Best Airlines That Allow Pets on International Flights (2026 Guide)

Traveling internationally with pets has become increasingly common as more families choose to relocate, work abroad, or travel long-term with their furry companions. However, flying with pets requires careful planning because airlines have strict policies regarding pet travel, documentation, crate requirements, and safety regulations.

One of the most important decisions pet parents must make is choosing the right airline that allows pets on international flights. Not all airlines have the same policies, and some are far more pet-friendly than others. Selecting the right airline ensures your pet travels comfortably and safely throughout the journey.

This detailed guide explains the best airlines that allow pets on international flights, how airline pet travel works, and what pet owners should know before planning international pet relocation. Whether you are relocating overseas or planning a long international move, understanding airline policies will help ensure a smooth travel experience for your pet.

Can Pets Travel on International Flights?

Yes, many airlines allow pets to travel internationally, but each airline has its own rules regarding pet transport. These policies vary depending on factors such as the pet’s size, breed, destination country, and aircraft regulations.

International pet travel typically falls into three categories:

• Pets traveling in the cabin with their owners
• Pets transported as checked baggage
• Pets transported through cargo or manifest cargo services

For long-distance travel, most pets travel through cargo because airlines have dedicated systems to safely transport animals across international routes. These cargo compartments are temperature-controlled and designed to maintain proper air pressure during flights.

For pet owners relocating abroad, professional international pet relocation planning is essential to ensure all airline and destination regulations are followed correctly.

Pet Travel Options on International Flights

Airlines generally offer three main options for transporting pets internationally. Understanding these options helps pet parents choose the safest and most comfortable travel method for their animals.

Pets Traveling in Cabin

Some airlines allow small pets to travel inside the aircraft cabin with their owners. This option is usually limited to small dogs and cats that fit inside airline-approved carriers.

Cabin travel typically requires:

• A soft-sided pet carrier
• Carrier placement under the seat
• Weight restrictions that include both the pet and the carrier

Most airlines limit cabin pet weight to approximately 7–10 kilograms including the carrier. Because of these restrictions, only small pets can travel this way.

For many pet parents, flying with pets in the cabin is the most comfortable option, but it is not available on every route or airline.

Pets Traveling as Checked Baggage

Some airlines allow pets to travel as checked baggage. In this case, the pet travels in the aircraft’s cargo compartment, but the pet is checked in with the passenger.

Checked baggage travel usually applies to medium-sized dogs and cats that exceed cabin weight limits but still travel on the same flight as their owners.

However, many airlines have started restricting checked baggage pet transport and prefer using cargo systems for international pet travel.

Pets Traveling as Manifest Cargo

Manifest cargo is the most common method used for international pet transport, especially for larger pets or long-distance relocation.

In this method:

• Pets travel in airline-approved crates
• The cargo hold is temperature-controlled
• Airline staff trained in animal handling manage the transport

Cargo transport is widely used in pet relocation international travel because it allows pets of all sizes to travel safely across long distances.

Airlines operating international cargo services often work with professional relocation specialists to ensure smooth pet transport.

Best Airlines That Allow Pets on International Flights

Several international airlines are known for their pet-friendly policies and safe animal transport systems. These airlines offer structured pet travel programs designed to ensure the safety and comfort of animals during long-distance flights.

Below are some of the best airlines for pet travel internationally.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa is widely considered one of the most reliable airlines for international pet transport. The airline offers both cabin travel and cargo transport options depending on the size and breed of the pet.

Lufthansa has a specialized animal transport system and trained staff who manage pet travel procedures at major airports. The airline also operates a dedicated animal lounge facility in Frankfurt where animals are monitored and cared for during transit.

Because of its strong safety standards and global network, Lufthansa is frequently used for international pet relocation from India to Europe and North America.

Air Canada

Air Canada is another popular airline for international pet travel, especially for routes connecting North America, Europe, and Asia.

The airline allows small pets in cabin under certain weight limits and carrier specifications. Larger pets can travel through cargo services designed for safe animal transport.

Air Canada has detailed pet travel guidelines covering:

• carrier size requirements
• temperature restrictions
• breed restrictions
• documentation requirements

Pet owners planning to move internationally often consider Air Canada when traveling to Canada or the United States.

Emirates

Emirates is one of the largest international airlines and operates flights to hundreds of global destinations. While the airline does not typically allow pets in the cabin on most international routes, it provides specialized cargo services for transporting animals.

Emirates SkyCargo offers dedicated facilities for live animal transport and follows strict international guidelines for animal safety. Pets transported through this system travel in temperature-controlled environments designed for long-distance flights.

This airline is frequently used for international pet transport between India, the Middle East, and Europe.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is known for its high-quality cargo services and extensive international route network. The airline offers specialized live animal transport through its cargo division.

Pets transported through Qatar Airways travel in climate-controlled environments with trained handlers managing the process.

The airline is often used for pet relocation international routes, especially when transporting pets between Asia, Europe, and North America.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM offers both cabin travel and cargo transport options for pets depending on their size and breed.

Small pets may travel in the cabin under specific weight restrictions, while larger pets travel in temperature-controlled cargo compartments.

KLM has strict regulations regarding crate size, documentation, and pet health certificates, making it a reliable option for international pet travel.

Air France

Air France is another European airline known for accommodating pets on international flights. The airline allows small pets in cabin on certain routes and provides cargo transport services for larger animals.

Air France operates a structured pet travel policy and works closely with airport animal handling services to ensure safe transport.

For pet parents relocating to Europe, Air France is often considered a convenient airline option.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is recognized globally for its high safety standards and premium travel services. The airline allows pets to travel through cargo transport and follows strict international regulations for animal safety.

Although cabin travel is limited, the airline provides reliable cargo transport systems used in international pet relocation services.

Singapore Airlines is frequently used for pet travel between Asia, Australia, and Europe.

Airlines That Allow Pets in Cabin on International Flights

Some airlines allow small pets to travel inside the cabin under certain conditions.

Airlines commonly known to allow cabin pet travel include:

• Air Canada
• Lufthansa
• KLM
• Air France

However, the availability of cabin travel depends on several factors including:

• the destination country
• aircraft type
• pet size
• carrier dimensions

Pet parents must always confirm airline policies before booking flights.

Best Airlines for Pet Cargo Travel

For large dogs or long-distance international travel, cargo transport is often the safest and most practical option.

Airlines known for reliable cargo pet transport include:

• Lufthansa Cargo
• Emirates SkyCargo
• Qatar Airways Cargo

These airlines operate dedicated animal handling systems designed specifically for international pet transport.

Cargo facilities often include:

• temperature-controlled holding areas
• trained animal handlers
• veterinary monitoring at major hubs

These features ensure pets remain safe and comfortable during international flights.