For discerning travelers, leaving a beloved pet behind is rarely an option. In 2025, more airlines than ever have embraced pet travel, recognizing that our four-legged friends are family. Whether you're relocating or embarking on a grand adventure, sharing the skies with your pet can be deeply rewarding—provided you navigate the process with care. Flying with pets demands advance preparation and a thorough understanding of airline procedures to ensure a seamless, safe journey for both pet and owner.
Pets often provide emotional comfort, and in the United States, airlines continue to distinguish between service animals and emotional support pets—each category governed by unique policies and regulations.
With every carrier setting its own requirements, flying with pets can seem overwhelming, especially for first-timers. Our comprehensive 2025 guide demystifies the process, highlighting essential steps and spotlighting top-rated airlines for pet travel. Let our expertise help you create a luxurious, stress-free experience for your furry companion.
The Businessclass Guide to Flying with Pets:
Typically, pets such as dogs, cats, and select small animals are transported in a climate-controlled, pressurized cargo hold—engineered to closely mirror the comfort of the passenger cabin. These holds are designed to minimize noise and disturbance, helping animals remain calm. Each carrier adheres to its own pet travel guidelines, but must also comply with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations. Approved kennels must allow pets to stand, turn, and lie comfortably. Some airlines offer guidance on selecting compliant containers, while others require owners to source their own. Precise measurement and weight restrictions are detailed on each airline's website.
Many premium airlines permit small dogs—generally under 8 kg and able to fit in an approved carrier under the seat—to travel in-cabin with their owner. However, not every airline or aircraft type allows this, and the cabin environment can be stimulating or stressful for some pets. In-cabin pets must remain in their carrier throughout the flight and may be exposed to more noise and activity than in the hold.
Due to limited space, airlines cap the number of pets per flight. Not all aircraft are equipped to accommodate animals, especially on premium or long-haul routes. We recommend booking your pet's spot well in advance to guarantee availability and peace of mind.
Where will my pet be housed during the flight?
Air travel can be taxing for animals, so it’s vital to confirm your pet is healthy and fit to fly before booking any journey. While flight-related health incidents are rare, international travel requires a series of veterinary clearances. Costs will differ based on your pet’s species and breed.
Arrange a full veterinary check-up to assess your pet’s health. Pets in top condition handle the stresses of travel best, while those with underlying issues may be at greater risk during long-haul flights.
Ensure your pet has received all required vaccinations for your destination. Some countries mandate a sequence of shots, so consult with your vet well in advance to allow time for any necessary waiting periods or boosters.
Microchipping is strongly recommended. Make sure your pet’s microchip is registered with up-to-date contact details, as customs officers will verify identity using a scanner. Microchips also provide added security in the event of separation during travel.
Your vet can help you complete the necessary Animal Health Certificate or pet passport, which is mandatory for travel within the EU and recognized in many other destinations. This document records medical history and vaccination status. Allow plenty of time for paperwork—accuracy is crucial.
Invest in a high-quality, airline-approved carrier and help your pet acclimate to it well before departure. Each airline has specific requirements, so verify that your chosen carrier is compliant. Many airlines now offer IATA-compliant kennels for purchase.
Most airlines allow certified service dogs to travel in-cabin free of charge, but emotional support animals generally do not qualify and must travel in the hold. Review your airline’s policy early in the planning process if you require cabin access for your service animal.
Pet travel fees can be significant and vary by airline, pet type, and route. Below, we profile leading airlines offering pet-friendly services, including key features and considerations for 2025.
Essential steps to take before your pet travels in the aircraft:
Best Pet-Friendly Airlines
British Airways remains a preferred choice for travelers flying with pets or accredited service animals. Qualified service dogs meeting the airline’s criteria are welcome in the cabin at no extra charge, provided arrangements are made at least 72 hours before departure.
All other pets—including emotional support animals—must travel in the climate-controlled hold. British Airways partners with PetAir UK for outbound UK flights, ensuring expert veterinary care and welfare for cats, dogs, and rabbits. Return and inbound flights are managed by IAG Cargo, a trusted leader in animal transport.
