OpenSkies

How OpenSkies handled pet travel

OpenSkies, a former IAG/British Airways subsidiary, followed a conservative approach to animal transport on its transatlantic routes. In practice, that meant only trained, recognized assistance dogs were accepted in the cabin, while all other pets (including cats and non-assistance dogs) traveled as airline cargo through IAG Cargo’s Live Animals service. Pets were not accepted as checked baggage. This setup offered better temperature control and handling for animals, but it required extra planning and advance arrangements.

If you’re piecing together a historical trip record or arranging similar travel today with an IAG partner, the core principles still apply: assistance dogs in cabin, everything else via specialist cargo handling. It may feel like an extra step, yet it’s designed to keep animals secure and compliant across borders, especially on long-haul flights.

In the cabin: assistance dogs only

OpenSkies accepted properly trained assistance dogs (guide, hearing, or service dogs) to travel in the cabin free of charge. Your dog needed to remain harnessed at your feet, not occupy a seat, and be able to fit within your floor space without obstructing aisles. Advance notification and approval were essential so the crew could plan seating and safety arrangements. Emotional support animals were not treated as assistance dogs—only task-trained service dogs qualified.

For cabin travel, you were expected to bring proof of training/registration as applicable, plus all health and vaccination documents required by the origin and destination. On itineraries that involved a U.S. carrier segment, you might also be asked for the U.S. DOT service animal paperwork; carrying it proactively helps avoid surprises.

In the hold: pets via IAG Cargo

OpenSkies did not accept pets as checked baggage. Instead, cats and dogs were shipped as manifest cargo through IAG Cargo’s Live Animals program, which uses climate-controlled facilities and pet-qualified handlers. Bookings typically needed to be made several days in advance, and you’d drop off and collect your pet at the cargo terminal rather than the passenger check-in. The cargo team would confirm aircraft suitability, routing, and any temperature-related embargoes.

Sedation was discouraged (and often refused) because it can increase risks at altitude. Certain breeds—especially brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats—faced tighter restrictions or seasonal embargoes due to respiratory risk. When temperatures at origin, transit, or destination were extreme, shipments could be deferred for animal welfare.

Carriers, dimensions, and weight

For cargo, kennels had to be IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) compliant: rigid, well-ventilated on multiple sides, with a secure metal door, leak-proof base, and attached water/food bowls. The animal must be able to stand without touching the roof, turn around, and lie down comfortably. While there wasn’t a single “OpenSkies size chart,” acceptance depended on your kennel’s external dimensions and total weight relative to the aircraft’s hold door/compartment limits. Oversized kennels could require alternate routing or different aircraft—another reason to book early and verify fit with the cargo team.

Documents and vaccinations you needed

Pet travel to and from France, the EU, and the United States was document-driven. Expect to prove identity (microchip), vaccinations, and health status. As a simple checklist:

• Microchip compliant with ISO standards, matched to your documents
• Rabies vaccination within required timelines (and, where relevant, serology)
• EU Pet Passport or an official third‑country health certificate for EU entry/return
• U.S. entry documents (dogs must meet current CDC rules; cats may need a health certificate depending on state/airline)
• Recent veterinary health certificate/fit-to-fly letter, dated close to departure

Always verify destination-specific extras: for example, some countries require tapeworm treatment for dogs, import permits, or advance quarantine clearance. Regulations change—especially CDC requirements for dogs entering the U.S.—so cross-check the latest guidance before you book cargo space.

Fees, species limits, and route restrictions

Assistance dogs traveled in the cabin at no charge. Cargo fees for pets were quote-based, set by crate size/weight, route, handling, and any special services; you received a formal estimate from IAG Cargo at booking. Species acceptance was generally limited to domestic cats and dogs; primates, reptiles, and many birds were restricted or prohibited. Route and aircraft limitations applied, and heat or cold weather embargoes could temporarily suspend acceptance for animal welfare.

