What airlines allow pets in-cabin on international flights? Many airlines let pets ride in the cabin if certain rules are followed and an extra fee is paid. Every flight has rules about whether you can bring your pet on board. If the carrier lets you bring your pet into the cabin, the container must be small enough to fit under your seat and be considered carry-on luggage. You can bring your pet on board as a carry-on, but they must stay in a cage the whole time. Most flights that let pets in the cabin only let cats and small dogs. Some airlines let you bring birds and pets like rabbits and ferrets.
Each flight has different rules about how many pets a passenger can bring into the cabin. Some airlines let you bring more than one pet in the same carrier if they are all the same species. Most airlines only let one pet per person. JetBlue, for example, lets travellers bring two cats on board at once, but they must pay a second seat and a second pet fee. For the same reason, Alaska Airlines lets travellers bring up to two pet cages into the cabin if they buy two seats next to each other.
The number of pets allowed in the cabin on each flight is limited. The number of pets allowed varies depending on the type of flight, destination, and airline operating the flight. Because there is only so much room on the flight for pets, you should make a ticket for your pet as soon as you book your flight, ideally no later than 24 hours before your flight leaves.
Flying with pets
So, what airlines allow pets in-cabin on international flights? Airlines will only let your pet travel if it is from a certain country, is over 8 weeks old, and has had a full vet check before the flight.
When you can book your pet’s trip, each flight is different. The airline you fly with may let you bring your pet on board with you in the cabin or store it in the cargo hold.
Pet transport services like Jet Pets and Aeropets are designed to help pets get to and from domestic and foreign flights. Before you book your pet’s ticket, make sure you know the rules of the airline you want to use.
Dogs
Here are some things you should think about before taking your dog on a flight:
- What kind of dog do you have? If your dog is mean or easily stressed, you shouldn’t let them fly. Also, unless your vet tells you to, sedation is not a good idea because it can be dangerous and hurt your pet.
- The carrier for your dog: Find a comfortable pet carrier that meets your chosen airline’s standards. You can find carriers and crates approved by airlines at most pet shops, or your vet can direct you to one.
- Checkup for your dog: If you travel overseas with your pet, they must be checked out by a vet before you leave.
- Getting your dog ready for the trip: When you get off the flight, ensure your dog has enough food, water, toys, and treats.
- Your dog’s health certificate: In some cases, pets may need a written certificate from the vet within 14 days of the date you leave.
If you’ll be travelling in eight hours, don’t feed your dog too much or give them too many treats. On the day of the trip, you should take them for a longer walk, ensure they stay hydrated, and give them many chances to go to the toilet.
Cats
Here are some things you should think about before taking your cat on a flight:
- The carrier for your cat: Getting your cat used to the carrier is key to making it feel at ease while it flies. A cat-calming spray, such as Feliway, can also be sprayed into your cat’s cage to help it feel better during the flight.
- Your cat’s nails: Cutting your cat’s nails might keep them from scratching or getting hurt. You should talk to your vet if you feel unsafe cutting your cat’s nails.
- Your cat’s health certificate: In some cases, pets may need a written certificate from the vet within 14 days of the date you leave.
- Checkup for your cat: If you are travelling overseas with your pet, they must be checked out by a certified vet before you leave.
Carrier for pets
- Every flight says the pet carrier must be big enough to stand, turn around, and lie down. Pets must be small enough to fit inside the closed or zippered cage without being too tight.
- Non-collapsible cages can’t be bigger than the space under the seats of any flight you’re taking. Please call Reservations to find out what the highest dimensions are.
- Soft-sided, collapsable cages are best. They can be a little bigger, but they must still fit under the seat without being folded down too much. They must be safe, padded, made of a material that won’t get wet, and have nylon mesh air on at least three sides.
Pet Friendly Airlines UK
How we ensure your trip is safe and easy: the airlines and routes we use. Need Help?
Pets are just as safe as travellers when they fly on an aeroplane, but unlike travellers, all pets that fly get a health checkup just a few days before their trip. Very few pets have health problems during flight; most are over the trip and comfortable in their new home within a couple of days of arriving.
We know your pet is an important part of your family, and we’re here to help you through these steps. It takes experience to pick the right airline for your pet. We can help you find the choices available for your location, animal breed, and travel kennel size.
Of course, the airline’s safety record and reputation are also important. Also, not all airlines are licensed to take pets, so our more than ten years of experience can be very helpful when booking pet travel to places worldwide.
Direct and indirect flights
The best choice for most situations is a direct flight, which takes your pet quickly from one airport to another with only one up and down. Sometimes, we have to suggest an indirect flight because it’s the only way to transport your pets properly, the flight is too long and needs a halt to refuel, or it’s cheaper that way. If we provide an indirect pet transport choice, you can be sure that the transit facility is top-notch and meets the highest animal welfare standards for all the animals it takes care of.
