International Airline Pet Policies for In-Cabin Travel (2024 Edition)

DJANGO

October 21, 2021

@SADHVI Hello! It’s nice to hear from you. I’m happy to answer your questions best I can.

“I have a small dog 7kgs. But with soft bag the total will be a bit over 8kgs which is the max limit. Do you think the airlines will create issues on couple of Kgs extra?”

I would call your specific airline and ask them about their max weight requirement for pet + pet carrier. Specifically, do they allow max weights within a 1-2kg range of the posted limit? While some airline personnel may not mind a 1kg difference, others may be quite strict and ensure your weight adheres to their pet policy. Generally speaking, airlines have become increasingly strict when imposing pet policy requirements, so I would err on the side of caution and find a lighter pet carrier. It it not worth being turned away at the gate.

“Also my dog is a little long [havanese poodle], i am worried he might not fit under Economy class, so having him in Business or First class will be ideal. Do you know which flights allow dogs in Cabin in business or first class for international travels?”

Many airlines designed for long-haul and international flights do not allow pets in business class. This is mainly because the lie-flat seats in first and business class do not allow for extra storage room underneath. With that said, there are a handful of airlines that do indeed accommodate pets in first and business class. We list several US airlines with accommodations in this DJANGO Dog Blog article:

“Are Pets Allowed in First Class and Business Class” (copy/paste link in new browser bar)
>>> https://djangobrand.com/blogs/news/can-dogs-fly-in-business-class. <<<

I’d recommend calling your preferred airlines directly to see if the aircraft used for your specific route has room for pets in first class.

Regarding your last question, unfortunately we cannot be travel agents and find specific flights that work best for you. We’re a small team and don’t have the resources for this type of research. All the best to you and your dog, and good luck with your upcoming travels!

Sadhvi

October 16, 2021

Hi,

I want to bring my dog from Delhi, India to Newark, USA.

I have a small dog 7kgs. But with soft bag the total will be a bit over 8kgs which is the max limit. Do you think the airlines will create issues on couple of Kgs extra?

Also my dog is a little long [havanese poodle], i am worried he might not fit under Economy class, so having him in Business or First class will be ideal. Do you know which flights allow dogs in Cabin in business or first class for international travels?

I know it cannot be a straight journey, so it has to be a break journey under 13 hours between stops. And having the stop in Europe makes more sense with the timings.

With these constraints can you suggest a flight that will be the best?
Constraints-
1. Business/First class travel allowed in Cabin, internationally [Delhi to Newark]
2. Stop in Europe / Direct Flight

Thank you.

Sarah

September 30, 2021

Thank you so much for the helpful information. We are planning a trip with our 2 pups from US to UK via Air France to CDG, so they can fly in cabin with us. Do you have any recommended carriers that are approved for Air France? Struggling to find one that meets the 18 × 11 × 9 requirements. Thank you!!

DJANGO

August 25, 2021

@CHRIS Hi! I’m so glad you are finding our DJANGO Dog Blog articles valuable as you plan your LHR to Toronto flight with your 16 month iggy. Regarding your question about Heathrow airport and their policy that there be "“no dogs other than service animals in the airport”, this policy will not apply to you since you are leaving the UK on an approved flight with your iggy in cabin. It is for flights inbound to the UK in which pets are not allowed in the cabin, and therefore not welcome in Heathrow Airport itself. As long as all is approved by your airline and port of destination, then you should not have issues.

I hope this helps clarify things for you. Safe travels!

Chris

August 25, 2021

Hi there Your post is SO informative Thanks so much I’ve booked my 16month old iggy onto a flight with AirCanada from Lhr to Toronto but even though I’ve paid for her to travel in the cabin with me under my seat in her airline approved pet carrier I’m concerned about the Heathrow policy of “no dogs other than service animals in the airport” Do you know if they will prevent me taking her to check-in? I appreciate on returning I’ll have to fly to Paris (already booked) then travel by sea

DJANGO

August 16, 2021

@ELYSE D EISENBERG It’s nice to hear from you! Steph here from DJANGO. I’m sorry to hear you were bumped from a flight due to a pet carrier that was too small, but thank you for sharing this with us. It is a good reminder to our readers that airlines have become increasingly strict about enforcing pet policies. This includes ensuring that airline pet carriers are large enough for pets. The rule of thumb is that a dog must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortable in his or her pet carrier.

Regarding your questions….

(1) If you will be in Business class where pets are welcome AND there are lie-flat seat designs, the aircraft likely has one or two designated spots up front for pet carriers. Since the carrier will not fit under a lie-flat seats, it may instead be placed in a safe nook several feet from you (i.e. where a flight attendant normally secures her carry one).

Before booking your flight, please call your airline’s customer service team directly and confirm that you can indeed bring a pet carrier in first class with the lie-flat seats. Many airlines with lie-flat seats do not allow any pet carriers in business or first class since there is no space for them.

