Airline Pet Policies Compared: Which Airlines Are Best for Pets?

Choosing an airline for a trip with your pet isn't just about price — it's about whether they'll let your pet on board at all, and in what capacity. Policies vary dramatically: some airlines welcome small pets in the cabin, others only accept them as cargo, and a few have banned certain breeds entirely.

Here's a breakdown of major airline pet policies as of 2026.

Cabin vs. Cargo: What's the Difference?

In-cabin travel means your pet rides with you in the passenger cabin, in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. This option is generally limited to small pets (usually under 8–9 kg including the carrier) and isn't available on all routes.

Cargo travel means your pet travels in the pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo hold — separated from you. This is the only option for large dogs and for many international routes.

Neither is inherently unsafe, but in-cabin is generally less stressful for your pet and gives you more visibility.

US Carriers

American Airlines

• Cabin: Yes — dogs and cats, up to 9 kg (pet + carrier)
• Cargo: No (not available to the public)
• Fee: $150 each way
• Breed restrictions: Brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs, etc.) not accepted
• Notes: Only 1 pet carrier per passenger. Pets as checked baggage available only to active-duty military.

United Airlines

• Cabin: Yes — dogs and cats, up to 9 kg (pet + carrier)
• Cargo: No (PetSafe program discontinued in 2018)
• Fee: $150 each way
• Breed restrictions: Snub-nosed/brachycephalic breeds not accepted
• Notes: International pets must have rabies vaccination at least 28 days before travel.

Delta Air Lines

• Cabin: Yes — dogs and cats, up to 9 kg
• Cargo: No (not available to the public)
• Fee: $150 domestic / $200 international
• Breed restrictions: Snub-nosed breeds accepted in cabin if they fit carrier requirements
• Notes: Must book by phone — cannot add pets online. Limited spots per flight.

Southwest Airlines

• Cabin: Yes — domestic US flights only
• Cargo: No
• Fee: $125 each way
• Breed restrictions: None published
• Notes: No international flights. No flights between mainland US and Hawaii with pets. Up to 2 pets per carrier.

International Carriers

British Airways

• Cabin: No (assistance dogs only)
• Cargo: Yes — via IAG Cargo (departing US) or PetAir UK (departing UK)
• Fee: Contact IAG Cargo for pricing
• Breed restrictions: Brachycephalic breeds not accepted in cargo hold
• Notes: Book well in advance — capacity is limited.

Lufthansa

• Cabin: Yes — up to 8 kg (pet + carrier), on most routes
• Cargo: Yes — via Frankfurt hub only
• Breed restrictions: Brachycephalic breeds banned from cargo hold (cabin only if under 8 kg)
• Notes: Cabin pets not allowed on flights to UK, Ireland, UAE, or Bangalore. Register at least 72 hours before departure.

Air France

• Cabin: Yes — up to 8 kg (pet + carrier), soft-sided carriers only
• Cargo: Yes
• Fee: ~€70–200 depending on route
• Breed restrictions: Some breeds banned per French law; brachycephalic breeds allowed in cabin but banned from hold
• Notes: Pet must be at least 15 weeks old for international travel.

Japan Airlines (JAL)

• Cabin: No on international flights (domestic Japan only)
• Cargo: Yes — approximately $400 per crate on international routes
• Breed restrictions: 23 brachycephalic breeds banned May–October on all flights; French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs banned year-round on international flights
• Notes: Japan also has very strict entry requirements — start planning 6+ months before travel.

Qantas

• Cabin: No
• Cargo: Only within Australia (no international pet transport)
• Notes: Pets traveling to Australia from overseas must use an approved government facility and comply with Australia's biosecurity requirements — not handled by Qantas.

Quick Comparison

Tips for Flying With Your Pet

1. Book early. Most airlines allow only 1–2 pet carriers per flight. Spots fill up.
2. Call to confirm. Pet policies change. Always verify before booking — and again before travel.
3. Check breed restrictions. Flat-faced breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats) face the most restrictions. Some airlines ban them entirely.
4. Weigh your carrier. The weight limit includes both pet and carrier. A 7 kg cat in a 3 kg carrier will exceed the 8 kg limit.
5. Read destination requirements separately. The airline gets your pet on the plane. The destination country's requirements get your pet through customs.

Browse the Full Airline Database

PawPort's airline policy database includes full details on 28+ airlines — carrier dimensions, temperature restrictions, booking procedures, and more.

Check airline policies →

Policies current as of April 2026. Airlines update their pet policies frequently — always verify directly with the carrier before booking.