The 20 Most Pet-Friendly International Airlines Ranked

Travelling with pets can be confusing and stressful, especially if it’s your first time booking flights for your furry friend. That being said, it doesn’t have to be a battle. There are dozens of airlines all over the world that are devoted to making your experience stress-free and enjoyable – you just need to know where to book.

Whether you’re flying with a playful puppy, a napping kitten, or a service animal, here are the top 20 airlines you should consider when travelling or touring across the globe with your pet.

Note: It’s important to know many airlines have restrictions on breeds, destinations, and storage when travelling with pets. While they might be hard to understand, airlines are often complying with government regulations and safety procedures. These policies are also subject to change at any time and your pet’s safety and well-being is always the number one concern. 

• American Airlines
• JetBlue
• Air Canada
• Delta
• Air India
• Air France
• Swiss International Airlines
• Turkish Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Lufthansa Airlines
• Aeroflot
• TAP Air Portugal
• SAS
• OpenSkies
• KLM
• Aer Lingus
• Japan Airlines
• Alitalia
• CopaAirlines
• Iberia

1. American Airlines

As the biggest airline in the world, American Airlines is also one of the most pet-friendly. For shorter flights, pets are invited to fly in the cabin with their owners as long as they are kept in a small carrier under the seat for the entire flight.

For long-haul flights, pets must be checked as cargo to ensure they’re properly cared for while flying long distances. Fees tend to vary depending on your flight and the size of your pet, but don’t worry, this airline has dozens of positive reviews when it comes to travelling with pets, so the price is worth it. Read more about flying with animals and the American Airlines policy in detail here.

• Price: $125 – $200
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals: Cats, dogs, service animals

Travel easier with a portable water dispenser.

2. JetBlue

JetBlue is perhaps one of the most pet-friendly airlines, offering their furry passengers their own pet perks program! The JetPaws program provides pet-parent travellers with a carrier bag, a list of tips for managing your pet while travelling, and 300 TrueBlue points.

With a $100 fee each way, it’s also an affordable option when touring around north (and a bit of the south) with your four-legged friend. With their pet perks and extra helping hands, you and your pet are sure to get from point A to point B safely and happily. Read more about flying with animals and the JetBlue policy in detail here.

• Price: $100 and up
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: No
• Animals: Cats, dogs, service animals

Always know where your furry friend is with a pet tracker.

3. Air Canada

Air Canada offers flights to cities all over the world, from Beijing to Paris, and just about every other major city you can think of. They’re also extremely accommodating when it comes to pets. As long as you arrive 30 minutes before departure and have your pet tucked in their carrier, they’re allowed to travel with you in the cabin.

Bigger dogs are welcome to travel in cargo to keep them safe and comfortable during the flight. Prices range from $50 to $118, depending on your flight and your pet, so it’s definitely an affordable and extremely worldwide option. Read more about flying with animals and the AirCanada policy in detail here.

• Price: $50 and up
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals: Cats, dogs, service dogs

Looking to leave no trace? Use this portable paw cleaner.

4. Delta

With destinations to more than 60 countries across the world, you and your pet can go a long way when you’re flying with Delta, and if you’re flying domestically, household birds are welcome to join! Like most pet-friendly airlines, small pets can ride with passengers in the cabin, while larger dogs must ride with cargo for their own safety and comfort.

Prices range from $75 to $200 depending on your final destination, so it’s not too hard on the wallet. Read more about flying with animals and the Delta policy in detail here.  

• Price: $75 and up
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals: Cats, dogs, service animals, household birds

5. Air India

As long as your pet is properly crated, have their required documents, and valid vaccinations, they’re welcome to fly with Air India. There are some restrictions, and the pet cannot be considered carry-on luggage. An additional fee must be paid to fly with a pet, and fees vary depending on which country you’re flying to.

That being said, this airline is known to be very accommodating with animals and work hard to make sure all guests (even the furry ones) are comfortable. Read more about flying with animals and the Air India policy in detail here.

• Price: Varies
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals: Cats, dogs, birds, service animals

6. Air France

Air France allows pets onboard both international and domestic destinations. So, if a European tour is on your bucket list, this airline can definitely help. They do require you travel with an approved pet container and recommend the use of a flexible bag instead of a plastic one.

