10 Airlines That Allow Cats In Cabin or Cargo in 2024

What Airlines allow cats in cabins or cargo? Flying is a stressful task for several individuals. And when flying with a pet, this task can easily change into a life challenge. Flying with cats in cabin or on cargo is quite common nowadays. Especially when dogs and other animals have now taken flight directly to space, taking them on a domestic or international flight is a no-bid deal.

Numerous airlines across the world allow individuals to travel with their pet dogs and cat. Whether you have a playful kitten or a napping one, airlines try to make your experience totally stress-free. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic hard-hitting the world, several norms have been changed. Hence even if you have been an avid flyer with a pet, there might be a few things you should learn all over again. And the guide below is all set for your help. We checked through all the stats, files, prints, and web information for bringing a ‘Know it All’ guide in one place.

Here is a list of Airlines that allows cats to travel along. With that, it also has all information about the latest policies and prices you might need to know. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

Top Airlines that allow cats in cabins? [2022 Policies]

American Airlines

American Airlines is one of the pet-friendly airlines globally. It allows travelers to bring their cats inside the cabin only for short-distance flights. They, though, are slightly more expensive than various other airlines when it comes to pet travel.

• Cost: $125 to $250
• Allowed pets: Small cats ( 1 0r 2)
• Cabin: Yes
• Weight limitations: 20 lbs maximum (including the cback passage).
• Cback passage/ Carrier limitations: 23 x 40 x 55 cm (hard-sided crate) and 27 x 40 x 55 cm (soft-sided crate).

Additional information:

• For long-distance flights, American Airlines doesn’t allow cats inside the cabins. Instead, the pets must be checked as Cargo. With that, the charges too will increase depending upon the destination and flying hours.
• You cannot bring a cat inside a cabin when traveling in a premium economy.
• Only two cats can travel with one Passenger. Either keep them both in one cback passage, ensuring both have enough space. Or the traveler has to book the seat right next to if flying with two cats in separate cback passages. Please note traveling with two cats is only possible when you are taking a mother cat and her litter.
• Your cat in the cback passage will be counted as one standard baggage.
• An unaccompanied minor cannot take a pet along in an American Airlines flight.

Air Canada

Air Canada is another airline that allows travelers to bring their cats inside the cabin. It allows for the most budget-friendly travel. The Passenger has to tuck the cat inside a cback passage and fit it under the seat throughout the traveling hours. Flights including Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and the ones operated by Jazz allow in-cabin travels for cats.

• Cost: $50 to $59 (For domestic travel) and $100 to $118 (For international travel)
• Allowed pets: Cats at least 12 weeks old and fully weaned. (Only One)
• Cabin: Yes
• Weight Limitation: 20 lbs maximum (including the cback passage).
• Cback passage/ Carrier limitations: 23 X 40 X 55 (Hard-sided cback passage) and 27 X 40 X 55 (Soft-sided cback passage)

Additional information:

• Air Canada flight to and from Hawaii doesn’t allow pets inside cabins or in Cargo. Instead, they only facilitate shipping your pets to and from Hawaii.
• Passengers traveling with cats cannot check-in online or at airport self-service kiosks.
• Only one cat per passenger is allowed.
• Your cat in its carrier will count as one standard item.
• Passengers seated in an exit or bulkhead row cannot bring cabs inside the cabin. In circumstance, the pet will be moved to the Cargo.
• Passengers traveling in the premium economy cannot bring cats inside the cabin.
• On certain plains that are smaller in size, in-cabin travel for cats doesn’t facilitate for First or Business Class.

JetBlue Airways 

JetBlue is another American Airways that allow cats in a cabin. It is perhaps one of the budget-friendly and convenient airlines to choose while traveling with pets. They have a well-trained and supremely helping staff that guide passengers with a list of tips for managing the pet.

• Cost: $125 and above
• Allowed pets: Two small cats in separate carries/ cback passages.
• Cabin: Yes
• Weight Limitation: 20 lbs maximum (including the cback passage).
• Cback passage/ Carrier limitations: 43.18 X 31.75 X 21.59

Additional information:

• For traveling with two cats, the Passenger has to book a second seat, right next to his/ her own.
• Book early as only six pets are allowed in a flight.
• Passengers traveling with a cat or any other pet won’t be given bulkhead seats, exit rows, or seats with less foot space.
• Regardless of the source, pets aren’t allowed on codeshare and interline booking.
• Your cat in its carrier will count as one standard item.

