Small Planet Airlines

Before you book: about P7 today

Small Planet Airlines (IATA: P7) ceased operations in 2018, so there is no active pet policy to follow today. If you see P7 on an itinerary, it usually means a charter package or legacy reference where the flight is actually operated by another airline. In that case, the operating carrier’s rules control everything about animal transport—approvals, sizes, fees, and documentation. Always check the “operated by” line on your ticket and get written confirmation before you assume a pet can fly.

For package holidays and ad‑hoc charters, approvals are coordinated through the tour operator or broker, and space for animals is limited. You’ll typically need to request pet carriage at least 48–72 hours before departure, sometimes earlier in peak season. If the operating airline declines animals on that flight, treat it as a hard stop. Certified assistance dogs remain an exception under European law, but they still require advance notice and documentation.

Cabin vs. hold: what to expect

On many European charter flights, only small cats and dogs are considered for the cabin, and some carriers don’t accept pets at all. When allowed, your companion must stay inside a closed carrier under the seat for the entire flight; numbers are capped per aircraft, so first‑come approvals matter. Routes to or from the UK and some islands often permit only assistance dogs in the cabin due to border rules. Sedation is generally discouraged because it can affect breathing at altitude.

Larger animals sometimes travel in the heated, pressurized hold if the operating airline offers this service. Expect seasonal embargoes in very hot or cold weather and extra restrictions for brachycephalic (snub‑nosed) breeds. Charters may decline hold animals altogether on short‑turn, high‑load leisure flights for safety or timing reasons. If in doubt, ask early and plan alternatives so you’re not stranded on departure day.

Carriers and weight: typical limits to confirm

For the cabin, most airlines require a soft, ventilated, leak‑proof carrier that fits fully under the seat. A common reference size is around 55 × 40 × 23 cm, with a combined pet‑plus‑carrier weight cap of about 5–8 kg, but you must confirm the exact numbers with the operating carrier. Your pet must be able to stand and turn comfortably, and remain completely inside—no heads or paws out—through taxi, takeoff, and landing. Usually it’s one carrier per passenger and per seat; some airlines accept two tiny littermates in one carrier if within the weight limit, but only with pre‑approval.

For the hold, use an IATA‑compliant rigid crate sized so your pet can stand, turn, and lie naturally. Fit a secure metal‑bar door, fixed fasteners, absorbent bedding, and dual water bowls you can top up at check‑in. Remove wheels, add “Live Animals” labels and your contact details, and consider cable ties (staff may apply seals after inspection). Total weight limits vary widely—often 32–75 kg including crate—and must be cleared in advance.

Paperwork: vaccines and certificates

Within the EU/Schengen area, dogs and cats typically travel on an EU Pet Passport showing an ISO‑compatible microchip and a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before departure. Some destinations (Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and the UK) require tapeworm treatment for dogs 24–120 hours before arrival. For non‑EU trips, expect a veterinary health certificate, import permits, and sometimes embassy endorsements; carry originals and a spare copy. Border officers and airlines can deny boarding if documents are incomplete or a microchip can’t be read, so verify details a week before you fly.

Assistance dogs have specific training and identification requirements and usually travel free of charge, but advance notification is mandatory. If you’re transiting a third country, remember that its entry rules also apply—even if you never leave the airport. Build in time to resolve any paperwork questions well before check‑in.

Fees and restrictions by route and species

With P7 no longer operating, fees are set entirely by the airline actually flying your segment. Expect a cabin pet fee roughly in the 30–100 EUR range each way, with higher charges for hold transport (often 70–200 EUR+), payable at booking or check‑in. Assistance dogs are typically exempt from fees. Fees don’t include excess‑baggage charges if your checked bags exceed allowance.

