Airline Pet Travel Rules: What Travelers Should Know
A general guide covering cabin, checked, and cargo pet travel based on publicly available airline policies
Some Tips & Tricks to Follow to Make the Journey Easy for Both of You
Travelers are encouraged to review airline pet travel policies carefully before booking to avoid delays or rejections. This guide also helps explain flying with pets airline rules so travelers know what to expect before booking. Vaccinating your pet and obtaining health certificates before flying is generally required.
Choose an airline-approved carrier and add familiar items inside.
Follow the regular feeding routines of your pet to avoid discomfort.
Arriving early at the airport is recommended, as pet check-ins may take additional time.
Carry essentials like wipes, treats, and potty pads.
Examples of Airline Pet Travel Policies
Based on publicly available airline pet travel policies. Rules may vary by aircraft, route, and destination.
| Airline | Cabin Pets | Checked Pets | Cargo Pets | Typical Weight Limits | Example Fee Ranges |
| 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 |
Fees vary by airline, route, and pet size. Travelers should confirm final charges with the airline before flying.In some cases, pet-related charges may be listed separately or alongside standard airline baggage fees.
Travelers should always verify airline pet travel policies by airline before finalizing their booking.
In-Cabin Pet Travel Rules (General Guidelines)
Pet travel policies vary by airline. Understanding the difference between cabin, checked, and cargo pet travel can help travelers prepare accordingly.
Eligible Pets for Cabin Travel
Airlines usually allow you to carry small dogs and cats in the cabin.
Calm Behavior Requirement
Pet should be calm inside the airline-approved soft-sided carrier.
Under-Seat Carrier Placement
The carrier must be placed and fit under the seat in front of you, similar to general carry-on and checked baggage rules. Seat selection and upgrades may affect under-seat space availability when traveling with pets.
Non-Aggressive and Odor-Free Pets
Pets must remain calm, non-aggressive, and odour-free during the flight.
Limited Cabin Pet Availability
Limited cabin pet slots — booking early is essential.
Cabin Weight Restriction
Weight limit – 7–10 kg (including carrier).
Standard 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.
Always confirm airline-approved pet carrier size requirements as dimensions vary by airline.
| 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. |
Larger pets typically travel as checked baggage or cargo. Reviewing airline-specific cargo pet travel guidelines before booking is recommended.
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).
International routes may require additional paperwork, so reviewing international pet travel documentation requirements is strongly recommended.
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. |
Restrictions vary globally, so travelers should confirm banned dog and cat breeds by country before planning their journey.
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 |
A well-prepared checklist improves safety and comfort, especially when following a complete pet travel packing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can my pet sit on my lap during the flight?
Ans. No. Pets must always remain inside the carrier.
Q. Do I need to buy an extra seat for my pet?
Ans. No, pets travel under the seat.
Q. Do airlines allow emotional-support animals (ESA)?
Ans. Most airlines no longer recognize ESAs as cabin pets; they travel as regular pets.
Q. What is the best time to fly with a pet?
Ans.Morning or late evening flights to avoid heat (especially for summer travel).
Q. Can I feed my pet during the flight?
Ans. Usually discouraged; small sips of water are okay.
Q.Can two pets travel in one carrier?
Some airlines allow two small pets of similar size/age, but rules vary.
For airline-specific rules, documents, and carrier requirements, explore our detailed pet travel guides before booking.
Disclaimer : This guide summarizes airline pet travel rules based on publicly available airline policies and general travel regulations. Policies may vary by airline, aircraft type, route, and destination country. Travelers should verify final requirements directly with the airline and relevant government authorities before booking and flying with pets.
