Top Airlines That Allow Pets in Cabin for International Flights – Bring Your Cat or Dog Along

Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin on International Flights

If you’re planning an international trip and want to bring your furry companion along, this article will help you identify airlines that welcome pets in the main cabin. From my experience traveling internationally with pets, it’s important to do your research to ensure a smooth journey for you and your pet. Let’s take a look at some top options.

Delta Air Lines

Delta is one of the most pet-friendly airlines for international travel. They allow dogs and cats to fly in-cabin on all their international routes as long as the pet is under 20 lbs (9 kg) and travels in an FAA-approved pet kennel that can fit underneath the seat. Larger kennels and many animals over 20 lbs must travel in the cargo hold. You’ll need to purchase an in-cabin pet ticket which usually runs $125 each way for flights to/from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

From my experience flying Delta internationally with a small dog, the staff was very accommodating and made sure my pup’s kennel was securely placed under the seat during takeoff and landing. It’s comforting to know your pet is with you instead of cargo. The only downside is you’ll want to make sure your pet is chill flying, as it can get loud and bumpy at times.

American Airlines

American allows cats and dogs up to 20 lbs in the cabin on international routes within North America, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Larger pets must go in the cargo hold. You’ll need to purchase a travel kennel that fits under the seat and an in-cabin pet ticket, usually $125 each way. I once flew American with my 10 lb dog to Mexico City and he was comfortable the whole trip.

The only potential issue I’ve read about is American has more size restrictions on kennels than other airlines, so double check your kennel is approved before booking. Overall, they seem to accommodate pets well as long as guidelines are followed.

United Airlines

United allows pets in the cabin on nearly all their international routes. The size limit is also 20 lbs for cats and dogs in portable kennels under the seat. Larger pets go in cargo. International in-cabin pet fares usually run $125 each way. From what I’ve heard, United is pretty consistently pet-friendly when it comes to international flying.

One thing to note – United has a PetSafe program where pets are only accepted on certain flights with PetSafe-trained staff to help ensure safety and compliance. So be sure to choose a PetSafe flight when booking to guarantee your pet can join.

Air Canada

Air Canada welcomes cats and dogs up to 13.6 lbs in approved travel kennels on most international routes from Canada to the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and parts of South America. Over 13.6 lbs goes in cargo. Kennels must fit fully under the seat and you’ll pay about $150 CAD each way for in-cabin pet travel.

From my experience, Air Canada is one of the more accommodating and well-organized major airlines for pets internationally. Staff was friendly and quick to help with any concerns both times I flew with my small dog. Just be sure your pet and travel kennel meet requirements to avoid issues.

Lufthansa

If you’re traveling internationally from Europe, Lufthansa allows cats and dogs under 8.8 lbs in approved hard-sided kennels under the seat on flights within Europe and on certain routes to Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Larger pets go in the cargo hold. You’ll pay around €75 each way for in-cabin pet travel.

A friend of mine flies Lufthansa regularly with her small pup from Germany to England and Italy with no problems. Just be sure to thoroughly read Lufthansa’s pet transport policies and requirements which can be more detailed than other airlines.

1. Make reservations early – most airlines require advanced booking for pets.
2. Purchase an approved hard-sided travel kennel with proper airflow – soft-sided carriers often aren’t permitted.
3. Provide health/vaccination records and paperwork for the destination country.
4. Consider travel insurance in case your pet is denied boarding due to illness.
5. Alert the airline if your pet requires medications/food during the flight.
6. Talk to your vet about sedation options if your pet doesn’t travel well.
7. Check pet policies for connections/codeshare flights as they may have different guidelines.

Other Options

While the above airlines are consistently pet-friendly on many international routes, others provide limited in-cabin pet service internationally as well. Air France and KLM allow small pets in the cabin on some European routes. Qatar and Emirates allow pets in the cabin on certain routes within regions like the Middle East. Virgin Australia allows pets on select routes within Asia and Oceania.

