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.
Don't Get Stranded at the Airport
🇺🇸 North American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
DL • United States
Cabin: Max No strict limit - must fit under seatkg • $95 USD each way (domestic), $200 USD (international)
United Airlines
UA • United States
Cabin: Max Must fit in carrier under seatkg • $125 USD each way
American Airlines
AA • United States
Cabin: Max 20 lbs including carrierkg • $125 USD
Alaska Airlines
AS • United States
Cabin: Max No weight limit - must fit under seatkg • USD 100
JetBlue
B6 • United States
Cabin: Max 20kg • USD 125
Southwest Airlines
WN • United States
Cabin: Max Must fit under seatkg • USD 95
🇪🇺 European Airlines
Air France
AF • France
Cabin: Max 8kg • 125-200 EUR
Lufthansa
LH • Germany
Cabin: Max 8kg • 50-70 EUR (Europe), 100-150 EUR (Intercontinental)
British Airways
BA • United Kingdom
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KL • Netherlands
Cabin: Max 8kg • EUR 50-200 depending on route
Swiss International Air Lines
LX • Switzerland
Cabin: Max 8kg • CHF 60-200
EasyJet
U2 • United Kingdom
🌍 Middle East Airlines
🌏 Asia Pacific & Other Airlines
Qantas
QF • Australia
Singapore Airlines
SQ • Singapore
Cathay Pacific
CX • Hong Kong
Cabin: Max 6kg • HKD 2,560-3,840
Turkish Airlines
TK • Turkey
Cabin: Max 8kg • USD 70-120
Iberia
IB • Spain
Cabin: Max 8kg • EUR 50-150
TAP Air Portugal
TP • Portugal
Cabin: Max 8kg • EUR 55-100
Air Canada
AC • Canada
Cabin: Max 10kg • CAD 50-118
Norwegian Air
DY • Norway
Cabin: Max 8kg • EUR 50-75
Ryanair
FR • Ireland
Finnair
AY • Finland
Cabin: Max 8kg • EUR 40-70
SAS Scandinavian Airlines
SK • Sweden
Cabin: Max 8kg • EUR 60-90
Icelandair
FI • Iceland
Aer Lingus
EI • Ireland
Cabin: Max 10kg • EUR 35-55
Universal IATA Crate Requirements (All Airlines)
✅ Required for Cargo
- • Rigid container (plastic, metal, wood, fiberglass)
- • Metal bolts on all four corners (NOT plastic clips)
- • Ventilation on at least 3 sides
- • Metal mesh door with secure latch
- • "Live Animal" stickers + "This Way Up" arrows
- • Food and water bowls attached
- • Absorbent bedding on floor
- • Pet can stand, turn, and lie down
❌ Common Rejection Reasons
- • 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
Air travel with pets has become increasingly regulated following multiple high-profile incidents involving pet injuries and deaths. Each airline now 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. Many airlines have implemented these bans after documented in-flight deaths.
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.