Pricing for pet transportation depends on size, breed, and route, with costs often reaching several thousand pounds for international travel. For a tailored estimate, consult British Airways directly or use the online quote tool.
Discover our British Airways Business Class review
British Airways
American Airlines restricts pet travel to cats and dogs on flights up to 12 hours, including customs clearance, and only on select routes. Check eligible destinations before booking, as transatlantic and certain international flights remain excluded.
Depending on breed, age, and destination, some pets may travel as a paid carry-on in the cabin, provided they fit in an approved kennel stowed beneath the seat. The pet and carrier count as your sole carry-on item. For pets that cannot travel in-cabin, American Airlines Cargo handles their transportation. Note: First and Business Class cabins on certain Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft do not permit carry-on pets due to space limitations.
Trained service animals may accompany their owner in-cabin at no additional cost.
Consult the pet travel page for current policies and fees.
American Airlines
Emirates offers a specialized pet travel program called Emirates Pets via Emirates SkyCargo, ensuring animals travel in comfort and safety in accordance with IATA Live Animal Regulations. Dubai International Airport features world-class animal care facilities, including veterinary support for pets in transit. For optimal welfare, a minimum layover of six hours in Dubai is recommended, during which pets receive feeding, cleaning, and exercise based on owner instructions.
Breed restrictions apply; certain dog and cat breeds are not accepted for carriage, and regulations for importing or transiting with specific breeds may vary. Review the current breed policy here. Service dogs are permitted in the cabin on select flights—confirm eligibility with Emirates prior to booking.
Emirates
KLM is a standout choice for traveling with cats or dogs. Pets must be at least 15 weeks old, and brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are generally excluded due to health risks. For intra-European flights, one small cat or dog per passenger may travel in-cabin provided the pet and carrier together weigh no more than 8 kg and fit under the seat. Up to three pets from the same litter under six months (each under 14 kg) may share a kennel in the hold, with a combined maximum of 75 kg including the container.
Restrictions apply to flights operated by Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft, as well as layovers exceeding three hours. For detailed preparation guidance, consult the KLM pet travel checklist.
Competitive fees are charged based on route; reservations are handled directly through the KLM website. Certified service dogs are welcomed in the cabin at no charge, but emotional support animals must travel as cargo.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Qantas exclusively books pet travel through its Pet Travel Specialists, accessible via the airline's main site. These experts ensure all containers meet IATA and destination-specific requirements and coordinate any necessary veterinary checks and quarantine protocols. Service dogs may travel in-cabin, while all other pets are transported in a dedicated, pressurized section of the hold designed for animal comfort.
Unlike many carriers, Qantas does allow brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds, provided owners comply with the latest pet travel guidelines. All pets must be at least 12 weeks old and cleared as fit to fly by a licensed veterinarian.
Advance booking is recommended, as not all aircraft are equipped for pet transport. Owners are responsible for providing airline-approved crates unless arranged through Qantas’ specialist partners. For more guidance, see the Qantas Pet Travel FAQ.
Qantas Airlines
Qatar Airways welcomes domesticated dogs, cats, and birds as checked baggage, either on the same flight as the owner or separately, in accordance with international regulations. Reservations for pets must be made at least 48 hours prior to departure using the airline’s dedicated submission form. Service dogs may travel in the cabin on designated routes; otherwise, they are transported free of charge in the hold. Falcons are also permitted in Economy Class on select flights.
Owners are required to provide approved containers and sufficient food and water for the journey. At Doha, ground staff ensure that animals in transit are fed and exercised at regular intervals. Qatar Airways does not accept certain breeds prone to heat stress or breathing difficulties; the list of restricted animals is regularly updated.
Qatar Airways
Air Canada permits small dogs and cats to travel in-cabin as one standard carry-on item, provided the carrier fits beneath the seat and allows the pet to stand and turn comfortably. As of 2025, in-cabin pet fees are CAD$50 each way for domestic flights and CAD$100 for international segments. Larger animals—up to 45 kg (pet plus container)—must travel in the hold, with size and weight restrictions strictly enforced. For animals exceeding these limits, Air Canada Cargo can arrange specialized transport, including for horses or other large pets.
