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WHICH AIRLINES CARRY PETS?

Your helpful guide to pet-friendly airlines worldwide

Airline Policies on Pet Travel: What You Should Know...

We all have our preferred Airline that we would like to fly with, but when it comes to accepting pets, not all airlines are made equal. Some airlines are happy for you to bring your beloved pet in the hold of the plane, or even have them in the cabin with you if they are small enough, but some airlines will only accept animals if they are guide/support animals.

Below is a list of popular airlines and whether or not they allow pets.

Airlines That Carry Pets:

Click on your desired airline from the list to find out more…

British Airways, through IAG Cargo, is one of the most popular choices for pet travel from the UK, with frequent departures from Heathrow and Gatwick. Heathrow even offers a dedicated pet check-in area for a calmer start to your pet’s journey.

Bookings can only be made through an agent up to 6 weeks before departure and are confirmed about 2 weeks before the flight. To increase the chances of flying on the same flight as your pet, it’s best to book your pet’s travel first, then your own.

Not all flights are suitable for pets due to timing, aircraft type, or airport restrictions. Speak with us before booking to ensure everything aligns.

British Airways also requires an “OK to forward” clearance – meaning the destination team must confirm the receiver is ready to collect the pet. Without this, pets can’t depart the UK.

PetAir can manage the process from start to finish and help ensure your pet’s arrival is smooth, safe, and stress-free.

Emirates allows cats and dogs to travel as checked baggage or cargo but does not permit pets in the cabin (except for falcons on certain Dubai-Pakistan flights). Pet travel must be arranged at least one week in advance by submitting a pet travel form with details about the pet and its crate. If the crate and pet exceed certain size limits, cargo transport is required.

All pets need a valid import permit, health certificate, and up-to-date vaccinations. Crates must display a 24-hour emergency contact and temperature requirements. Service animals like guide dogs may travel in the cabin with prior approval and proper documentation.

Emirates restricts travel for pregnant animals and limits total journey times for pets as checked baggage. PetAir UK can manage all paperwork and logistics to ensure your pet’s safe and smooth travel with Emirates.

American Airlines allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on most domestic and some international flights. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and travel in a soft or hard-sided carrier that fits under the seat. The combined weight of pet and carrier must not exceed 9 kg (20 lb), and a fee applies. Cabin pet travel is not permitted on transatlantic or transpacific routes or to/from Hawaii and South America.

Larger pets must travel via American Airlines Cargo (PetEmbark). Breed restrictions apply, particularly for snub-nosed breeds. Pets traveling in cargo must be in IATA-approved crates, and military or State Department staff may be eligible for checked baggage transport.

All pets require microchipping, up-to-date vaccinations, and a recent health certificate. For international travel, additional documents may be needed – especially with recent CDC import regulations for dogs.

PetAir can assist with documentation, booking, and logistics for a smooth journey with American Airlines.

Qatar Airways allows cats, dogs, and birds to travel as checked baggage in a temperature-controlled, pressurised hold. Pets must be in IATA-approved crates and booked at least 48 hours before departure. Crates must be sturdy, well-ventilated, and appropriately sized – Qatar may refuse travel if the container is too small.

Only service dogs and falcons are allowed in the cabin. Falcons can travel in Economy Class on select routes, while service dogs are permitted free of charge on specific flights, with prior approval and documentation. Emotional support animals are not accepted in the cabin.

All pets must be microchipped, healthy, and have a recent health certificate, vaccinations, and any required import permits. Some snub-nosed breeds may be restricted due to safety concerns.

PetAir can arrange everything – flights, paperwork, and compliance checks – to ensure a smooth journey with Qatar Airways.

Air Canada allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on most flights, as long as they are at least 10 weeks old and fit comfortably in a soft-sided carrier under the seat. Only one pet per passenger is allowed, and bookings must be made shortly after flight reservation. Cabin pet fees range depending on the route.

Larger pets, or certain breeds like snub-nosed dogs, must travel as checked baggage or via Air Canada Cargo. Checked pets must be in IATA-approved hard-sided crates. Some destinations, such as the UK and Australia, only accept pets via cargo. Seasonal heat and cold restrictions may apply.

All pets must be microchipped, healthy, and have up-to-date vaccinations and a health certificate for international travel. Service dogs are allowed in the cabin at no extra cost with proper documentation; emotional support animals are not.

PetAir can arrange everything – from booking to paperwork – to ensure your pet’s safe travel with Air Canada.

Singapore Airlines is a trusted choice for pet travel to Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, offering frequent flights from the UK. Pets travel as checked baggage or cargo – only assistance dogs are allowed in the cabin.

All bookings must be made at least 14 days in advance. Pets must be over 3 months old, microchipped, and fully vaccinated, with proper documents for the destination.

Pets must travel in IATA-approved crates with bedding and water, and crate dimensions and weight limits vary by aircraft. Singapore Airlines does not accept pets on Boeing 737 aircraft or flights SQ21 and SQ23. They also won’t fly pets in extreme temperatures (below 7 °C or above 29 °C).

During layovers in Singapore, our local partner checks on your pet, ensuring they’re fed, watered, and comfortable – this service is included in your fee.

Singapore Airlines has a strict banned breed list, covering many snub-nosed and large dogs. Some destination restrictions also apply.

To ensure eligibility and the best route, contact PetAir before booking – we’ll handle everything for a smooth, stress-free journey.

