Understanding Your Options
There are three ways a pet can travel by air. Which applies to you depends on your pet's size, the destination country and the airline — not all options are available on every route.
Pet in Cabin
Your pet travels inside the cabin in a soft carrier placed under the seat in front of you. You and your pet stay together throughout the flight.
Usually up to 8 kg (pet + carrier)
Excess Baggage
Your pet travels in the pressurised, climate-controlled hold on the same flight as you, booked as excess baggage. Suitable for medium and large pets.
Typically 8–45 kg (pet + crate)
Cargo
Your pet travels as freight — on a separate booking managed by a certified pet relocation specialist. Required for certain destinations and large animals.
No practical weight limit
Quick Comparison — Airlines at a Glance
| Airline | Pet in Cabin | Excess Baggage | Cargo | Brachycephalic Breeds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air CanadaAC · Canada 🇨🇦 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ⚠ Via specialist only |
| Air FranceAF · France 🇫🇷 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ⚠ Restrictions apply |
| American AirlinesAA · USA 🇺🇸 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Selected routes | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not in cargo |
| British AirwaysBA · UK 🇬🇧 | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Cargo only | ⚠ Seasonal restrictions |
| EmiratesEK · UAE 🇦🇪 | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Cargo only | ⚠ Nov–Mar only |
| Etihad AirwaysEY · UAE 🇦🇪 | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Cargo only | ⚠ Nov–Mar, BOAS req. |
| KLMKL · Netherlands 🇳🇱 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ⚠ Restrictions apply |
| LufthansaLH · Germany 🇩🇪 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ⚠ If temp <27°C |
| QantasQF · Australia 🇦🇺 | ✗ No | ✗ International only | ✓ Cargo only | ⚠ Restrictions apply |
| Qatar AirwaysQR · Qatar 🇶🇦 | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Cargo only | ✗ Not accepted |
| Singapore AirlinesSQ · Singapore 🇸🇬 | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Cargo only | ✗ Restricted |
| TAP Air PortugalTP · Portugal 🇵🇹 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not in hold |
| Turkish AirlinesTK · Turkey 🇹🇷 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ⚠ Conditional |
| United AirlinesUA · USA 🇺🇸 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Selected routes | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not in cargo |
🐾 Brachycephalic (Flat-Faced) Breed Restrictions
Snub-nosed breeds are at higher risk of respiratory distress during air travel. Most airlines impose specific restrictions — especially for hold and cargo transport.
Important: all restrictions below refer exclusively to hold and cargo transport. None of the airlines on this page accept brachycephalic breeds in the cabin. If you have a flat-faced breed, a certified pet relocation specialist can identify which options are viable for your specific route and time of year.
✈️ Air Canada (AC)
Via Specialist Only
📦 Hold / Cargo
Accepted in cargo only when booked through a certified pet relocation specialist. Cannot be booked as standard cargo by private owners. Standard temperature rules apply.
✈️ Air France (AF)
Restrictions Apply
📦 Hold / Cargo
Seasonal and route-dependent restrictions. Confirm with a certified specialist before booking any flat-faced breed on Air France.
✈️ American Airlines (AA)
Not Accepted in Cargo
📦 Hold / Cargo
Brachycephalic breeds not accepted in cargo year-round due to respiratory risk. Cabin travel may be possible for very small breeds — a specialist can advise.
✈️ British Airways (BA)
Seasonal
📦 Cargo only
Seasonal restrictions apply — more frequent refusals during warmer months. Cargo only; must be handled through a certified specialist.
✈️ Emirates (EK)
Seasonal Window
📦 Cargo only (no cabin/hold option)
In cargo: accepted 1 Nov – 31 Mar only. Refused April–October, no exceptions. Breeds affected: Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Persians, Scottish Folds and all related breeds.
✈️ Etihad Airways (EY)
Seasonal + BOAS
📦 Cargo only (no cabin/hold option)
In cargo: accepted 1 Nov – 1 Mar only. Point-to-point flights only (no stopovers). BOAS veterinary assessment required — Grade 1 or 2 score only. Min. 5 days advance booking.
✈️ KLM (KL)
Restrictions Apply
📦 Hold / Cargo
Seasonal and temperature-based restrictions. Confirm current conditions with a certified specialist before booking any flat-faced breed.
✈️ Lufthansa (LH)
Temperature-Based
📦 Hold / Cargo
Accepted year-round if temperature is below 27°C at both origin and destination. No fixed seasonal ban — entirely temperature-driven. IATA LAR-compliant kennel required.