Species restrictions are common: many airlines won’t carry rodents, rabbits, ferrets, reptiles, insects, or most birds, and some restrict snub‑nosed breeds for safety. UK‑bound flights often allow only assistance dogs that meet the Pet Travel Scheme requirements. Weather‑related embargoes can appear with little notice; if temperatures spike, animals may be refused for their safety. In those cases, a specialized pet shipper or ground transport may be the kinder option.

Preparing your pet for a smooth flight

Start conditioning your pet to the carrier a couple of weeks before departure so it feels like a safe den, not a surprise. Add a familiar blanket, line the base with an absorbent pad, and keep pre‑flight meals light while offering water normally. Pack a small kit—leash, wipes, spare pad, and a measured portion of food for delays—and avoid new sedatives unless your vet insists in writing. On the day, arrive early so staff can measure the carrier, verify documents, and collect any fees without rushing.

One‑minute checklist

• Confirm the operating carrier and obtain written pet approval (space is limited).
• Declare species, breed, and route; ask about cabin vs. hold availability and any embargoes.
• Measure the carrier and check under‑seat space on your specific aircraft/seat.
• Weigh pet plus carrier to ensure you’re inside the limit.
• Gather documents: microchip, rabies proof, EU Pet Passport or health certificate, tapeworm treatment if required.
• Prepare an IATA‑compliant crate for hold travel; label and secure it.
• Choose flights at cooler times of day; allow generous connection times.
• Arrive early, pay fees, and remind staff you’re traveling with an animal.
• Keep ID on both pet and carrier, with your mobile number visible.

In short, since Small Planet Airlines no longer operates, the golden rule is simple: identify the operating airline and follow its pet policy to the letter—then prepare your companion so the journey feels calm, safe, and predictable.

What to know about Small Planet (P7)

Small Planet Airlines (IATA: P7) operated charter flights across Europe and beyond until 2018. You may still encounter the P7 code in tour-operator materials or historical schedules; in practice, any current flight will be flown by a different airline. That matters because the rules you follow are those of the airline actually operating the flight—look for the operated by line on your e‑ticket. The guidance below reflects how family travel typically worked on P7-era short/medium‑haul charters and what most present-day charter operators still do. Use it as a friendly checklist, and always confirm details with your tour operator or the operating carrier before you pack.

Age categories and how they’re applied

Most charter carriers, including P7 when it flew, used standard age brackets: an infant is under 2 years old on the day of each flight segment, a child is 2–11 years, and an adult is 12 years and above. That “on the day of travel” rule is important—if your baby turns two between the outbound and return, a paid seat is required for the return. Only one lap infant is allowed per adult; if you’re traveling with two babies, one must have their own seat. Children and adults usually share the same cabin safety rules, but children can’t sit in exit rows. Keep an eye on documentation too—some destinations may ask for proof of age for lap infants.

Seats and tickets for infants: lap vs. own seat

If you choose a lap infant arrangement, your baby doesn’t occupy a seat and will be secured with a crew‑provided infant loop belt where allowed by the operating carrier’s procedures. Lap infants can’t sit in exit rows, and bulkhead spots sometimes have airbags in the seatbelts, so seating is assigned with safety in mind. A window seat for the accompanying adult often works best to keep little hands away from the aisle. Remember that lap infants don’t receive a separate carry‑on allocation on many charters, so pack a compact diaper bag that can fit under the seat.

Buying a separate seat gives you more space and the option to use an approved child restraint. Many families find this the most comfortable solution on longer sectors or at nap time. Seat selection on charter flights is frequently a paid extra; if you’re traveling as a group, it’s worth reserving seats together early. Whatever you choose, check the fare rules: true “child discounts” are limited on charter tickets, and infant pricing is often a fixed fee plus taxes rather than a percentage.

Baggage allowances for children

What to know about P7’s loyalty program

Small Planet Airlines (IATA: P7) was a European leisure carrier that primarily operated charter flights for tour operators. It ceased operations in 2018, and during its active years it did not run a traditional frequent flyer scheme. In practical terms, that meant there were no member accounts, no mileage balances, and no elite status to pursue. Important:Small Planet Airlines did not have a frequent flyer program, so loyalty considerations were tied to the tour operator or your payment method rather than the airline. If you encounter P7 on old itineraries, think of it as a non‑earning carrier from a loyalty perspective.

