10 Airlines That Allow Cats In The Cabin
Cats are family, and just like any good family member, you want them next to you when traveling on a plane. But, unfortunately, not all airlines allow cats to travel in the cabin.
This can make planning a trip with your feline a bit of a challenge. Those that do allow cats in the cabin, have strict rules that need to be followed before letting you board the plane.
This article will provide all the information you seek regarding these restrictions such as carrier size, weight limits that you need to follow in order for you to travel with your cat, and more!
10 Airlines That Allow Cats In The Cabin
1. Air Canada
Air Canada allows cats to travel in the cabin on most flights. However, certain restrictions apply such as your cat must be at least eight weeks old and you cannot purchase a separate seat for them.
Your cat must travel in a carrier that complies with airlines regulations with a maximum dimension of 27 x 40 x 55 cm for soft side carriers and 23 x 40 x 55 cm for hard-sided carriers that can not exceed 8kg and can fit underneath the seat in front of you.
You will be required to show all the relevant paperwork prior to boarding including a rabies certificate that has been signed and issued by a licensed veterinarian. So make sure you check with your airline before booking to make sure you have everything prior to flying.
For more information about traveling with cats visit Air Canada official website here.
Requirements
- Only One Cat Per Passenger
- Cat Must Remain In The Carrier
- You Must Travel In Premium Economy
- Use Of A Medical Device Is Required
- Carrier Will Be Counted As One Carry-On Baggage
- Cat Cannot Travel With An Unaccompanied Minor
| Carrier Size | Maximum Weight | Cost Per Carrier | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 x 40 x 55 cm | 9kg / 20 pounds | 50 USD / 100 USD | YES |
2. Air France
Air France allows cats on board however, certain restrictions apply such as your cat must be eight weeks old and the carrier must fit inside the cabin.
You will also need to provide a veterinarian health certificate confirming that your pet is in good health and has been vaccinated against rabies within 21 days prior to travel.
Your cat can travel on International flights however they are not allowed to travel in business cabins on intercontinental flights. Your cat must remain in the carrier at all times and must be stowed under the seat in front of you.
For more information on traveling with cats in the cabin visit Air France official website here.
Requirements
- Cat Must Remain In The Carrier
- Must Have All Required Vaccines
- Your Pet Must Have A Valid Passport
- Cats Can’t Travel In Business Or Intecontinetal
- Your Cat Must Be Identified By An Electronic Chip
- Pets Can Be Refused Transport Due To Non-Compliance
| Carrier Size | Maximum Weight | Cost Per Carrier | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46 x 28 x 24 cm | 8 kg / 17 pounds | 30 EUR / 125 EUR | YES |
3. Air Europa
Air Europa allows cats on board, however, certain restrictions apply such as your cat must be at least eight weeks old and the carrier cannot exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm. You will also need to provide a veterinarian health certificate confirming that your pet is in good health.
The cat must remain in the carrier at all times during your journey and you cannot purchase a separate seat for them and must be stowed under the seat in front of you.
All pets must be at least 3 months old to fly but unfortunately, can not travel in business class on this airline. The maximum number of animals allowed in one container is 3 but only if they are the same species.
For more information about traveling with cats visit Air Europa official website here.
Requirements
- Cat Must Remain In The Carrier
- Cat Needs To Have Health Certificate
- Pets Can Not Travel In Business Class
- You Must Have An Approved Travel Carrier
- Pets Must Be At Least 3 Months Old To Fly
- Carrier Can Not Exceed Dimension Or Weight Limits
| Carrier Size | Maximum Weight | Cost Per Carrier | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 8 kg / 17.6 pounds | 55 USD / 165 USD | YES |
4. Southwest
Southwest Airlines allow cats to travel in the cabin on most flights. However, certain restrictions apply such as your cat must be over eight weeks old to travel and the carrier cannot exceed 43 x 34 x 21 cm.
You will also need to provide a veterinarian health certificate confirming that your pet is in good health and has been vaccinated against rabies within 30 days prior to travel.
Southwest only allows one pet per customer which needs to be stowed under the seat in front of you. You cannot purchase a separate seat for your cat. Pets are not allowed to travel in-cabin on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight.
For more information about traveling with cats visit Southwest Airlines official website here.
Requirements
- Cat Must Remain In The Carrier
- Pets Must Be At Least 8 Weeks Old To Fly
- You Must Have An Approved Carrier
- Reservations Must Be Made In Advance
- Cat Must Be Able To Stand Up And Move Around
- Cats Can’t Travel On International And International Flights
| Carrier Size | Maximum Weight | Cost Per Carrier | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43 x 34 x 21 cm | No limit | 95 USD each way | NO |
5. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines allows cats in the cabin but like all airlines there are restrictions. You will need to bring a vet health certificate confirming that your cat is in good shape and has been vaccinated against rabies within 30 days of travel.