Air India

Air India allows taking small and inoffensive cats in a cabin. Your pet must be accompanied by valid Health and Rabies vaccination certificates. Air India and its cabin crew are known as extremely pet-friendly, making sure your canine buddies have a comfortable flight.

• Cost: $41 and more depending upon traveling distance and rush.
• Allowed pets: Cats (Only 2 per flight). Must be 8 weeks (age), non-pregnant, and vaccinated against Rabies for over a month.
• Cabin: Yes
• Weight Limitation: 11.02 lbs maximum (including the cback passage).
• Cback passage/ Carrier limitations: 18 X 18 X 12 (Soft-sided cback passage)

Additional Information:

• Passengers must muzzle and lease the cat properly.
• Even if the Passenger isn’t traveling with any baggage, they are still need to pay additionally for the pet.
• If the cat is trained to lead the Passenger with impaired vision /hearing, its charges might be free. (Though do confirm with the website/ officials before flying).
• Cats and other pets aren’t allowed on nonstop flights between India and USA.
• Service Dogs from high-risk countries may be imported only with US CDC’s advance written approval (CDC Dog Import Permit). Though as per US Department of Transportation regulations at 14 CFR part 382, emotional support, companion, and comfort pets aren’t noted as service animals.

Delta AirLines

Delta is another major American Air Lines operating domestic and international flights. It allows cats, dogs, and household birds to travel in-cabin. However, household birds can only fly (travel inside a cage) on domestic flights. The Delta Cabin crew is extremely helpful with pets and ensures providing utmost comfort to both individuals and their canine buddies.

• Cost: $75 and above within North America and $200 and above for other destinations.
• Allowed pets: 2 pets (with exceptions).
• Cabin: Yes
• Weight Limitation: No limit (must fit in a carrier under the seat)
• Cback passage/ Carrier limitations: 18 x 11 x 11 (soft or hard-sided cback passages) (recommended). Please check your flight’s aircraft dimensions to ensure your kennel will fit.

Additional Information:

• A cat must remain underneath the seat (the one before you) on flights and even on the airport bus.
• Though only one cat can travel per Passenger though one female cat may travel with her un-weaned litter (between 10 weeks to 6 months of age), for the number of litters, there is no limit.
• Pets in cabin kennels will count as your one carry-on item.

Air France

Air France allows cats on board (in-cabin) for both domestic and international flights. Instead of bringing a cback passage as a must, they allow any approved pet container, even a flexible one. Air France is also one of the most affordable airlines for traveling with your pets.

• Cost: $43.68/ €40 (for domestic flight) and €55/ $60.6 to €125/ $136.51 (for international flight).
• Allowed pets: Cat (Only one cat per Passenger).
• Cabin: Yes.
• Weight Limitation: 17 lbs maximum (including the cback passage)
• Cback passage/ Carrier limitations: 46 X 28 X 24 

Additional Information:

• Air France does not accept pets in the Business cabin on intercontinental flights.
• Only 1 cat is permitted per container.
• Crates are not accepted in the cabin but only in Cargo.
• Your cat must have all essential vaccine certifications.
• Cats traveling within the European Union must be identified by an electronic chip and also possess a European passport.
• The transport of cats in the hold and the cabin is prohibited on flights to China (uncertain).
• From Moscow to Paris, cats can travel in the cabin only.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines allows pets, including cats, in the cabin as long as the Passenger is 18 or above. Its main cabin allows one pet carrier per flight (in First Class cabin) and up to five pet carriers per flight (in the main cabin).

• Cost: $100.00 each way (For flights departing from Canada, the fee is $105 each way)
• Allowed pets: A maximum of 2 cats
• Cabin: Yes
• Weight Limitation: 20 lbs maximum (including the cback passage).
• Cback passage/ Carrier limitations: 43.18 x 27.94 x 13.97 (hard-sided cback passage) and 43.18 x 27.94 x 24.13 (soft-sided cback passage)

Additional Information:

• Passengers can travel with one or two cats (though for two cats, booking the seat right next is a must).
• Up to 2 cats may travel in the same carrier unless the pet is not in distress.
• Boarding with a pet carrier, a standard size carry-on, and a personal item isn’t allowed. Hence passengers must only carry a pet carrier and a standard-size carry-on bag/ a personal item.
• Cats must be at least 8 weeks old and must have been fully weaned. The ones still feeding on mother’s milk aren’t allowed to travel alone, without their mother.