Preparation that makes a real difference

Good preparation reduces stress for both of you. Start kennel training early so the crate feels like a safe den rather than a surprise on departure day. Exercise your pet before drop-off, provide absorbent bedding, and avoid large meals for a few hours pre-flight while ensuring steady hydration. Label the kennel clearly with your contact details, feeding instructions, and a photo; secure the door with airline-approved fasteners only.

Build time buffers into your itinerary. Aim for direct flights when possible, or well-planned connections that keep ground time short. Keep printed and digital copies of every document in a dedicated folder. And if you’re traveling with an assistance dog, bring a sturdy harness, relief supplies, and a plan for airport relief areas at both ends of the journey.

A note about the EC code today

OpenSkies ceased operations in 2018. The IATA code EC is now used by easyJet Europe, whose policy is different: no pets are accepted in the cabin or hold, with the exception of recognized assistance dogs on eligible routes. If your booking shows an EC flight today, confirm the operating carrier and follow that airline’s current animal policy.

This guide reflects the way OpenSkies handled pets when it flew and the best practices that still apply. When in doubt, underline your planning with two calls: one to the operating airline and one to the cargo team—it’s the surest path to a smooth, animal-safe journey.

OpenSkies: Flying With Children and Infants

Before You Book: How EC Tickets Work Now

OpenSkies (IATA: EC) no longer operates regular passenger flights. If your itinerary shows the EC code, your journey is almost certainly flown by a partner or successor airline. In practice, the operating carrier’s rules apply to your family booking, seats, baggage, and services. This guide summarizes the family travel standards commonly used by OpenSkies when it flew—and what you can generally expect across European and transatlantic carriers today. Always check your e‑ticket to identify the operating carrier and confirm details before you travel.

Age Categories and Who Counts as a “Child”

Airlines follow IATA conventions: an infant is a child under 2 years old on the day of travel; a child is typically 2–11; an adult is 12+ for fare purposes. Infants may travel on an adult’s lap or in their own seat with an approved restraint; children 2+ occupy their own seat. You’ll be asked for proof of age—bring a passport and, if needed, a birth certificate. One adult may hold only one lap infant; if you’re traveling with two babies, the second must have their own seat. If your baby is very young, most airlines set a minimum age to fly and may ask for a medical note—check this early.

Seats and Ticket Rules for Infants

You choose between a lap-infant fare (no separate seat) and a seated infant (booked on a child fare). Lap infants share your seatbelt during cruise with a supplemental device where required; they can’t occupy an exit row, and some seat types with airbag belts may have restrictions. If you prefer a dedicated seat, use an approved car seat and place it—usually—in a window position so it doesn’t block egress. Bulkhead rows on long‑haul flights may offer bassinets; numbers are limited, weight/length limits apply, and assignments are never guaranteed until boarding. To sit together, select seats as early as your fare allows and reconfirm at check‑in; many airlines try to keep families together, but proactive selection is still the safest route.

Baggage Allowances for Children

A child with their own seat generally receives the cabin and checked baggage allowance of the fare purchased, just like an adult. For lap infants, allowances vary: you may not get a full checked bag, but most carriers let you bring a small diaper bag in addition to the adult’s carry‑on. Separate from your fare, many airlines carry essential baby items—typically one and one —free of charge. Small, foldable strollers can often go to the gate and be gate‑checked; larger prams usually need to be checked at the counter. Tag your gear clearly and remove accessories (cup holders, toys) before handing it over.

OpenSkies and the Avios ecosystem

OpenSkies (IATA: EC) no longer operates scheduled flights, but its loyalty world hasn’t vanished. As a British Airways subsidiary, OpenSkies tied recognition and rewards to the British Airways Executive Club and the shared Avios currency. If you once flew OpenSkies—or you’re deciding how to use or keep building those points—the rules and benefits live on through British Airways and the oneworld alliance. Think of it this way: your status is recognized through Executive Club, your points are Avios, and your network is oneworld.