As long as pets can get out of their travel cage, go to the toilet and stretch their legs during stops, travelling through Amsterdam, Dubai, Frankfurt or any other great pet transit lounge we may suggest for your dog or cat isn’t always bad.
While there are no hard and fast rules, we like to talk to you about your pet’s behaviour and confidence because owners know their pets best and can make the best choices.
Flights in the UK that allow pets
We move our travellers’ pets worldwide with several airlines that allow pets. Some airlines are:
- Aeromexico
Which airlines in the UK let pets in the cabin?
KLM, Lufthansa, and Air France mostly let cats in the cabin. This only works for very small pets that weigh less than 8 kg. You must book this directly with the airport without using a pet export company like Fetchapet. The pet must be in a soft bag small enough to fit under the seat in front of the owner. The pet would usually have to stay in the bag for the whole trip.
Animals should travel in the luggage held in a rigid, safely strapped-down travel kennel the size of a first-class sleeper seat made just for that pet. This is where they will be safer and have more room. During the trip, the cargo hold is kept under tight security, has air conditioning and pressure, is quiet, and the lights are dimmed.
More About Taking Pets on Flights
British Airways
British Airways is one of the world’s friendliest carriers for pets. They have clear rules to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort. The airline only lets dogs fly in the cargo hold, and each pet must have a health certificate from a vet with it. The temperature-controlled cargo room is safe and secure, but it’s not lit up, so pets don’t get too excited and can calm down quickly.
Pets can only fly in crates allowed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). If you want to take your dog or cat on British Airways, ensure the travel box is 10% bigger than the minimum size. British Airways has temperature restrictions during the winter when the weather is very bad.
Emirates
Emirates SkyCargo lets travellers fly with their pets, such as dogs, cats, birds, and falcons. Pets aren’t allowed on the flight unless they are service animals or falcons travelling from Dubai to Pakistan. The specially built cargo hold gives pets the best care and services. In Dubai, Emirates Airlines has special pet facilities while travelling. There are trained staff to ensure your pet is safe and well-cared for.
The cargo hold where your pet will fly is well-ventilated and kept at a comfortable temperature, so the trip is nice and stress-free. You can bring as many pets as you want on Emirates SkyCargo at the same time.
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand lets dogs and cats travel on local and international flights. The company’s safety record is one of the best in the world, so you can be sure your pet will be safe and comfortable on the flight. The company always reviews its safety rules to ensure all pets get the best care and comfort.
If your pet travels internationally, it will be carried on the flight instead of checked as luggage. Pets must be hired through an IATA agent or a pet transporter approved by the airline. If the flight is within the United States, your pet can fly with you as checked luggage.
Air New Zealand promises to follow IATA’s rules when transporting live animals. It only lets pets on flights in travel crates that meet IATA standards.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
When travelling in Economy or Business Class in Europe, you can bring one dog or cat into the bedroom. Your pet must fit inside a closed pet travel bag or box that is no larger than 46 x 28 x 24 cm since it has to slide under the seat in front of you.
Air Canada
Airlines like Air Canada Cargo care about the safety and comfort of travelling pets. The airline has specially trained staff to care for pets and areas set aside to ensure your pet is comfortable. The airline has cars specifically designed to carry pets and travellers who can help with bookings.
Iberia Airlines
Dogs, cats, fish, turtles, and birds (except birds of prey) are welcome in the cabin of an Iberia flight. You can bring them to the cabin if they weigh no more than 8 kg (with their box or pet pack).
Singapore Airlines
There are rules about how and when travellers can bring small pets on Singapore Airlines flights. It’s only for dogs and cats; they must be at least 16 weeks old. The pet and cage can’t weigh more than 7 kg (15 lbs). Don’t forget that you must get your papers together before you leave. Visit their page to learn more.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has a huge flight network across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the United States, and the Far East. Pet cats and dogs can travel in cargo or as checked luggage.
Pet falcons are allowed in the cabin, but only six can be on the flight. This is because Qatar Airways wants to make sure your pets are safe. They do not allow cats or dogs younger than 12 weeks old on their flights.
If you travel through Doha with your pet, they can leave the crate and rest in a safe place. The travel crates will be cleaned before your pets’ next trip. Do not bring certain types of dogs or cats on Qatar Airways. They don’t allow Pugs, Boston Terriers, exotic cats, Shar Pei, Pekingese, and other breeds that can’t handle high or low temperatures.
United Airlines
Cats and dogs are the only pets to travel in the cabin if there is room. Each person can bring up to two pets with them on the trip. If you want to bring two pets on the flight, you need to buy two seats and put the second seat next to the given seat so that you can take care of both pets properly. These rules are the same no matter what kind of pet friend you have.