(2) If your pet + pet carrier weight exceeds the airline max weight policy, unfortunately there is a chance you will be denied check in. We’ve been in situations where airline personnel have had us (Mike and Steph) weigh our airline friendly pet carrier with our dachshund Django inside at check in to ensure we weren’t exceeding the airline weight limit… We’ve also been in situations where no one cared to check our carrier weight or size. Is there anything in the pet carrier that you can remove to reduce the overall weight? This might include removing everything in the pockets, removing a bulky shoulder strap, any extra bedding inside, etc.

I hope this helps! Best of luck to you and your Bolognese boy.

Elyse D Eisenberg

August 15, 2021

My 17 lb Bolo has flown many times on Lufthansa Business between LAX – Italy through Frankfurt or Munich in cabin as an ESA. Now that the rules have changed, domestically I’ve recently had to get the Large Sherpa bag to get him approved on an American flight (was actually bumped with the Medium bag and had to leave the airport to get the larger bag!). The Large Sherpa still qualifies for Lufthansa in cabin, but will put him slightly over the weight limit. Two questions – will still be traveling Business but where will the carrier go as the seat will be flat to sleep? The connection to Italy is on Air Dolomiti which is a much smaller plane (single rows on each side), so I’m wondering about the size of the carrier, but also, how strict do you think Lufthansa will be about the weight if the carrier is within the limit? I’m terrified of the idea of putting him in cargo, especially on the Air Dolomiti leg.

DJANGO

March 22, 2021

@RACHIT KANCHAN Nice to hear from you! Cherry Headed Conures are beautiful birds! For all other DJANGO Dog Blog readers’ reference, Cherry Headed Conures are also known as red-masked parakeets and are medium-sized parrots.

We are obviously well-versed in airplane pet policies for dogs and cats, but unfortunately we haven’t done extensive research on flying internationally with pet birds in cabin. I know for a fact that Air India does not permit pets (including birds) on nonstop flights operated by Air India on India – USA – India routes. They do, however, allow small birds in cabin on domestic India flights.

If it were me, I’d make a list of the handful of airlines that fly your specific USA-India-USA routes, then check each airline’s pet policy page for specific details on birds. If they don’t specifically mention birds, I would call the customer service line directly to inquire about their pet bird policy.

You might also be able to find a bird-specific pet travel website that specifically covers international airline pet policies for birds.

Best of luck to you!!

rachit kanchan

March 16, 2021

Hello DJANGO,
I have a Cherry Headed Conure which is currently 7+ months
I am planning to travel from USA to India in May and come back to USA in July.
Can you please suggest/guide me on how can I travel with my pet in cabin with me. I don’t mind getting an extra seat for her if thats possible with any of the airlines.

DJANGO

February 23, 2021

@ANNE Nice to hear from you! Many dogs that fit in airline-friendly dog carriers cannot stand up fully straight once enclosed within the carrier. For this reason, airlines typically require that the dog is able to turn around and/or lay down comfortably while in the carrier. They should not appear cramped or uncomfortable of course. From personal experience flying a lot with a 14lb dog (albeit not in the past year due to the pandemic), I’ve never experienced an airline employee ask to see the dog stand within the carrier. That’s not to say it cannot happen, of course, but it is unlikely. Rather, it is much more common (and to be expected) for your airline to weigh your pet carrier and measure its dimensions upon check-in to ensure it meets their max weight and dimension criteria.

Regarding your question about business class, here’s a great article to read:
DJANGO Dog Blog: Are Pets Allowed In First Class?
>>> https://djangobrand.com/blogs/news/can-dogs-fly-in-business-class <<<

In a nutshell, it is not possible to put a pet carrier under a lay flat business class seat. Some airlines do have a separate space for 1-2 pet carriers in business class (a separate compartment up front and not under your seat). Your best bet is to pick a few flight options that work and call the airline before making your reservation to see if the specific aircraft allows pets up front and, if yes, if there is a space still open for your dog.

Hope this helps! Safe travels!

Anne

February 23, 2021

I’m returning to the US from China likely on United Airlines. My dog is 8.5 kg. Does the dog need to stand up in the carrier underneath the seat? Or do you only have to show that the dog can stand up in carrier when you check in? Also, is business class a no-go?

DJANGO

February 22, 2021

@LISA Hello! Thanks so much for your recent question and follow up information. It’s incredibly useful information to share this with our readers!

We actually have a great resource for those planning a flight to the US with a dog or cat, “How to Take Your Dog to the USA”. Here’s a link (copy and paste into your browser):

DJANGO Dog Blog – How to Take Your Dog to the USA
https://djangobrand.com/blogs/news/how-to-bring-your-pet-dog-to-the-usa

Regarding your question about what you need for your transfer through Amsterdam, since you are not leaving the airport and simply entering and exiting, you should not need any new, special documents. Rather, you should definitely have on hand your puppy’s pet passport (or international health certificate for others that don’t have a pet passport) and rabies vaccination certificate.

