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Traveling with Pets- A Comprehensive Guide to Turkish Airlines' Pet Carrier Services

Master pet travel on Turkish Airlines with our guide. Get tips on carrier sizes, health safety, check-in, in-flight comfort, and insurance.

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Traveling with pets can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and preparation. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about traveling with your furry friend on Turkish Airlines. From pet carrier size restrictions to health and safety measures, check-in procedures to pet comfort during the flight, and even the option of pet travel insurance – we've got you covered. So, get ready to embark on a stress-free journey with your beloved pet by your side.

Booking and Reservations

Turkish Airlines offers a streamlined and convenient process for booking pet carriage services through their website and mobile app, allowing passengers to efficiently manage their travel plans. This digital solution empowers travelers with the flexibility to arrange for their pet's journey from the comfort of their home or on the move, ensuring a hassle-free and well-coordinated travel experience. With user-friendly interfaces and immediate booking confirmations, the airline's online platforms are designed to simplify the complexities of traveling with pets, making the preparation process as smooth as the journey itself​​.

You can make a reservation for your pet using your reservation code (PNR) information on their website or mobile application.

Cost Calculation

Turkish Airlines ensures transparency in pet travel costs by providing a feature for passengers to calculate pet transportation fees before their journey. This proactive approach helps travelers budget effectively, avoiding any unexpected expenses. With this tool, passengers can enter details about their pet and travel itinerary to receive an accurate estimation of the fees, enabling informed decision-making and a smoother travel experience without financial surprises.​

You can easily calculate your pet transportation fee on their page before your domestic or international flights.

Pet Carrier Size and Weight Restrictions

When traveling with pets, it is important to adhere to the specific dimensions and weight limitations set by Turkish Airlines for pet carriers in both the cabin and cargo hold. For in-cabin travel, the combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 8 kg. Additionally, the carrier should be able to fit comfortably under the seat. This ensures that your small pets, such as cats, dogs, or songbirds, can travel with you in the cabin without any inconvenience.

For larger pets or those that are not eligible for in-cabin travel, Turkish Airlines provides the option of transporting them in the cargo hold. It is crucial to follow the weight and size limitations specified by the airline to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet during the flight. By adhering to these guidelines, you can rest assured that your pet will have a secure and comfortable journey.

To ensure a smooth journey for your pet, it is essential to choose an appropriate carrier size. Measure your pet accurately from nose to tail and from floor to shoulder to determine their height and length. Select a carrier that provides enough space for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It is also recommended to pack essential items such as a familiar blanket, toys, and food/water bowls to create a comforting environment within the carrier. By considering these factors, you can ensure that your pet remains comfortable and at ease throughout the entire journey.

Preparing Your Pet for Travel

Before embarking on your journey with your pet, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure their comfort and well-being throughout the travel experience. Acclimating your pet to their carrier is crucial, as it will help them feel more secure and relaxed during the journey. Start by introducing the carrier to your pet in a positive and gradual manner. Allow them to explore the carrier at home, leaving it open and accessible with familiar bedding or toys inside. This will help them associate the carrier with positive experiences and create a sense of familiarity.

To further reduce anxiety and stress during the journey, consider using calming aids such as pheromone sprays or natural remedies recommended by your veterinarian. These can help soothe your pet's nerves and promote a sense of calmness. Additionally, maintaining a regular feeding and exercise routine before travel can contribute to their overall well-being. It is important not to feed your pet a large meal right before the journey, as this may cause discomfort or motion sickness. Instead, provide a light meal a few hours before departure, ensuring they have time to digest properly.

Hydration is also essential for your pet's comfort during travel. Make sure they have access to fresh water leading up to the journey, but avoid giving them excessive amounts just before departure to prevent accidents in their carrier. Finally, remember to pack essential items such as food/water bowls, a leash, a collar with identification tags, and any necessary medications in case of emergencies.

Health and Safety Measures During Travel

Turkish Airlines prioritizes the health and safety of pets during travel by implementing specific policies and guidelines. To ensure a safe journey, the airline requires passengers to provide valid vaccination certificates and health certificates for their pets. These documents verify that your pet is up to date on vaccinations and in good health, reducing the risk of any potential health issues during the flight.

In addition to vaccination and health certificates, Turkish Airlines also adheres to breed-specific regulations. Certain breeds may have specific requirements or restrictions due to their physical characteristics or potential health concerns. It is important to familiarize yourself with these regulations before booking your pet's travel to ensure compliance with Turkish Airlines' policies.

To further enhance the well-being of your pet during the flight, there are additional safety measures you can take. If your pet has respiratory issues, it is advisable to consult with your veterinarian prior to travel for guidance on how to make the journey more comfortable for them. This may include using calming aids or ensuring proper ventilation in their carrier.

Pregnant pets also require special attention during travel. It is recommended to consult with your veterinarian to determine if it is safe for your pregnant pet to fly. In some cases, airlines may have restrictions on traveling with pregnant pets due to potential complications that may arise during the journey.