Membership tiers and how to qualify

Because there was no program, there were no published tiers or qualification rules to follow. You didn’t enroll, track status miles, or aim for thresholds like Silver or Gold. Any priority services or extras you received were either purchased as ancillary options or provided by your holiday company as part of a premium package. When perks appeared, they were bundled by the tour operator—not granted by airline status. In short, there were no elite levels to climb and nothing to qualify for beyond the fare or package you bought.

Earning miles and partner accrual

Flights operated by P7 did not accrue miles or points with any airline because P7 wasn’t part of an alliance and had no frequent flyer partners. The carrier also didn’t credit to bank or coalition programs directly. If you booked a package holiday, the closest equivalent to “earning” often came from your tour operator’s own scheme, which might award vouchers or future‑booking discounts rather than airline miles. Many travelers still found value by paying with a rewards credit card, collecting bank points independent of the airline itself. That remains your best approach whenever you’re flying a charter carrier without loyalty partnerships.

Redeeming rewards and upgrades

With no airline currency issued, there was nothing to redeem on P7 for award seats, upgrades, partner flights, or non‑flight rewards. Transfers from other programs weren’t possible because there was no partner network or alliance bridge. When extra‑legroom seats, seat selection, or priority services were available, they were simply cash add‑ons at booking or the airport. Travelers who held bank or card points could still redeem through their card portal or as statement credits, but those redemptions were with the bank—not with P7. Today, with the airline no longer operating, redemptions toward P7 are not an option.

Fleet at a glance

Small Planet Airlines (IATA: P7) was a European leisure and charter specialist that standardized on the Airbus A320 family. Although the airline ceased operations in late 2018, its fleet is still interesting to look back on because it was a textbook example of a focused, single-type strategy. At its peak, across subsidiaries in Lithuania, Poland, Germany (and briefly Italy and Cambodia), the group operated roughly 25–30 short- and medium‑haul jets, all A320-200 and A321-200 models on lease. That tight focus gave P7 flexibility for seasonal tour-operator demand and simplified training, maintenance, and crew rostering. If you ever spotted a P7 aircraft on a Mediterranean runway in summer, chances are it was one of these familiar Airbus narrowbodies.

Workhorses and cabin setups

The Airbus A320-200 was the backbone, serving the majority of routes to the Canary Islands, Greece, Spain, and beyond. Cabins were single-class in a 3–3 layout with slimline seats designed to keep turnaround times quick and operating costs low. Typical seating was dense but practical, with a seat pitch that generally fell in the 28–31 inch range depending on the tour operator’s needs and the airframe. The A321-200 handled higher-demand departures from major hubs, bringing extra seats without changing the overall onboard concept.

• A320-200: usually around 180 seats, single-class
• A321-200: usually 215–220 seats, single-class

You wouldn’t find seatback screens here; instead, the airline leaned on simple, lightweight cabins, occasional portable devices for content on charter programs, and buy‑on‑board or pre‑ordered meals arranged through tour operators.

Newest and oldest aircraft in service

Because P7 sourced aircraft from lessors rather than ordering new from Airbus, the fleet was a mix of well‑proven airframes. The oldest jets in service dated back to the late 1990s, while the newest were early‑ to mid‑2010s builds that arrived as the airline expanded. That meant you could step onto an A320 with many lives behind it—ex‑mainline carriers were common—or a comparatively fresh frame that still carried newer cabin fittings and updated avionics. Either way, the airline kept interiors consistent so the experience felt familiar no matter the registration painted on the tail.

