Flying into France, then driving over into the UK

That option really appeals to me, because I'd love to keep my chihuahua in the cabin with me--but, since this would be my first entry into the UK on my spouse visa (which hasn't been issued yet--I'm just doing all of this in theory at the moment), would that affect anything?

Do I need to be coming directly from the US into the UK for my initial entry clearance--or does that not matter?

It doesn't matter as long as you don't fly in through Ireland (Republic of).

Thanks, geeta!  I thought that was the case.

Hello, 

I know this is an old thread but did you take this route as I am thinking of doing it with my cat as UK wont let me fly in with cat in cabin 

Thanks

Has anyone actually done this? We were considering it, but now we're thinking of flying into Amsterdam and then taking a ferry into the UK from Amsterdam and then driving.

My friend did it a few years ago, I would think Amsterdam might be further in terms of a ferry ride? 

I did it a few years ago, but I can't recall.

Has anyone actually done this? We were considering it, but now we're thinking of flying into Amsterdam and then taking a ferry into the UK from Amsterdam and then driving.

I didn't go through Europe but I do know that it has been done.

How heavy is your cat?

Air France which I just took a look at (as I think that they are often used for the purpose) have a weight restriction for cabin travel.

Cat plus container would have to weigh less than 6kg or 13.2lb which could rule this option out for you. I haven't looked at any other airlines but I'd be surprised if they didn't have similar criteria.

http://www.airfrance.co.uk/US/en/common/guidevoyageur/pratique/animal_cabine_airfrance.htm

If you meet the criteria though and don't mind going a little out of your way, the two obvious advantages are that a-the animal is with you in cabin and b-it's very much less expensive.

http://www.airfrance.co.uk/US/en/common/guidevoyageur/pratique/animal_tarifs_airfrance.htm

Note that you would still be required to follow the required steps to enter the UK; microchip, rabies shot, paperwork etc.

Ahhh, AirFrance into France, that is something to consider! I was also thinking about IcelandAir, they would be in cargo, but charged as excess baggage. I am just not sure how the layover in Iceland would work.....have to look into that a bit more.
My cat & dog are both around 6 pounds, but I almost think it would be easier for my guys to be in cargo, with dim lighting and just the hum of the engines rather than being with me & DH up above, as lights would be on and off, people talking and walking around, I don't imagine they would be allowed out of their crates!
My dog is used to her crate anyway, as soon as it is bedtime she trots right into her crate and sleeps there the whole night, the cat, well, she needs a bit more coaxing!
Sigh, it is so expensive for just one animal, doing it times two along with getting me over is a huge amount of scary money so if it can be done for less, without too much stress to the animals or me, I am for it! 

Ahhh, AirFrance into France, that is something to consider! I was also thinking about IcelandAir, they would be in cargo, but charged as excess baggage. I am just not sure how the layover in Iceland would work.....have to look into that a bit more.
My cat & dog are both around 6 pounds, but I almost think it would be easier for my guys to be in cargo, with dim lighting and just the hum of the engines rather than being with me & DH up above, as lights would be on and off, people talking and walking around, I don't imagine they would be allowed out of their crates!
My dog is used to her crate anyway, as soon as it is bedtime she trots right into her crate and sleeps there the whole night, the cat, well, she needs a bit more coaxing!
Sigh, it is so expensive for just one animal, doing it times two along with getting me over is a huge amount of scary money so if it can be done for less, without too much stress to the animals or me, I am for it! 

Oooh, tinies!

As I understand it, with Air France you would also be able to fly them in the hold and be charged only as excess baggage direct to France, which sounds better than having to do a layover in Iceland.

I think you make a very good point too about the advantage of not having them in the cabin and ours (2 cats) were just fine after traveling as cargo, they didn't even sulk with me at the other end which I had fully expected!

To get the cat used to the crate.... nip baby! ...catnip, the vet's idea.....genius!
When I brought the crates home, the cats were terrified of them, ran and hid just at the sight of them but I sprinkled a little catnip inside and they were practically living in them after 48 hours. Bingo!

Oooh, tinies!

As I understand it, with Air France you would also be able to fly them in the hold and be charged only as excess baggage direct to France, which sounds better than having to do a layover in Iceland.

I think you make a very good point too about the advantage of not having them in the cabin and ours (2 cats) were just fine after traveling as cargo, they didn't even sulk with me at the other end which I had fully expected!

To get the cat used to the crate.... nip baby! ...catnip, the vet's idea.....genius!
When I brought the crates home, the cats were terrified of them, ran and hid just at the sight of them but I sprinkled a little catnip inside and they were practically living in them after 48 hours. Bingo!

Yes, tinies!  I have been there done that with big dogs, I do love em , but life is so much easier in miniature!

I shall take your advice for using catnip, yay for catnip the magic herb for cats!!

I was looking at flights for October into Paris, just to get an idea of prices and wandering round the internet & UKY to get more info on moving the pets over... As I understand it, the bulk of the cost is the custom/airport fees at Heathrow?
So really, I could fly into any EU airport as long as I get the pets into the UK within the tapeworm treatment window and not have to pay those fees? But then again, wouldn't custom fees have to be paid if I landed in Paris or Munich or Amsterdam with a dog and a cat.....sigh 

I could be completely wrong, as I was starting to see double after a while and am really just thinking out loud so to speak  but this is starting to look like a good/less expensive option to me........? But if it is, then why haven't more people done it! Ugh.
 So even though say, the flight into Paris might cost a little more, it might still end up being far cheaper as I would not have to pay the custom fees for both animals in the UK, just pay the fare on the train or ferry to get them into the UK?

Hmmm.....I am slowly trying to make heads or tails of all this and there is a real possibility that I am heading towards making this pet move more difficult then it should be.......
I am really going to have to start making lists (can't go wrong with a good list) and making phone calls 

 I am sure I will be back again asking for advice on how to get my little lovelies to their new home