For safety reasons, crates are not accepted in the cabin but are allowed in the hold (in the cargo area). Prices range from €30 to €200, entirely depending on your pet and your final destination. Read more about flying with animals and the Air France policy in detail here.

• Price: €30 and up
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals: Cats, dogs, service animals

7. Swiss International Airlines

Quoted directly from their websites, Swiss International Airlines is proud to share that “you can take your pet with you on any route.” Passengers can travel with up to two pets, as long as they’re in an approved transport container and are not dangerous or unfit for travel. Interestingly enough, this airline also allows hares and rabbits to travel, as long as they are in the hold – not the cabin.

So, whether it’s a bunny or a pup, you’re good to go! Read more about flying with animals and the Swiss International Airlines policy in detail here.

• Price: $60 and up
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals: Cats, dogs, hares, rabbits, service dogs

8. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines makes travelling with pets super easy, as long as you have the proper documentation and vaccines are up to date. Cats, dogs, and singing birds are all allowed to travel in the cabin, as long as they remain in their carrier at all times.

If you’re travelling with two small pets, they’re welcome to stay in the same container together as long as they are familiar with each other and friendly. Fees range from 70 TRY to 170 TRY depending on your flight, your pet, and your carrier. Read more about flying with animals and the Turkish Airlines policy in detail here.

• Price: 70 TRY and up
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals: Cats, dogs, birds, service animals

Use this airline-approved, expandable pet carrier for easy transport.

9. Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines really believes that pets are a part of the family, so they go the extra mile to make sure you can comfortably travel with your pets. In fact, this is one airline that welcomes dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and birds on their domestic flights.

On international flights, dogs and cats are welcome. Plus, with a fee of only $75, you don’t have to break the bank to tour with your pet pal, no matter how small the pet may be. Read more about flying with animals and the Frontier policy in detail here.

• Price: $75
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: No
• Animals: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, service animals

10. Lufthansa Airlines

Lufthansa Airlines is more than happy to help you travel with your cat, dog, or hare, to a number of destinations across the globe. As long as they fit comfortably, two pets are welcome to travel in the same carrier without any additional fees, and larger dogs are always tucked comfortably into the cargo hold for flights.

With prices starting at €55, you and your pet can get where you’re going for less, without sacrificing comfort or safety. Read more about flying with animals and the Lufthansa policy in detail here.

• Price: €55 and up
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals: Cats, dogs, rabbits, hares, service animals

11. Aeroflot

This Russian airline could arguably have the most inclusive pet policy around. Cats, dogs, and birds are allowed to fly both in the cabin and cargo, depending on their size and breed, and as long as they hold the correct documents and containers. On top of that, polecats, ferrets, meerkats, fennec foxes, lorises, pygmy hedgehogs, mini-lop rabbits, and marmosets are also allowed onboard, as long as they are tamed.

So, it seems like just about every animal is welcome to fly here. Read more about flying with animals and the Aerflot policy in detail here.

• Price: $87 and up, depending on the size of the carrier
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals: The list is quite extensive

12. TAP Air Portugal

Thinking of a trip to Lisbon? Fly with TAP and your pet will be taken care of! Dogs and cats are both welcome to fly in the cabin or the cargo, as long as the owner provides valid documentation and the carrier is deemed safe.

Owners are also asked to arrive a bit earlier than normal, so airline staff can ensure the animal is comfortable and secure in their carrier. Prices are affordable, starting at €35 for domestic flights and €150 for intercontinental travel. Read more about flying with animals and the TAP Air Portgual policy in detail here.  

• Price: €35 and up
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals: Cats, dogs, service animals

13. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)

As long as you book your pet’s trip more than 24 hours in advance, SAS is more than willing to accommodate both of you during your flight. Cats and dogs are both welcome in the cabin, and other pets are able to fly with cargo. Airline staff do have the right to reject your pet if they cannot comfortably sit and move in their carrier, so make sure your pet has the room they need.

If everything is approved, you and your pet can travel for prices starting at just $60. Read more about flying with animals and the SAS policy in detail here.

• Price: $60 – $140 depending on the flight
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals: Cats, dogs, service animals, (contact the airline for all approved animals)

Keep this airline-approved pet backpack close for worry-free flights.

