pet-friendly airlines around the world: a comprehensive list

Pet-Friendly Airlines Around the World: A Comprehensive List

Traveling with pets can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to keep your furry friends close while exploring new places. Understanding which airlines are pet-friendly is essential for ensuring a smooth travel experience. Below is a comprehensive list of airlines known for their pet-friendly policies across different regions of the world. This guide outlines each airline’s pet travel policies, costs, and requirements to help you make informed decisions.

North America

1. American Airlines

Policy: American Airlines allows pets to travel in the cabin. Larger dogs and cats can travel as checked baggage or cargo.
Requirements: Pets must be in a carrier that fits under the seat. Weight limit for cabin pets is 20 pounds, including the carrier.
Cost: In-cabin fee is approximately $125 each way.

2. Delta Air Lines

Policy: Offers in-cabin travel for pets. Delta accepts pets as checked baggage and cargo depending on the flight and weather.
Requirements: Pets must be in an airline-approved carrier, and the combined weight of pet and carrier must not exceed 16 pounds for cabin travel.
Cost: In-cabin fee is about $125 each way.

3. United Airlines

Policy: Pets can travel in the cabin or in the cargo hold. United has specific guidelines for pet travel.
Requirements: Only small pets are allowed in the cabin, with a weight limit that includes the carrier up to 18 pounds.
Cost: Cost is approximately $125 each way for cabin travel.

4. JetBlue Airways

Policy: JetBlue is known for being pet-friendly, allowing small dogs and cats in the cabin.
Requirements: Pets should weigh no more than 20 pounds combined with the carrier. The carrier must fit under the seat.
Cost: The fee is around $125 each way.

5. Southwest Airlines

Policy: Southwest allows small vaccinated pets in-cabin only.
Requirements: Maximum weight is 15 pounds including the carrier. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
Cost: The fee is about $95 each way.

Europe

6. Air France

Policy: Air France allows pets to be transported in the cabin or in the hold, depending on the size.
Requirements: Pets must be in an approved carrier, weighing up to 17 pounds for cabin travel.
Cost: The fee is around €50 to €200, depending on the destination.

7. Lufthansa

Policy: Pets can travel as checked baggage or in the cabin. Lufthansa allows dogs and cats in the cabin only.
Requirements: The combined weight limit for cabin pets is 8 kg (around 18 lbs) including the carrier.
Cost: The fee is between €55 and €300, based largely on the destination and travel class.

8. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Policy: Allows pets to travel in the cabin or as checked baggage.
Requirements: Pets must weigh no more than 8 kg (about 17 lbs) in the cabin.
Cost: The fee for in-cabin travel is approximately €55.

9. British Airways

Policy: Pet travel is limited to dogs and cats in the cabin; others must be transported via cargo.
Requirements: Pets must be in a suitable travel carrier.
Cost: Prices vary significantly by flight, but typically range from £40 to £150.

10. Iberia

Policy: Small pets are allowed in the cabin with Iberia flights.
Requirements: Maximum combined weight of 10 kg (about 22 lbs) is permitted for cabin pets.
Cost: Fees for pets in the cabin vary, averaging around €25 to €100.

Asia

11. All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Policy: ANA allows small pets in-cabin but has restricted their travel during certain periods.
Requirements: Pets cannot exceed 8 kg (around 17.6 lbs) in carrier weight.
Cost: The fee for transporting pets in-cabin is approximately ¥5,000 (around $45).

12. Singapore Airlines

Policy: Accepts pets in the cabin and as cargo.
Requirements: Dogs and cats traveling in the cabin should not weigh more than 7 kg (about 15 lbs).
Cost: In-cabin fees range from SGD 150 to SGD 200 depending on the flight.

13. Thai Airways

Policy: Thai Airways permits pets in the cabin on certain flights, while heavier pets must be shipped as cargo.
Requirements: Pets must be in a carrier that conforms to airline standards.
Cost: In-cabin pet fees range from THB 1,000 to THB 2,000 (around $30 to $60).

14. Qatar Airways

Policy: Pets are allowed in the cabin, but there are specific regulations for temperature and comfort.
Requirements: For in-cabin travel, the total weight should not exceed 7 kg (about 15 lbs).
Cost: Fees usually range around $175, varying by destination.

Oceania

15. Qantas Airways

Policy: Qantas allows pets to travel only as cargo (unless they are service animals).
Requirements: Pets must be healthy and fit to fly, and health certification may be necessary.
Cost: Cargo fees start at around AU$170.

16. Air New Zealand

Policy: accepts pets for travel only as cargo.
Requirements: Pets are required to be transported in approved carriers.
Cost: Cargo fees can vary widely based on weight and destination.

South America

17. LATAM Airlines

Policy: LATAM provides options for pets to travel either as checked baggage or in the cabin.
Requirements: Pets must weigh under 7 kg (about 15 lbs) for cabin travel.
Cost: Fees for in-cabin travel generally range from $75 to $150.

18. Avianca

Policy: Accepts pets in the cabin on domestic flights only.
Requirements: Combined weight for pet and carrier should not exceed 10 kg (approximately 22 lbs).
Cost: The fee is usually around $75.

Middle East

19. Emirates

Policy: Allows pets in the cabin and as cargo on specific flights.
Requirements: Approved pet carriers are mandatory. Pets must not be more than 8 kg (about 17 lbs) for cabin travel.
Cost: In-cabin pet transport often costs around $150.

20. Etihad Airways

Policy: Pets can travel under the cabin class or as cargo.
Requirements: Define weight limits, usually up to 8 kg for in-cabin.
Cost: In-cabin fees start at about $75.

Navigating your choice of airline based on their pet policies is crucial for a successful journey with your furry companions. From North America to Asia, the list above offers a variety of options for pet owners, so you can travel with peace of mind, knowing your beloved pet will be safe and comfortable. Always confirm specific travel requirements and fees with the airline beforehand, as policies can change frequently. Each decision leads to creating memorable moments while sharing adventures with your pets!