Several major airlines allow small pets in-cabin on at least some international routes, but rules vary a lot by route, aircraft, and destination. You always need to double‑check your exact flight before booking because some countries and specific planes ban cabin pets even when the airline generally allows them.

Quick Scoop

Here are some of the most commonly mentioned airlines that allow pets in-cabin on international flights (typically cats and small dogs, sometimes small birds), subject to size, carrier, and route limits.

Popular airlines allowing pets in-cabin internationally

  • Aegean Airlines – Allows small pets in cabin on many European and some international routes, within strict weight and carrier limits.
  • Air Canada – Generally allows small cats and dogs in the cabin on many transborder and international flights, except on some long‑haul or certain aircraft types.
  • Air Europa – Permits small pets in the cabin on many European and selected international routes, with advance reservation required.
  • Air France – Allows small cats and dogs in cabin on many medium‑ and long‑haul routes, with maximum weight (pet + carrier) and size limits; some destinations (like the UK) are excluded.
  • Alaska Airlines – Allows small pets in‑cabin and serves the U.S., Mexico, and Canada; some international segments can qualify as “international” but still allow cabin pets.
  • American Airlines – Accepts small cats and dogs in cabin on many international routes within the Americas and to some long‑haul destinations, subject to route and aircraft restrictions.
  • Austrian Airlines – Part of Lufthansa Group; typically allows small cats and dogs in cabin on many European and some international flights with advance booking.
  • Copa Airlines – Allows small cats and dogs in cabin on international flights between the Americas, with specific fees and carrier dimensions.
  • Finnair – Accepts cats and dogs in cabin on flights from EU and non‑EU countries on many European and some long‑haul routes, with weight and carrier size limits.
  • KLM – Allows small cats and dogs in cabin on many European and intercontinental routes, as long as they fit under the seat and meet weight limits; some long‑haul or premium cabins restrict pets.
  • Lufthansa – Allows cats and dogs (and in some cases small birds) in cabin on many European and long‑haul routes. They’re often considered a pet‑friendly international carrier with clear procedures and fees.
  • Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) – Permits small dogs and cats in cabin on many European and some intercontinental routes when booked in advance and within size/weight limits.
  • Tap Air Portugal – Allows small pets in cabin on many European, African, and American routes, except where local rules prohibit it.
  • Turkish Airlines – Allows cats, dogs, and some small birds in cabin on many international flights, especially between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, within weight and carrier limits.
  • Qatar Airways – On some routes, allows small pets in cabin, but most long‑haul pets travel as checked or cargo; cabin permissions are route‑specific.
  • Singapore Airlines – Allows pets in cabin only on selected routes and aircraft types; otherwise, pets often travel as checked baggage or cargo, and Singapore has strict import rules.
  • Philippine Airlines – Permits small pets in cabin on many domestic and some regional international flights, subject to approval.

Some regional or newer airlines in Europe (for example AeroItalia) also allow dogs and cats in the cabin on short‑haul international flights within Europe, again with limits on number of pets per flight and maximum pet+carrier weight.

Sample rules you’ll see again and again

While each airline is different, most pet‑in‑cabin international policies share patterns.

  • Species : Usually only cats and dogs; some allow small birds or other small pets on specific routes.
  • Size/weight : Often around 7–10 kg (15–22 lb) including carrier; must fit under the seat.
  • Carrier : Soft‑sided, ventilated, and leak‑proof, with maximum length–width–height that varies by airline and aircraft model.
  • Number of pets : Often 1 pet per passenger and a limited number per flight (for example, 2–6 cabin pets total).
  • Fees : Typically charged per segment; for international flights this can be around 100–150 USD/EUR per direction, depending on airline and region.
  • Advance booking : Almost always required; some airlines require calling or adding the pet at booking, and may deny pets at check‑in if the cabin quota is full.
  • Documents : Health certificate, vaccination proof (especially rabies), and sometimes import permits or microchip documentation depending on the destination country.

Countries and routes that often ban in‑cabin pets

Even if your airline is pet‑friendly, certain destinations or legs often don’t allow pets in the cabin.

  • United Kingdom : Commercial flights into the UK usually require pets to arrive as cargo under the Pet Travel Scheme; cabin pets are generally not allowed on arrival.
  • Australia & New Zealand: Very strict biosecurity rules; pets almost always travel as manifest cargo, not in cabin.
  • Certain island or rabies‑free countries/regions : For example, some routes into Hawaii, Singapore, or other heavily regulated regions may require cargo transport and quarantine or special permits.
  • Specific long‑haul premium cabins : Many airlines don’t allow pets in certain business/first‑class cabins or on some long‑haul wide‑body aircraft, even if they allow them on shorter or economy segments.

How to quickly check for your own trip

Because policies change frequently and vary by exact route, think of any list as a starting point rather than a guarantee.

  1. Pick candidate airlines that generally allow in‑cabin pets on international routes (from the list above).
  2. Check your exact route and date on the airline’s pet‑travel page and in the fare rules; look for exclusions for your origin/destination and cabin.
  1. Call or chat with the airline and ask them to add the pet to your booking, confirming:
    • Whether in‑cabin is allowed on every segment of your trip
    • Max pet+carrier weight and dimensions
    • Total number of pets allowed in the cabin on that flight
    • Total fees and where you pay them (online vs. at the airport)
  1. Check destination country rules (e.g., government or embassy website) for import permits, microchip/vaccine timing, and any quarantine requirements.

If you have a specific route and pet size in mind (for example, “10 kg dog from Toronto to Paris” or “cat from NYC to Rome”), share those details and I can help you narrow down which airlines from this group are more realistic for in‑cabin travel.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.