Here are some more US airlines that let pets travel with them:
- American Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
Air France
Air France lets cats and small dogs fly in the cabin, but the weight limit includes the carrier bag. Remember that boxes are not allowed in the cabin, so make sure the carrier bag you buy follows the airline’s rules. You can’t bring certain dog types, like Tosas, Staffordshire Terriers, or American Staffordshire Terriers (pit bulls). Air France flies worldwide, but pets aren’t allowed in the business cabin on trips between continents. If your dog or cat’s box weighs between 8 kg (17.64 lb.) and 75 kg (165.35 lb.), it has to go in the hold. You must request at least 48 hours before your flight because some types of flights may limit or not allow travelling with dogs or cats in the hold.
Alaska Air
Dogs and cats are the only animals allowed to travel in the cabin. This restriction applies to Hawaii and select international sites.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa lets you take animals on board in the passenger or cargo hold: Two dogs or cats at most in the cabin, each in an approved transport container, or two dogs or cats at most in the cargo hold, each in one or two approved transport containers. Visit Lufthansa’s website to learn more about bringing pets on board as carry-on luggage.
Turkish Airlines
Pets that aren’t allowed in the cabin are limited to cats, dogs, and small birds of prey like parakeets and canaries. Pets and their carriers must not weigh over 8 kg in an aeroplane cabin. The carrier must be no taller than 23 cm, no wider than 30 cm, and no longer than 40 cm. Pets travelling in the luggage hold of a flight must be in carriers or cages no bigger than 75 cm tall, 75 cm wide, and 125 cm long. Learn more about where pets can sit on Turkish Airlines flights.
Virgin Australia
Pets can fly with Virgin Australia in the cargo hold; service animals can only go in the cabin. The cargo hold has good airflow and is safe and cosy for your pet. The temperature is the same as in the flight’s passenger area.
Virgin Australia allows pets to fly to most places in Australia. However, the airline has rules to ensure that your pet travels in a box that is the right size. Pets in crates that are too small or don’t have enough airflow will not be able to get on board.
Virgin Australia will only fly dogs and cats as pets. Virgin Australia Air Cargo allows other animals to travel. Two pets per person are allowed on trips. Virgin Australia has temporarily banned flying snub-nosed breeds due to their dangerous nature.
Qantas
Qantas, Australia’s main airline, is a great way to travel with pets. Pets can be taken to many places around the world by Qantas. There is a temperature-controlled and dimly lit area in the cargo hold where pets can fly. This is meant to help them sleep during the trip. Temperature restrictions are in place at Qantas to make sure that your pets are safe if they are going during very bad weather. Pit bulls with flat heads can fly with Qantas if they are healthy and meet all the health requirements.
Qantas doesn’t limit the number of pets you can bring on international flights. However, ticket holders can bring two pet crates on local trips.
Before, during, and after the trip, Qantas will ensure your pet is well taken care of. Your pet is always watched in the holding room, and its water is topped off as needed. If, for some reason, your pet’s flight is delayed, Qantas will send it to an experienced animal care airline, where it can rest and have a comfort stop before continuing its trip.
Finnair
You can bring small pets like cats, dogs, and rabbits on our trips if the pet and its carrier weigh less than 8 kg (17 lb). If the pet and its carrier weigh less than 50 kg (110 lb), your pet can fly with you on the same flight in the hold.
Aegean Airways
Your cat, dog, or rabbit can travel on an Aegean flight if it weighs less than 17 pounds (8 kg) with its case. Each person can bring one pet on board. The airline annually takes travellers from Rhodes to Crete, Athens, and Thessaloniki. Kai Bale link to Rhodes.
Are there any cheap airlines in Europe that let pets in the cabin?
Some of Europe’s most popular low cost airlines don’t let pets fly on their flights, even in the cabin. However, most low-cost and cheap European airlines let pets cabin, including many on this list.
Most low-cost airlines don’t let pets on flights. These include EasyJet and its subsidiaries, Ryanair, Wizz Air and its subsidiaries, Level (based in Spain), Corendon Airlines and its Maltese subsidiary, and Norse Atlantic and its UK subsidiary.
European airlines that let pets weigh less than 8 kg
Most flights in Europe have a weight limit of 8 kg for pets travelling in the cabin, including the carrier. That being said, some airlines have weight limits that are smaller than this. Travellers who travel with pets need to know these rules so their flights don’t go wrong.
There are weight limits for pets in the cabin that are less than 8 kg on some airlines, like Air Dilijans, British Airways (on SUN-AIR-operated routes within Europe), chair, Helvetic Airways, and Twin Jet.
Air Dilijans lets you bring up to 5 kg, British Airways and Chair up to 6 kg, Helvetic Airways up to 7 kg, and Twin Jet up to 6 kg. If you think that your pet and its carrier will weigh more than these limits, you should look for another flight that allows the full 8 kg weight limit. This will ensure that your trip goes smoothly for both you and your furry friend.
One last thought
What airlines allow pets in-cabin on international flights? Policies and rules can change, so it’s important to check with the company you want to fly with to see the current rules and plan pet travel well in advance. Also, some airlines may limit the number of pets that can board each flight, so booking early with World Flight Vibes is best, and you can find flights to anywhere offering pet-friendly services.
