Pets As Hand Luggage: Which Animals Can Come In The Cabin With Their Owners?

Many airlines do not allow larger dogs in the cabin. However, if yours weighs less than eight kilograms, you may be in luck.

Today we will look at which airlines will allow you to travel with your pet in the cabin as a carry-on. How does flying with a pet work, and what are the rules and costs involved? In this article, we will briefly explain the ins and outs of flying with a pet so you know what to expect and what to do to make it work.

For many pet owners, going away on vacation or visiting family and friends poses some questions. Most people with pets do not want to leave their beloved family member(s) behind and feel guilty about putting them into a kennel or leaving it with someone to look after. In truth, if you have ever done this, I can guarantee that you are constantly thinking about the animal and its well-being.

I can vouch for this, as being the owner of a dog has prevented my wife and me from going on vacation together. Our only option is to travel by car, and with my wife's family living 1,500 miles away, it is a long and expensive road trip. Most airlines have weight limits for dogs and cats in the cabin and require that they are kept in specially-made pet travel carriers that can fit under your seat.

First, if you want to fly with your pet, you must find out if the airline you are flying with allows pets in the cabin. Secondly, some countries will only allow the transportation of pets in the cargo hold and not in the cabin. Because of their business model, many low-cost carriers like easyJet and Ryanair do not allow pets in the cabin.

This means that as you are planning your trip, you have a lot of research to do. Airlines that do permit pets in the cabin have a limit on the number of pets per flight and restrict where you can sit. Generally speaking, business and first class are off-limits, and you will definitely not be allowed to sit in an emergency exit row.

Below we have compiled a list of popular airlines and their rules regarding pets as a carry-on.

Aegean Airlines: Only dogs and cats up to 8 kilograms (17.6lb) in a pet travel bag not larger than 55×40×23 centimeters 21.65 x 15.74x 9.05 inches).

Aer Lingus: Pets are not allowed in the cabin.

Air France / KLM: Only dogs and cats at least 15 weeks old with a maximum weight of 8 kilograms (17.6 lbs). Pet carrier size no larger than 46×28×24 centimeters (18.11x 11.02x9.44 inches). Cost: 125€.

American Airlines: With American Airlines, there are many rules. Check the airline's pet policy and see if your pet meets the requirements before purchasing a ticket. Cost: $125

British Airways: No pets are allowed in the cabin.

Delta Air Lines: Small dogs and cats can travel in the cabin for a fee and must be in a ventilated animal carrier that can fit under your seat. Cost: $90-$200 depending on the route.

easyJet: No pets are allowed in the cabin.

Emirates: No pets are allowed in the cabin.

Etihad Airways: Pets are allowed on flights to and from Abu Dhabi. Check with the airline for details.

Jet2: No pets allowed in the cabin.

Lufthansa: Dogs and cats at least 15 weeks old that weigh no more than 8 kilograms (17.6 lbs), including their travel bag. Cost: 50€-110€.

Qantas: No pets are allowed in the cabin.

Qatar Airways: No pets are allowed in the cabin, but you can travel with a falcon.

Ryanair: No pets are allowed in the cabin.

Singapore Airlines: No pets are allowed in the cabin.

TUI: Dogs and cats at least 12 weeks old and no heavier than 8 kilograms (17.6 lbs), including their travel bag, must fit under the seat. Cost: 50€.

Turkish Airlines: Dogs and cats that weigh no more than 8 kilograms (17.6 lbs), including their travel bag, which must be able to fit under the seat.

United Airlines: Cats and dogs on domestic flights that can fit underneath the seat in front of you. Cost: $125.

Virgin Atlantic: No pets allowed in the cabin.

Vueling: Dogs and cats no heavier than 10 kilos (22 lbs) must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. No pets are allowed on flights to and from the United Kingdom.

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Journalist - Mark is an experienced travel journalist having published work in the industry for more than seven years. His enthusiasm for aviation news and wealth of experience lends itself to some excellent insight, with his work cited in Forbes amongst other publications. Based in Alicante, Spain.