Pet Check-In Procedures

Once you have prepared your pet for travel and selected an appropriate carrier, it's time to navigate the check-in process. Turkish Airlines has specific procedures in place to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for both you and your furry companion.

When checking in with your pet, it is important to have all the necessary documentation readily available. This includes valid vaccination certificates, health certificates, and any other required paperwork specific to your destination. Be sure to check the requirements of your destination country well in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises.

In addition to documentation, it is crucial to properly label your pet's carrier with identification tags and contact information. This ensures that in the unlikely event of separation, your pet can be easily reunited with you. Make sure the tags include your name, phone number, and any relevant flight information.

During security screenings and customs inspections, you can expect some additional procedures when traveling with a pet. Your pet carrier may need to go through an X-ray machine or be inspected by security personnel. It is important to remain calm and cooperative during these processes to ensure a smooth transition.

Customs inspections may also be conducted upon arrival at your destination. This is done to verify that all necessary paperwork is in order and that your pet complies with the regulations of the country you are visiting. Familiarize yourself with the specific customs requirements beforehand to avoid any delays or complications.

By following these check-in procedures and being prepared with the required documentation, you can ensure a stress-free journey for both you and your beloved pet.

Pet Comfort and Entertainment During the Flight

Ensuring your pet's comfort and entertainment during the flight is essential for a stress-free journey. To keep your pet comfortable, consider packing familiar bedding or a blanket with their scent to provide a sense of security. Additionally, placing a piece of clothing with your scent in their carrier can help ease any anxiety they may experience.

Providing food, water, and bathroom breaks during layovers or long flights is crucial for your pet's well-being. It is recommended to pack small portions of their regular food in labeled containers to avoid any digestive issues. Carry collapsible bowls for easy access to water, and offer frequent bathroom breaks during layovers or layovers. If traveling internationally, be aware of any restrictions on bringing pet food into the destination country and plan accordingly.

To alleviate boredom and anxiety, consider bringing along suitable toys or accessories for your pet. Interactive toys that dispense treats or puzzles can keep them mentally stimulated during the flight. Chew toys or bones can also help relieve stress and prevent excessive chewing or scratching. Additionally, playing calming music or using pheromone sprays can create a soothing environment for your pet.

Pet Travel Insurance Options

Embarking on a journey with your cherished pet necessitates considering Ikamet Sigorta's premier pet travel insurance . This essential safeguard furnishes not only tranquility but also robust protection against unforeseen medical expenditures or travel interruptions that your pet may encounter. Ikamet Sigorta's pet travel insurance encompasses an extensive array of benefits, prominently featuring coverage for veterinary expenses, emergency medical care, and compensation for trip cancellation or interruption specifically due to pet-related predicaments.

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What methods of transport does Turkish Airlines provide for my pet?

Pets can travel in the passenger cabin or can be checked as baggage in pressurized and temperature controlled area of the aircraft.

Does my pet qualify for travel in the passenger cabin?

Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel in the passenger cabin:

• Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel, under the seat for the entire flight.
• Only domesticated dogs and cats are allowed.
• The kennel is specifically made for animal carriage and does not exceed 45 x 35 x 23cm (length x width x height).
• The total weight of the animal together with the kennel must not exceed 6 kg.
• A maximum of two dogs can share the same kennel. A maximum of one cat is allowed in a kennel; two cats are not allowed in the same crate.
• Passengers must carry the animal's health/vaccination certificates with them.
• The total number of animals allowed on a flight may differ according to the aircraft type.

Does my pet qualify for travel as checked baggage?

Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel as checked baggage:

• Dogs and cats that weigh more than 6 kg, have a box/cage bigger than 45 x 35 x 23cm will be transported in the cargo compartment of the aircraft.
• Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel for the entire flight.
• A maximum of two dogs can share the same kennel. A maximum of one cat is allowed in a kennel; two cats are not allowed in the same crate. A maximum of three baby animals (younger than six months old), which are born from the same mother at the same time, can be transported in the same box/cage.

What are the fees associated with pet transport?

Pets and kennels cannot be included in the free baggage allowance. The pet is weighed together with the box and charged as excess baggage. For USA and Canada flights, a flat fee is applied in addition to the excess baggage fee. Contact Turkish Airlines for more information.

What are the kennel requirements?

In addition to the size and weight maximums, the kennel must meet the following requirements:

• Be leak-proof and escape-proof.
• Be properly ventilated, but not allow any part of the animal from protruding outside of the container.
• Provide enough room for the animal to stand and turn around.
• Be made of metal, wood, or a hard plastic/composite.
• Contain absorbent material or litter.
• Have functional handles on the kennel's exterior to prevent tilting and any direct contact with the animals.
• Be closed securely, but not locked.
• Have labels with the words "Live Animal" on the crate's top and on at least one side.
• Have upright arrow labels indicating the kennel's correct position.

What health documentation is required?

Transportation of live animal in cabin is done according to origin transit, transfer or destination point country laws. For further information please contact the Reservation Department .

Are there any other restrictions?

