Can You Fly with Pets on Turkish Airlines?

Yes, Turkish Airlines allows pets to travel with you. You have three options: cabin travel (your pet stays with you), cargo transport (dedicated pet shipping), or checked baggage (hold travel). The availability and rules differ significantly depending on which method you choose.

According to Turkish Airlines' verified policy, dogs and cats are both permitted in the cabin and cargo holds. However, checked baggage pet travel is not available — you must choose between cabin or cargo.

Cabin Travel: Keeping Your Pet With You

If you want your dog or cat to fly in the cabin with you, Turkish Airlines allows this, but there are strict requirements.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Your pet's carrier must meet these exact specifications:

  • Maximum dimensions: 45.7 cm (18 inches) long × 27.9 cm (11 inches) wide × 27.9 cm (11 inches) high
  • Combined weight limit: 8 kg (pet + carrier together)
  • Carrier type: Soft-sided carriers only — hard-sided crates won't fit under the seat
  • Ventilation: Mesh sides required for adequate airflow
  • Interior: Must include an absorbent mat or liner to manage accidents

The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you. Measure your pet and carrier before booking to confirm they meet these limits.

Age & Health Requirements

  • Minimum age: 8 weeks old and fully weaned
  • Health certificate: Required and must be issued by a vet within 10 days of your departure date
  • Pregnant animals: Not accepted — if your pet is visibly pregnant, contact Turkish Airlines before booking
  • Sedation: Prohibited. IATA regulations forbid sedating pets during air travel because sedated animals cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breeds

Turkish Airlines restricts many flat-faced breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. The following breeds are not permitted in the cabin:

  • Dogs: Bulldogs (all types), Pugs (all types), Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Mastiffs (all types), French Bulldogs, Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Chow Chows, Affenpinschers, Brussels Griffons, Bull Terriers, Shar Peis, Japanese Chins, King Charles Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Cane Corsos, and Dogue de Bordeaux
  • Cats: Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, Himalayans, British Shorthairs, Burmese, and Scottish Folds

If your breed is on this list, cargo transport may be an option, but confirm with Turkish Airlines first.

Booking Your Pet's Cabin Seat

You must book your pet at least 24 hours in advance. Cabin pet bookings can only be made by phone — not online. Contact Turkish Airlines directly to reserve your pet's spot, as there is a limit of 1 pet carrier per passenger.

Fees vary by destination and route (domestic vs. international flights). Contact the airline for exact pricing on your specific route.

Cargo Transport: Dedicated Pet Shipping

If your pet doesn't meet cabin requirements or you prefer cargo transport, Turkish Airlines offers dedicated pet cargo service.

Cargo Carrier Requirements

Cargo carriers have stricter standards than cabin carriers:

  • Carrier type: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates only — soft-sided carriers are not accepted
  • Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides (IATA requirement)
  • Water bowl: Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • Labeling: "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows required on all sides
  • Interior: Absorbent mat or liner required

Cargo crates are larger and more robust than cabin carriers, designed to protect your pet during ground handling and flight.

Age, Health & Restrictions

  • Minimum age: 10 weeks old and fully weaned
  • Health certificate: Required, issued within 10 days of departure
  • Brachycephalic breeds: Banned from cargo due to respiratory risks — this is a universal industry standard
  • Pregnant animals: Not accepted
  • Sedation: Prohibited

Temperature Restrictions

Turkish Airlines will not transport pets in cargo if temperatures are outside safe ranges:

  • 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 experiencing extreme heat or cold, your pet cannot fly. Plan travel during moderate seasons. A vet can issue an acclimation certificate to allow travel in colder conditions — ask your veterinarian.

Cargo Booking

Book at least 48 hours in advance. Cargo bookings require advance arrangement due to space and handling logistics. Contact Turkish Airlines cargo department directly for pricing and availability.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin carrier max dimensions: 45.7 × 27.9 × 27.9 cm (18 × 11 × 11 inches)
  • Cabin weight limit: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Minimum pet age (cabin): 8 weeks
  • Minimum pet age (cargo): 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Cabin booking advance notice: 24 hours minimum
  • Cargo booking advance notice: 48 hours minimum
  • Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo threshold: -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Max pets per passenger (cabin): 1 carrier

What You Need to Do: Pre-Travel Checklist

  • Check your pet's breed: Confirm your dog or cat isn't on the brachycephalic restricted list. If it is, ask Turkish Airlines about cargo options.
  • Measure your carrier: For cabin travel, ensure your soft-sided carrier fits the 45.7 × 27.9 × 27.9 cm limit and weighs no more than 8 kg with your pet inside.
  • Schedule a vet appointment: Get a health certificate issued within 10 days of departure. Don't wait until the last minute.
  • Book your pet by phone: Contact Turkish Airlines at least 24 hours before departure (48 hours for cargo) to reserve your pet's spot. Online booking is not available for pets.
  • Prepare the carrier: Add an absorbent mat or liner. For cargo, ensure your hard-sided crate has "Live Animals" labels and an attached water bowl.
  • Check weather: If traveling to extreme heat or cold, verify temperatures won't trigger embargoes. Plan travel during moderate seasons if possible.
  • Bring documents: Have your health certificate, booking confirmation, and any import permits (if traveling internationally) ready at check-in.
  • Acclimate your pet: Spend time with your pet in the carrier before travel so they're comfortable during the flight.

Special Considerations

Assistance Animals

Service dogs and other assistance animals follow a separate policy from regular pets. Documentation is required. Contact Turkish Airlines directly for assistance animal travel rules, as they differ from standard pet policies.

International Travel

If you're flying to another country, your pet may need additional documents beyond the health certificate — such as import permits or government-endorsed certificates depending on your destination. Check the entry requirements for your specific country before booking.

Connecting Flights

If your journey involves connecting flights with other airlines, each airline has its own pet policy. Verify requirements with all carriers on your itinerary.

Fees & Pricing

Turkish Airlines charges pet travel fees, but exact amounts vary by destination and route. Domestic and international flights may have different pricing. Contact Turkish Airlines directly for a quote on your specific route. Fees are typically charged per pet.

What We're Still Verifying

We're still verifying the following details — contact Turkish Airlines directly to confirm:

  • Exact cabin pet travel fees for your route
  • Cargo pet travel fees
  • Whether hard-sided carriers are permitted in the cabin (unlikely, but confirm)
  • Specific routes with pet embargoes
  • Whether animals in heat are accepted

Practical Tips for Flying with Your Pet

  • Arrive early: Give yourself extra time at the airport for pet check-in procedures.
  • Keep records: Bring copies of your health certificate, vaccination records, and booking confirmation.
  • Never sedate your pet: Even if you think it will help them relax, sedation is prohibited and dangerous during flight.
  • Pack essentials: Bring water, food, medications, and comfort items (toys, blanket with familiar scents) for your pet.
  • Use a familiar carrier: Let your pet spend time in the carrier before travel so they're comfortable.
  • Check microchip info: Ensure your pet's microchip details are current in case of separation.

Need More Help?

For a comprehensive overview of flying with pets, read our flying with a dog guide or documents checklist. If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, see our brachycephalic breed flying guide. For cost planning, check our pet travel costs guide.

Get your free personalized travel plan from PawGo — we'll help you navigate Turkish Airlines' pet policy and prepare all required documents.

Data last verified: April 9, 2026. This guide is auto-verified from official Turkish Airlines sources. Policies change — always confirm directly with the airline before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 09, 2026