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Best pet-friendly airlines in Asia 2026

Last updated: May 2026 · 8 min read

Quick answer
Korean carriers lead Asia for cabin pet travel. Korean Air, Asiana, and t'way Air all allow pets in the cabin on international routes. Most other Asian carriers (including ANA, JAL, and Singapore Airlines) restrict pets to the hold or cargo on international flights.

Asia is not easy territory for pet travel. Many of the region's largest carriers do not allow regular pets in the cabin on international routes. The default is cargo or checked baggage, and even that is not available everywhere. Korean carriers are the clear exception.

Airlines that allow cabin pets

KE
Korean Air
Cabin: yesHold: yesSnub-nosed: allowed
Weight limit 7 kg including carrier. Max dimensions 45 x 32 x 19 cm. Book at least 48 hours before departure. Fees from 30,000 KRW domestic up to 300,000 KRW long-haul international (~$205). Larger pets accepted as excess baggage up to 45 kg. Korean Air.
OZ
Asiana Airlines
Cabin: yesHold: yes1 pet per passenger
Weight limit 7 kg including carrier. Max dimensions 45 x 32 x 21 cm. Up to 2 additional pets as checked baggage. Fees from 30,000 KRW domestic to ~$140–$290 international. Note: on A321 aircraft, checked baggage pets not permitted on international routes. Asiana Airlines.
TW
t'way Air
Cabin: yes9 kg limitNo cargo option
Weight limit 9 kg including carrier, higher than most Asian airlines. Fees from 30,000 KRW domestic to 200,000 KRW international. Free stroller or car seat check per pet. No cargo option: if your pet exceeds the cabin limit, this airline is not workable.
AI
Air India
Cabin: yes10 kg limitNo US/CA/AU routes
Weight limit 10 kg including carrier, among the highest in Asia. Priority check-in and boarding offered. Fees approx $84 domestic, $140–$160 per international segment. Cabin pets not accepted on flights to or from the US, Canada, or Australia. Must book via customer service, not online.

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Airlines with cargo or hold only

These carriers do not allow pets in the cabin on international routes.

ANA/JAL
Japan Airlines, ANA
No cabinHold: yes
Both accept pets in the climate-controlled hold on international routes. ANA operates a Pet Hotel at Haneda Airport for long stopovers. For routes into Japan, MAFF import requirements apply: microchip, rabies vaccination sequence, titer test, 180-day wait.
SQ
Singapore Airlines
No cabinHold/cargo: selected routes
Accepts pets as checked baggage or cargo on selected routes only. Availability and species vary. Booking must be arranged directly with the airline well in advance. Singapore also has its own pet import requirements for transiting animals.

What to look for when choosing

The starting point is whether cabin travel matters to you. If it does, Korean carriers are the most reliable option in the region for international routes.

Beyond cabin availability, check: breed restrictions (snub-nosed breeds are refused by many Asian carriers), minimum age requirements (most require at least 8 to 16 weeks), seasonal temperature embargoes for cargo, and how far in advance the airline requires bookings.

Pet spots per flight are always limited.

Booking late is the most common reason owners end up without options. Confirm availability before buying your own ticket.

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Frequently asked questions

Which Asian airline has the most generous cabin weight limit?

Air India allows up to 10 kg including the carrier. t'way Air allows 9 kg. Korean Air and Asiana set the limit at 7 kg. The specific dimensions of the carrier also matter. A higher weight limit is not useful if the carrier does not fit under the seat.

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Can I bring my dog in the cabin on a flight to Japan from Korea?

No. Cabin travel is not available for pets on flights into Japan, regardless of carrier. Your pet will travel as checked baggage in the hold or as cargo, and Japan's MAFF import requirements apply in full.

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Is Korean Air good for snub-nosed breeds?

Korean Air permits some snub-nosed breeds in the cabin under certain conditions. This is an exception compared to most carriers. Confirm with Korean Air directly for your specific breed before booking.

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What is the booking lead time for cabin pets on Asian airlines?

It varies. Korean Air requires at least 48 hours for international routes. Singapore Airlines requires two weeks. Book as early as possible, since cabin pet spaces are limited per flight.

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For short regional hops within Korea or to nearby countries, the Korean carriers offer the most practical cabin options in Asia. For longer international routes to Europe, the US, or Japan, cargo travel is almost always the only available route.

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