Your cat must remain inside the carrier at all times during the journey that’s well ventilated and it cannot exceed 23 cm (height) x 30 cm (width) x 40 cm (length) 8kg. The cat must be able to comfortably, stand, turn around, and are able to lay down inside the carrier with any problems.
Pregnant animals and puppies or kittens under 10 weeks old are not permitted. Reservations must be made no later than 6 hours before departure and all the related paperwork must be provided at the airport.
For more information about traveling with cats visit the Turkish official website here.
Requirements
- Cat Must Remain In The Carrier At All Times
- You Must Have All Documentation Required
- You Must Be Using An Airline Approved Carrier
- Carrier Must Be Able To Fit Underneath The Seat
- Reservations Must Be Made 6 Hours Before Departure
- Carrier Need To Properly Ventilated And Watertight
| Carrier Size | Maximum Weight | Cost Per Carrier | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 x 30 x 23 cm | 8 kg / 17.6 pounds | Unavailable | YES |
6. Jet Blue Airlines
JetBlue is another airline that allows cats to travel in the cabin, however, vaccinations and documentation are required for each destination on your itinerary.
You will need a health certificate from your vet confirming that your cat is in good shape and has been vaccinated against rabies within 30 days prior to travel.
The carrier cannot exceed 43 x 31 x 21 cm and your cat must remain in the carrier at all times during travel which must also have the pet’s ID tag attached to the carrier.
For more information about traveling with cats visit the JetBlue official website here.
Requirements
- Cat Must Remain In The Carrier
- The Carrier Must Be FAA-approved
- You Must Provide A Health Certificate
- Must Have Proof Of Vaccinations
- Maximum Of Two Pets Per Traveler
- Pet ID Tags Must Be Attached To The Carrier
| Carrier Size | Maximum Weight | Cost Per Carrier | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43 x 31 x 21 cm | 9 kg / 20 pounds | 100 USD each way | YES |
7. American Airlines
American Airlines allow cats in the cabin and you can travel with your cat for up to 12 hours, however, proof of vaccinations and documentation will be required. Your cat must remain inside the carrier at all times during travel and the carrier cannot exceed 48 x 33 x 22 cm and 9kg in weight.
The carrier must be made of water-repellant material and have nylon mesh ventilation on 2 or more sides. You will not be permitted to bring a carry-on bag in addition to a pet carrier and any personal items instead the carrier will be counted as carry-on luggage.
If you travel with 2 of your pets in the same carrier they must be of the same species. Unfortunately, due to the lack of under-seat storage space, carry-on pets are not permitted in First or Business class.
For more information about traveling with cats visit American Airlines official website here.
Requirements
- Cat Must Remain In The Carrier
- Maximum Of Two Pets Per Traveler
- You Must Provide A Health Certificate
- Pet Must Be Able To Fit Under The Seat
- Cat Neds To Be Between 8 weeks To 6 months old
- Pets Are Not Allow In First Or Bussiness Class
| Carrier Size | Maximum Weight | Cost Per Carrier | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 x 33 x 22 cm | 9 kg / 20 pounds | 125 USD each way | YES |
8. Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines allows cats in the cabin “but” as before certain restrictions apply. The carrier cannot exceed 18″ length x 14″ width x 8″ height and must remain in the travel container at all times and the cat needs to be at least 12 weeks old to travel.
You must provide a health certificate to confirm your cat is in good shape and proof that the cat has been vaccinated against rabies within 12 months for adult pets 3 months of age or older and must be issued, in either English or French, by a licensed veterinarian from the country of origin.
The same goes for the healthy certificate which again needs to be in English or French and from the country of origin with the Name and address of the owner clearly visible on the certificate.
For more information about traveling with cats visit Frontier official website here.
Requirements
- Cat Must Remain In The Carrier
- Cat Needs To Be Vaccinated
- You Must Provide A Health Certifiate
- Pet Must Be Able To Fit Under The Seat
- Carrier Needs To Be Approved By The Airline
| Carrier Size | Maximum Weight | Cost Per Carrier | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 x 40 x 55 cm | Unavailable | 99 USD each way | YES |
9. Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines allow cats in the cabin but a health certificate must be provided confirming your cat is in good shape and has been vaccinated against rabies within 30 days prior to travel.
Pets must be at least 10 weeks old to travel, and the carrier must not exceed 18” x 11” x 11”. inches. Your cat cannot sit in the seat with you or on your lap. The soft- or hard-sided carriers must be leak-proof and have ventilation openings on three sides
They must be underneath the seat in front of you during flight and remain inside their carrier at all times. Delta allows a maximum of one pet per customer.
