the airline and its Lithuanian subsidiary DAT LT together operate roughly 20–25 aircraft, with about two‑thirds being ATR 42/72 models. This mix lets DAT match aircraft to the mission: turboprops for short, regional hops across Denmark and nearby Europe, and jets for higher‑demand charter and ACMI work. If you’re comparing options for a short regional flight, that ATR backbone is what you’ll most likely see on your ticket.

The workhorses and how they’re set up

The most common types in daily service are the ATR 72 and ATR 42. Cabins are single‑class in a 2‑2 layout, designed for quick turns and short runways, with a typical seat pitch around 30–32 inches. The ATR 72 generally seats around 66–72 passengers, while the smaller ATR 42 carries roughly 46–50, making it ideal for thinner routes where frequency matters more than size. You’ll notice the quiet, steady feel of a modern turboprop and the convenience of forward and rear boarding that helps keep turnarounds brisk.

DAT LT complements this with Airbus A320‑family jets — mainly A320s, and at times A321s depending on season and contracts. These are usually in all‑economy layouts tailored for charter and ACMI, commonly in the 180–220 seat range. Compared with the ATRs, the Airbuses cover longer sectors or peak‑demand flying, yet they slot neatly into the network when extra lift is needed. It’s a flexible pairing that keeps schedules resilient during busy summer peaks and special events.

Newest arrivals and elder statesmen

Among DAT’s newest aircraft are recent‑vintage A320‑family frames introduced for charter and ACMI, as well as later‑build ATR 42/72 examples that refresh the regional core. The airline has historically operated multiple ATR 72 variants, with the -500 series widely used thanks to its reliability and performance on short runways. At the other end of the timeline sit early‑generation ATR 42/72 airframes that continue to serve secondary routes while newer units rotate in. A sentimental milestone: DAT retired its last McDonnell Douglas MD‑80 “Mad Dog” jets in the early 2020s, closing a charismatic chapter in the carrier’s history.

What’s next for the fleet

DAT’s fleet plan favors pragmatic renewal over headline‑grabbing mega‑orders. Expect a steady phase‑out of the oldest ATR 42/72 airframes as newer units (often sourced via lease) join the roster, keeping maintenance and fuel burn in check. On the jet side, capacity will continue to flex with ACMI and charter demand, with A320‑family additions or returns timed to contracts rather than fixed delivery cycles. In short, no dramatic shifts — just a careful balance of efficiency, reliability, and seasonal needs.

What to expect onboard

Danish Air Transport (DAT, IATA: DX) is a regional airline, so inflight dining leans practical and uncomplicated. On most scheduled routes in Denmark, Norway, and Italy, you’ll find a compact buy‑on‑board café with snacks, soft drinks, coffee and tea, and a small selection of alcoholic beverages. Service can be brief on very short hops, where the crew prioritizes safety checks and a quick round of drinks or water on request. There’s typically a single Economy cabin—no separate Business Class—so the same menu applies to everyone. Offerings may vary by aircraft, season, and route length, and charter flights arranged by tour operators can include different catering altogether.

Meals by route and duration

For flights under about 90 minutes, expect snacks (chips, biscuits, nuts, chocolate) and hot or cold drinks for purchase; availability can be limited if the flight is especially short. On longer regional sectors, you may see light, cold options such as a sandwich or wrap alongside the core snack list; hot entrées are uncommon on scheduled DX flights. Charter operations—particularly holiday routes on larger aircraft—may include a pre-arranged meal service or offer paid meal boxes; contents are set by the tour operator and can differ from DAT’s scheduled menu. If your itinerary is marketed by another airline but operated by DAT, the onboard offer may follow that partner’s standard, so it’s worth checking your booking details.

Special diets and allergies

DAT’s scheduled flights generally do not provide formal special meals (e.g., vegan, Jain, kosher, or low-lactose trays), simply because galley space and flight times are short. You will often find clearly labeled packaged items, and vegetarian-friendly snacks are common, but choice can be limited; bringing your own suitable food is the safest option. For severe allergies, especially nut or sesame allergies, notify the airline as soon as you book and again at check‑in so the crew is aware—while DAT makes reasonable efforts, the cabin cannot be guaranteed allergen-free. If you’re traveling on a charter, ask your tour operator about pre-orderable special meals; requests typically need to be placed at least 48–72 hours before departure.

Quality and variety of food and beverages

Think simple and Scandinavian: reliable packaged snacks, a rotating selection of sweets, and light, fresh items when uplift allows. Coffee and tea are widely available, along with still and sparkling water, juices, and popular soft drinks; quality is solid for a short-haul experience. Alcoholic choices usually include beer and wine, sometimes a miniature spirit, though availability depends on route length and local regulations. Menus evolve during the year and are stocked at outstations, so the exact brands you see might differ between, say, Copenhagen and smaller regional airports.

What to expect on Danish Air Transport (DX)

DAT (Danish Air Transport, IATA: DX) keeps things straightforward on its mostly short regional hops, often operated by ATR turboprops. You won’t find built‑in movie libraries or interactive maps on seatbacks, because there are no seatback screens and no airline streaming portal onboard typical DAT services. That means movies, TV shows, music, and games are not provided by the airline, and your own phone or tablet becomes the star of the show. On the rare charter using different aircraft, the setup can vary, but the safe assumption is a simple cabin without dedicated entertainment. If you enjoy scenery, window views over the Danish coastline and Nordic islands can be the best “programming” you’ll get.

Access and devices: how you’ll watch and listen

Because there’s no built‑in system, you access entertainment via your personal device in airplane mode. There’s no DAT app to install and no onboard portal to unlock, so anything you want—films, series, playlists, podcasts, e‑books, or offline games—should be downloaded before boarding. Power outlets and USB ports are not common on the ATR fleet, so conserving battery is wise; dim your screen and consider a small power bank if regulations allow. Wired or Bluetooth headphones both work with your own device, though remember to pair and preload content while you still have ground connectivity. For families, preloading kid‑friendly shows and a couple of offline games avoids frustration once the aircraft door closes.

Variety, quality, and cabin differences

With DAT’s minimalist approach, there’s no curated catalog to compare for variety or quality—what you experience is exactly what you bring. The airline operates a single‑class cabin on scheduled routes, so there are no class‑based differences in entertainment access or extras. You also won’t see brand tie‑ins or studio partnerships, meaning no sponsored box‑sets, no premium music channels, and no in‑flight games provided by the airline. On occasional charters or wet‑leases, equipment and amenities may differ; if you notice an unfamiliar interior, a quick check with the crew will tell you what’s available on that particular aircraft. Otherwise, expect a quiet, efficient flight where your own content fills the time between takeoff and landing.

Wi‑Fi, streaming, and connectivity

Wi‑Fi is generally not offered on DAT’s scheduled flights, and there’s no in‑flight streaming service to mirror content to your device. Plan to go fully offline: download episodes, playlists, and reading material over home or airport Wi‑Fi before you board. Messaging and calls won’t be available in the air, so let your contacts know you’ll be unreachable for a short while. If your itinerary includes a connection on another airline, remember that policies can change aircraft‑to‑aircraft; once on a different carrier, onboard Wi‑Fi or portals may appear. Until then, think of the cabin as a digital detox that you control with your own offline library.