What was next (and why it didn’t happen)

A practical snapshot

Small Planet Airlines (IATA: P7) operated as a European leisure charter carrier until it ceased operations in 2018. Because most flights were arranged by tour operators, the food service you experienced often depended on what your package included or what you chose to add before departure. Think straightforward, travel‑day friendly choices rather than elaborate dining, with a focus on reliability and value. This guide explains how meals generally worked on P7 so you can set the right expectations when reading older itineraries—or when comparing to the airline now operating your replacement flight. Where details varied by route or contract, that variability is noted for clarity.

Onboard meal format by flight length and class

Cabins were single‑class economy, so meal service did not change by seat type; it changed with flight duration and what your tour operator arranged. On short European sectors, food was typically buy‑on‑board, with a compact menu of snacks and packaged sweets, plus soft drinks, tea, and coffee. On longer holiday routes (for example, to the Canary Islands or North Africa), the buy‑on‑board range was broader, and a pre‑ordered hot meal could be available depending on the contract. Some packages included a light snack, but this was not universal, and many travelers chose to supplement with their own non‑liquid snacks after security. There were no true long‑haul flights, so you wouldn’t see multi‑course trays—just practical, single‑tray hot meals when pre‑ordered and a consistent snack/beverage selection otherwise.

Special dietary accommodations

Accommodation for dietary needs was possible primarily through advance request, because only limited special meals were loaded without a pre‑order. On flights where hot meals were offered, caterers commonly supported a small set of alternatives, while religiously certified meals were not reliably available due to station‑by‑station catering. If you have severe allergies, P7 could not guarantee an allergen‑free environment, so bringing sealed, safe snacks was the most dependable strategy. Always confirm with your tour operator 48–72 hours before departure; last‑minute changes were rarely possible. For context, special meal options typically included:

• Vegetarian (lacto‑ovo)
• Vegan
• Gluten‑free / wheat‑free
• Lactose‑free / dairy‑free
• Diabetic / low‑sugar
• Child meal (simple, familiar items)

Quality and variety of food and beverages

What to expect on board

Small Planet Airlines (IATA: P7) operated as a charter-focused carrier and ceased flights in 2018, so the experience described here reflects its typical setup during those years. Entertainment was deliberately simple: you wouldn’t find individual seatback screens, and content—when provided—was minimal. Some aircraft featured overhead drop-down monitors used primarily for the safety briefing and, on select flights, short video loops or a moving map. There were no full-length movies, curated TV box sets, or interactive game catalogs. Think of it as a classic, no-frills cabin where you bring what you want to watch, read, or play.

Access and devices: how you’d tune in

Because there were no seatback screens and no streaming portal, access hinged on your personal devices. The airline did not offer an app-based platform, so offline content on your phone, tablet, or e-reader was the most reliable plan. Power outlets and USB charging were not a guaranteed feature across the A320 fleet, meaning battery management mattered on longer holiday sectors. If overhead monitors were present, they were shared screens and not interactive, so you couldn’t control programming or audio channels. In short, your best experience came from content you downloaded in advance and headphones you brought yourself.

Variety, quality, and cabin differences

The variety of onboard entertainment supplied by the airline itself was limited and largely the same for everyone. You might encounter a basic moving map, a short travel feature, or occasional light programming on overhead screens, but not a rotating library of new releases. The cabin was a single-class economy layout; even if you booked extra-legroom rows, the entertainment offering didn’t change. Quality therefore depended on what you curated: high-resolution films on your own device, a well-built playlist, and a comfortable pair of headphones went a long way. For families, preloaded kids’ shows and offline games ensured a smoother flight.

Wi‑Fi and streaming availability

Onboard connectivity was not part of the P7 experience. There was no Wi‑Fi, no paid messaging, and no airline streaming server to mirror content to your device. If you’re used to browsing or streaming in the air, plan for an offline setup: download shows, music, podcasts, maps, and reading material before boarding. Since roaming starts only after landing, offline tools also help you bridge the time between arrival and airport Wi‑Fi.

Partnerships and aircraft variations