Also, keep in mind that many airlines, particular those with lay flat seats) do not allow pets in business class. There are definitely some airlines with seat configurations that allow pets in first class. Here’s another great resource for you detailing first class pet policies and a few airlines that have business class pet travel options:

DJANGO Dog Blog – Can Dogs Fly in First Class
https://djangobrand.com/blogs/news/can-dogs-fly-in-business-class

I hope this helps! Best of luck with your travels later this year!

Lisa

February 10, 2021

I was able to clarify with Manchester Airport in the UK that dogs are indeed allowed in. From the airport: “I am please to confirm that if your pet is booked onto a flight it can, of course, enter the Terminal and the advice you have been given by KLM appears correct. Service dogs are allowed in the Terminal though someone NOT travelling with their pet would not be permitted to bring them into the Terminal.”

Now to ensure I have what I need to fly through Amsterdam on my way to the US (Pet Passport? Can only fly business class? I think since I am just transiting, these do not apply to me). So much to consider!

Lisa

February 10, 2021

I came across your article during my research in flying a puppy (end of August; will be 10 weeks old) from Manchester, UK to the US via Amsterdam. I have called the airline, KLM, who has advised this is possible (the embargo is on dogs ENTERING the UK in-cabin, not leaving). I would assume the “only allowed in business class within Europe” note above for KLM wouldn’t apply as we are transiting through Amsterdam on our way to our final destination, which isn’t Europe — it’s the US. The agent seemed to think economy class would be fine when I called. Then… I came across some verbiage on the Manchester Airport website about assistance dogs only being allowed in the terminal (https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/help/special-assistance/assistance-dogs/). I am waiting to hear back from them to clarify. I can’t imagine that KLM would tell me I could book my flight and pay for my pet to fly in-cabin if it wasn’t possible? Perhaps there is a hand off from check-in to when you board the flight, thus the dog is allowed in-cabin but not technically in the terminal? So much to consider! Would love to know if anyone has any answers related to Manchester Airport or flying UK to US with an in-cabin pet (dog). Thanks! :)

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@CAULDRON Hello! Great question about dog height requirements for in-cabin travel.

Every airline pet policy we’ve come across enforces limits on pet carrier dimensions (carrier height, length, and width). We’ve never seen airline pet policies specifically reference a maximum dog or cat height allowed. Rather, almost all pet-friendly airlines include language in their pet policy stating that the dog or cat MUST be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in the carrier (in more or less words). Delta, for example, states “Your pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in a kennel without touching or protruding from the sides of the kennel and with the ability to move around”. If your pet appears cramped and/or uncomfortable in your pet travel carrier, then it is indeed possible that your pet is turned away at gate check ing.

And one last thing to add – we have seen airlines enforce animal weight restrictions in addition to animal + carrier weight restrictions. When departing on an Italy-US flight, we had to remove our dachshund Django from his carrier so he could be weighed alone on the luggage scale.

Hope this clarifies your question! Definitely reach back out if additional questions arise.

Cauldron

February 10, 2021

Such a helpful post!! I am wondering though about the height requirements of my schnoodle travelling out of the UK to the US. Do they get the dog out to measure? She is only 5.8kg but I am worried she is too tall? We are supposed to be moving to the US and with severe separation anxiety, she definitely cannot go in cargo. Yikessss. xx

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

Hi Amanda!

It’s nice to hear from you again! We’re all doing really well fortunately. My husband Mike and I temporarily left our apartment in New York City and have been staying with family in New Jersey. We’re lucky to have the option to be out of the city! I hope you and your family are doing well and are all healthy also!

You ask a great question about ESAs on airlines and whether they can fly via a secondary airlines, i.e. if you book a Delta flight but it is operated via Air France. Generally speaking, if pets and ESAs are allowed to fly in-cabin per that secondary airline’s pet policy, then you should have no trouble bringing your dog in cabin. You will have to follow the secondary airline’s pet/ESA policy and prep guidelines though. So if Air France requires specific paperwork prior to travel (and Delta does not), you’ll have to complete it. Also, it’s always a good idea to contact the operating airline’s customer service department to ensure you’re doing everything correctly prior to departure.

A few airlines don’t allow pets OR ESAs in-cabin even on flights to/from the United States. British Airways is one example. They do not allow ESAs in the cabin unless the pet has been trained to assist with a specific disability or medical condition. In other words, they only allow service animals.

Most airlines recognize ESAs on flight to/from the USA, but because there are a few outliers, always double check the pet policy or the operating airline.

Hope this helps!
Steph

Amanda

February 10, 2021

Hi Steph,

How are you and the family and Django holding up in isolation? I hope that all is ok and that you are safe and well! Wow, so many things have changed since I last messaged! I am still hoping to move to Scotland, but things are a bit delayed now due to COVID. I’ve been trying to follow all the changing regulations regarding animal transport, and I see that animals are banned from air transport indefinitely due to COVID: I’m checking with airlines to see if this rule is extended to ESAs. I did think of one other question while reading up and wanted to see if you had encountered this potential issue during your international journeys. Several of the ESA permitted airlines seem to operate flights through secondary companies. For example, Delta has a direct flight from NYC to Edinburgh, but it says it’s operated by Air France. Prior to COVID, do you know if ESAs would be allowed on this Air France flight since it’s technically operated by an external company (though listed as Delta)? I still of course will triple check with the airline directly.