Swiss International Airlines

The Swiss International Airlines takes your pets, including cats, on-board. Though depending upon the route, flight hours, and destinations, the rules might differ. However, Swiss ensure providing the most per-friendly services to its passengers.

• Cost: $60 and up
• Allowed pets: Small Cats
• Cabin: Yes
• Weight Limitation: 17.6 lbs maximum (including cback passage)
• Cback passage/ Carrier limitations: 55 X 40 X 23

Additional Information:

• Large cats or the ones serving the visually impaired passengers are allowed in the cabin.
• Only soft cback passages are permitted inside the cabin.
• Cats who are aggressive, smelling, and pregnant can’t board the flight under any circumstance.
• No size and weight restrictions for cats with protective or assistance functions.
• As of 01 March 2021, Emotional support dogs are no longer taken as service dogs by Swiss.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest is an American Airlines and the largest low-cost carrier worldwide. It facilitates passengers for carrying along with their small pets, including both dogs and cats. However, Southwest doesn’t allow cats to travel in-cabin on any international flight or even itinerary that includes internal travel.

• Cost: $95 each way
• Allowed pets: Only small domestic cats (at least 8 weeks old).
• Cabin: Yes
• Weight Limitation: 20 lbs maximum (including the cback passage).
• Cback passage/ Carrier limitations: 43.18 X 24.13 X 25.4 (Both soft and hard-sided cback passages)

Additional Information:

• Only one pet carrier per Passenger.
• Each carrier may contain two cats of each species.
• Pet carriers Will count as either a personal item or a carry-on item
• Cats are not permitted to travel with Unaccompanied Minors.
• Passengers with cats must not occupy a seat with no forward under-seat stowage or an exit row.
• One flight can only carry 6 pets; thus, book well in advance.
• During an emergency, oxygen masks won’t facilitate cats.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines is another American airline that allows pets, including cats, on board. Their extremely friendly and professional cabin crew helps passengers with all ease during the flights, despite carrying a pet along or not.

• Cost: $99
• Allowed pets: Cats (on both domestic and international flights)
• Cabin: Yes
• Weight Limitation: 20 lbs maximum (including the cback passage).
• Cback passage/ Carrier limitations: 45.72 x 35.56 x 20.32

Additional Information:

• Only domestic cats are allowed on international flights.
• Passengers can only carry a personal bag or a carry-on bag in addition to a pet cback passage.
• The airline doesn’t allow pets to board as baggage.
• Cats must be of 8-week age minimum.
• Passengers with cats must not occupy a seat with no forward under-seat stowage or an exit row.
• No oxygen will be administered to a pet in the event of an emergency.

List of Airlines that allow large cats in cabin

1. American Airlines
2. CopaAirlines
3. Iberia
4. Air Canada
5. Delta
6. Air India
7. Air France
8. Swiss International Airlines
9. Turkish Airlines
10. Frontier Airlines
11. Lufthansa Airlines

NOTE: Until and Unless your large cat can fit inside a carrier, most of the airlines allow them inside the cabin. However, if the pet is bigger/ fluffier/ and bulkier in the carriage’s inner space, they can’t travel inside the cabin. The whole you fit the cat in the cback passage; make sure it has enough space left for the pet to move around for his/ her comfort.

Before booking the flight, do check Cback passage/ Carrier limitations. This will add high ease for you to decide whether your big cat can travel inside the cabin or not.

List airlines that allow small cats in cabin

1. American Airlines
2. Air India
3. Aegean Airlines
4. Air France
5. Swiss International Airlines
6. Open Skies (British Airways)
7. Southwest
8. Turkish Airlines
9. CopaAirlines
10. Iberia
11. Air Canada
12. Delta
13. Frontier Airlines
14. Lufthansa Airlines

While traveling with small cats (especially litters), it is important to take their mother as well. Or the airlines won’t allow you to board alone with litters (of up to 6 months age).

