Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026
PetsTravel.info — the most comprehensive information about flying with pets on various airlines.
Please share your stories of flying with cats, dogs, or other animals in our community or on the airline page.
General rules of most airlines:
- the permitted weight of a pet together with a carrier in the cabin of the plane is usually up to 8 kg. Rarely 6 or 9;
- it is allowed to place 2 pets of the same type in one carrier (2 kittens or 2 puppies), if their total weight does not exceed the permitted;
- almost all airlines allow guide dogs to be transported in the cabin;
- most airlines prohibit transporting pets in the business class cabin, because there is usually not enough space for this under the seats;
- almost all airlines refuse to transport pets under sedation;
- only hard carriers are allowed in the luggage compartment of airplanes;
- traveling with pets is permitted only when accompanied by owners over 18 years of age.
Please note that many airlines do not allow small rodents and small fish to be transported either in the cabin or in the baggage compartment.
Airline Pet Safety Rankings 2026
Here’s what you need to know about transporting dogs and cats before you buy plane tickets.
Please read the rules for pet transit.
Please note: Airline policies may vary depending on destination and aircraft type.
| Airlines | In-Cabin Policy* | checked baggage/Cargo Policy* | Booking a pet |
| Aegian Airlines | not allowed | cats, dogs | |
| Aeromexico | cats, dogs | cats, dogs | |
| airBaltic | cats, dogs | cats, dogs | please contact the airline before booking your ticket |
| Air Busan | dogs, cats, pet birds | not allowed for international flights | be sure to get the company’s approval |
| Air Canada | cats, dogs, rabbits | other pets | |
| American Airlines | cats, dogs | other pets | at least 48 hours before travel |
| Air Europa | cats, dogs | cats, dogs | |
| Air Montenegro | dogs, cats, rodents, parrots, canaries | dogs, cats, small rodents, parrots, canaries | |
| Air Malta | cats, dogs | dogs, cats, ferrets, hares and rabbits | |
| Air Mauritius | not allowed | other pets | before booking your ticket |
| Alaska Airlines | dogs, cats, domestic rabbits, household birds | dogs, cats, ferrets, hares, rabbits, birds | |
| Air France | cats, dogs | cats, dogs | |
| Asiana Airlines | dogs, cats, birds | other pets | At least 24 hours before flight’s scheduled departure date and time (Business Days) |
| Air India | cats, dogs | other pets | |
| AJet | cats, dogs and small songbirds | other pets | no later than 6 hours before the flight |
| BARK Air | dogs | not allowed | |
| Belavia | dogs, cats, rodents | other pets | at least 48 hours before travel |
| China Airlines | Dogs, cats, birds | other pets | at least 48 hours before the flight departure time |
| Cnina Eastern | Dogs, cats | other pets | at least 48 hours before departure |
| China Southern Airlines | not allowed | dogs, cats, ferrets, hares, rabbits, birds | |
| Copa Airlines | cats, dogs | at least 48 hours before your flight | |
| Corendon Airlines | cats, dogs | up to 72 hours before departure | |
| Delta Airlines | cats, dogs, household birds | not allowed | |
| EasyJet | not allow pets | not allow pets | |
| EgyptAir | cats, dogs and falcons | cats, dogs | no later than 48 hours before your flight |
| Emirates | not allowed | not allowed/only cargo | 48 hours before |
| Etihad Airways | dogs, cats, falcons | 7 days before departure | |
| EL AL Israel Airlines | cats, dogs, birds | cats, dogs, birds | at least 24 hours |
| FinnAir (Norra) | cats dogs, rabbits, turtles, hedgehogs | cats dogs, rabbits, turtles, hedgehogs, ferrets | at least 7 days before departure |
| FlyOne | cats, dogs | not allowed | before purchasing a ticket |
| Frontier Airlines | dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds | not allowed | when purchasing a flight ticket |
| French Bee | cats, dogs | cats, dogs | at least 48 hours before travel |
| Japan Airlines | dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, marmots, chipmunks, chinchillas | dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, marmots, chipmunks, chinchillas | |
| Jeju Air | dogs, cats, birds | ||
| JetBlue Airways | cats, dogs | not allowed | in 24 hours before |
| JSX | cats, dogs | not allowed | in 24 hours before |
| Iberia | dogs, cats, ornamental fish, turtles and birds | other pets | |
| ITA Airways | cats, dogs, hamsters, rabbits, birds | other pets | at least 48 hours before the flight date |
| Hawaiian Airlines | cats, dogs | cats, dogs, birds | when purchasing a flight ticket |
| Georgian Airways | cats, dogs | other pets | you request permission to transport your pet in advance |
| KLM | cats, dogs | cats, dogs | no later than 48 hours before departure |
| K9 JETS | dogs, cats, birds | not allowed | no later than 7 days before departure |