Thanks for any information you may have and for your time!
Amanda

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@ROCCO Hello! Nice to hear from you. No airlines currently allow large dogs in-cabin. When I say large, I mean dogs that cannot fit under a plane seat in an airline-approved pet carrier. The only exceptions are if the dog is a certified service animal (i.e. a guide dog for the blind) or, in some cases, an emotional support or therapy dog.

To have your dog become an emotional service animal, you will need to get a letter from a licensed mental health professional documenting your need for the ESA. We caution against getting an ESA letter from a no-name “doctor” online. Airlines have become much more strict about verifying ESA letters in order to ensure the dogs they allow on board are true support animals.

Requirements for service dogs are much more stringent. Service dogs must be trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of disabled people. Understandably, they’re available only to individuals with a disability. In addition to training, the dog must pass a public access test and then be registered.

Best of luck to you and your Golden Retriever, and safe travels!

———————

Pets in Business Class:
For everyone else’s reference, most airlines do not even allow smaller pets in business class on transatlantic routes. This is because business class seats are often lie-flat designs and/or offer no under seat storage for a pet carrier. The only outlier is Lufthansa. Lufthansa is the only airline we know of that allows dogs/cats in business class on certain transatlantic flights. Allowance depends on the aircraft’s first class seat design (i.e. whether or not there is room under the seat for a pet carrier) and availability (usually only 1 pet is allowed in Lufthansa first class per flight). Air France, Delta, and United Airlines do not allow pets in business class at all. American not allow in-cabin pet travel on ANY transatlantic flights.

Rocco G

February 10, 2021

Thank you for preparing this article! I have a 60lb Golden Retriever. We can avoid flying to the UK, landing pretty much anywhere in Europe – just need to know either which airline to allow him in business class with no certification – or what documents he’d need to be emotional support – or service animal
if he needs to reach that level of achievement. Thanks

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@KIM Thanks for reaching out! You ask a great question. Airlines’ in-cabin pet policies only apply to flights operated by their airline. For example, United’s in-cabin pet policy only applies to flights operated by United and United Express. Finnair allows pets in-cabin but only on flights operated by Finnair and bearing a Finnair flight number. If you are looking at a flight operated by American Airlines, you will have to follow American Airlines’ in-cabin pet policy.

Kim

February 10, 2021

Thanks for the information! While looking at flights, I noticed that Finnair accepts pets in cabin on transatlantic flights, but the flight I am looking at is on American Airlines metal, even though I would book through Finnair. So would my pet still be allowed in cabin, since AA does not allow them in cabin for transatlantic flights?

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@EUNICE SAUNDERS Hello and thanks for reaching out! Where are you flying from? If you are departing from the United States AND your dog is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) with up-to-date documentation, then your Shih Tzu should be able to fly in cabin with you. ANA allows ESAs in the cabin ONLY on international flights to (and I believe from) the US and Mexico.

If your dog is NOT an ESA, I would immediately contact United. You will hopefully be able to cancel your current reservation, albeit for a fee.

Hope this helps! Good luck to you!

Eunice Saunders

February 10, 2021

Hello and goodnight..I have reservations on a United flight to Okinawa in April 2020. I made the reservation because United allows pets in cabin. Unfortunately, I recently discovered that United to Asia is operated by All Nippon Airways, which does not allow pets in cabin. I have a Shih Tzu, which cannot fly in cargo. At the risk of losing the funds that have been paid because I may have to cancel my plans, do you have any suggestions? Thank you in advance for your consideration.

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@MANOLO AND JESSIE Hello! Nice to hear from you guys. Good news for you – US airlines that recognize and have pet policies for emotional support animals (ESAs) typically do not have a strict limit on dog weight so long as the dog does not exceed the footprint of your seat. This means your dog, if not in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, must sit at your feet and not protrude into the floor space of the person next to you.

Regarding airlines that allow ESAs in cabin from Spain-USA, I would look at both Delta and Iberia. While TAP Portugal does recognize and allow ESAs in cabin, they require the animal stay in a carrier and also have a weight restriction of 17 lbs (combined weight of case + animal). Delta flies nonstop Lisbon-JFK frequently and pricing is usually in line with other carriers for this route. Iberia is another valid option. They recognize ESAs and, last I checked, do not have a weight limit so long as your pup fits on the floor at your feet!