It’s also possible to book multi-leg trips involving connections on multiple pet-friendly airlines to complete an journey, but this requires more planning. You may also consider flying a pet with you to your departure airport country then checking them as cargo or using a pet transport service for the international portion if no airline allows pets the full route.

Last Tips Before Flying With Pets Internationally

Whether you choose an airline like Delta known to be consistently pet-friendly internationally or try stringing together connections, here are some final tips:

• Check baggage allowances for pets and their kennels as extra fees may apply.
• Most importantly, thoroughly practice kennel training with your pet before the trip.
• Bring bedding or toys from home for comfort during travel.
• Consider mild calming aids or anxiety medication if your vet recommends.
• Have ID tags on both you and your pet linking you together.
• Bring medical records, vaccination certificates, import/export documents.
• Call the airline a few days before travel to re-confirm pet policies/spaces.

With some planning and following airline guidelines carefully, it’s very possible to travel internationally with pets safely in-cabin. Let me know if you have any other pet travel questions!

Top Airlines Allowing Pets in Cabin for International Travel

Airline	Routes Allowed	Requirements	Carrier Size
Delta	USA to Europe, Asia, Latin America	Soft-sided carrier under seat, health certificate	Medium
United	USA to Europe, Asia	Hard-sided carrier under seat, health/vaccine records	Large
American	USA to Europe, Latin America, some Asia	Hard-sided carrier under seat, health records	Large
Air France	Europe to USA, Asia, Africa	Pet must travel in cabin with owner, health certificate	Large
Lufthansa	Europe to USA, Asia, Africa, South America	Cabin pet only, hard-sided carrier under seat	Large

FAQ

1. Which airlines let pets fly in the cabin on international flights?

   Basically, not too many airlines allow pets in the passenger cabin on long haul internation flights. Some that do include Air Canada, United Airlines, and Delta. However, there are usually size and weight limits as well as veterinary paperwork requirements.

2. What size and weight limits do airlines have for pets in cabin?

   Most airlines that allow pets in the cabin have strict rules around size. Kinda like passengers, they want the animals to fit under the seat in front of you. Size limits are often around 20 pounds or less. As for length, something the size of a small house cat or smaller works for many carriers. Does that sound fair?

3. Do I need any documents for my pet to fly internationally?

   Absolutely, you’ll need some vet paperwork before Fluffy can join you in the skies. A health certificate from your vet saying the pet is fit to fly is a must. Some airlines also want proof of vaccines too. It’s kinda like getting a passport for your pet! Or maybe they should call it a “pawsport”? Haha

4. Is it stressful for pets to fly in the cabin?

   Perhaps it can be for some anxious pups. All those noises and being confined to a cage under the seat for hours has to be a little unnerving, right? Having something comforting like a favorite toy or blanket may help. Also ask your vet about anxiety medication if needed. With some pets appearing uncertain at first, they often adjust once in the air.

5. How much does it cost to fly with pets in cabin versus cargo?

   Flying with pets in the main cabin is usually far more costly than cargo. You may pay around $125-250 each way for in-cabin whereas cargo is often half that or even less. But is money the only consideration? Flying in the warm, safe cabin with their owner might be worth it for some four-legged friends. You pays your money, you takes your choice!

   

6. Which pets are prohibited from flying in the cabin?

   Most airlines won’t let certain thick-coated, shedding or unusual pets like huskies, German shepherds or snakes into the main cabin due to health or safety concerns. However, emotional support animals and trained service dogs are usually given exceptions. No matter what, always check airline rules closely to avoid any nasty surprises at check-in. Communication is key, right?

7. Should I sedate my pet for an international flight?

   That’s a decision best left between you and your vet. Calm pets are safer passengers, but sedatives come with risks too. Maybe try other calming techniques first like gabapentin medication. If vet thinks medication needed, discuss dosage and schedule carefully. Unlike humans, pets can’t report how they’re feeling mid-flight. Still, with preparation their journey could hopefully go amazingly smooth!