For more information about traveling with cats visit Delta official website here.
Requirements
- Cat Needs To Be Vaccinated
- Cat Must Remain In The Carrier
- You Must Provide A Health Certifiate
- Carrier Needs To Be Airline Approved
- The Carrier Must Have Plenty Of Ventilation
- Cat Needs To Be At Least 10 Weeks Old
| Carrier Size | Maximum Weight | Cost Per Carrier | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depends On Flight | No limit | 125 / 200 USD | YES |
10. Aegean Airlines
Finishing off this list is Aegean Airlines which allows cats in the cabin with some restrictions of course! Again, like all airlines, your cat will need a health certificate confirming that your cat is in good shape and has been vaccinated against rabies.
Your pet will need a passport verifying their age, vaccination status, etc., so make sure you have all of these documents when traveling by air. Only one cat per customer can be taken into the cabin along with a maximum weight of 8 kgs including carrier.
The cat must be stowed under the seat in front of you during the flight and remain inside the carrier throughout the flight.
For more information about traveling with cats visit Aegean official website here.
Requirements
- You Must Provide A Health Certifiate
- Pet Must Be Able To Fit Under The Seat
- Cat Needs To Be Vaccinated Against Rabies
- Cat Must Remain In The Carrier
- Only One Pet Per Traveller
- Maximum Weight Of 8 kg
| Carrier Size | Maximum Weight | Cost Per Cat | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg / 17.6 pounds | 30 / 60 EUR | YES |
Rules & Regulations For Traveling With Cats In The Cabin
So now that we have gone through the list of airlines that allow cats in the cabin, let’s go through the rules and regulations for traveling with cats in the cabin.
Depending on what airline you fly with these rules can vary so always check with your airline first before booking.
Every airline will require a health certificate confirming that your cat is in good health and has been vaccinated against rabies which needs to be done “30 days prior to travel” depending on what country you plan to visit.
Make sure you have all the documentation required by each country if flying abroad or visiting another state/province etc., along with an identification tag on your pet’s carrier in case it gets lost during flight or somewhere else.
Destination Restrictions
Some airlines will not allow you to fly with your cat between two different countries so always check the destination restrictions before booking anything.
You may need an import permit depending on what country or state you are flying to, and it might be easier for you to book a separate flight home in one of these cases if possible.
Breed Restrictions
Each airline has its own breed restrictions for cats, for example, cats with respiratory problems may be refused entry on the airline. The cat breeds that are known to suffer from this problem are:
- Birman
- Persian
- Himalayan
- Burmese
Carrier & Weight Restrictions
The size of the carrier is important too because some airlines have strict rules about the size and type of carrier you are using and your cat must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in the carrier.
Another factor to consider is whether or not you want a hard-sided carrier or a soft one because some airlines may allow for either but others will only accept certain types.
Cats are also restricted by weight too which varies between different carriers as well so again always double-check these requirements before flying anywhere.
- Weight Limited Of 8kg
- Carrier Size 15″ L 10″ W 8.5″ H
Before You Travel
As mentioned earlier in this article you will need to make sure your cat is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations, also plan ahead because each airline may have its own requirements for traveling with cats.
Just like dogs, carriers are required when traveling with cats but there are some airlines that allow larger carriers if possible so always check before booking anything just in case it’s cheaper than what you already booked online.
Consult With Your Veterinarian
Before booking your flight make sure you consult with your local veterinarian as they will need to assess your cat and issue you with the correct paperwork so your can board the plane with your feline.
The vet will be responsible for making sure your cat is healthy enough to travel and they will need to vaccinate your cat for rabies prior to the flight.
Make Sure You Book In Advance
You will need to book your flight in advance so make sure you plan ahead and do this as soon as possible because some airlines may have a limit on the number of cats allowed per cabin.
In most cases, there is no age restriction for flying with cats but always check with your airline first before booking.
Avoid Pet Sedatives
It may be tempting to use pet sedatives but you should avoid doing this if possible as most airlines will not allow your cat on the plane.
According to the (AVMA) American Veterinary Medical Association sedating your pet can cause increase the chances of heart and respiratory problems while flying!
There are some cases that might require you to use a sedative such as nervousness or extreme anxiety, and in these cases make sure you consult with your local veterinarian first before giving the sedation.
Conclusion
So there you have it now you know which airlines allow cats in the cabin so you can plan ahead and book your flight as soon as possible.
Just remember to check with each airline first in case of their requirements and also make sure you have all the documentation required by each country along with identification tags in case something happens during transit because unfortunately, this does happen from time to time.
Remember that some airlines will not allow cats on board but if they do it may be a separate fee or an upgrade so always double-check before booking anything just in case!
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