Tips for travelling with special conditions:oversized luggage, pets, reduced mobility, minors, and pregnancy

What happens if I travel with oversized luggage or sports equipment? Can I travel with my pet? What should I consider if I or someone travelling with me has reduced mobility or special needs?

If you’ve asked yourself any of these questions while planning your trip, this article is for you.

We want to make your travel planning easier by providing clear, useful information so everything is simpler from the start. Keep in mind that although there are general rules, it’s always advisable to check each company’s conditions before purchasing your ticket, as requirements vary from one operator to another.

Travelling with Oversized Luggage

Transporting large items such as sports equipment, musical instruments, or overweight or oversized suitcases is possible both by plane and by train, but costs, conditions, and requirements vary depending on the mode of transport.

If you travel by plane…

Airlines consider special luggage any item that exceeds standard checked baggage dimensions (more than 158 cm when adding height + width + depth) or the permitted weight.

This type of luggage cannot go through automated screening systems and must be checked in separately at the counter.

For bicycles, surfboards, or large instruments, advance notice or reservation is usually required. Many airlines set a maximum weight of 32 kg per item, and heavier or irregularly shaped items may require special handling.

If you travel by train…

Rail transport is generally more flexible, although limits also apply. Special luggage such as golf clubs, skis, or folded or dismantled bicycles is allowed as long as it is properly packed and within the established dimensions. On some services, luggage may need to be labelled before boarding.

Useful tips:

• Check the airline’s policy before buying your ticket.
• Reserve space for special luggage in advance.
• Pack oversized items properly to protect them and make handling easier.
• Check size limits and designated storage areas.
• Always arrive at the airport with extra time.

Travelling with Reduced Mobility or Special Needs

This group includes travellers who use wheelchairs, have casts, mobility, vision or hearing impairments, or intellectual disabilities. Transport companies are required to assist, but this must be requested in advance.

If you travel by plane…

Free assistance may include help with check-in, security checks, boarding and disembarking, movement within the airport, and access to the seat. Airports and aircraft have adapted spaces and protocols for passengers travelling with their own wheelchairs, whether manual or electric. For passengers with casts, airlines may require certain conditions and, in some cases, medical documentation.

If you travel by train…

Rail operators usually offer assistance with boarding, ramps or lifting platforms, escorting passengers to their seats, and help when disembarking. Many trains have reserved seats, adapted spaces, and accessible toilets, although not all routes or stations offer the same level of accessibility.

Useful tips:

• Inform the company of special needs at the time of booking.
• Request assistance services in advance.
• Arrive earlier than usual to avoid rushing.
• Check station accessibility when travelling by train.
• Ask about transporting wheelchairs or technical aids.
• Carry medical reports if necessary.

Travelling with Minors

Travelling with children requires extra planning, but with the right information, the experience can be much smoother.

If you travel by plane…

Airlines allow minors to travel without issue and may offer priority boarding for families. Depending on the fare, young children may travel on an adult’s lap or in their seat. Strollers and car seats can usually be checked in free of charge. It is recommended that children carry their identification documents.

If you travel by train…

Train travel with children is often more comfortable, as security checks are less strict. Rail operators allow strollers and often offer reduced fares or free travel up to a certain age.

Useful tips:

• Always carry the child’s documentation.
• Arrive early, especially at airports.
• Check whether authorisation is required for international travel.

Unaccompanied Minors

It is increasingly common for children and teenagers to travel alone, but specific rules apply.

If a minor travels alone by plane…

Airlines offer unaccompanied minor (UM) services, mandatory up to age 12. The child is accompanied by airline staff from boarding to delivery to the authorised adult at the destination. Documentation and an additional fee are required.

If a minor travels alone by train…

The minimum age to travel alone by train is 14. Below that age, the child must be accompanied by an authorised adult. Train staff cannot take responsibility for the minor.

Useful tips:

• Check conditions before buying the ticket.
• Ensure the child carries a charged phone and contact numbers.
• Explain the travel process clearly to help them feel safe.

Travelling with Pets

Travelling with pets is possible but requires compliance with specific rules.

If you travel by plane…

Pets may travel in the cabin or in the hold, depending on size and weight. In the cabin, they must be in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. Larger animals travel in pressurised, climate-controlled compartments. Reservation and veterinary documentation are mandatory.

If you travel by train…

Rules are usually more flexible. Many operators allow small pets in carriers and, in some cases, dogs on a leash with a muzzle, provided a specific ticket is obtained.

Useful tips:

• Check conditions in advance.
• Confirm whether your pet needs a ticket.
• Use an approved carrier.
• Carry, leash, and muzzle when required.
• Bring updated health documentation.
• Help your pet adapt to the carrier before travelling.

Travelling During Pregnancy

Travelling during pregnancy is generally possible unless medically contraindicated.

If you travel by plane…

Up to week 28, no medical certificate is required. Thereafter, many airlines request a certificate. From week 36 onward, flying is not permitted.

If you travel by train…

Train travel is more comfortable and offers greater flexibility. There are no week-based restrictions, movement is easier, and no medical documentation is required.

Useful tips:

• Consult your doctor before travelling, especially if the pregnancy is advanced or high-risk.
• Bring medical reports as a precaution.
• Avoid long journeys.
• Choose an aisle seat to make movement easier, especially on flights.