Temperature-sensitive restrictions apply: pets are not accepted in the hold during periods of extreme heat (above 29.5°C) or peak winter capacity. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds and certain strong or aggressive dogs require reinforced containers or may be excluded from travel; see the latest policy here.
Trained service dogs travel in-cabin free of charge with the proper medical documentation, but emotional support animals are not allowed in the cabin. Detailed information on pet travel policies is available on the Air Canada website.
Air Canada
TAP Air Portugal is highly regarded for its pet travel services, which also allow TAPMiles&Go members to earn extra miles. Depending on size, breed, and aircraft, pets may travel in the cabin or the hold. Advance notice—at least 48 hours prior to departure—is required, and pets must have a microchip, an EU pet passport, and valid rabies vaccination.
TAP does not transport pets to the UK except for certified service animals. Dogs and cats weighing up to 8 kg (including the carrier) may travel in the cabin, while heavier pets travel in the hold. Fees vary by route and animal weight. Certain breeds, including brachycephalic types, are only accepted with a veterinary declaration of fitness to travel. 'Potentially dangerous' breeds must meet enhanced transport requirements.
For comprehensive details, visit the TAP Air Portugal pet travel page.
TAP Air Portugal
Lufthansa is renowned for its robust pet transport program, offering both cabin and cargo hold options depending on animal type, weight, and destination country regulations. Lufthansa Cargo also facilitates global animal shipping as air freight. Small dogs or cats—up to 8 kg including carrier—may travel in-cabin (maximum two pets per passenger, subject to restrictions). All pets must be at least 12 weeks old, or 15 weeks for flights to or from Germany. Register your pet online and review the current animal travel guidelines.
Certified assistance dogs are permitted in the cabin at no charge. Brachycephalic breeds are excluded due to respiratory risks. 'Dangerous' dog breeds are transported in reinforced containers in the hold. Exceptions apply for puppies aged three to six months. All pets must travel in IATA-approved carriers, which should be sourced prior to travel. While pets are allowed in Lufthansa lounges, they must remain in their carriers at all times.
Lufthansa
Delta Air Lines allows small dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in-cabin if they fit comfortably in a ventilated carrier under the seat ahead. Minimum age requirements are 10 weeks for domestic flights, 16 weeks for arrivals to the US from abroad, and 15 weeks for entry into the EU. Cabin pet reservations are limited and processed first-come, first-served; contact Delta Reservations early to secure your spot.
Trained service animals may accompany their owners in-cabin at no cost upon completion of the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form. Military and State Department personnel on transfer orders can check pets as baggage for a fee. Restrictions apply to certain destinations and breeds; international pet travel is subject to strict limitations and embargoes, with UK-bound pets accepted only as cargo under the UK Pet Travel Scheme.
Domestic flights accept cats, dogs, household birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters as checked baggage, except for snub-nosed breeds. Larger or non-standard pets must be shipped via Delta Cargo. Consult the airline for a full list of restrictions and current policies.
Delta Air Lines
Finnair accommodates a variety of pets, but destination-specific regulations may limit which animals are accepted. Small pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises, and hedgehogs (up to 8 kg including carrier) can travel in-cabin—except in long-haul Business Class, where space is restricted. Certified assistance dogs travel in the cabin free of charge, regardless of size, but emotional support animals must travel in the hold.
Larger pets and ferrets are transported in the hold, provided the pet and carrier weigh less than 75 kg. Heavier animals must be booked as Finnair Cargo. Some destinations require all animals to travel as cargo. Only one in-cabin pet carrier is allowed per passenger, and typically no more than two pets are permitted per flight.
Fees are payable in advance and vary by size and route—approximately €120 each way in-cabin and €600 each way in the hold. For full details, visit the Finnair Cargo and FAQs pages.
Our review of Finnair Business Class
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