Airlines That Allow Cats

Airlines That Allow Pet Snakes

List of Airlines that accept cats in Cargo

1. American Airlines
2. Air Canada
3. Delta
4. Air India
5. Air France
6. Swiss International Airlines
7. Turkish Airlines
8. Lufthansa Airlines
9. Aeroflot
10. Japan Airlines
11. TAP Air Portugal
12. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
13. OpenSkies (British Airways)
14. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
15. Aer Lingus

Cats in Cargo vs. checked baggage

Traveling with your cats is an amazing experience, though only when you know every ‘How’ and ‘When.’ Being unknown to the facts and other important information might make your experience miserable throughout.

Here is the difference between traveling with cats in Cargo vs. traveling with cats in checked baggage.

Cats traveling as Cargo

Cats travel in Cargo if they are large, destructive, smelly, or transported alone. Cargo facilitates best while you are sending your cat alone from one destination to another.

Every flight cargo has a dedicated staff who ensure pet safety; however, nothing much is a guarantee. Thus, with whichever flight you are sending your cat, do check their policies beforehand.

Cats traveling as checked baggage

Cats can travel as checked baggage when you are on the same flight, and the pet is traveling in the cargo hold beneath. Passengers need to arrive early as the process runs a little long.

Several airlines don’t allow cats as checked baggage during extremely hot and cold weather conditions. Also, airlines have certain limitations on how many cats can travel as checked baggage.

How do I prepare my cat for flight in Cargo? 15 Steps

Going on a trip, especially a flight with cats can give you stress. Hence if you are wondering how you can prepare for the same, then read the tips given below:

1. Begin with a Vet visit. Even before you come up with the idea to travel with your cat, ask your Vet. While it is important to ensure that your pet is fit to travel, maximum airlines ask for a fitness certificate (as mandatory).
2. Get a microchip for your cat, just in case it gets lost.
3. If your cat is under any medication, ask your Vet whether your cat can travel during the process (treatment).
4. If your cat is over-enthusiastic, you might need to give him/ her sedatives to relax.
5. Invest in an airline-approved cat carrier. Do check for the carrier’s size limitation (depending upon the airlines) before the purchase.
6. The cat carrier you invest in makes sure you have enough ventilation. Do not let the cat suffer during the flight.
7. Give your cat enough time to get used to the carrier.
8. Line the cat carrier with a few pee pads a soft blanket, and put one or two favorite toys on your cat.
9. Take your cat on a car ride keeping her inside the carrier. This will make her used to before taking the actual flight.
10. Start taking your cat to places with the crowd so that she can make the situation inside the airport and aircraft well.
11. Update your cat’s collar with her/ his name, your name, your mobile number, home address, and e-mail.
12. Update your cat’s carrier with a label as well.
13. Feed your cat 4 to 6 hours before the flight ensuring she travel empty stomach. You might need to adjust her with the same routine 4 to 5 days prior.
14. Do not allow the cat to drink much water right before the flight.
15. Reach the airport early.

Best pet carrier for cats in Cargo- Top 5

X-ZONE PET Dogs Carrier Cats Carrier Airline Approved Pet Carrier (Soft and Well-ventilated)

Vceoa Carriers Soft-Sided Pet Carrier for Cats (Soft, Well-Ventilated and Affordable)

Petmate Two Door Pet Kennel for Pets (Well-Ventilated)

ASPEN PET Fashion Dog Kennel (Well Ventilated and Affordable)

 MidWest Homes for Pets Pet Carrier (Overall Best)

Traveling by cats on a plane international- All you need to know

1. Ask your airline about cat regulations and cabin rules.
2. See your Vet and Book your cat’s plane ticket early.
3. Visit the Vet to prepare important travel documentation.
4. Purchase helpful items for your trip.
5. Ensure your cat is healthy to fly.
6. Enquire about the country you are flying to is safe (Weather) for your cat’s breed.
7. Ensure the country you are flying to allows your cat’s breed.
8. Check for quarantine rules of the destination country.
9. Get your cat checked for all allergies.
10. Get your car used to for all the things she/he might undergo during the flight travel.
11. Book a cat-friendly hotel well in advance.
12. Research well about the destination regarding cat’s food, park, grooming center, and Vet.
13. Pack all the necessary medication you think your cat might require.
14. Check animal-health requirements of the destination country.

Wrapping up…

This was all about flying with a cat.

Please note that any airline can change/ alter its rules and regulation anytime without further notice. Thus, even after checking multiple informative articles, do check the official website of the particular airlines. Also, talk with the airport authorities beforehand for ease in the process.

Frequently asked Questions