Traveling can be stressful, and it’s even more so when you have to leave your beloved pet behind. For many pet owners, the thought of their furry, feathered, or scaled companions traveling in cargo is unsettling due to concerns about safety and comfort. Luckily, numerous airlines recognize the deep bond between people and their pets and offer in-cabin travel options, even for international flights. If you’re planning an international trip and want to bring your pet with you in the cabin, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make informed decisions and ensure a smooth journey for both you and your animal companion.
General Rules for Flying with Pets In-Cabin
Before diving into specific airlines, it’s important to understand the common rules and regulations that generally apply when flying with a pet in the cabin. These rules are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, including your pet. While specific policies differ between airlines, here are some general guidelines you can expect:
- Carrier Requirements: Pets must travel in airline-approved carriers that fit comfortably under the seat in front of you. There are strict size and dimension limits, and carriers are typically considered your carry-on item.
- Pet Size and Weight Limits: Most airlines that allow in-cabin pets have size and weight restrictions. Typically, only small cats and dogs are permitted, as they need to comfortably fit in a carrier under the seat. The combined weight of the pet and carrier is often capped.
- Health and Age Requirements: Pets must be in good health and at least a certain age to fly. For domestic travel, the minimum age is often 8 weeks, but it can be older for international flights or specific destinations. Vaccination records, particularly for rabies, are usually required for international travel.
- Behavioral Expectations: Airlines expect pets to be well-behaved during the flight. Disruptive behavior such as excessive barking, whining, scratching, or aggression can lead to denial of boarding.
- Breed Restrictions: Some airlines have restrictions or discourage travel for brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds due to their increased risk of breathing difficulties at high altitudes.
- Booking in Advance: Airlines have limits on the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight. It’s crucial to book your pet’s spot well in advance, ideally when you book your own ticket.
- Fees: Airlines charge pet fees for in-cabin travel, which vary depending on the airline and destination. These fees are typically one-way.
US Airlines with In-Cabin Pet Policies for Select International Destinations
Many US airlines accommodate in-cabin pets for domestic flights and travel to certain international destinations, primarily within North America and some parts of Central America and the Caribbean. However, truly international, long-haul flights with pets in-cabin are less common with US-based airlines. It’s essential to carefully check the specific routes and destinations covered by each airline’s pet policy.
American Airlines
American Airlines allows in-cabin pets, limited to dogs and cats, on flights within the 48 contiguous United States, as well as to and from Canada, Alaska, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas. However, their in-cabin pet policy does not generally extend to long-haul international flights beyond these regions.
- Fee: $125 per kennel, each way.
- Weight Limit: The combined weight of the pet and carrier cannot exceed 20 lbs (9 kg).
- Carrier Size: Must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Number of Pets: Seven animals are allowed on American Airlines flights and five on American Eagle flights.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines permits small dogs, cats, and household birds in the cabin on select flights. Their in-cabin pet policy is applicable for flights within the US, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, and Canada. For international travel, their in-cabin pet policy is very limited and cargo travel is often the only option for many international destinations. Specifically, pets (excluding service animals) are restricted to cargo for travel to/from locations like Australia, Barbados, Brazil (exit only), Colombia (exit only), Dubai, Hong Kong, Iceland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and Hawaii.
- Fees (International): $200 for international flights where in-cabin is permitted.
- Pet Types: Dogs, cats, and household birds.
- Age Restrictions: Pets must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel, 16 weeks old if entering the US from another country, and at least 15 weeks old for EU travel (if applicable for in-cabin on specific routes).
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is known for being relatively pet-friendly within North America. They allow dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds in the cabin for a $100 fee each way. However, their in-cabin pet policy is primarily for flights within the US, Canada, and Mexico. For more distant international destinations, you would need to explore other airlines.
- Fee: $100 per kennel, each way.
- Pet Types: Dogs, cats, rabbits, household birds.
- Cabin Limits: Three pets in First Class and eight in Coach per flight.
United Airlines
United Airlines allows dogs and cats in-cabin for a $125 one-way fee, with an additional $125 fee for layovers longer than four hours. However, their in-cabin pet policy has significant restrictions on international routes. Pets are not allowed in-cabin to, from, or through a long list of international countries including Australia, Barbados, Cuba, Guam, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, South Africa, Sweden, Tahiti, Trinidad and Tobago, and the UK, among others. For truly international flights beyond North America, United’s in-cabin pet options are extremely limited.
- Fee: $125 per kennel, each way, plus $125 for long layovers.
- Pet Types: Dogs and cats only.
- International Restrictions: Numerous countries are excluded from in-cabin pet travel with United.
Canadian Airlines with In-Cabin Pet Policies for International Flights
Canadian airlines generally offer slightly more flexibility for in-cabin pet travel on international routes compared to US airlines, particularly for transatlantic flights to Europe.
Air Canada
Air Canada allows small dogs and cats in the cabin. For international flights (excluding US), the fee is $100 CAD/USD one-way. Air Canada’s international routes to Europe and other global destinations may allow in-cabin pets, but it’s critical to confirm specific route availability and regulations when booking.
- Fee (International): $100 CAD/USD one-way.
- Pet Types: Cats and small dogs.
- Carrier Size Limits: Hard case: 55 cm (21.5”) L x 40 cm (15.5”) W x 23 cm (9”) H; Soft case: 55 cm (21.5”) L x 40 cm (15.5”) W x 27 cm (10.5”) H.
- Age Requirement: Pets must be at least 12 weeks old to fly.
WestJet
WestJet also allows small dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds in the cabin. For international flights, the pet fee ranges from $100 to $118 CAD/USD. Similar to Air Canada, WestJet’s international routes, particularly across the Atlantic, may permit in-cabin pets, but direct confirmation with the airline is necessary.