Hope this helps! Don’t hesitate to reach out if any other questions arise! And safe travels :)

Manolo and Jessie

February 10, 2021

Hello!
Thank you for the all this useful information regarding international pet travel.
We are going to be flying to Spain from
The East Coast in the spring. We have a 22lb King Charles Cavalier whom is an emotional support animal. He fits in the carrier and under the seat, and have flown with him many times domestically and once to Mexico before in cabin.
We were seeing that many airlines on transatlantic flights require that the dog be under 18lbs. Do you know of any airline that would allow our 22lb emotional support Cavalier to travel in the cabin with us?
Thank you,
Manolo and Jessie

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@GINA FOARD Hello! Thanks for reaching out about pet travel from Canada to France. You ask a great question. Although airline Air France allows young pets to fly in cabin, France itself has strict rules regarding pet importation. Specifically, France does not allow dogs/cats from entering the county if (1) the pet is under 12 weeks old and not vaccinated for rabies (2) the pet is less than 15 weeks old and (a) not vaccinated for rabies or (b) vaccinated for rabies less than 21 days prior to entry into the EU.

Although Air France allows 10 week old dogs/cats in cabin, they will not be allowed into France if they aren’t vaccinated. And just so you know, there are indeed other EU member states that allow young dogs/cats with no rabies shots. These include Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, and Switzerland. So you could bring a 10 week old unvaccinated puppy in-cabin on an Air France flight to those countries.

Hope this helps!

Gina Foard

February 10, 2021

If air France allows a 10 week old puppy to fly in cabin from Canada to Paris. What vaccines are required ? 10 weeks is too young for rabies.

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@KAREN Hi Karen, great to hear from you! Regarding your upcoming travels from NYC to Cape Town with an Emotional Support Animal, you definitely should consider South African Airlines. They have non-stop service to Johannesburg (not Cape Town – they don’t offer direct flights to Cape Town right now) and recognize ESAs. This means you can fly with your pup in-cabin from NYC to Johannesburg, then take another leg with your Mini Aussie from Johannesburg to Cape Town. To book an ESA on a South African Airline flight, you first need a reservation. Once you have a reservation, you can apply with the airline’s Special Assistance department for your ESA to come with you.

If you are traveling late this year or in 2020, another option is United Airlines. They plan to offer direct service from NYC to Cape Town starting Dec 2019. United also recognizes and allows ESAs in-cabin, so this is another potential option for you. Of course, please call United ahead of booking any travels to verify their ESA policy is also applicable on non-stop flights to/from Cape Town.

Lastly, just a reminder that there’s a good amount of work to do before you can take your pup to South Africa, including an International Health Certificate and veterinary import permit. The APHIS website has a great resource on what you have to do, link here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/pettravel-south-africa

Hope this helps! Best of luck to you and safe travels with your dog!!

Karen

February 10, 2021

Hi! We’re looking to fly round trip from the U.S. (New York) to South Africa (Cape Town) in-cabin with our Emotional Support Animal – a 30 lb. Mini Australian Shepherd. We can’t seem to find any airlines that will allow him in the cabin between anywhere in Europe and South Africa. South African Airlines has a flight that originates in NYC and goes non-stop to Cape Town, so we think that might work, but it’s a 16 hour flight. Do you have any advice you can offer? Putting him in cargo is not an option for us.

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

Susan, hello! Thanks for reaching out about flying internationally with your standard poodle! I wish I could tell you otherwise, but unfortunately no airlines that we know of allow large dogs in-cabin. When I say large, I mean dogs that cannot fit under a plane seat in an airline-approved pet carrier. The only exceptions are if the dog is a certified service animal (i.e. a guide dog for the blind) or, in some cases, an emotional support or therapy dog.

Regarding business class, the same rule will apply: no large dogs. In fact, most airlines prohibit dogs in first class entirely. The only exception we currently know of is Lufthansa. Lufthansa allows small dogs/cats on certain transatlantic flights.

You have two options for getting overseas with your larger dog: (1) putting your standard poodle in cargo, or (2) sea travel. You can learn more about the sea travel option in another DJANGO Dog Blog article (LINK BELOW). Unless you have all the time in the world (sea travel takes a while), flying your pup via cargo is the most realistic and popular option for bigger dogs.

DJANGO Dog Blog article with INFO ON PET SEA TRAVEL:
>> https://djangobrand.com/blogs/news/flying-with-pets-in-cabin-to-the-united-kingdom <<
(scroll down to the last section titled ‘A Safe Travel Option for Larger Dogs – Sea Travel’)

Susan

February 10, 2021

Hi there,
Regarding flying from the US to Europe you seem to be an encyclopedia on transporting dogs.I have a Standard Poodle, extremely well behaved, weighs over 50 pounds. Is there any airline that will allow my dog to travel with us in the cabin. We would gladly pay a full fare for him. Possibly sit in the bulkhead seats with on one in front of us with the extra room. Business class with the extra space where he could lie…???

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@DAVID, hello! In most cases, pets are not permitted in business class on US-Europe flights since the seats are lie-flat designs and/or offer no under seat storage for a pet carrier.

