Airlines That Will Allow Dogs and Cats in The Cabin

Airlines Allowing Pets in the Cabin

Traveling can be fun but also tiring. For some, bringing pets on trips is essential. For others, it seems like extra trouble. Still, seeing pets like cats and dogs at airports has become common.

Why Pets Are Important

Pets often become part of the family. They hold a special place in our lives. When they miss out on vacations, their absence is felt deeply. Some people need their pets for emotional support or other reasons. These individuals often find it impossible to travel without their furry companions.

Pets Flying in the Cabin

In the past, pets were checked as baggage. Owners would cage their pets and send them to the cargo section of the plane. At the destination, pets were picked up with the luggage. Although rare, there were some cases of pets dying during flights. Even so, families found it stressful to send pets with checked bags. Owners often felt the same concern as if leaving behind a child. They feared their pets might feel scared, confused, or overwhelmed.

Some people rely on their pets for medical reasons. These pets may warn their owners of low blood sugar, an approaching seizure, or heart problems. In such cases, having a pet nearby can be life-saving. This has led to debates about whether pets should be allowed in the cabin with passengers. By the end of 2023, over 20 airlines worldwide allowed pets in the cabin due to the growing need for their presence and care.

Airlines That Welcome Dogs in the Cabin

Here is a list of 21 airlines that allow pets to fly in the cabin:

• Air Canada
• Air Europa
• Air France
• Alaska Air
• American Airlines
• Delta
• French Bee
• JetBlue
• Lufthansa
• Southwest
• TAP Air Portugal
• TUI Fly
• Turkish Airlines
• United Airlines
• Aegean Airlines
• Aero (semi-private)
• Vueling
• JSX (semi-private)
• BLADE (semi-private)
• Surf Air (semi-private)
• Tradewind Aviation (semi-private)

Airline Rules

Each airline has its own rules for flying with pets. Restrictions may include breed, size, and age requirements. For example:

• Some airlines require puppies to be at least eight weeks old. Others may set the age limit at 12 weeks.
• United Airlines allows pets of any weight or breed, but they must fit in a soft or hard carrier that goes under the seat.
• Service animals are an exception. They can travel without a carrier but must have a designated spot in the cabin.

Service animals are not the same as emotional support animals. Most airlines no longer treat emotional support animals as service animals. Instead, they are classified as pets. Only pets offering medical assistance, beyond calming anxiety, may qualify as service animals. If emotional support pets meet cabin travel requirements, they may still be allowed on board.