PetTravelRules logoPetTravelRules

Airlines that allow pets in the cabin on international flights in 2026

Last updated: May 2026 · 8 min read

Quick answer
Most airlines that allow cabin pets do so on domestic routes only. The list of carriers that genuinely allow cabin pets across international borders is shorter than most people expect, and it comes with route-level restrictions that can change even after you book.

Before you book: check all four

  1. 1Does the airline allow cabin pets on international routes (not just domestic)?
  2. 2Is your specific route eligible (some routes are excluded even if the airline generally allows it)?
  3. 3Does your destination country permit cabin arrivals (UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand require cargo)?
  4. 4Does your pet meet the weight and breed requirements for that airline?

An airline that advertises cabin pet travel is not necessarily offering it on international routes. JetBlue allows cabin pets domestically but excludes most international flights including all routes to Europe and the UK. Southwest allows cabin pets on domestic US flights only. The distinction matters because destination country rules also apply independently of airline rules.

European carriers: the most cabin-friendly internationally

European airlines are generally the most permissive for cabin pet travel on international routes. Most set a combined weight limit of around 8 kg (pet plus carrier), require the carrier to fit under the seat, and restrict certain routes or destinations.

LH
Lufthansa
Cabin: yes8 kg limitSome routes excluded
Pets up to 8 kg (including carrier) in the cabin. Soft-sided carrier required, max 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Not available on flights to UK, Ireland, UAE, or Bangalore. Snub-nosed breeds not allowed in the hold but may travel in the cabin if under the weight limit. Registration required at least 72 hours before departure. Fees: approx €100 to €300 depending on route length. Lufthansa.
TK
Turkish Airlines
Cabin: yes8 kg limitWide network
Accepts cats, dogs, and small songbirds in the cabin on international routes. Combined weight limit 8 kg. One of the largest international networks of any airline offering cabin pets, covering routes across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Advance booking required.
KL
KLM
Cabin: yes8 kg limit
Small dogs and cats accepted in the cabin on most international routes within Europe and beyond. Combined weight limit approximately 8 kg including carrier. Confirm route availability and current fees directly with the airline.
AF
Air France
Cabin: yes8 kg limitBreed restrictions
Small pets accepted in the cabin on certain international routes. Combined weight limit around 8 kg. Breed restrictions exclude pit bull types and mastiffs.

This is the part most people get wrong. A reviewed plan makes sure you don't.

Get My Plan · $24

Middle East: Etihad is the exception

Most Middle Eastern carriers do not allow pets in the cabin on international routes. Emirates accepts no cabin pets at all. Qatar Airways restricts cabin travel to service animals only.

EY
Etihad Airways
Cabin: yes (AUH routes)8 kg limitFee varies
Small cats and dogs in the cabin on flights to and from Abu Dhabi. Weight limit 8 kg including carrier. The fee has changed multiple times. Confirm the current rate directly with Etihad before planning around it.

Asia: Korean carriers lead

The majority of Asian carriers do not allow cabin pets on international routes. Notable exceptions:

KE
Korean Air
Cabin: yes7 kg limit48 hr advance
Pets up to 7 kg (including carrier) in the cabin on international routes. Book at least 48 hours before departure.
OZ
Asiana Airlines
Cabin: yes7 kg limit
Similar policy to Korean Air. Weight limit 7 kg including carrier.
AI
Air India
Cabin: yes10 kg limitNo US/CA/AU
Weight limit up to 10 kg including carrier. Cabin pets not accepted on flights to or from the US, Canada, or Australia.
VN
Vietnam Airlines
Cabin: yes6 kg limitSelected routes
Small pets up to 6 kg including carrier in the cabin on certain routes. Cargo and checked baggage available for larger animals.

US and Canadian carriers: limited internationally

US carriers are the most restrictive for international cabin pet travel. United allows cabin pets on some international routes but excludes Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, Iceland, and several others. Delta allows small cabin pets but international route availability varies. Air Canada accepts small cabin pets on select international routes at around $100 per one-way segment outside North America.

Country rules override airline rules.

The UK, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand all require pets to arrive as manifest cargo. No commercial airline offers cabin pet travel into these countries, regardless of their general policy.

Not sure if your situation is covered?

That's exactly what the Personal Plan is for. A human reviews your specific route, airline, and pet before you get your checklist.

Get My Plan · $24

Frequently asked questions

Which airline allows the highest weight limit for cabin pets internationally?

Air India allows up to 10 kg including the carrier. Etihad allows 8 kg, as do most European carriers. Korean Air and Asiana set 7 kg limits. The specific dimensions of the carrier also matter, as a higher weight limit is not useful if the carrier does not fit under the seat.

Planning this route? A personal plan covers every step. Get My Plan · $24 →

Can I bring my dog in the cabin to the UK?

No. The UK requires all pets to arrive as manifest cargo. No commercial airline offers cabin pet travel into the UK regardless of the pet's weight or breed.

Planning this route? A personal plan covers every step. Get My Plan · $24 →

Can I bring my cat in the cabin on a long-haul flight to Asia?

It depends on the destination. Japan, Australia, and New Zealand require cargo arrival. For other Asian destinations, Turkish Airlines covers a wide network. Korean carriers cover regional routes. Always confirm the destination country rules before booking the airline.

Planning this route? A personal plan covers every step. Get My Plan · $24 →

Do airlines guarantee cabin space for pets?

No. Most airlines limit cabin pets to two to six per flight, allocated on a first-come basis. Book as early as possible to secure a spot.

Planning this route? A personal plan covers every step. Get My Plan · $24 →

The best airline for cabin pet travel internationally depends on your route, your pet's size, and the entry rules of your destination. No single carrier is the right answer for every trip.

Personalized travel plan

Not sure what applies to your situation?

Your pet, your route, your dates. Every requirement, in order.

Get my plan · $24

Useful links