Not all airlines treat pets equally. Some welcome them in cabin with reasonable fees, while others only allow cargo transport or ban certain breeds entirely. We've analyzed pet policies for 30+ airlines to help you choose the best one for your trip.
What Makes an Airline Pet-Friendly?
We evaluate airlines on five criteria:
- Cabin availability: Does the airline allow pets in cabin? How many per flight?
- Breed inclusivity: Are brachycephalic breeds allowed? Any breed bans?
- Carrier dimensions: How generous are the size limits?
- Fees: How much does it cost one-way?
- Booking ease: Can you book online or must you call?
Top-Tier: Most Pet-Friendly
These airlines go above and beyond for pet travelers:
- Turkish Airlines: Generous cabin weight limit (8 kg with carrier), allows most breeds, online booking available
- Air France: Cabin and cargo, reasonable fees (€70–200), clear policies, allows booking by phone with smooth process
- Lufthansa: Cabin and cargo, good carrier dimensions, transparent breed policy
- KLM: Similar to Air France (same group), cabin pets welcome
See detailed policies for all airlines.
Mid-Tier: Solid Options
- Delta: Cabin only (discontinued cargo for pets), $125 one-way, no brachycephalic ban in cabin
- United: Cabin + PetSafe cargo program, $125 cabin, good for larger dogs via cargo
- American Airlines: Cabin only, $125, straightforward policy
- Iberia: Cabin and cargo, competitive European pricing
Limited Options
- British Airways: Cargo only (no cabin pets) — works through IAG Cargo. Fine for large dogs, but no cabin option.
- Ryanair: No pets allowed (except service animals)
- EasyJet: No pets allowed (except service animals)
- Emirates: Cargo only for most routes, cabin allowed for falcons only (yes, really)
Fees Comparison
| Airline | Cabin | Cargo |
|---|
| Turkish Airlines | $70–150 | $150–400 |
| Air France | €70–200 | €200–400 |
| Delta | $125 | N/A |
| United | $125 | Via PetSafe |
| Lufthansa | €70–110 | €150–400 |
| British Airways | N/A | £100–350 |
See fees for all airlines in our database.
How to Choose
The best airline depends on your situation:
- Small dog/cat in cabin: Turkish Airlines, Air France, or any US carrier
- Large dog (cargo): Lufthansa, United PetSafe, or British Airways via IAG Cargo
- Snub-nosed breed: Check our brachycephalic guide — cabin-only is safest
- Budget: Turkish Airlines often has the lowest pet fees for international routes
Use PawGo to check your specific airline's policy for your pet's breed and size.