Flying With a Pet in the Cabin

If your airline allows small pets to fly in the cabin and if your pet* is small enough and if your flight is not a long international flight (generally over 10 hours), your small dog or cat can accompany you in the cabin of the aircraft. If this is the case, you must make both your reservations and those for your pet by telephone, although some airlines will allow pet reservations online. When flying with a pet in the cabin, try to make reservations as soon after you make your reservation as possible. Every airline has a limit as to the number of pets they will allow in the cabin.

Note: Small dogs and cats are the most common pets permitted on airlines that offer in-cabin service to pets. Some airlines will allow small household birds.

You will need an airline compliant pet carrier for your pet that is sized appropriately so that your pet can stand up and turn around in the carrier. It must have a waterproof bottom, adequate ventilation, and secure zippers. Your pet must remain in the carrier at all times for the duration of the flight and the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.

To see how much room you have, you can call the airline and inquire. Many of the airlines will quote carrier sizes but know that these measurements are based on hard-sided carriers or are average sizes. Many long-haul aircraft may have more room for carriers than do aircraft that fly shorter routes. Additionally, many newer aircraft have electronics under their middle seats which may also limit space under aisle seats.

It is always advised when flying a pet in the cabin to select a soft-sided carrier instead of one that is rigid. The reason for this is that there are many soft sided carriers on the market that will flex in order to accommodate the airline’s height requirement.

Here are some great tips for flying with a pet in the cabin of an aircraft:

• Measure your pet: Do not try to get your pet into a carrier that is too small for your pet. It is a risk and your pet may be denied boarding at the gate. Measure your pet when standing erect from tip of nose to base of tail and from tip of head to the ground when selecting your pet carrier size. (Measure from tip of ears for breeds where ears are cropped.) Pets measuring over 18″ long will exceed the measurements of an airline-compliant pet carrier.
• Weigh your pet and its carrier: Weighing your pet while in its carrier is important, especially on international flights as they will be weighed at check in. Generally, 8 kg (18 lbs.) is the limit imposed.
• Get a pet pad for your carrier. This will help avoid accidents due to nervous pets. Although your pet is trained, traveling is a new experience for them and can lead to unpleasant odors which will also ruin your pet carrier.
• Acclimate your pet to its carrier: Get your pet accustomed to its carrier ahead of time. Take your pet to fun places in its carrier prior to travel. See more tips for acclimating your pet to its carrier.
• Hydrate your pet prior to travel.: Several days before travel, encourage your pet to drink as traveling is very de-hydrating. However, take the water away at least two hours prior to traveling and be sure you walk and exercise your pet prior to putting them in the carrier.
• Sedation: Do not sedate your pet unless absolutely necessary. Many airlines will not allow sedated pets on board. If you must sedate your pet, consider a natural pet calmer.

Keep your pet in its carrier as soon as you enter the airport. Many carriers have privacy flaps and using these will keep your pet calmer in its carrier.

You will need to know TSA procedures for clearing security with a pet at the airport. You will have to remove your pet from its carrier. Make sure your pet is leashed. Be prepared to ask for a separate room if you are traveling with a cat or dog that is particularly hyper or could escape. A non-metallic leash and harness will come in handy to keep your pet secure when clearing security.

Once the plane is in the air, you should be able to keep the carrier between your legs on the floor. DO NOT attempt to remove your pet from its carrier. If your pet is fussy, speak to it lovingly and try to afford it the opportunity to see you as this will ease some of the anxiety it feels.

You can remove your pet from its carrier once you are outside at your destination airport. Inquire as to the location of the pet areas around the airport.

If you have a layover, then research pet relief areas in advance. They will be located behind security so you will not need to clear customs to access them. All major airports have relief areas.

Flying with a pet in the cabin is the most preferrable way to move a pet as you can monitor it and provide comfort and attention during a stressful time. However, if your destination country requires it or your pet is no longer small, then it must fly in the cargo hold. Here is more information on how to keep your pet safe when flying in the cargo hold.