Dog Jaunt

The following information has been collected from the airlines’ published pet policies, supplemented (in some cases) by telephone inquiries. It was last updated on May 13, 2010.

For each airline, I have provided a link to the airline’s pet policy. Please note that the policies include details that I can’t fit into this chart. For example, some countries do not allow pets to arrive in-cabin (including the U.K., South Africa and Australia). Because of airplane cabin configurations, in-cabin pets won’t fit at all under some sections’ seats. Information like this varies by airline, so read the policies carefully. If you still have questions, call your airline’s contact number and get answers before you arrive at the airport.

It is also a good idea to print out a copy of your airline’s policy, so that if a dispute arises with a ticketing or gate agent, you will have the actual policy to refer to (not the agent’s potentially faulty memory of the policy).

Notes:

1. A customer may travel with up to three pets, but together with their carrier they must weigh no more than 6 kg, and the carrier must meet the 115 cm total maximum. (Air France)
2. A customer may travel with more than one pet, but together with their carrier they must weigh no more than 10 kg. and the carrier must be no larger than the stated maximum. (Alitalia)
3. “Only one pet kennel per ticketed passenger may be accepted for travel in the cabin. The kennel may contain two (2) dogs or two (2) cats but they must be the same species, at least 8-weeks old, and the pet and container can weigh no more than 20 lbs. combined.” (American)
4. “Two pets of the same type may be allowed in one kennel, for example two dogs or two cats. They must be small enough to fit in one kennel provided they are compatible and must be of the same species, size and each weigh less than 20 pounds.” (Delta)
5. One pet per passenger “unless under 6 months and of comparable size up to 9 kg each, then limit is two per kennel. Pup or kittens less than 4 months can travel in same kennel as mother.” (KLM)
6. One pet per passenger except that “2 puppies of 6 months old or younger, 2 kittens or a pair of birds may travel in one cage.” (Korean Air)
7. A carrier may hold two pets if the combined total is not more than 8 kg and the carrier meets the stated maximums. (Swiss)
8. “More than one animal of the same type can be carried in the same container which shall be accounted for as a single animal. Each passenger may only carry a single container.” (TAP Portugal)
9. One pet per passenger, except “fully weaned puppies or kittens (minimum 8 weeks old, maximum 6 months old), maximum 2 per carrier.” (United)