I can confirm business class pet policies for a few major airlines and their transatlantic routes: Air France, American Airlines, Delta, Lufthansa, and United Airlines. Of these 5 airlines, Lufthansa is the only one that allows dogs/cats in business class on certain transatlantic flights. Allowance depends on the aircraft’s first class seat design (i.e. whether or not there is room under the seat for a pet carrier) and availability (usually only 1 pet is allowed in Lufthansa first class per flight). Definitely call Lufthansa before booking a flight to confirm whether the aircraft has a spot for your pet.

Air France, Delta, and United Airlines do not allow pets in business class at all. Delta and United Airlines’ business class flat bed seats leave no room for under seat storage. As for American, the airline does not allow in-cabin pet travel on ANY transatlantic flights.

Hope this helps! And if you happen to come across an airline I didn’t mention here that DOES allow pet travel in business class, please reply back with the info!

David

February 10, 2021

Have you found any airlines that will let you fly business class or first class between Europe and the US?

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@SUE Hello! In terms of documentation, your pet needs one of the following documents when returning to the UK:
- an EU pet passport (issued in the EU or in the UK prior to EU Exit)
- the animal health certificate issued in the UK used to travel to the EU (which you can use up to 4 months after it was issued)
- a UK pet health certificate (for travel into the UK only)

Regarding flights to the UK, here is a great resource: “FLYING WITH PETS IN-CABIN TO THE UNITED KINGDOM”:
https://djangobrand.com/blogs/news/flying-with-pets-in-cabin-to-the-united-kingdom
(link also above under “Additional Resources”)

Although you can fly to Spain with your pets in-cabin, this is not possibly for your return trip to the UK unless you have an assistance animal. Your options are to put your dogs in cargo (not ideal of course) or use one of the options outlined in the article I linked to above. For instance, you could fly from Tenerife to Paris’ Charles de Gaulle and then arrange transportation from there.

Lastly, don’t forget that rules for bringing a pet into the EU (from the UK) may change after Brexit, depending on whether the UK leaves the EU with a deal or not. Here is a good resource for you: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit.

I hope this helps! Good luck with your travels later this year!

sue

February 10, 2021

Hi i want to take my miniture dacshund and miniture pincer to tenerife in december and return to the uk in early january
i think i have sorted how to get there with them both via plane this has been difficult because i want to take them in the cabin
but the question is how do you get home from tenerife to the uk can you help with any information please

Kind Regards
Sue

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@LISA Hello! Checked baggage is the same as cargo – it implies that your pet will be “checked” (similar to luggage) and transported in the pet-friendly part of the plane’s cargo.

According to EVA Air’s pet policy (link above), “EVA Air does not accept pets as unchecked baggage in the cabin, except for service animals such as escort dogs, emotional support animals to which medical certificates are required.”

Hope this helps!

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@CAROL Hello! Unless you have a service animal or assistance animal (i.e. emotional support animal, therapy animal), dogs are not allowed to fly in-cabin to the UK.

Here’s a great resource for traveling with pets to the UK:
https://djangobrand.com/blogs/news/flying-with-pets-in-cabin-to-the-united-kingdom

Flying back to the USA is definitely easier when it comes to pets. Assuming you fly with an airline that allows in-cabin pet travel, you shouldn’t have any issues bringing your dog (assuming he/she meets the specific airline’s pet policy requirements re: weight, age, vaccinations/health documentation, etc)

Lisa

February 10, 2021

Eva allows dogs as checked baggage. Not just as cargo?

Carol

February 10, 2021

Can I take my dog to the USA in cabin and the same coming back to UK

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@JONATHAN Hello! After checking out your links and doing research on our own (we contacted Delta, American and United’s Special Assistance departments), it seems that yes, ESAs can indeed fly in-cabin to the UK! You are right that airline passengers with ESAs must contact the appropriate ‘Animal Reception Centre’ at the destination airport prior to departure to ensure the proper import/customs paperwork is in order upon arrival. According to American Airlines’ ‘Special Assist’ department, this ‘paperwork’ is specifically an inspection permit that’s issued prior to arrival.

Thanks so much for your helpful comment and links! Congrats on your recent move to the UK, and best of luck bringing your Frenchie to live with you in your new city!

Jonathan

February 10, 2021

Hello,

I’ve been doing research into brining my emotional support animal (a french bulldog named Vincent) into the UK to live with me as I’ve just moved here. It seems that emotional support animals that fly on approved american carriers to approved airports can indeed fly in-cabin. Although the UK does not recognize emotional support animals as assistance dogs, if the flight originates in the U.S. and the airline’s policy allows for emotional support animals, they may arrive into the UK into certain airports. I have received email confirmation of this from the London Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/animal-health-welfare/heathrow-animal-reception-centre/Pages/Assistance-Animals.aspx) and verbal confirmation over the phone from "Pets on Jets’ at Manchester Airport (http://www.petsonjets.com/assistancedogs/). However, I would welcome (and ask) for a double check from y’all!