✈️ Qantas (QF)
Restrictions Apply
📦 Cargo only (international)
Some brachycephalic breeds face restrictions and may require specific crate types or temperature conditions. A certified specialist can confirm viability for your breed and route.
✈️ Qatar Airways (QR)
Not Accepted
📦 Cargo only (no cabin/hold option)
Not accepted at any time, no seasonal window, no exceptions. Owners of flat-faced breeds routing through Doha must choose a different carrier entirely.
✈️ Singapore Airlines (SQ)
Restricted
📦 Cargo only (no cabin/hold option)
Brachycephalic breeds generally not accepted due to respiratory risk in cargo. Confirm with a certified specialist whether your specific breed and route qualifies.
✈️ TAP Air Portugal (TP)
Not in Hold
📦 Hold / Cargo
Not accepted as excess baggage in the hold. Some breeds may travel in cabin subject to pre-approval by TAP. No exceptions for hold transport.
✈️ Turkish Airlines (TK)
Conditional
📦 Hold / Cargo
Accepted with: crate one size larger + ventilation on all 4 sides + signed indemnity letter + temperature below 27°C at both origin and destination.
✈️ United Airlines (UA)
Not in Cargo
📦 Hold / Cargo
Brachycephalic breeds generally not accepted in cargo. Cabin travel may be an option for very small flat-faced breeds on select routes — a specialist can confirm eligibility.
Common brachycephalic dog breeds: Bulldog (all types), French Bulldog, Pug, Boxer, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Chow Chow, Lhasa Apso, Shar-Pei, Mastiffs (all types).
Common brachycephalic cat breeds: Persian, Himalayan, British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Scottish Fold, Burmese.
Common brachycephalic cat breeds: Persian, Himalayan, British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Scottish Fold, Burmese.
Airline Details
Click on any airline to expand its full policy. A certified pet relocation specialist can handle the booking process and documentation for any of these carriers.
✓ Cabin✓ Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
✓ Pet in Cabin✓ Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
Pet in CabinSmall dogs and cats on selected routes. Maximum 8 kg (pet + carrier). 1 pet per passenger. Advance approval required. Puppies and kittens under 8 weeks not accepted; 8–10 weeks only via a certified specialist.
Excess Baggage / CargoAvailable for medium and large pets. IATA-compliant crate mandatory. Advance booking required — limited spaces per flight.
Brachycephalic BreedsRestricted breeds accepted in cargo only when handled by a certified pet relocation specialist — not available as standard cargo to private owners.
✓ Cabin✓ Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
✓ Pet in Cabin✓ Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
Pet in CabinSmall dogs and cats. Maximum 8 kg (pet + carrier). Carrier must fit under the seat and allow the pet to stand, turn and lie down naturally. 1 pet per passenger. Advance booking required.
Excess Baggage / CargoAccepted for larger pets. IATA-compliant crate required. Available on most routes — confirm eligibility when booking.
Brachycephalic BreedsSeasonal and route-dependent restrictions apply. A certified specialist can confirm the current conditions for your breed and route.
✓ Cabin⚠ Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
✓ Pet in Cabin⚠ Excess Baggage (selected routes)✓ Cargo
Pet in CabinSmall dogs and cats on selected routes. Carrier max 48×28×28 cm. 1 pet per passenger. Advance approval required. Pet must remain in carrier throughout the flight.
Excess BaggageAvailable as checked baggage on selected domestic and some international routes. IATA-compliant crate required. Confirm availability at time of booking — not available on all routes.
CargoAvailable on selected flights for larger pets or routes where excess baggage is not offered. Advance booking and IATA-compliant crate required.
Brachycephalic BreedsNot accepted in cargo year-round. Cabin may be possible for very small flat-faced breeds on select routes — a certified specialist can confirm eligibility.
✗ No Cabin✗ No Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
✗ No Cabin✗ No Excess Baggage✓ Cargo only
How Pets TravelNo cabin or excess baggage. All pet transport is via cargo, exclusively through certified pet relocation specialists. IATA-compliant crates are mandatory. Advance booking required.
Brachycephalic BreedsSeasonal restrictions apply — more frequent refusals during warmer months due to increased respiratory risk. A certified specialist can confirm the current window for your route.
✗ No Cabin✗ No Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
✗ No Cabin✗ No Excess Baggage✓ Cargo only
How Pets TravelEmirates does not accept pets in cabin or as excess baggage. All transport is via Emirates SkyCargo and must be arranged through a certified pet relocation specialist. IATA-compliant crates mandatory.