| La Compagnie | cats, dogs, dwarf rabbits | not allowed | no later than 24 hours before departure |
| LATAM Airlines | cats, dogs | other pets | |
| Lufthansa | cats, dogs | cats, dogs | in 72 hours before |
| Malaysia Airlines | Service dogs only | dogs, cats, fish | at least 14 days before departure |
| Nok Air | not allowed | rabbits, cats, dogs | 24 hours before |
| Norwegian Airlines | cats, dogs | cats, dogs | at least one hour before departure |
| Oman Air | not allowed | other pets | 7 days before |
| Qantas | not allowed | any pets | ot all planes are pet-friendly |
| Qatar Airways | falcons and service dogs | cats, dogs, birds, rodents | no later than 48 hours before departure |
| Ryanair | not allowed | not allowed | |
| SCAT Airlines | not allowed | dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs | when purchasing a flight ticket |
| Singapore Airlines | assistance dogs only | only cats and dogs | at least two weeks before your departure |
| Somon Air | dogs and cats | birds and other pets, as well as cats and dogs | before buying a ticket |
| Spirit Airlines | American airline Spirit Airlines has announced it is ceasing operations | ||
| Southwest Airlines | cats, dogs | not allowed | when purchasing a flight ticket |
| TAP Air Portugal | cats, dogs | cats, dogs, birds | no later than 48 hours before departure |
| Turkish Airlines | cats, dogs, songbirds (budgies, canaries) | cats, dogs, pigeons, pparrots | in the luggage compartment 3-4 weeks before departure, in the aircraft cabin 6 hours before departure |
| T’way Airlines | cats, dogs | not allowed | 1 day before departure |
| United Airlines | cats, dogs | not allowed | 5 days before departure |
| Vueling | dogs, cats, birds (except birds of prey), turtles/tortoises | not allowed | no later than 48 hours before departure |
*Please check all information directly with the airline before departure.
Important Notes:
- All prices are approximate and vary by route, season, and booking class
- Documentation requirements vary by destination country
- Policies change frequently – always verify directly with the airline
- Many airlines have seasonal restrictions or route-specific policies
- Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are commonly restricted in cargo due to breathing difficulties
- Service animals typically have different policies than pets
Key Resources for Verification:
- Always check the airline’s official website
- Contact airline customer service directly
- Consult with veterinarians familiar with travel requirements
- Check destination country import regulations
This data provides a comprehensive overview, but given the complexity and frequent changes in pet travel policies, we strongly recommend verifying all information directly with each airline before making travel arrangements.
Will my cat or dog fly in the cabin or in the cargo hold?
Your pet flies in the cabin only if it fits, comfortably standing and turning around inside a carrier that slides under the seat in front of you. The deciding factor is almost never your pet’s “type” but the carrier dimensions of your specific airline, and these differ by carrier and even by aircraft. If your pet plus carrier exceeds the cabin limit, the options are the hold/cargo (where allowed) or a pet-dedicated service. Check your exact airline’s number before you book the ticket — being even slightly over is one of the most common reasons pets are refused at the gate.
Most airlines cap in-cabin pet-plus-carrier weight around 8 kg, though some allow 6 or 9. But weight is secondary to fit: a long-bodied cat can be under the weight limit and still fail the height check. Measure your pet: height at the shoulder and length and compare to the airline’s stated carrier maximums, not to a generic “small pet” label. (Use our free carrier-size calculator to check your airline in seconds.)
The anxiety part. Cabin travel is far less stressful for most pets than cargo, simply because you’re there — your scent and voice are powerful regulators of an animal’s nervous system. If cargo is your only option, that worry is valid and worth taking seriously: it’s a real decision point, not a formality. Ask yourself honestly whether this specific animal, at this specific age and health, is a good candidate.
Can two pets share one carrier?
Often yes if they’re the same species and small enough to fit comfortably together — but confirm with the airline.
Why was my pet refused even though I paid?
Almost always the carrier was the wrong size for that airline. Measure first.
Should I sedate my pet to keep it calm?
No, most airlines refuse sedated animals, and sedation can be dangerous at altitude. (Always discuss alternatives with your vet.)
To avoid getting into an unpleasant situation before flying with your pet, watch this video:
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