- Fee (International): $100 – $118 CAD/USD one-way.
- Pet Types: Dogs, cats, rabbits, household birds.
- Carrier Type: Soft-sided kennels only.
- Carrier Size Limit: 41 cm L x 25.4 cm W x 21.5 cm H (16” L x x 10” W x 8.5” H).
European Airlines with In-Cabin Pet Policies for International Flights
European airlines are often more accommodating when it comes to allowing pets in the cabin on international flights, including within Europe and on transatlantic routes.
Aegean Airlines
Aegean Airlines, the largest Greek airline, permits dogs and cats in-cabin on international flights for a fee of $60 USD. However, there is a weight limit of 8 kilograms (about 17.5 lbs.) for the pet and carrier combined.
- Fee (International): $60 USD.
- Pet Types: Dogs and cats.
- Weight Limit: 8 kg (17.5 lbs.) maximum including carrier.
- Requirements: Animals must be microchipped and have had their latest rabies vaccine within 21 weeks of flight.
Air Europa
Air Europa allows dogs, cats, small birds, fish, aquarium turtles, hamsters, guinea pigs, and small rabbits in the cabin on international flights. For long-haul flights, only dogs and cats are permitted. The maximum weight for the pet and carrier is 10 kg (22 lbs.). Fees for long-haul international flights are approximately $165 USD.
- Fee (Long-Haul International): Approximately $165 USD (EUR 150).
- Pet Types: Dogs, cats, small birds, fish, turtles, hamsters, guinea pigs, small rabbits (restrictions on long-haul).
- Weight Limit: 10 kg (22 lbs.) maximum including carrier.
- Age & Vaccination: Dogs and cats must be at least three months old and fully vaccinated for long-haul flights.
Air France
Air France allows dogs and cats in the cabin on international flights if they weigh no more than 8 kg (17 lbs.) including the carrier. Fees for “other flights” (likely including long-haul international) are around $125 USD. Pets traveling within the EU require microchips and EU pet passports.
- Fee (Other Flights/International): Approximately $125 USD.
- Pet Types: Dogs and cats.
- Weight Limit: 8 kg (17 lbs.) maximum including carrier.
- EU Travel: Microchip and EU pet passport required for EU travel.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa, Germany’s largest airline, permits dogs and cats in-cabin on international flights if they weigh no more than 8 kg (17 lbs.) including their carrier. The international fee is approximately $120 USD.
- Fee (International): Approximately $120 USD.
- Pet Types: Dogs and cats.
- Weight Limit: 8 kg (17 lbs.) maximum including carrier.
- Registration: Pets must be registered at least 24 hours before takeoff.
Vueling
Vueling, a budget Spanish airline, allows dogs, cats, household birds, turtles, and tortoises in the cabin on international flights for a fee of approximately $50 USD. The weight limit is 10 kg (22 lbs.) including the carrier.
- Fee (International): Approximately $50 USD.
- Pet Types: Dogs, cats, household birds, turtles, tortoises.
- Weight Limit: 10 kg (22 lbs.) maximum including carrier.
- Requirements: Dogs and cats must be microchipped and have up-to-date rabies vaccinations.
Airlines That May Accommodate Larger Dogs In-Cabin (Limited International Routes)
For owners of larger dogs seeking in-cabin travel, options are significantly more restricted, especially for international flights. Some smaller airlines or premium services might offer solutions, often involving purchasing an additional seat. The airlines listed below are mentioned as potentially accommodating larger dogs in-cabin, but their international route availability and specific policies need to be verified directly:
- JSX Airlines (Primarily US Domestic)
- La Compagnie Airlines (Transatlantic Business Class)
- Elite Airways (Primarily US Domestic)
- WestJet Airlines (Potentially on some international routes with seat purchase for larger dogs)
These airlines may require purchasing an extra seat for a larger dog to travel in-cabin, and international availability is not guaranteed. Contacting these airlines directly to discuss your specific needs and international route is essential.
Planning Your International Flight with a Pet In-Cabin
Traveling internationally with your pet in-cabin requires careful planning and research. Here’s a summary of key steps:
- Research Airline Policies: Thoroughly investigate the pet policies of airlines that fly your desired international route, focusing on in-cabin options, size and weight limits, breed restrictions, fees, and destination-specific regulations.
- Confirm Route Availability: Even if an airline generally allows in-cabin pets internationally, confirm that your specific route and flight offer this option. Some routes may only permit cargo travel.
- Book in Advance: Pet spots in the cabin are limited, so book your and your pet’s reservations as early as possible.
- Prepare Necessary Documentation: Gather all required health certificates, vaccination records (especially rabies), import/export permits, and any other documentation mandated by your destination country and the airline. Consult with your veterinarian and the destination country’s embassy or consulate.
- Choose an Airline-Approved Carrier: Purchase a carrier that meets the airline’s size and ventilation requirements and allows your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Acclimate Your Pet to the Carrier: Well before your travel date, get your pet used to spending time in the carrier to reduce stress during the flight.
- Consult with Your Veterinarian: Discuss your travel plans with your vet. They can provide health advice, ensure your pet is fit to fly, administer necessary vaccinations, and provide any required health documentation. For personalized advice, consider a virtual consultation with Vetster to discuss your pet’s specific needs and travel plans.
By meticulously planning and choosing an airline that accommodates in-cabin pets on international flights, you can significantly reduce the stress of travel for both you and your furry companion, ensuring a safer and more comfortable journey.
SOURCES
https://customersupport.spirit.com
https://companionpettravel.com
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