Airline Pet Travel Policies
Every airline has different rules for flying with pets. Wrong crate? Banned breed? Missing documents? You'll be rejected at check-in. Know the rules before you book.
🇺🇸 North American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
DL • United States
United Airlines
UA • United States
American Airlines
AA • United States
Alaska Airlines
AS • United States
JetBlue
B6 • United States
Southwest Airlines
WN • United States
🇪🇺 European Airlines
Air France
AF • France
Lufthansa
LH • Germany
British Airways
BA • United Kingdom
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KL • Netherlands
Swiss International Air Lines
LX • Switzerland
EasyJet
U2 • United Kingdom
🌍 Middle East Airlines
🌏 Asia Pacific & Other Airlines
Qantas
QF • Australia
Singapore Airlines
SQ • Singapore
Cathay Pacific
CX • Hong Kong
Turkish Airlines
TK • Turkey
Iberia
IB • Spain
TAP Air Portugal
TP • Portugal
Air Canada
AC • Canada
Norwegian Air
DY • Norway
Ryanair
FR • Ireland
Finnair
AY • Finland
SAS Scandinavian Airlines
SK • Sweden
Icelandair
FI • Iceland
Aer Lingus
EI • Ireland
Universal IATA Crate Requirements (All Airlines)
IATA container requirements
- •Length = A + ½ B (A = nose tip to root of tail; B = floor to elbow joint)
- •Width = C × 2 (C = width across shoulders or widest point); 2 animals: C × 3; 3 animals: C × 4
- •Height = D + bedding (D = standing height, top of head or ear tip to floor)
- •Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds: container 10% larger
- •Ventilation: at least 16% of the total surface of the four sides, with openings on all four sides
- •Plastic containers: top and bottom halves bolted together; plastic clips alone are not sufficient; metal bolts recommended in every hole
Source: IATA Pet Container Requirements
❌ Common Crate Problems
- • Crate too small (most common)
- • Plastic clips instead of metal bolts
- • Insufficient ventilation
- • Soft-sided carrier for cargo
- • Missing or expired health certificate
- • Brachycephalic breed in cargo booking
- • Missing "Live Animal" labels
- • Temperature embargo (seasonal)
Flying with Pets: What You Need to Know in 2026
Each airline maintains strict policies governing crate specifications, breed restrictions, and documentation requirements. Understanding these rules before you book can save you from the devastating experience of being rejected at check-in.
Cabin vs. Cargo: Understanding Your Options
Most airlines offer two options for pet travel: in-cabin (under your seat) and cargo hold. Cabin travel is limited to small pets in soft-sided carriers, typically with a combined weight limit of 8-10kg. Larger pets must travel in the cargo hold in IATA-compliant rigid containers. Some airlines, like British Airways and Emirates, do not allow any pets in the passenger cabin.
The Brachycephalic Problem
Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds face severe restrictions on nearly all airlines. Breeds like French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers are banned from cargo holds due to their compromised respiratory systems. These breeds are at high risk of heat stroke and breathing failure in the pressurized cargo environment.
Why Pre-Checking Your Crate Matters
Airlines report rejection rates of 10-15% at check-in, primarily due to non-compliant crates or missing documentation. With check-in occurring just hours before your flight, there's no time to fix issues. Our AI-powered pre-check service analyzes your crate photos against IATA and airline-specific requirements, identifying problems before you leave home.