14. OpenSkies (British Airways)

OpenSkies has a very open pet policy. Unlike other airlines, this pet policy is dependent on your furry friend’s weight. To travel in the cabin, your cat or dog must be under 13.2 pounds. Anything larger must fly with cargo. To ensure your pet’s safety, you’ll also need to provide medical and travel certificates that deem your pet safe to fly.

As long as you follow these policies, your pet is welcome onboard, with prices starting at $196. Read more about flying with animals and the OpenSkies policy in detail here.

• Price: $196 in cabin and cargo
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals: Cats, dogs, service animals

15. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

To ensure your pet’s journey is smooth and safe, KLM offers a range of travel options to accommodate pets. Your booking should start with a telephone call, as KLM suggests making pet bookings via the phone so all the details can be sorted out prior to taking off. Cats and dogs are welcome to fly in the cabin and in cargo, depending on their size.

Typically, anything more than 18 pounds travel in cargo. Prices depend on your flight; however, the airline offers an online tool for determining the cost. Read more about flying with animals and the KLM policy in detail here.

• Price: Varies
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals: Cats, dogs, service animals

16. Aer Lingus

Although Aer Lingus may be one of the smaller airlines, their pet policy is definitely made for pets with big plans! Whether you’re travelling within Europe or a transatlantic flight, accommodations can be made for your cat or dog. While you may not be able to travel with your pet in the cabin, you can rest easy knowing your pet is safe and secure in the cargo hold.

You can even make their booking online, so it’s perfect for making plans in advance. Read more about flying with animals and the Aer Lingus policy in detail here.

• Price: €40 for regional flights, €160 international
• Cabin: No
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals, Cats, dogs, rabbits (on domestic flights only), service animals

17. Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines may not allow pets in the cabin, however, they put great care into making sure your pet has a comfortable ride down below in cargo. Pets are kept in air-conditioned rooms, secured safely in the cargo hold, and are delivered directly to you by an agent following the flight. It’s prime service for you and your pet!

All you have to do is show up a little bit earlier for your flight, at about 120 minutes in advance with the necessary paperwork. Read more about flying with animals and the Japan Airlines policy in detail here.

• Price: Unspecified
• Cabin: No
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals: Dogs, cats, small birds (that eat seeds, fruit and insects), rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, marmots, squirrels, chinchillas, service animals

18. Alitalia

If you’ve always wanted to visit Rome with your pet best friend, Alitalia airlines is definitely your best bet. On both domestic and international flights cats, dogs, ferrets, and birds are welcome to fly in the cabin or in cargo, depending on their size and breed.

It’s also interesting to note that the airline’s pet policy states the bottom of the carrier must be covered with a blanket for the pet’s comfort and safety – so it’s clear they have your pet’s best interest in mind. Read more about flying with animals and the Alitalia policy in detail here.

• Price: $40 one way and up
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals: Cats, dogs, ferrets, birds, service animals

19. CopaAirlines

Look no further for a South American pet-friendly airline: CopaAirlines has you covered. Like other airlines, cats and dogs are welcome in both the cabin and cargo hold, as long as they have the proper documentation and an approved pet carrier. For the safety of each pet, a health certificate is required on international flights and they must be free of screwworms – understandably so.

Aside from that, arrive at the airport a bit earlier than normal and you’re set to fly! Read more about flying with animals and the CopaAirlines policy in detail here.

• Price: Unspecified
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals: Cats, dogs, service animals

20. Iberia

As one of Spain’s largest international airlines, Iberia can get you and your pet to a number of destinations both inside and outside of Europe. You might not be able to fly with your ferret, but you are welcome to fly with cats, dogs, birds, and tortoises. That’s right – even tortoises.

When you buy your ticket, you will need to contact the booking office directly to let them know you’re flying with a pet. Beyond that, just make sure you have a well-ventilated carrier with a waterproof floor and you’re welcome to fly for as little as €120. Read more about flying with animals and the Iberia policy in detail here.

• Price: Starting at €120
• Cabin: Yes
• Cargo: Yes
• Animals: Cats, dogs, birds, tortoises, service animals

Share your best tips for travelling with pets in the comments below!