Membership tiers and how to qualify

Executive Club has four core tiers: Blue, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. You move up by earning Tier Points within your membership year, and by flying a small number of “eligible flights” (generally BA- or Iberia-marketed/operated). The typical thresholds are: Bronze at 300 Tier Points or 25 eligible flights (with a minimum number of eligible BA/IB flights), Silver at 600 Tier Points or 50 eligible flights, and Gold at 1,500 Tier Points (again with eligible-flight minima). Blue is the entry level—great for pooling Avios and tracking progress—while higher tiers unlock recognition across oneworld as Ruby (Bronze), Sapphire (Silver), and Emerald (Gold).

There are invitation-only levels above Gold (like Gold Guest List), but most travelers will find the four main tiers cover the key benefits. What matters most is that Tier Points reset each year, while your Avios don’t expire as long as there’s qualifying account activity at least once every 36 months. That makes Avios a flexible, long-game currency even if your flying patterns change.

Earning Avios and Tier Points

You earn Avios on BA and oneworld flights based on distance, cabin, and fare—with tier bonuses for Bronze, Silver, and Gold on eligible tickets. Tier Points accrue per flight segment according to cabin and route, which is why thoughtfully chosen itineraries can speed status progress. Beyond flights, you can grow your balance through hotel partners, car rentals, retail portals, and (where available) co‑branded credit cards or bank point transfers into Avios.

If you like a quick overview, the main partner streams are:

• oneworld airlines (e.g., American, Iberia, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, JAL, Finnair, Alaska) and select non‑alliance partners like Aer Lingus and Vueling

A compact, premium‑focused fleet

If you ever flew OpenSkies (IATA: EC) between Paris Orly and New York, you’ll remember that the airline’s charm came from its deliberately small, boutique fleet. Across its 2008–2018 run, OpenSkies centered operations on the Boeing 757‑200, occasionally supplemented by a Boeing 767‑300ER for peak demand. The fleet was purpose‑built for a premium‑heavy transatlantic niche: fewer aircraft, higher comfort, and schedules aimed at business travelers. In practical terms, the airline typically operated just a handful of jets at any one time—often three to five—so aircraft utilization and reliability mattered as much as seat design.

• Core type: Boeing 757‑200 (ex‑British Airways and ex‑L’Avion) for daily Paris–New York service
• Supplemental capacity: Boeing 767‑300ER used at times on Orly–JFK when extra seats were needed

Cabins and configurations you would have found

OpenSkies’ 757‑200s were configured with a premium bias, most commonly in two or three cabins that emphasized comfort over density. The headline product was Biz Bed, featuring lie‑flat or angled‑lie‑flat seats depending on the airframe and period, paired with dedicated service and enhanced privacy for the long Atlantic crossing. Just behind, Prem Plus (the airline’s premium‑economy style cabin) offered wider seats and notably more pitch than standard economy, a sweet spot for travelers wanting comfort without the price of a flatbed. Some 757s also retained a compact economy cabin for flexibility, though in later years certain aircraft operated in two‑class layouts to deepen the premium proposition.

When OpenSkies used the 767‑300ER, it was primarily to add capacity while maintaining a familiar onboard experience. These wide‑bodies arrived with refreshed interiors aligned to the brand’s premium ethos, including a larger flatbed cabin than the 757 could accommodate. You’d notice the difference most in cabin width and storage, but the service style remained intentionally consistent so frequent flyers could switch aircraft types without sacrificing the feel of the product. For many regulars, the 767 rotation simply meant more seats in the cabin they already preferred.

Newest and oldest aircraft in service

OpenSkies did not take factory‑fresh aircraft; it specialized in well‑maintained, refurbished jets sourced from within IAG and via the acquisition of L’Avion. That meant its airframes dated back to earlier 757 production years, while the examples—though pre‑owned—joined the brand after comprehensive interior refits. The airline invested in cabin refreshes, premium seating, and IFE updates so the onboard experience felt newer than the airframe age might suggest. Many 757s also wore blended winglets, a visible upgrade that improved range and fuel burn while giving the aircraft a crisper look.

