- 26 Mar, 2026
Can I bring My Pet on a Flight?
Travelers who are also pet owners often avoid flying, as there are several restrictions or outright bans on bringing pets on board. Due to the rising demand for pet travel, airlines have now addressed this issue and seized the opportunity to allow pet owners to bring their pets along. Though you are still required to comply with the guidelines governing pet travel, which may vary depending on the airline you are flying with. To guide you, the article will cover relevant information on pet travel, along with how to request the airline to make the arrangements. Hence, carefully review the following sections to ensure a smoother experience when bringing your pet along.
What Guidelines are included in Pet Policies?
Pet travel policy includes the rules & guidelines that explain the criteria for pet travel, including the allowed types, breeds, sizes, and weights, as well as the dimensions of the pet kennel. Therefore, before deciding to bring your pet on board, it is suggested to familiarize yourself with the pet travel rules, explained in the simple pointers below:
- Pets are allowed on board; however, only cats and dogs are permitted, and they must be kept in the cabin and enclosed in their pet carrier or kennel.
- Larger animals or exotic animals can also be brought on some airlines, but as baggage or cargo, which might vary depending on the destination you are traveling to.
- Your pet must be healthy and fit enough to travel on the flight, and for that, you are also required to submit the medical certificate & documents.
- Pets traveling with you must be at least 8 weeks old and no more than 3 months old to be eligible to bring on your flight.
- Your pet must also be vaccinated against rabies, and you must submit the required veterinary fitness certificate for that as well.
- Some airlines prohibit the travel of brachycephalic or snub-nosed breeds of animals on flights, as they can struggle to breathe.
- Your pet must be well-trained and friendly, remain calm during the journey, and not cause a hassle for other passengers and crew members.
- They must be kept in their kennel throughout the flight, which must have ventilation from three sides, so that your pets do not have any trouble breathing.
- The pet kennel should be large enough for your pet to stand up, sit down, and move around comfortably.
How can you request Pet Travel with an airline?
If you have understood the requirements for pet travel and reviewed the pet policy in full, you can follow two dedicated steps to request that the airline make arrangements for your pet. For requesting any changes, the airline offers two distinct methods, and each one is explained properly through the pointers below:
- Requesting Pet Travel through the Website: Travelers can request pet-related services on the airlines' official website via the "Manage booking" option. You can review the pet-related guidelines, add the pet-related services later, and make the settlement to finalize it.
- Requesting Pet Travel via Phone Call: The second, and more appropriate, option is to contact the airline's customer service team and ask them to make the further request. This is a better method, as it allows travelers to fully understand the complexities and conditions of pet travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to add a pet to your flight?
Charges are evaluated based on your pet, travel routes, destination, and more, and range from $140 to $500, which may vary depending on the airline.
Can I buy my pet a seat on a plane?
Whether you can purchase a different seat for your pet may depend on the airline you are flying with, as some allow it while others do not.
Is it safe for dogs to fly in cargo?
Yes, it is usually safe for pets, including dogs, to travel in cargo, as modern carriers are pressurized, temperature-controlled, and well-ventilated.
Do airlines allow pets for free?
Airlines do not offer pet travel for free; it is treated as an add-on service, so charges apply.
Can I make my dog sit on my lap during a flight?
No, passengers are not allowed to hold their pets on their laps during the flight.