Turkish Airlines can refuse to transport an animal due to illness, aggressive behavior, poor kenneling, or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer, or destination airports.

Please contact Turkish Airlines directly for information about traveling with a service animal.

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Flying with a Cat on Turkish Airlines: A Truly Pet-Friendly Experience

When we were offered the chance to fly with Turkish Airlines this fall, I knew that I couldn’t pass up the offer. The European airline has been crowned the best airline in Europe and is known to connect the world by having the most non-stop flights from a single airport compared to any other airline in the world. Even more importantly, Turkey is known to love cats and so of course we heard the rumours that their flag carrier was also very pet-friendly. I was surprised to find that my own expectations were met and then exceeded as the quality of service and overall pet-friendliness that Turkish Airlines provided was on another level from previous flights we’d taken.

As you continue to read, I do want to disclose that this blog post was sponsored by Turkish Airlines, but everything written is my own opinion and the airline has had no input on what is written here. I also had the the fortune of flying in Business Class, so there may be some differences for those who are looking to fly with a pet in Economy.

Check-In Process with a Cat

Our check-in process was a breeze, although I'll admit it tends to be much easier when you're flying business class and in contact with the airline prior to departure. As is standard for most flights, we had to go to a physical counter due to having a cat with us. Traveling with a pet means that you cannot check-in early or online, so you need to ensure you’re at the airport at a reasonable time. The check-in process typically includes having someone from the airline inspect your cat and then waiting to have your pet documents scanned and verified. Often airlines will weigh your cat and carrier, but occasionally they'll skip this step on the basis that the carrier appears to be the right size. Truth be told, Reinhardt was a bit over the weight limit, but the lady at the counter said it would be alright and jokingly suggested we feed him a few less treats before his next flight.

Once your pet documents have been verified and your pet is in the green to fly, you’ll usually receive something that shows you are travelling with a pet. We found this was different depending on the airport, but some of the things we received included a special pet-friendly tag, a baggage strap saying our pet had been approved for travel, and a large sticker on the carrier that announced a live animal was inside.

The check-in process was even easier when we were departing from Istanbul because the airport has its own pet-friendly check-in counters which we’ll talk about further down below.

Pet-Friendly Services at the Istanbul Airport

Even upon landing at Istanbul Airport (IST) we were impressed to see that there were pet rooms and relief stations just outside of security. Typically these areas cater to dogs and certainly the facilities would be best appreciated by canine companions, but we appreciated that cats were also put into consideration and even included in the cute wall art. Leashed pets are also allowed to roam the airport which we’ve found isn't always the case even for European airports.

The ultimate pet-friendly gesture provided by Turkish Airlines is there special pet check-in counter that caters to those travelling with pets. The staff members were always very welcoming and it was nice that the counter was off to the side as that meant Reinhardt could enjoy being somewhere that was a bit quieter while we got our booking sorted out.

Do note that when traveling with a pet you may also face additional restrictions. For example, there is also a special counter for those flying Business, but when you’re traveling with a pet you don’t get access to this counter as they’ll request you go through the designated pet check-in. There may also be instances where you have to visit two check-in counters as was the case for us when flying back to Canada as there was a designated counter for Canadian luggage and the pet check-in counter was unable to take our bags for whatever reason.

Overall, I was very pleased with how staff at this airport treated people travelling with pets and appreciated the extra measures put into place to ensure furry and feathered family members could travel more comfortably. Ideally, other major airports around the world could implement similar features in the future. I’m also still waiting for the day that pet owners get a priority line up for customs upon arriving since I find post-flight is when pets can get the most antsy after sitting in a carrier for several hours.

Turkish Airlines Lounge

We were super fortunate for our first three flights with Turkish Airlines as none of our flights were delayed, but our luck ran out on the day we were returning home. Honestly, I didn’t mind too much as I never want to go back home anyways and this gave us the perfect opportunity to check out the Turkish Airlines Lounge. There are two international lounges at the Istanbul Airport, one for those with Business Class tickets and one for the frequent flyers Smiles & Miles members. Both lounges are pet-friendly, although there are signs requesting that pets stay within their carriers while in the hallway spaces. While seated, I was able to open Reinhardt’s carrier and he enjoyed some people watching before taking his pre-flight nap.

We had access to the Business lounge and I can easily say it was the best lounge I’ve been to yet. Fitted with tons of seating options, there was an abundance of drink and food choices from freshly made pastas and flatbreads, a selection of grilled meats, crisp salads and fruits, and variety of international desserts. I took particular pleasure in the popcorn machine that was hidden away in the kid’s section of the lounge. The lounge also had entertainment opportunities including a museum, a children’s playground, computer area, cinema, flight simulator, and an indoor golfing area.

Flying Internationally with a Cat in Turkish Airlines’ Business Class

My expectations of the plane itself were definitely surpassed, although I think this was in part due to my extra fortune in securing a bassinet seat which was at the front of the plane and came with additional space that made it much easier to attend to Reinhardt’s needs throughout the flight without having to compromise my own space. If he could help write this blog, he would definitely make note that the extra snacks I snuck him through his carrier were most appreciated.

