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Can You Fly with Pets on BT?
Yes, BT allows dogs and cats to travel with you. You have three options: cabin travel (your pet stays with you), checked baggage (your pet travels in the hold), or cargo service (for larger pets or when cabin isn't suitable). Each option has different rules, costs, and requirements.
The good news: BT has a clear pet policy. The important part: you must book in advance and meet specific health and carrier requirements. Let's break down exactly what you need to know.
Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin
This is the most popular option because your pet stays with you during the flight.
Who Can Fly in the Cabin?
- Dogs and cats only — other animals are not permitted in the cabin
- Your pet must be at least 16 weeks old
- Maximum 2 pets per passenger
- Not pregnant or visibly pregnant — pregnant animals are not accepted due to health risks during flight
- Not a brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed — see restrictions below
Brachycephalic Breed Restrictions
BT does not allow certain snub-nosed breeds in the cabin due to respiratory risks during flight. Banned breeds include:
- Dogs: Bulldog, Pug
- Cats: Persian cat
If your breed is not listed but has a flat face, contact BT directly to confirm. For more details, see our brachycephalic breed flying guide.
Carrier Requirements for Cabin
Your pet must fit in a carrier that meets these exact dimensions:
- Maximum length: 45 cm
- Maximum width: 35 cm
- Maximum height: 20 cm
- Maximum combined weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg
- Type: Soft-sided carriers are preferred (they fit under the seat)
- Ventilation: Must have mesh sides or ventilation openings for airflow
- Interior: Must include an absorbent mat or liner to manage accidents
The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Your pet stays in the carrier throughout the flight — they cannot roam the cabin.
Cabin Booking & Fees
- Advance booking required: Book at least 48 hours before departure
- Booking method: Online or by phone
- Fee: £125 per pet, one-way
- Currency: GBP (British pounds)
Book early — cabin spots for pets are limited and fill up quickly.
Checked Baggage: Pet in the Hold
If your pet is too large for cabin travel or you prefer this option, checked baggage allows your pet to travel in the aircraft hold.
Who Can Travel as Checked Baggage?
- Dogs and cats only
- Minimum age: 10 weeks old (must be fully weaned)
- Not pregnant or visibly pregnant
- Not a brachycephalic breed (same restrictions as cabin apply)
Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage
Checked baggage carriers must meet IATA standards and include:
- Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides (per IATA Live Animals Regulations)
- Attached water bowl: Must be fillable from outside the crate
- Live Animals label: Required on the crate with orientation arrows
- Absorbent liner: Inside the carrier to manage accidents
Specific dimensions for checked baggage carriers are still being verified — contact BT directly for exact size limits.
Temperature Restrictions
BT will not transport pets in checked baggage if temperatures are extreme:
- Heat embargo: Above 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination
- Cold embargo: Below -6.7°C (20°F) at origin or destination
If your destination is very hot or cold, check the forecast before booking. A vet's acclimation certificate may allow travel in colder conditions — ask BT about this.
Checked Baggage Booking
- Advance booking required: Yes, but specific hours not yet confirmed — contact BT
- Booking method: Still being verified — call BT directly
- Fee: We're still verifying this — contact BT directly
Cargo Service: For Larger Pets
Cargo is the option for pets that don't fit cabin or checked baggage limits, or for international relocations.
Who Can Travel via Cargo?
- Dogs and cats
- Minimum age: 16 weeks old
- Not pregnant
- Not a brachycephalic breed
Cargo Carrier Requirements
Cargo carriers must be hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates only — soft-sided carriers are not accepted. Requirements include:
- Hard-sided construction (plastic or wood, not soft-sided)
- IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) compliant
- Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides
- Attached water bowl: Fillable from outside
- Live Animals labels: With orientation arrows
- Absorbent liner: Inside the crate
Cargo Booking & Fees
- Advance booking required: 7 days (168 hours) before departure
- Booking method: Phone only — you cannot book cargo online
- Fee: Starting at £200 one-way, but typically £200–£500+ depending on route and weight
- Currency: GBP
Cargo is more expensive and requires more advance notice, but it's the best option for larger pets or long-distance international moves.
Temperature Restrictions
Same as checked baggage:
- Heat embargo: Above 29.4°C (85°F)
- Cold embargo: Below -6.7°C (20°F)
Health & Documentation Requirements
All pets traveling on BT — whether in cabin, checked baggage, or cargo — must meet these requirements:
Health Certificate
- Required: Yes, for all travel options
- Validity: Issued within 10 days of departure
- Issued by: A licensed veterinarian
- What it confirms: Your pet is healthy and fit to fly
Get the certificate as close to your departure date as possible. Don't wait until the last minute.
Rabies Vaccination
- Required: Current rabies vaccination
- Timing: Must be given at least 21 days before travel
- Documentation: Proof of vaccination must be presented at check-in
Microchip
- Required: Your pet must be microchipped
- Why: For identification and safety
Pet Passport (International Travel)
- Required for: Travel outside the United Kingdom or EU
- What it includes: Microchip number, vaccination records, health history
- How to get it: Ask your vet — they can issue one
For detailed guidance, see our pet travel documents checklist.
Important Rules & Restrictions
Sedation is Not Allowed
Do not sedate your pet. IATA Live Animals Regulations prohibit sedation during air travel because a sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. Only sedate your pet if explicitly instructed by both your vet and BT.
Pets Must Stay in Carrier
Your pet must remain in their carrier throughout the entire flight. They cannot be removed during the flight, even briefly.
Assistance Animals
Assistance animals (service dogs, emotional support animals) follow a separate policy. Documentation is required. Contact BT directly for specific rules and what qualifies as an assistance animal.
Key Numbers at a Glance
| Cabin Carrier Max Length | 45 cm |
| Cabin Carrier Max Width | 35 cm |
| Cabin Carrier Max Height | 20 cm |
| Cabin Carrier Max Weight (pet + carrier) | 8 kg |
| Cabin Booking Advance Notice | 48 hours |
| Cabin Fee (One-Way) | £125 |
| Cargo Booking Advance Notice | 7 days (168 hours) |
| Cargo Fee (One-Way) | £200–£500+ |
| Health Certificate Validity | 10 days |
| Rabies Vaccination Minimum Timing | 21 days before travel |
| Minimum Pet Age (Cabin) | 16 weeks |
| Minimum Pet Age (Checked Baggage) | 10 weeks |
| Heat Embargo Threshold | 29.4°C (85°F) |
| Cold Embargo Threshold | -6.7°C (20°F) |
What You Need to Do: Step-by-Step Checklist
Before You Book Your Flight
- ☐ Confirm your pet meets the age requirement (16 weeks for cabin, 10 weeks for checked baggage)
- ☐ Check if your pet is a brachycephalic breed — if so,
Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 21, 2026