Brachycephalic Breeds — In CargoAccepted in cargo 1 November – 31 March only. Refused 1 April – 31 October with no exceptions. Breeds include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Persians, Scottish Folds and all related breeds.
✗ No Cabin✗ No Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
✗ No Cabin✗ No Excess Baggage✓ Cargo only
How Pets TravelCargo only. All reservations require a minimum of 5 days' notice before departure. A certified pet relocation specialist is required to manage booking and documentation.
Brachycephalic Breeds — In CargoAccepted in cargo 1 November – 1 March only. Additional conditions: point-to-point flights only (no stopovers) + BOAS veterinary assessment required (Grade 1 or 2 score). Breeds include French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, British Shorthairs and related breeds.
BOAS = Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome veterinary assessment, performed before travel.
✓ Cabin✓ Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
✓ Pet in Cabin✓ Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
Pet in CabinMaximum 8 kg (pet + carrier). Dogs and cats only. 1 per passenger. Not available on Boeing 787-9/10 and A321neo. Advance booking required.
Excess BaggageAccepted up to 75 kg total (pet + crate). IATA-compliant crate required. Not available on Boeing 787-9/10 and A321neo.
UK RoutesCabin and excess baggage not accepted for UK-bound flights. Cargo via a certified specialist required.
Brachycephalic BreedsRestrictions apply. A certified specialist can confirm the current conditions for your breed and route.
✓ Cabin✓ Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
✓ Pet in Cabin✓ Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
Pet in CabinMaximum 8 kg (pet + soft carrier). Dogs and cats only. 1 per passenger. Carrier must fit under the seat. Advance approval required.
Excess Baggage / CargoAccepted up to 45 kg (pet + crate) and beyond via Lufthansa Cargo. IATA LAR-compliant kennel mandatory. Advance booking required. Limited spaces per flight. Puppies and kittens under 10 weeks not accepted.
Brachycephalic BreedsAccepted in cargo year-round if temperature is below 27°C at both origin and destination. No fixed seasonal ban — entirely temperature-driven.
✗ No Cabin⚠ Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
✗ No Cabin⚠ Excess Baggage (domestic only)✓ Cargo (international)
How Pets TravelNo cabin pets on any Qantas flight. On domestic Australian routes, Qantas accepts pets as checked baggage (excess baggage). On international routes, pets must travel as cargo — managed exclusively through a certified pet relocation specialist, in line with Australia's strict biosecurity import requirements.
Australia Import RequirementsEntering Australia requires extensive preparation regardless of airline — quarantine, health certificates, titre tests and government-endorsed documentation. A certified specialist is essential for any Australia-bound route.
Brachycephalic BreedsSome flat-faced breeds face restrictions or require specific crate conditions. A certified specialist can confirm viability for your breed and route.
✗ No Cabin✗ No Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
✗ No Cabin✗ No Excess Baggage✓ Cargo only
How Pets TravelCargo only. Advance approval required — minimum 4 working days before departure. A certified pet relocation specialist can manage the full booking and documentation process.
Brachycephalic BreedsNot accepted at any time of year — no seasonal window, no exceptions. Owners of flat-faced breeds must use a different carrier for Doha-routed flights.
❌ Flat-faced breeds: no exceptions via Qatar Airways. A certified specialist can identify alternative carriers for your route.
✗ No Cabin✗ No Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
✗ No Cabin✗ No Excess Baggage✓ Cargo only
How Pets TravelSingapore Airlines does not accept pets in cabin or as excess baggage. Transport is via Singapore Airlines Cargo on selected flights, with advance booking required. IATA-compliant crates are mandatory. A certified pet relocation specialist is strongly recommended.
Singapore Import RequirementsEntry into Singapore (AVS) requires government-approved handling and strict documentation. Routes into Singapore demand coordination with an approved facility and certified specialist — the airline piece is only one part of a complex process.
Brachycephalic BreedsGenerally not accepted in cargo due to respiratory risk. Confirm with a certified specialist whether your specific breed and route qualifies.
✓ Cabin✓ Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
✓ Pet in Cabin✓ Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
Pet in CabinSmall dogs and cats on most routes. Maximum 8 kg (pet + carrier). 1 per passenger. Carrier must allow the pet to stand, turn and lie down naturally. Advance approval required.
Excess BaggageAvailable in two categories: standard (up to 32 kg total) and large (over 32 kg). IATA-compliant crate required. Advance booking mandatory.