During the flight itself, we had a period where Reinhardt seemed to be particularly stressed. I wasn't sure what to do, but was pleasantly surprised when one of the flight attendants said that I could briefly take him out of the carrier to calm him down in my lap. Most, if not all, airlines have rules against removing pets from carriers while in the air, but we've found that with each airline there are always some pet-loving cabin crew who recognize the difficulties in pet travel and will momentarily turn a blind eye to some rule breaking.

One rule that can’t be broken is where you are seated: as a safety precaution, people travelling with pets must book window seats as this reduces the chance of blocking other passengers in the event of an emergency. This is pretty standard among airlines and doesn’t change regardless of if you are flying Economy or Business.

We flew internationally on one of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliners which also meant we were seated in the layout for Business Class which follows a 1-2-1 design (for shorter flights within Europe, the plane design was a bit different and the seats were laid out in a 2-3-2 design and provided slightly less privacy). The seats themselves were very comfortable and had a lie-flat option which was much needed for the long flight. The seats were also fitted with special bedding by the cabin crew partway through the flight in preparation for sleep and this made for an even more comfortable experience. Along with a comfortable seat and tons of legroom, my Business Class ticket unlocked me 1TB of free WiFi access throughout the flight, and I was surprised to discover that the internet was fast enough to stream entire episodes off of Netflix.

Ultimately, if you're looking for a pet-friendly experience, then you don't have to think twice when booking with Turkish Airlines. Their new pet portal makes for simple booking while every crew member we encountered was genuinely excited to see a travel cat and went above and beyond to ensure Reinhardt was comfortable—You know you're in good hands when the staff members see your pet and then excitedly pull you aside to show you photos of their own furry friends back home!

And now, here is the closing word from Reinhardt: BN MMMMMMMMMM

Exploring Istanbul: The City of Cats

Pet-friendly airlines: pets in cabin, pet fees & pet travel restrictions.

Turkish Airlines Pet Restrictions & Fees

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Turkish Airlines Pet Policy

Turkish Airlines welcomes pets on board, allowing dogs, cats, and small birds to travel in the cabin with passengers. However, there are certain guidelines and restrictions that pet owners must adhere to when flying with their furry or feathered companions.

In the cabin, dogs, cats, and small birds such as goldfinches, budgies, and canaries are permitted as long as the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 17 lbs (8 kg). It's important to note that dogs and cats cannot travel on the same plane as cats and birds. If multiple pets are traveling in the same carrier, they must be of the same species and within the weight limit.

Passengers are allowed a maximum of 2 carriers, but only 1 carrier is permitted in the cabin. Fees for pets traveling in the cabin on domestic flights start at $10, while fees for pets traveling in the cabin on international flights start at $65.

Guidance, Tips, & info on Airlines and Airports

• Go to our guide to global airlines to find information on any other commercial airline.
• Peruse the Turkish Airlines TK baggage fees and restrictions page to learn what luggage policies and fees are imposed.
• Check out where you can fly direct to on Turkish if you live near one of their gateway cities.
• Get insights and learn the lingo on airline cabin configurations and seating , while understanding the economics and rationale why those airplane seats seem so small.
• Get up-to-date live info for Turkish 's flight status anywhere in the world.
• For more detailed information, including flight check-in, baggage policies, corporate information, and more, visit our guide to Turkish Airlines (TK)

If a pet exceeds the weight limits to travel in the cabin, they may qualify for travel as checked baggage instead. Fees for pets traveling as checked baggage on domestic flights start at $15, and fees for pets traveling as checked baggage on international flights start at $130.

When traveling in the cabin, carriers must not exceed the dimensions of 23 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 40 cm in length (9"H x 11"W x 15"L). For pets traveling in the hold, carriers must not exceed 75 cm x 75 cm x 125 cm (30"H x 30"W x 50"L). All carriers must be hard-sided, properly ventilated, and watertight. Additionally, carriers must be labeled with the passenger's name, address, telephone number, and the name of the pet(s).

It's important to be aware of the restrictions and limitations imposed by Turkish Airlines. The following breeds are not allowed to fly in the cabin or as checked baggage: American Bulldog, Bandog Tosa Inu, Caucasian Ovcharka, Dogue de Bordeaux, Doberman (Pincher Doberman and all Doberman breeds), Presa Canario, Rottweiler, Mastiff (except Bull Mastiff), Wolf Dog Mixed-Breeds, Anatolian Shepherd, Boerboel breeds, and crossbreeds. However, these breeds may be accepted for travel with Turkish Cargo. The final decision on whether pets can travel is made by the pilots. If ventilation conditions are deemed insufficient, animals will not be allowed to travel as checked baggage.

It's important to keep in mind that air carriers can change these policies at any time, so you should always check directly with Turkish Airlines before you book for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

For detailed information about Turkish Airlines, including flight check-in, baggage policies, corporate information, and more, check out our Turkish Airlines Guide .

