Traveling with pets can be an extremely exciting task, but can become extremely daunting if everything is not considered properly. Some airlines go above and beyond to make sure that a comfortable journey is provided for both you and your friend. In this article, we will take a look at the top 20 pet-friendly, international airlines, while detailing their pet policies, prices, and the types of pets they allow.
1. American Airlines
Pet Policy: American Airlines allows pets in the cabin and as cargo. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old. The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 20 lbs (9 kg) for cabin travel.
Price: $125 for cabin; $200 for cargo.
Cabin/Cargo: Both.
Animals Allowed: Cats and dogs.
2. Delta Air Lines
Pet Policy: Delta allows small pets to travel in the cabin, and larger pets can be transported as cargo. Pets must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic flights.
Price: $125 for cabin; varies for cargo.
Cabin/Cargo: Both.
Animals Allowed: Cats, dogs, and household birds.
3. United Airlines
Pet Policy: United’s PetSafe program ensures safe transport for pets in the cargo hold. Small pets can travel in the cabin on certain flights.
Price: $125 for cabin; cargo varies by size and destination.
Cabin/Cargo: Both.
Animals Allowed: Cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds.
4. Southwest Airlines
Pet Policy: Only small cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin. Pets must be able to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you.
Price: $95 for a cabin.
Cabin/Cargo: Cabin only.
Animals Allowed: Cats and dogs.
5. JetBlue
Pet Policy: JetBlue’s JetPaws program allows small pets to travel in the cabin. The pet and carrier must not exceed 20 lbs (9 kg).
Price: $125 for a cabin.
Cabin/Cargo: Cabin only.
Animals Allowed: Cats and dogs.
6. Alaska Airlines
Pet Policy: Alaska Airlines allows small pets in the cabin and larger pets as cargo. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old.
Price: $100 for cabin; varies for cargo.
Cabin/Cargo: Both.
Animals Allowed: Cats, dogs, rabbits, and household birds.
7. Hawaiian Airlines
Pet Policy: Hawaiian Airlines allows pets in the cabin on inter-island flights. Pets can also travel as cargo on other routes.
Price: $35 for cabin (inter-island); $225 for cargo.
Cabin/Cargo: Both.
Animals Allowed: Cats, dogs, and household birds.
8. Air Canada
Pet Policy: Air Canada allows pets in the cabin and as checked baggage. The pet and carrier must not exceed 22 lbs (10 kg) for cabin travel.
Price: $50-$118 for cabin; $105-$270 for checked baggage.
Cabin/Cargo: Both.
Animals Allowed: Cats, dogs, and household birds.
9. Lufthansa
Pet Policy: Lufthansa allows small pets in the cabin and larger pets in the cargo hold. Pets must be at least 12 weeks old.
Price: €50-€110 for cabin; €80-€340 for cargo.
Cabin/Cargo: Both.
Animals Allowed: Cats, dogs, and rabbits.
10. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Pet Policy: KLM allows pets in the cabin and as cargo. Pets must be at least 15 weeks old for international travel.
Price: €75-€200 for cabin; €200-€400 for cargo.
Cabin/Cargo: Both.
Animals Allowed: Cats and dogs.
11. British Airways
Pet Policy: Pets are only allowed as cargo through the Pet Travel Scheme. Service animals can travel in the cabin.
Price: Varies for cargo.
Cabin/Cargo: Cargo only (except for service animals).
Animals Allowed: Cats, dogs, and ferrets.
12. Air France
Pet Policy: Air France allows small pets in the cabin and larger pets in the hold. The pet and carrier must not exceed 17 lbs (8 kg) for cabin travel.
Price: €30-€125 for cabin; €80-€400 for hold.
Cabin/Cargo: Both.
Animals Allowed: Cats and dogs.
13. Qatar Airways
Pet Policy: Qatar Airways allows pets in the cabin and as cargo. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old.
Price: $200-$350 for cabin; cargo varies.
Cabin/Cargo: Both.
Animals Allowed: Cats and dogs.
14. Emirates
Pet Policy: Emirates only allows pets as cargo. Service animals can travel in the cabin.
Price: Varies for cargo.
Cabin/Cargo: Cargo only (except for service animals).
Animals Allowed: Cats, dogs, and falcons.
15. Singapore Airlines
Pet Policy: Singapore Airlines allows pets in the cargo hold. Service animals can travel in the cabin.
Price: Varies for cargo.
Cabin/Cargo: Cargo only (except for service animals).
Animals Allowed: Cats and dogs.
16. Virgin Atlantic
Pet Policy: Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Paws program allows pets to travel in the cargo hold. Service animals are allowed in the cabin.
Price: Varies for cargo.
Cabin/Cargo: Cargo only (except for service animals).
Animals Allowed: Cats and dogs.
17. Aeroflot
Pet Policy: Aeroflot allows small pets in the cabin and larger pets in the cargo hold. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old.
Price: $75 for cabin; $100-$200 for cargo.
Cabin/Cargo: Both.
Animals Allowed: Cats and dogs.
18. Turkish Airlines
Pet Policy: Turkish Airlines allows pets in the cabin and as cargo. The pet and carrier must not exceed 17 lbs (8 kg) for cabin travel.
Price: $70-$140 for the cabin; cargo varies.
Cabin/Cargo: Both.
Animals Allowed: Cats, dogs, and small birds.
19. Qantas
Pet Policy: Qantas allows pets to travel as cargo. Service animals can travel in the cabin.
Price: Varies for cargo.
Cabin/Cargo: Cargo only (except for service animals).
Animals Allowed: Cats and dogs.
20. Japan Airlines
Pet Policy: Japan Airlines allows pets to travel in the cargo hold. Service animals can travel in the cabin.
Price: Varies for cargo.
Cabin/Cargo: Cargo only (except for service animals).
Animals Allowed: Cats, dogs, and small birds.
Traveling with pets can be made into a very exciting experience with the right kind of preparation and by choosing an airline that is capable of prioritizing the well-being of its furry passengers. Whether you wish to fly domestically or internationally, the top 20 pet friendly international airlines are capable of offering a wide range of options in order to accommodate the needs and comfort of you and your pet.
