Flying with a pet from Gosselies: how to plan your trip

A pet changes how you plan your departure

Flying with a dog or cat isn't just about booking a ticket. Between the drive, the parking and the shuttle to the terminal, each step calls for a bit more planning. Here's how to organise this journey smoothly, from the road all the way to Charleroi airport.

Before you hit the road

Your pet's paperwork

Before thinking about parking, think about your pet's documents. A European pet passport, an up-to-date vaccination record, and sometimes a health certificate depending on your destination. These documents are checked by the airline, not by the parking, but forgetting them can jeopardise the whole trip. Keep them somewhere accessible, not buried at the bottom of a checked bag.

Getting your pet used to the carrier

If your cat or small dog isn't used to a travel carrier, do a few trial runs before departure day. A stressed animal in the car, and then in the shuttle, makes the whole journey more complicated. A few short car rides with the carrier in the days beforehand are often enough to put them at ease.

The drive to the Gosselies parking

Plan a break before reaching the parking, especially if the drive is long. A pet that has had the chance to stretch its legs and relieve itself before entering the parking grounds will travel more calmly afterwards, during the wait and the shuttle ride.

On arrival, you'll be directed to a parking spot. Park the car, take your pet out on a leash or in its carrier, and take a moment to gather your belongings before heading to the shuttle pick-up point.

Taking the shuttle with a pet

Leash or carrier, depending on size

On the free shuttle connecting the parking to the terminal, dogs must stay on a leash, close to you. A cat or small pet travels in its carrier, kept closed for the entire ride. These simple precautions prevent any sudden movements in a space shared with other travellers.

A little extra time

Settling a pet into the shuttle, checking that the carrier is properly closed, reassuring a dog discovering this new environment: all of this takes a few minutes longer than a departure without a pet. This isn't the moment to be racing against the clock. Leave the parking a bit earlier than you would on your own, so you can handle these details without rushing.

At the terminal

Once at the airport, everything related to your pet, hold check-in, cabin travel or another option, depends entirely on the airline. This has nothing to do with the parking or the shuttle, but it often requires a stop at a dedicated counter. Check with your airline before departure day to find out what documents and equipment are required, carrier size, maximum weight, possible muzzle requirements.

A few mistakes to avoid

• Arriving at the parking without having let your pet out beforehand, after a long drive.
• Forgetting water and a collapsible bowl for the wait before boarding.
• Showing up with a carrier that's too small or unsuitable, which can cause problems at check-in.
• Underestimating the time needed to settle your pet into the shuttle, especially at times when other travellers are boarding at the same time.

On your return

The return trip works the other way around: the free shuttle from the Gosselies parking takes you back to your vehicle, pet included. After a flight, a dog or cat can be tired or disoriented. Keep it on a leash or in its carrier until you reach the car, and plan a short break before setting off again, especially if the return drive is long.

Booking your parking space

As with any departure, booking online at the Gosselies parking guarantees you a space on arrival, with confirmation by email. Travelling with a pet doesn't change this step: you book your spot like any other customer, then plan your schedule allowing for the few extra minutes a pet requires.

A team is on site during opening hours, every day of the week, to direct you to your parking spot and to the shuttle. For pricing details and booking terms, check the rates page on the website.