Do you need to track your Turkish Airlines flight? Get real-time flight status here .

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15 Airlines That Allow Flying With Cats In Cabin [2023 Pet Policies]

Traveling with our furry companions has become increasingly popular, and many airlines have recognized the importance of accommodating passengers’ beloved cats. Instead of leaving them behind or entrusting them to a pet sitter, more and more pet owners are seeking airlines that allow flying with cats in the cabin. 

This article will explore several airlines that go the extra mile to ensure a comfortable and safe journey for both humans and their four-legged friends. From pet policies to cabin requirements, let’s dive into the top airlines that warmly welcome cats on board.

The following airlines allow flying with cats in cabin:

• Aegean Airlines
• American Airlines
• Turkish Airlines
• United Airlines

Different airlines have different prices and policies, which we will list for you in this article.

Which airlines allow flying with cats in cabin?

Aegean airlines pet policy..

• Maximum weight: 8 kg / 17.6 pounds (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm
• Cost: 20-30 EUR domestic and 50-60 EUR international (prices differ depending on time of year)
• International: Yes

Additional information:

• In case you are travelling with an infant, you are not allowed to travel with a pet in cabin as well.
• Each passenger is allowed to travel with only one pet in cabin, carried within a special box/container

Visit Aegean’s website  for more information.

Alaska Air Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight: 9kg / 20 pounds (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size:  43 x 28 x 24 cm (soft) / 43 x 28 x 19 cm (hard)
• Cost: 100 USD each way
• A customer may travel with a maximum of 2 cat carriers in the main cabin, only when the adjacent seat is purchased by the same customer.
• Up to 2 cats may travel in the same carrier, provided no body parts protrude from the carrier and the animals are not in distress.

Visit  Alaska Air’s website  for more information.

Air Canada Pet Policy.

• Maximum carrier size : 27 x 40 x 55 cm (soft-sided crate) & 23 x 40 x 55 cm (hard-sided crate)
• Cost: 50 USD within Canada & USA and 100 USD international
• International allowed: Yes
• Your cat in its carrier will count as one standard item  toward your carry-on baggage allowance.
• Only one cat per passenger.
• Your cat must remain under your seat at all times.
• Are an unaccompanied minor
• Are seated in an exit or bulkhead row
• Require use of a medical device that will be stowed under the seat
• Are travelling in Premium Economy

For more info, visit  Air Canada’s website .

Air Europa Pet Policy.

• Maximum carrier size: 55 x 35 x 25 cm
• Cost: 55 USD within Europe and 165 USD long-haul
• Prices subjects to possible surcharges for taxes in certain countries.
• You must arrive at the airport early enough to complete the necessary paperwork.

Visit  Air Europa’s website  for more information.

Air France Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight: 8 kg / 17 pounds (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size : 46 x 28 x 24 cm
• Cost: 40 EUR domestic and 30-125 EUR international
• International: Yes, but note that this airline does not accept pets in the business cabin on intercontinental flights.
• Under no circumstances may your animal leave its travel bag during the flight.
• Only 1 animal is permitted per container.
• Each passenger may travel with only 1 animal.

For more info, visit  Air France’s website .

American Airlines Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight : 9 kg / 20 pounds (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size : depends on flight
• Cost: 125 USD each way
• International:  Yes, but no in-cabin pets on transatlantic flights or flights longer than 12 hours
• Due to the lack of under-seat storage space, carry-on pets are not permitted in First or Business on certain planes (check link below).

For more info on additional restrictions, visit  AA’s website .

Delta Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight:  No limit, but pet must fit comfortably in carrier under seat
• Maximum carrier size: depends on flight (check the under-seat dimensions on your aircraft here ).
• Cost: 125 USD within North America and 200 USD international
• International:  Yes
• The kennel must fit under the seat directly in front of you.
• The kennel must be leak-proof and ventilated on at least two sides.
• Your cat must remain inside the kennel while in a Delta boarding area, a Delta airport lounge and while onboard the aircraft.

For more info on additional restrictions, visit  Delta’s website .

French Bee Pet Policy.

• Maximum carrier size: 43 x 35 x 20 cm (soft sided carriers only)
• Cost: 50€ each way
• Only one cat is allowed per customer, with a few exceptions.
• Your cat must remain underneath the seat in front of you during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
• Carriers must have leak-proof bottoms and be well ventilated.
• Only one pet per carrier is permitted.
• Cats are not permitted as carry-on in bulkhead seat, emergency row exists, mint seats and maxi leg seats.

For more info, head to French Bee’s website .

JetBlue Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight: 9 kg / 20 pounds (including carrier)
• Maximum carrier size: 43 x 31 x 21 cm
• When flying with a cat in cabin, they remain inside its closed/zipped up carrier at at all times.

For more info, head to JetBlue’s website .

Lufthansa Pet Policy.

• Cost: 50 EUR domestic, 60 international within Europe and 80-110 international outside Europe
• Each passenger is allowed to take a maximum of two animals with them.
• You must complete this form before boarding your flight.

