How to choose the right airline
Whether you are flying with your pet or it is flying without you, avoid any surprises by researching the airline pet requirements. It is important to choose an airline that serves the entire route from the origination to the destination, if possible. As airlines rarely move pets between companies, layovers with a change of airline companies will cause your pet to clear customs and enter the layover country to recheck them on the next leg of their flight.
Find an airline that flies your route during off-peak hours, and be aware of summer heat restrictions for pets flying in the cargo hold.
After finding the airline that serves your route the most efficiently, you will need to know their pet requirements.
Pets can fly on commercial airlines in one of 3 ways: in-cabin, checked baggage, or manifest air cargo, depending on the airline’s pet policies.
| In Cabin | Checked Baggage | Air Cargo |
| Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant carrier stowed under the seat. | Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold. | Unaccompanied or very large pets will travel as manifest cargo in the hold. |
Flying a pet in the cabin
If your airline allows pets to fly in the cabin, your pet should be under 18 lbs. (8 kg) in weight and fit in an airline compliant pet carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you. Most airlines restrict pets to small cats and dogs, although a few will allow household birds and rabbits. An adult passenger over 18 years in age must accompany the pet.
Flying a pet as checked baggage
Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted or are too large to fly in the cabin can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold. This area of the aircraft is temperature controlled and pressurized just like the cabin. Pets flying commercially as checked baggage are checked in at the ticket counter. They are the last items loaded onto the aircraft prior to takeoff.
Flying a pet as air cargo
Larger pets, ones not accompanied by a passenger, or pets headed to a destination country that requires it will fly as air cargo under an air waybill. The airline is responsible for the care of your pet before, after, and during layovers, and the pet is tracked under a manifest. Destination airports are notified of your pet’s arrival.
Due to the added responsibility of the airlines, this is a more expensive class of service offered to live animals. Almost always, this type of transport must be booked by a licensed agent in the origin country.
Service Animals
Almost all airlines will allow dogs that assist disabled passengers to fly in the cabin with their handlers at no charge. Service dogs should occupy the space at the passenger’s feet. There may be an issue with large service dogs as they must not interfere with cabin operations, or the space occupied by other passengers. Passengers should contact the airlines if this is the case.
More Information on Flying Your Pet:
- How to Clear Airport Security with a Pet
- Keeping Your Pet Calm when Traveling in the Cabin
- Selecting a Pet Carrier that is Airline Compliant
- Airline Pet Crate Requirements
- Keeping your Pet Safe when Traveling in Cargo
- Weather Restrictions in Cargo
- When do you need a Pet Transporter?
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