Brachycephalic BreedsNot accepted as excess baggage in the hold. Some breeds may travel in cabin subject to TAP pre-approval. Includes Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas and Persian cats.
UK RoutesCabin and excess baggage not accepted for UK-bound flights. Cargo via a certified specialist required.
✓ Cabin✓ Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
✓ Pet in Cabin✓ Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
Pet in CabinSmall dogs and cats on most routes. Maximum 8 kg (pet + carrier). Advance booking required. Confirm availability at time of booking.
Excess Baggage / CargoAccepted for larger pets. IATA-compliant crate required. Advance booking mandatory. Limited spaces per flight.
Brachycephalic BreedsAccepted under strict conditions: crate one size larger than standard + ventilation on all 4 sides + signed indemnity letter from the owner + temperature below 27°C at both origin and destination. Any crossbreed with listed breeds also applies.
✓ Cabin⚠ Excess Baggage✓ Cargo
✓ Pet in Cabin⚠ Excess Baggage (selected routes)✓ Cargo
Pet in CabinSmall dogs and cats on selected routes. Carrier max 46×28×28 cm. 1 pet per passenger. Advance approval required. Pet must remain in carrier throughout the flight.
Excess BaggageAvailable as checked baggage on selected domestic and some international routes. IATA-compliant crate required. Confirm availability at time of booking.
Cargo (PetSafe)United's PetSafe program handles cargo transport on selected routes for larger pets or routes where excess baggage is not available. Advance booking and IATA-compliant crate required.
Brachycephalic BreedsGenerally not accepted in cargo. Cabin may be an option for small flat-faced breeds on selected routes — confirm eligibility with a certified specialist before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog travel in the cabin?
Only if small enough — typically under 5–6 kg net weight to stay within the 8 kg combined limit with the carrier. Airlines like TAP, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Turkish, Air Canada, American and United accept small dogs in cabin on most routes. Gulf carriers (Emirates, Etihad, Qatar) and British Airways do not. → Use the Pet Travel Checker to confirm your route.
What's the difference between excess baggage and cargo?
Excess baggage means your pet travels in the pressurised hold on the same flight as you, booked as part of your ticket — simpler and generally less expensive. Cargo means a separate booking, often on a different flight, managed through a certified specialist. Some destinations and airlines require cargo regardless of pet size.
My dog is flat-faced. Can it still fly?
Yes, in many cases — but the options are limited and depend heavily on the airline, route and time of year. Some carriers accept brachycephalic breeds in cargo if temperatures are below 27°C. Gulf carriers accept them only Nov–Mar. Qatar Airways and TAP don't accept them in the hold at all. → Get a free quote to find out what applies to your breed and route.
What crate or carrier does my pet need?
All crates and carriers must comply with IATA standards: your pet must be able to stand, turn, sit and lie down naturally. Cabin carriers are soft-sided. Hold and cargo crates must be hard-sided with secure metal locks and adequate ventilation. A certified specialist can advise on the right crate for your pet and airline.
Can I fly with my pet to the UK or Australia?
Yes, but these are among the most complex routes. The UK and Australia require all pets to travel as manifest cargo via a government-approved specialist — cabin or excess baggage is not accepted. Australia also requires mandatory quarantine regardless of origin. A certified pet relocation specialist is essential for both destinations.
How much does it cost to fly with a pet?
Costs vary significantly by airline, route, pet size and transport method. → Get a free, no-obligation quote from a certified specialist for your specific route.
Do I need to book in advance?
Always. Most airlines limit pets per flight. Gulf carriers require a minimum of 4–5 working days' notice. We recommend arranging pet transport at the same time as booking your own ticket.
Do I need a health certificate?
Yes — almost universally. Airlines require a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Destination country requirements may add vaccinations, titre tests or import permits. Check the Country Guide for your destination for the full picture.
Not sure what applies to your route?
Every pet, every route and every airline combination is different. Get a free quote from a certified pet relocation specialist — they'll confirm exactly what's needed and handle everything for you.
Get a Free QuoteNo commitment · Handled by certified specialists
📋 Sources: Brachycephalic breed restriction data sourced from IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) 52nd Edition, 2026 — Chapter 3, Operator Variations. General airline policies compiled from published carrier information. Data reviewed August 2026.
⚠️ The information on this page is provided for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Airline pet policies change frequently and without notice. Always confirm requirements with a certified pet relocation specialist before booking. The Pet Travel is not affiliated with any airline.