Visit  Lufthansa’s website  for more information.

Southwest Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight:  No limit, but must fit comfortably in carrier under seat
• Maximum carrier size: 43 x 34 x 21 cm
• Cost: 95 USD each way
• International:  No (with the exception of trained assistance and emotional support animals, though no animals allowed to/from Jamaica)
• Customers will be permitted to travel with no more than one pet carrier per person. Each pet carrier can have no more than two of the same species of small cats per pet carrier.
• The cat carrier will count either as the Customer’s carryon bag or personal item.
• Cats must be secured in the pet carrier at all times.

For more info, visit  Southwest’s website .

TAP Air Portugal Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight: 8kg / 17Ib including pets and carrier.
• Maximum carrier size: 40 x 33 x 17 cm (soft sided carriers only)
• Cost: cost varies – check here
• International: yes 

Additional Information:

• Passengers traveling with pets in the cabin may select seats that are not located in rows with emergency exit doors or infant stroller apparatus.
• Cats are not permitted to be carried in Executive Class on long haul flights. 
• More than one cat is permitted per carrier, as long as the weight doesn’t exceed 8kg.
• Your cat must remain in the carrier, underneath the seat in front of you.
• Carriers must have leak-proof bottoms and be lined with an absorbant material.
• Carriers must be bite proof and be well ventilated.
• You are not able to fly cats into the UK. 

Pregnant cats, and kittens under 10 weeks old are not permitted on Tap Air flights.

Visit TAP Air’s website  for more info.

TUI Fly Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight: 6kg / 13.2 pounds (excluding carrier)
• Maximum carrier size: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (soft-sided crates only)
• Cost: 47.60 EUR domestic and 40 EUR international
• Your cat’s head must not protrude from the transport container and the animal must not leave the container during the flight.
• All cats must be fitted with a microchip and have the blue EU animal passport, confirming an up-to-date vaccination against rabies.

Visit TUI’s website  for more information.

Turkish Airlines Pet Policy.

• Maximum weight: 8kg, including pets and carrier.
• Maximum carrier size: 23 x 30 cm x 40 cm
• Cost: check here
• International: depends on flight 
• Cats are not permitted to travel with unaccompanied minors.
• Customers can purchase an additional ticket for their trip in order to carry on an additional cat. The cat must remain on the floor underneath the additional seat. 
• Two small cats are permitted per carrier, as long as the weight doesn’t exceed 8kg.
• Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are permitted. 

Pregnant cats or kittens under 10 weeks old are not permitted on Turkish Airlines flights.

Visit Turkish Airlines’ website  for more info.

United Airlines Pet Policy.

• Maximum carrier size: 46 x 28 x 28 cm (soft-sided) / 44 x 30 x 19 cm (hard-sided)
• Cost: 125 USD (+ 125 USD service charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. or more than 24 hours outside the U.S)
• International: depends on flight (contact the United customer-contact center for info on specific flights)
• Pets are not permitted on flights to, from or through Australia, Hawaii or Micronesia.
• Pets are not permitted to travel with unaccompanied minors.
• Customers can purchase an additional ticket for their trip in order to carry on an additional pet.

Visit  United’s website  for more info.

Vueling Pet Policy.

• Maximum carrier size: 45 x 39 x 21 cm (soft-sided crates only)
• Cost: 40 EUR domestic and 50 EUR international
• You must store the pet carrier with your pet inside on the floor, between your legs or under the seat in front.
• You must not take your pet out of the pet carrier until you have disembarked.

Visit Vueling’s website  for more information.

Rules and regulations for airlines that allow flying with cats in cabin.

The rules and regulations for flying with cats in cabin vary between airlines, however generally they state the following:

1. Cats must be no more than 11 inches tall and 18 inches long. 

As stated above, airlines generally require that your cat can fit comfortably in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you during the flight. Although the carrier requirements vary between airlines, this usually means that your cat cannot be more than 11 inches tall or 18 inches long.

2. Cats must usually weigh less than 9kg / 20 pounds.

Most airlines state that cats and their carrier combined, weigh no more than 9kg or 20 pounds. 

This does vary slightly between airlines. For example, American Airlines requires that the combined weight of your pet and the carrier cannot be more than 9kg at the time of check in. On the other hand, Air Europa have a limit of 8kg. Delta and Southwest have no limit on the weight, however they state that cats must fit comfortably in their carrier, under the seat in front of you. 

3. Cats must stay in their travel carriers at all times. 

Generally, you are not permitted to take your cat out of their kennel in the airport or whilst boarded the plane. This does mean no potty breaks, so make sure your cat goes to the toilet before entering the airport. 

With that said, some airports have specific areas designated for pets to stretch their legs and go potty. 

4. Cats must be at least 10 weeks old. 

In order to travel domestically, cats must generally be at least 10 weeks old. If you are traveling internationally, your cat must generally be at least 16 weeks old.