Cathay Pacific does not allow pets in the cabin, except for certified service dogs. All other pets must travel as checked baggage (if flying with the owner) or as cargo via Cathay Cargo’s Live Animal service. Crates must meet IATA standards and be booked at least 48 hours in advance.

Snub-nosed breeds are only accepted on select routes and during cooler months. All pets will not be transported if temperatures are too hot or cold, unless an acclimation certificate is provided.

Service dogs may travel in the cabin with prior approval and the correct documentation.

PetAir can manage the full process – booking, crate compliance, and paperwork – to ensure your pet’s safe and stress-free journey with Cathay Pacific.

TUI Airways (formerly Thomson Airways) is a leading UK-based airline offering flights to various international destinations. They accept cats and dogs in the hold, each in their own IATA-approved kennel – secure, well-ventilated, and no taller than 83 cm.

Pets must be microchipped and have a pet passport (for EU travel) or the appropriate export documents for other destinations. All documentation must meet the import requirements of the destination country.

Pet bookings must be made at least 7 days in advance. For destinations like South Africa, Dubai, or Australia, bookings must be arranged through an IPATA agent such as PetAir UK.

PetAir has extensive experience with TUI Airways and can handle everything from paperwork to flight coordination. Contact us to ensure your pet’s journey is safe and fully compliant.

Thai Airways only allows certified service dogs in the cabin. All other pets must travel in the aircraft hold as checked baggage or via Thai Cargo. The hold is pressurised and temperature-controlled, and bookings must be made in advance.

Crates must be IATA-compliant – secure, ventilated, and large enough for the pet to stand and turn. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and not pregnant or sick. Some breeds, such as Pit Bulls and Rottweilers, are restricted unless they are service animals. Temperature limits apply, and pets won’t fly in extreme heat or cold without an acclimation certificate.

PetAir can handle all arrangements, from crate compliance and booking to health certificates and destination paperwork, ensuring safe and smooth travel with Thai Airways.

Lufthansa allows small pets up to 8 kg (including the carrier) to travel in the cabin, provided they are in an approved, soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat. For larger pets, travel is available in the temperature-controlled cargo hold, with advance booking required.

Assistance dogs can fly free in the cabin but must be registered in advance with proper documentation. All pets need to be registered before the flight – for in-cabin travel, registration is required at least 72 hours before departure, and 48 hours for assistance dogs. Travelers should ensure all health certificates and pet passports are up to date.

For a smooth journey, get in touch with PetAir to help prepare your pet with the right carrier and paperwork.

KLM allows small cats and dogs to travel either in the cabin or in the hold on flights to nearly 600 destinations worldwide. Pets traveling in the cabin must weigh no more than 8 kg including their carrier, which should not exceed 46 x 28 x 24 cm. Cabin travel is available in Economy and European Business Class only and must be booked in advance. Larger pets travel in the hold in IATA-approved kennels, but snub-nosed breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs are not accepted for safety reasons.

All pets must be microchipped, have up-to-date vaccinations, and carry a valid health certificate. Additional documentation may be required depending on the destination. Pet bookings should be made as early as possible, and no later than 48 hours before departure. Only trained service dogs with proper certification are permitted in the cabin.

PetAir can manage all the necessary paperwork and logistics to ensure a smooth and safe journey with KLM.

Gulf Air does not permit pets to travel in the cabin, except for registered service dogs accompanying passengers to the United States. All other pets must be transported as cargo. Advance notice is required at least 48 hours before departure, and pets must be transported in IATA-approved containers.

Health and vaccination certificates, along with any required entry permits, must accompany the pet. Pets are not included in the free baggage allowance and will incur additional charges. For specific regulations regarding the transport of falcons, please refer to Gulf Air’s guidelines.

PetAir can manage all the necessary paperwork and logistics to ensure a smooth and safe journey with Gulf Air.

The full list of commercial pet friendly airlines, as found on the gov.uk site are:

  • Aegean Airlines
  • Aeroflot Russian Airlines
  • Aeromexico
  • Air Baltic Corporation
  • Air Canada
  • Air Europa
  • Air France – KLM
  • Air Malta
  • Air Mauritius
  • Air New Zealand
  • Air Transat
  • All Nippon Airways
  • American Airlines
  • Atlantic Airways
  • Austrian Airlines
  • Avianca
  • Azerbaijan Airlines
  • British Airways World Cargo
  • Brussels Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific
  • China Airlines
  • China Southern
  • Cobalt
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Airlines
  • Darwin Airline
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Egyptair
  • El Al Israel Airlines
  • Emirates SkyCargo
  • Estonian Air
  • Ethiopian Airlines
  • Etihad Airways
  • Etihad Cargo
  • Finnair
  • FlyLAL-Lithuanian Airlines
  • Gulf Air
  • Iberia
  • Iberia Express
  • Icelandair
  • Japan Airlines
  • Kenya Airways
  • Korean Air
  • Kuwait Airways
  • LOT Polish Airlines
  • Lufthansa
  • Maersk Air Cargo
  • Malaysia Airlines
  • Mexicana
  • Middle East Airlines
  • Oman Air
  • Philippine Airlines
  • Qantas
  • Qatar Airways
  • Royal Brunnei Airlines
  • Royal Jordanian Airlines
  • Scandinavian Airlines System Cargo
  • Singapore Airlines
  • South African Airways
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • Tarom Romanian Air Transport
  • Thai Airways
  • Travel Service – SmartWings
  • Turkish Airlines
  • United
  • US Airways
  • Uzbekistan Airways
  • Vietnam Airlines