Category: Travel GuidesBest International Airlines For Pets
Traveling with pets has always been a question. Will it be safe? Will your pets be treated rightly? Which airline to board on with your pets.
We have covered complete guide for you to choose an airline that is pet-friendly and has convenient policies and amenities for traveling with pets. Many airlines around the world offer pet travel options, including Emirates, Air Canada, Qantas, Swiss International Airlines and more.
In this article, we are presenting you best airlines with their specific pet policies, including requirements for carriers, fees and any restrictions on breeds or species. We suggest that it's also a good idea to consult with the airline directly to ensure a smooth and comfortable flight experience for you and your pets.
1) Swiss International Airlines
Swiss International Airlines is happy to serve pets with their caretakers on Swiss flights on any route. Passengers can travel with a maximum of 2 pets as long as pets are in their approved carriages and are not harmful or unfit for travel. They only permit cats and dogs to travel who are 12 weeks and above. Interestingly, Swiss also allows rabbits, hares and assistance dogs in the hold. Weighing more or less than 8 kgs have different charges for all animals. So whether it’s your pooch, bunny or your cat you’re good to go.
Things to know:
Pets arriving at Swiss airports will be checked by customs, if your furry passenger fails to meet entry requirements, your pet is not allowed to board.
The USA and Canada have strict policies on importing dogs in their vicinity.
Carry in cabins and hold.
Animals are permitted to travel from the age of 12 weeks.
Pets without passengers are carried in cargo.
Pet notice and requirements must be fulfilled within 24 hours of your booking.
Animals allowed: Cats, Dogs, Rabbits, Hares and Assistance Dogs.
2) Air Canada
Air Canada promotes safe and convenient travel for pets. They have a pet-trained staff and pet-designated facilities for your pet’s comfort. The airline has travelling vehicles and special agents just to ensure pet safety and eligibility for the flight while booking and during travel.
In certain flights, Air Canada allows your pet to share the same cabin over an approved document from the airline pet carrier except for flights to or from Hawaii and United Kingdom. Air Canada does not facilitate big pets and is also not without an adult passenger.
Things to know:
1 pet per passenger is allowed.
HEPA filters are necessary on board.
Pet must be aged 12 weeks or above.
Pets are restricted to travel in Premium Economy class.
Animals allowed: Cats and dogs.
Air Canada facilitates all warm-blooded animals, birds, aquatics and insects in manifest cargo.
Approved forms for all categories are needed at check-ins.
3) British Airways
British Airways believes pets are indistinguishable parts of your family. They give VIP treatment to pets that fly with them. This airline has maintained a well-defined regulation to ensure a safe and comfortable flying experience. Every pet on a flight must be accompanied by a health certificate by the vet before you book them on the plane.
Things to know:
The airline flies pets only in the cargo hold.
Pets must fly in IATA-approved crates only.
Snub-nosed dogs and cats have different traveling policies.
4) Virgin Australia (Australian Airways, Domestic)
Virgin Australia is very clear about its policies for flying pets on their airlines. This airline flies emotional support pets in the cargo hold of aircraft. Only the service dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin.
The cargo hold is well-ventilated, maintained pet-friendly temperature (similar to in the passenger cabin) and is safe and comfortable for your pets. Pets can be taken to most domestic destinations in Australia, only pets that are not in appropriate-sized crates and not enough ventilated crates will be eliminated to get on board.
It allows only 2 pets per adult in flight. Additionally, Virgin Australia does not allow snub dogs and cat breeds for safety reasons.
Things to know:
2 pets per adult are allowed.
Snub dogs and cats breed is temporarily banned for safety reasons.
Pet must be aging over 8 weeks.
Your pet must not exceed 65 kgs including a carrier.
You cannot fly your pet if they are pregnant, gave birth within 48 hours of the departure time, recovering from surgery or have been sedated.
Animals allowed: Pet dogs, cats other animals will board on Virgin Australia air cargo.
5) Qantas Airways
Australian Airways, Qantas is an international pet flight excellent for pet travel. Qantas travel pets to several countries around the world. Passengers must travel on the same flight with their pets. As they mention every aircraft is not travel applicable for pets so make sure you book your pets first and then for yourself.
Qantas has temperature embargoes in place to ensure a comfortable temperature for pets to provide a healthy environment. They have no limit for pets traveling internationally, over domestic flights it's not more than 2 allowed per ticketed person. They look after pets and is continuously supervised by pet experts on flights and in transit.
Things to know:
Qantas flight travel pets in a special area in the hold of a passenger aircraft.
Book your pet's flight before you choose your own, there are specific flights for pets on this airline.
Service dogs can be carried with you in the passenger cabin.
All domestic flights can carry no more than 2 pets per ticketed person.
No limit for pets traveling internationally.
Animals allowed: Cats and dogs.
6) Air NewZealand
Air New Zealand entertains both cats and dogs on their domestic and international flights. The airline has maintained one of the best standards of safety in the world that assures your pet's safety and comfortably on their journey. The airlines ensure high protection standards for all pets on board. If you are flying with a pet on an international route, your pets will stay in cargo and not in checked baggage, whereas during domestic routes, they can travel through checked baggage.
Things to know:
Air New Zealand commits to follow IATA laid guidelines.
International and domestic flights are available for pet traveling.
Paperwork and vaccination by vet is needed on international flights.
Animals allowed: Cats, dogs and small caged birds as checked baggage on domestic are allowed.
7) Emirates Airlines
Emirates Airlines flies pet dogs, cats, and pet birds in Emirates Sky cargo, unless it’s a service pet then it can fly in a cabin. Also, a falcon flying between Dubai and Pakistan can carry all pets in a cabin with its passengers. For pets, they have a specially designed cargo hold and offer the best care and services. Emirates cargoes are temperature-controlled and well-ventilated, pleasant for pets. Emirates Skycargo does not set limits for pets due to having large space they have.
Things to know:
Separate transit area in Dubai.
Medical and/or veterinary health certificates are required.
IATA LAR trained staff across the network.
If your flight is longer than 17 hours, your pet must travel as unaccompanied cargo for safety.
Animals allowed: Cats, dogs and bird.