5. Only one pet per kennel.

Only one pet is allowed per kennel except in the following conditions:

• One female cat is traveling with her unweaned litter of kittens who are between the ages of 10 weeks and 6 months. There is no limit on the number of puppies in the litter so long as the weight limits are not exceeded. 
• 2 pets of the same breed and size between the ages of 10 weeks and 6 months may share a kennel.

6. You must have all the required documentation. 

The documents required to fly with cats in cabin will vary depending on which airline you are flying with, and where you are flying from and to. If you are flying domestically, some airlines do not require any documentation. Southwest , for example. However, other airlines require your pet’s health book. Aegean Air , for example. 

We will go into these requirements in more detail below. 

7. You must be over 18 years old.

An unaccompanied minor may not bring a pet in the cabin with them.

8. Cats must be well behaved.

A pet that shows disruptive behavior may be denied boarding. Examples of disruptive behavior include (but are not limited to):  

• Scratching, excessive whining or meowing
• Growling, biting, lunging
• Urinating or defecating in the cabin or gate area

How to prepare when flying with cats in cabin.

1. select an appropriate, cabin-approved travel carrier..

As mentioned above, different airlines and aircrafts have different size restrictions for carriers. When flying with a cat in cabin, be sure to check the restrictions for your specific airline, and aircraft.

For example, Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” since this fits most aircraft types.

We would recommend using a soft sided carrier as they usually give your cat more space. 

2. Get your cat used to it’s travel carrier.

When flying with cats in cabin, they will need to stay in its travel carrier for the duration of the journey. So, it’s very important that you spend some time to get your cat used to its travel carrier.

When first introducing your cat to its carrier, take it slow. Lure your cat into their carrier with plenty of treats, and let him/her play and sleep in there as much as possible. You want to avoid forcing your cat into the carrier as this may stress him or her out and may cause a negative association to the carrier. 

3. Exhaust your cat before the flight.

Try to exhaust your cat a little by increasing the level of activity before your trip. A sleepy animal will be less prone to getting stressed out on the flight, and will likely be better behaved on the flight. 

4. Limit access to food and water before the flight.

Limit your cat’s access to food. Therefore, it’ll be less likely that they will need to defecate or urinate on the flight.

Additionally, some animals may experience motion sickness if they eat just before a flight. If you are flying in the morning, then feed them the night before.

Air Canada suggest feeding your cat four to six hours prior to departure, as a full stomach may cause discomfort during travel. 

5. Familiarise yourself with the airport that you are departing from and arriving to.

Most airports will have a dedicated area for pets and service animals to rest. It is actually a legal requirement that all U.S. airports have pet-relief areas available for working animals and pets to rest. Take some photos of the airport maps, so you don’t have to wander around on the day trying to find a resting place.

6. Try to leash train your cat.

Although it isn’t usual for cats to wear harnesses and walk on a leash, in order to fly with cats in cabin they may need to be harnessed and leashed. It’s important to take time to leash train your cat before your flight, to minimise stress.

Most of the time your cat will be required to remain in their carrier, at the airport and on the plane. However, when passing through security and customs you may need to take your cat out of the carrier. 

Additionally, most airports have pet relief areas for cats to stretch their legs and go to the toilet.

Spend some time getting your cat used to walking on a lead at home. We recommend simply letting your cat wear a harness around the house for a while, before getting them to walk on a lead. That way they can get used to the feeling of wearing a harness. 

7. Bring along your cat’s favourite comforts.

To maximise comfort and minimise stress, pop your cat’s favourite blanket or toy in the travel carrier with them. If your cat suffers from separation anxiety, you could even pop one of your t-shirts in the carrier.

Documents required when flying with cats in-cabin.

The documents required when flying with cats in cabin will vary depending on which airline you are flying with, and where you are flying from and to. Generally you will require the following:

• Microchip certificate
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Animal health certificate
• Additional vaccination certificates
• Rabies titer test results
• Parasite treatment certificate

This is just a guide on what is required, please check the requirements for your specific airline and destination country. 

a) Microchip.

Your cat can get microchipped at your local vet or a charity, such as RSPCA .

Not only is it usually a requirement when flying with a cat in cabin, it is in your best interest. If your cat was to go missing whilst abroad, then you are far more likely to be reunited.

b) Rabies vaccinations.

When flying with cats in cabin, it is likely that he/she requires a valid rabies vaccination. Particularly if you are taking your cat on an international flight as this is a requirement for entering most countries. 

Most countries require cats to have their rabies vaccination between 30 days and 12 months prior to importing.

You can get your pet’s rabies vaccination at your local vet, alternatively some charities offer this service for free or for a discounted price. 

c) Animal health certificate.

Most airlines will require an official animal health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian when flying with cats in cabin.

In most cases, your health certificate will also need to be endorsed by the country’s authority responsible for the import and export of animals. For example, if you are traveling from the US, you will need your documents endorsed by the USDA. If you are traveling from Canada, you will need to have your documents endorsed by CFIA.

They are normally valid for 10 days. 

d) Additional vaccinations.