Important note: OpenSkies (EC) has *ceased operations (2018); the details below reflect its inflight dining when it flew transatlantic routes and are shared for reference.*

What to expect by route and cabin

OpenSkies specialized in nonstop flights between Paris-Orly and New York, so meal service was tailored to a single, long-haul profile. In Biz Bed (business), you were welcomed with a drink and a multi-course, restaurant-style service, followed by a lighter second service before landing. Daytime westbound flights typically featured a hearty lunch or dinner and a pre-arrival refreshment, while overnight eastbounds prioritized a quicker supper and an early breakfast to maximize rest. In Prem Plus, the premium economy cabin, you could expect an upgraded hot meal with salad, bread, and dessert presented on larger trays, alongside a pre-landing snack and continuous beverages. The Economy experience centered on a complimentary hot meal with sides and dessert, plus tea or coffee and a lighter second service, with extra water runs throughout the flight. Menus rotated seasonally, and choices were limited compared with hub carriers, but the boutique approach kept the service unhurried and personable.

Special dietary needs and allergies

As a British Airways subsidiary, OpenSkies honored the standard catalog of special meals, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, diabetic, low-sodium, halal, kosher, and child/infant options. Requests were accepted in advance and best made at least 24–48 hours before departure, with kosher often requiring the longest lead time. If you had severe food allergies, the airline and its caterers tried to accommodate, but like most carriers it could not guarantee an allergen‑free environment or the absence of trace nuts. Bringing your own sealed snacks and wiping tray tables is a sensible backup, and carrying necessary medication is essential. Cabin crews were usually happy to check labels or avoid serving specific snacks in your row when notified early.

Food and beverage quality

The hallmark of the product was a French-leaning menu—think classic mains, simple seasonal sides, and cheeses—paired with a compact but thoughtful wine list. In Biz Bed, courses were plated in stages and wines were poured at the seat, often including a Champagne or quality sparkling. Prem Plus bridged the gap with heartier entrées and better glassware, while Economy still offered balanced hot meals rather than buy‑on‑board. Soft drinks, juices, tea, and coffee were complimentary, and water was proactively offered on longer sectors. Presentation leaned more boutique than mass-market, trading breadth of choice for a calmer pace and friendly attention.

What to expect onboard

OpenSkies keeps its in‑flight entertainment simple, bilingual, and easy to use. Rather than a full seatback system, most EC services rely on airline‑issued tablets loaded with films, series, music, and a few extras. The library leans on English and French options, mixing recent releases with well‑known favorites that fit a transatlantic flight. While the OpenSkies brand has been integrated within partner operations, aircraft and hardware can vary, so you may see small differences depending on who operates your particular flight. If your itinerary shows “operated by,” it’s worth checking the other airline’s page for the latest specifics.

What you’ll watch and hear

You can expect a compact but thoughtful catalog of movies—Hollywood hits, European cinema, and a handful of festival winners—often with both English and French audio or subtitles. TV shows tend to be short box‑set samplers and comedy or drama episodes that work well when you dip in and out. For music, look for curated playlists and genre stations, plus occasional spoken‑word selections like interviews or audiobooks. Most tablets also include a few casual games for quick play. The mix is regularly refreshed, with seasonal and family‑friendly picks that make it easy to find something for everyone.

How you access it, by cabin

Instead of built‑in screens, crew members distribute the personal tablets after takeoff, along with a stand and standard headphones. You don’t need to download an app—the content is preloaded—so you can start watching right away. If you prefer your own gear, bring wired 3.5 mm headphones for the tablet’s jack; Bluetooth listening isn’t guaranteed. Power availability can vary by aircraft, but it’s generally more reliable in premium cabins than in standard economy, so plan your battery accordingly.

In Business (Biz Bed), the tablet is included and typically paired with noise‑canceling headsets for clearer sound. Premium Economy (Prem Plus) receives the same library with comfortable over‑ear headphones. In Economy, tablets are provided on request—sometimes in limited numbers and, on certain flights, for a small fee—so ask early if you’re keen to use one. The content library is largely the same across cabins; the main differences are comfort, headset quality, and access priority.

Connectivity and partnerships