Some Tips & Tricks to Follow to Make the Journey Easy for Both of You

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A detailed review of the pet policies of airlines before travelling.

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Don’t forget to vaccinate your pet and obtain the fit-to-fly certificates from the vet before flying.

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Choose an airline-approved carrier and add familiar items inside.

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Follow the regular feeding routines of your pet to avoid discomfort.

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Try to arrive early at the airport as pet check-ins usually take more time.

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Carry essentials like wipes, treats, and potty pads.

Major Airline Pet Travel Policies

Airline	Cabin Pets	Checked Pets	Cargo Pets	Typical Weight Limits	Typical Fees
Qatar Airways	❌ Not allowed (only service animals)	✅ Yes (in hold)	✅ Yes (cargo)	Hold up to ~32–75 kg including crate	~USD 200–450+
Emirates	❌ Not allowed (except guide dogs)	❌ Generally no checked pets	✅ Yes (SkyCargo)	Cargo weight varies by route	~USD 500–900+
Air India	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Cabin ≤10 kg; Hold 10–32 kg; Cargo >32 kg	Cabin INR 7,500 / USD 140–160; Hold INR 16,000 / USD 350
American Airlines	✅ Yes	⚠️ Limited (mostly not allowed)	✅ Yes	Cabin ~9–10 kg incl. carrier	Cabin ~USD 125–150; Cargo varies
Delta Air Lines	✅ Yes	❌	✅ Yes (Delta Cargo)	Cabin ~8–10 kg	Cabin ~USD 95–200; Cargo varies
Lufthansa	✅ Yes	❌ (but pets allowed in hold as AVIH)	✅ Yes	Cabin ≤8 kg; Hold up to ~75 kg	Cabin €50–€110; Hold €160–€380
British Airways	❌ Not allowed in cabin	❌ No checked pets	✅ Yes (IAG Cargo)	Cargo only	Cargo often £800–£3,500+
Air France	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Cabin ≤8 kg; Hold 8–75 kg	Cabin €40–€200; Hold €80–€400
Turkish Airlines	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	⚠️ Cargo if >50 kg or special cases	Cabin ≤8 kg; Hold ≤50 kg	Cabin ~USD 120+; Hold ~USD 200–350
KLM Royal Dutch	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Cabin ≤8 kg; Hold up to ~75 kg	Cabin €75–€400; Hold €150–€400
Air Canada	✅ Yes	⚠️ Some aircraft only	✅ Yes	Cabin ~10 kg	Cabin ~USD 100–120; Cargo varies
Singapore Airlines	❌ Not allowed	❌ Not allowed	✅ Yes (cargo only)	Cargo only	Cargo varies
United Airlines	✅ Yes	❌	✅ Yes (PetSafe)	Cabin ~8–10 kg	Cabin ~USD 125–150; Cargo varies
JetBlue	✅ Yes	❌	❌	Cabin ~9 kg incl. carrier	Cabin ~USD 125
Alaska Airlines	✅ Yes	⚠️ Limited	✅ Yes	Cabin ~8–10 kg	Cabin ~USD 100; Cargo varies
Southwest Airlines	✅ Yes (domestic only)	❌	❌	Cabin only	~USD 95
Spirit Airlines	✅ Yes	❌	❌	Cabin only	~USD 125
Frontier Airlines	✅ Yes	❌	❌	Cabin only	~USD 99
Virgin Atlantic	❌ (only service dogs)	❌	⚠️ Limited cargo via partners	Cargo only	Cargo varies

Cabin Pet Travel Rules

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Eligible Pets for Cabin Travel

Airlines usually allow you to carry small dogs and cats in the cabin.

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Calm Behavior Requirement

Pet should be calm inside the airline-approved soft-sided carrier.

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Under-Seat Carrier Placement

The carrier must be placed and fit under the seat in front of you.

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Non-Aggressive and Odor-Free Pets

Pets must remain calm, non-aggressive, and odour-free during the flight.

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Limited Cabin Pet Availability

Limited cabin pet slots — booking early is essential.

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Cabin Weight Restriction

Weight limit – 7–10 kg (including carrier).

0Standard Cabin Carrier Dimensions

• (Typical sizes approved — exact limits vary by airline)
• Soft-sided carrier: 18” x 11” x 11” (45 x 28 x 28 cm)
• Hard-sided carrier:  17” x 12” x 8” (43 x 30 x 20 cm)
• Carrier must have proper ventilation and should not leak.
•  Pet must be able to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.

Checked & Cargo Pet Travel	International Travel Requirements
Medium and large-sized dogs mostly travel in the aircraft hold.	Many countries require advance notice for pet arrival.
IATA-approved crate for dogs or other pets should generally be made up of hard plastic & secure metal bolts.	Some destinations need import permits (e.g., UAE, Singapore, Australia).
Cargo is temperature-controlled and pressurized on most major airlines.	Some countries require quarantine on arrival.
Some airlines do not allow checked pets during extreme weather conditions.	Microchip implantation is mandatory for most international routes.
Sedation for your pets is not recommended due to safety reasons.	Rabies vaccination must follow destination-specific timelines.
Fees depend on weight + size of crate + route.	Pets often need an ISO-compliant microchip.

Documents & Vaccinations

•  Valid passport for the pet (if applicable).
• Vaccination certificate (usually >21 or >30 days old).
• Microchip certificate.
• Health certificate issued by a licensed vet (typically <10 days old).
• Fit-to-fly certificate.
• Import permit (if required by the destination).·        
• Deworming records (some countries require specific timing).

Restricted & Banned Breeds

Snub-nosed/brachycephalic breeds often face restrictions due to breathing risks:

1.  Bulldogs (English, French)	2. Pugs	3. Boston Terriers	4. Shih Tzus
5. Persian & Himalayan cats	6.Large / strong breeds sometimes restricted or require special crates:	7. Rottweiler	8. Doberman
9. Pitbull / American Bully	10. Mastiff breeds	11.Cane Corso	12. Tosa Inu
13.   Country-specific bans apply in places like the UK, Singapore, Australia, and UAE.

Pet Travel Packing Checklist

Airline-approved carrier or crate	Food & collapsible bowl
Absorbent pee pads	Pet wipes & cleaning cloth
Pet ID tag + microchip	Copy of all documents + digital backups
Leash & harness (not allowed inside carrier)	Comfort toy or blanket
Medication (if prescribed)	Extra water bottle

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 Disclaimer :Pet travel rules change frequently depending on airline policies, government regulations, and destination country requirements. Always check with your airline and official government portals before booking your trip.