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@ADI Hello and thanks for your question about how to fly to Shannon, Ireland with an emotional support animal! Airlines that offer in-cabin pet service to Shannon, Ireland will depend on where you are flying from… but since Shannon is such a big hub, there should definitely be several options for you. At a quick glance, Lufthansa, United, Air France and KLM are all potential options. Also, keep in mind that many European airlines, like Lufthansa, only recognize emotional support animals (and waive pet fees) on flights to/from the USA.

Note that Aer Lingus and Delta do NOT allow in-cabin pet travel into Ireland (Aer Lingus does allow dogs in cargo but prohibits snub-nosed / brachycephalic breeds like your Frenchie from the cargo hold).

Our recommendation is to first check what your main airline options are for your trip into Shannon, then come visit us again here to review each individual’s pet policy via the links we provide. Best of luck to you!

Kemi Assouline

February 10, 2021

Very Informative 👍

Adi

February 10, 2021

Django is awesome! Do you no any Airlines that allow emotional support dog in cabin
to fly to Shannon,Ireland? And it is a Frenchie, brachysephalic breed

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@KIM Thank you for your comment! Would you mind confirming where you found the information that Delta is now limiting in-cabin international pet travel to flights with an 8 hour average duration or less? According to Delta’s page for International Pet Travel (link below), Delta and Delta Cargo still allow dogs on flights with an average flight time of 12 hours or less. Delta certainly could have announced the change somewhere else, before updating all their website content… Let me know if you remember where you saw that info – we’ll definitely update our content if/when we verify the new airline pet policy!

Delta Int’l Pet Travel Information: https://www.delta.com/us/en/pet-travel/international-connection-pet-travel

Kim

February 10, 2021

Just want you to know the Delta changed their policies. Even with service animals – no animals may be in the cabin for flights over 8 hours.

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@RITTY The main airlines flying regularly between India and Qatar are Air India, IndiGo, Jet Airways and Qatar Airways. Unfortunately, none of these airlines allow pets to travel in the cabin on international flights (both Air India and Jet Airways permit dogs and cats on domestic India flights only). The exception is guide dogs for the blind. If you are open to transporting your cat via the cargo hold, both Air India and Qatar Airways allow pets in the carriage of the plane! This appears to be your only option.

Ritty

February 10, 2021

I would like to travel with my persian cat from Qatar to India. May I know which airline allows to take along my cat to india

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

Michelle, hello! Thanks so much for reaching out. Although we are not experienced with the travel requirements for rabbits when flying to/from the UK, I have a few ideas you may or may not have considered… First, have you looked into flights from London to Boston, MA? These flights are typically slightly shorter in duration than flights departing from Edinburgh; or flights heading to NYC’s JFK. I see several London-Boston flights under the 8 hour duration limit. Obviously your daughter would have to break up her trip in two flights (first to London, then to the US), but this may be the only option to successfully circumvent the 8 hour flight duration max.

Second, has your daughter looked into making her rabbit an emotional support animal (ESA)? From what I understand, all domesticated animals may qualify as an ESA. Although certain airlines may limit ESA allowances to dogs and cats, this definitely is still worth looking into. If you can find an airline that welcomes rabbit ESAs, the 8 hour flight duration limit should no longer apply to your daughter’s rabbit.

Hope this helps! Good luck to your daughter, and congrats on her move back to the US!

Michelle

February 10, 2021

Do you have any advice for flying a rabbit out of the UK. My daughter lives in Scotland, is moving back to the USA and has a 9 year old floppy earred bunny. She is adamant about not putting her in cargo. I have researched airlines that allow rabbits in cabin and it seems the flights must be 8 hours or less, which precludes most flights from Europe to USA.

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@CURT WALKER Thanks so much for your comment, and I’m glad you found our article useful! This article only focuses on in-cabin airline pet travel, but you are absolutely right that certain aircrafts within each airline, especially smaller ones, may not allow pets in the cargo hold. We always strongly advise calling customer service BEFORE booking pet travel (cargo or in-cabin) to ensure there is room on the flight for you pet and ensure the pet policy hasn’t changed overnight.

Curt Walker

February 10, 2021

This is very helpful information. However, you have left out one very important fact. The type of aircraft used. Most airlines that fly Airbus Aircraft, do NOT all allow pets in cargo. People need to check the airline carefully. Thanks.

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@MARYANNE DELLAFERA Thanks for your comment and kind words! I’m so glad you found this article useful as you plan your move to Italy with your three Pekingese dogs. And by the way, a huge congrats on the upcoming move!

That’s wonderful you’re traveling with two friends, so each can put one of your pups under their reservation. That’s so huge and helps tremendously, as you already know. And yes, it’s always important to call the airline in advance of your trip to ensure they have a space for your pup. Unfortunately there’s no way to confirm this info without calling.

Good luck planning your trip and moving abroad! Congrats again, and please let us know if future questions arise!

MaryAnne DellaFera

February 10, 2021

Hi! Thanks for this amazing resource on international pet travel! I am planning a move to Italy with my 3 pekingeses, and this is the only site I’ve been able to find that has UP TO DATE info on what airlines allow pets to travel in the cabin, including weight and size restrictions. Even so, it looks like there is only ONE airline that I’ll be able to use because my two girls are relatively big for pekes (they’re not show dogs). I’ll have to call the airline for additional info, but it would have taken me forever to gather all this info myself. I’ll be traveling with 2 friends (ie, 1 dog/person), but I don’t know how many dogs are allowed on the same plane. I hope we can all go together! This is a major trip for us, but the most stressful part is figuring out how to get my dogs there safely. I am very reluctant to have them in cargo, but I was beginning to think that was the only way my girls could travel.
Django is adorable!

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@ANN GALLUS According to Heathrow’s website, “We have a relief area in Terminal 2 and 3 and we are planning to introduce further facilities in Terminals 4 and 5. For directions to the Terminal 2 and 3 dog relief area, please ask a member of staff for more information.”

Terminal 2 and 3! If you’re not flying out of those terminals, I’d recommend arriving at the airport early so you have time to visit them with you little one. Safe travels!

Ann Gallus

February 10, 2021

I have located the airlines that will be carrying my puppy in the cabin from London Heathrow to Houston. Long flight My question is this: Are there any pet relief areas in Heathrow. I have tried looking at their maps and googling but it is not clear. I will have a 4.5 hr drive to the airport so I will have to stop somewhere. Thank you.

Samantha Brown

February 10, 2021

Your blog is very informative and has “need to know” topics. I would never let my pet travel as cargo. They either travel with me or I would not go. I can’t imagine how stressed out my pet would be traveling as cargo.

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@ANN GALLUS Thank you for your question about which airlines allow pet-friendly travel from the UK to the US.

Departing the UK with a pet in-cabin is not easy. Most airlines do not allow in-cabin pet travel to or from the UK – these include Air Lingus, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, United, and Wow.

The good news – Air France, KLM and Lufthansa all allow in-cabin pet travel from the UK to the US (I just spoke to customer service reps from all three airlines). I would still call their customer service before booking your flight just to make sure their policy hasn’t changed and ensure there is space on the flight for your puppy (some flights limit the total # of pets allowed per flight).

p.s. No airlines allow in-cabin pet travel into the UK. This is unfortunately a rule mandated by the UK government in an effort to curb the spread of rabies and unauthorized commercial sale of pets. We lay out every alternative pet-friendly route into the UK here:
https://djangobrand.com/blogs/news/flying-with-pets-in-cabin-to-the-united-kingdom

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@RUTH LEWIS Great to hear you had a seamless experience getting to the UK with your two pups via an Air France flight to Paris! Mike and I (Steph) plan to take Django to London later this year and will be following your same travel route :)

DJANGO Pet Travel Resource: FLYING WITH PETS IN-CABIN TO THE UK
https://djangobrand.com/blogs/news/flying-with-pets-in-cabin-to-the-united-kingdom

Ann Gallus

February 10, 2021

I am looking fro transatlantic flights from London Heathrow to the US…preferably to Chicago. Are there any that would allow me to bring my 12 week old puppy in the cabin with me? I understand there would be additional fees, and that the pup would have to be in an approved underseat pet carrier.

Ernst

February 10, 2021

Thank you for putting this together! We are planning to take our rough haired dachshund called broccoli tot the US from Europe ( and back , ofcourse) so this info is most usefull!

ruth Lewis

February 10, 2021

I took my 2 small dogs to the uk 2 years ago (& am doing so again this year) we flew into Paris with airfrance then took the train to Calais where we met with a family member who drove us home via the tunnel. It was a long trip but worth it! The only place our paperwork for the dogs was checked was before we got on the channel tunnel in Calais. Airfrance charged $200 each dog & they traveled in the cabin with us

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@VERONA SAWYER Thanks for your question. You are absolutely right that no airlines allow in-cabin pet travel into the UK. The UK government does not allow the transport of pets into the UK via in-cabin air travel. This is a strictly-enforced policy to prevent rabies from entering the country via infected animals. The UK government believes they can better prevent the spread of rabies by allowing only approved airlines to transport pets via the cargo (aka hold or carriage). Here is a list of UK-approved airlines that allow cargo pet travel: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pet-travel-approved-air-sea-rail-and-charter-routes-for-the-movement-of-pets/approved-air-routes-for-pet-travel. The only exception to this rule is if you are traveling with a Service/Assistance dog. Emotional support dogs and therapy dogs are not considered Service/Assistance dogs.

We’ll be doing a follow up post on alternative routes into the UK with pets, i.e. so one does not have to put their pup in cargo. We’ll post the link here in the comments and also in the article above.

Verona Sawyer

February 10, 2021

It seems that there are no airlines that let you take your pets in the cabin if you are goi g to the U. K. is this true ???

Connie Alman

February 10, 2021

Great advice! Thank you 🐾

DJANGO

February 10, 2021

@MICK So glad you found this useful! We’ll be updating the spreadsheet bi-annually to ensure we’re up to date with the airlines ever-changing pet policies!

Mick

February 10, 2021

Thank you for such s great source of data!