Depending on where you are flying to, your cat may also require additional vaccinations or treatments.

e) Rabies titer test.

Some countries require pets to have a rabies titer test before entering. This is usually the case when you are traveling from a country that is considered high risk for rabies.

If your cat requires a titer test the process is as follows:

• Your pet will have a blood sample taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination.
• Your vet will then send the blood sample to an approved blood testing laboratory.
• Your pet’s blood test results must show a rabies antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
• You must wait 3 months from the date the blood sample was taken before you travel.
• The vet will give you a copy of the test results.

f) Parasite treatment.

To enter some countries, cats are required to be treated against internal and/or external parasites before entering. This includes treatment for fleas, ticks, nematodes and cestodes. 

Conclusion.

Flying with cats in cabin is possible when flying with the airlines listed above.

Please note that airlines usually have different rules for different aircrafts, routes and destination countries. Additionally, most airlines have a restriction on the number of pets they allow per aircraft, so make sure you check availability before booking.

Always double check individual airline policies before booking as these can change.

Hope you have found this helpful.

Happy travels!

• Cat Sedatives for Travel: Should I use them?
• How to take a Cat on The Eurotunnel [Guide, FAQ & Prices]
• How to get a UK Pet Passport [Guide]
• Bringing Pets to New Zealand [Pet Passport Guide]
• Importing Pets to Australia [Pet Passport Guide]
• Bringing Pets to Japan [Pet Passport Guide]

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Flying with Pets in the Cabin on Turkish Airlines

Flying with your pet in the cabin is the cheapest and easiest way to transport an animal with Turkish Airlines. This airline allows passengers to bring dogs, cats, and singing birds, like parakeets and canaries, into the cabin. The pet fees for all in-cabin animals is 80 Turkish lira, or around $14 depending on the exchange rate for domestic flights. Animals that are too large to fly in the cabin will fly in the pressurized cargo hold. For more information about the other ways your pet can fly with this airline, visit our main page for  Turkish Airline Pet Policies .

Travel Restrictions for Pets in the Cabin

The Turkish Airlines pet policy applies a few idiosyncratic animal restrictions you’ll want to know about before booking your flight. As with most airlines, they do not allow pregnant animals or cats and dogs under 10 weeks old onto their flights. They cannot transport animals between 10 and 12 weeks old unless provided with documentation of veterinary approval. Breeds with respiratory issues, such as Burmese cats, bulldogs, terriers, and boxers, may only travel in the cabin as long as the combined weight of the animal and its carrier does not exceed 8 kg, or 17.5 lb. If they exceed this weight, breed with respiratory issues are required to travel in the cargo hold.

Unlike most airlines, cats and dogs or cats and birds are not allowed on the same plane, regardless of whether they are separated by cabins. Dogs and birds may be on the same flight, but only if they are in different cabins or seated at the furthest distance possible. Full liability of passengers is assumed when it comes to health, safety, and animal management. Requests for traveling with pets can be rejected at the departing airport even if the related reservation has been confirmed.

Preparing Your Pet for Travel

Your pet’s comfort is key to having a pleasant flight. There are a few things you should do in preparation for your flight.

• Register your pet with Turkish Airlines after booking your flight.
• Arrive one hour prior to the usual recommended arrival time.
• Feed your animal between four and six hours prior to departure. Flying on a full stomach can be uncomfortable for most animals.
• Line the bottom of your carrier with absorbent material.
• Locate the nearest  pet relief areas in your departing and arriving airports.

Travel Container Specifications for Carry-On Pets

To transport your pet in the cabin, you will need either a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier. In general, the animal must be able to comfortably stand up, turn around, and sit down. These containers must be size-appropriate and safely secure the animal. To be accepted into a Turkish Airlines cabin, your pet carrier must fit the following criteria:

• The cage cannot exceed 23cm x 30 cm x 40 cm (approximately 9 inches tall, 12 inches wide, and 15.5 inches long).
• The combined weight of the carrier and animal cannot exceed 8kg, or around 17.5 pounds.
• The carrier must be well ventilated.
• While not a requirement, Turkish Airlines recommends soft-sided carriers for pets traveling in the cabin.

Keep in mind that the dimensions allowed on Turkish Airline flights are smaller than typical U.S. domestic flights by one or two inches. Be sure to measure your carrier before leaving for the airport. For more information and recommendations for flying with your pet inside the cabin, visit the  Turkish Airlines pet policy page .

How Much Does It Cost to Fly with Pets in the Cabin?

When transporting pets in the cabin, the cost will vary by your destination and flight duration. Turkish Airlines pet fees will cost 80 Turkish lira, or approximately $14. Carriage of pets is not included in the free baggage allowance for international flights, so it is subject to fees. The total weight of the pet and its carrier will be multiplied by the excess baggage fee applicable on the route. The minimum fee charged is $70. Additionally, pets traveling in the cabin on intermediary flights will cost $35.

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Your ultimate guide to flying internationally with a cat: Tips & Essentials

January 28, 2019 by Karen Turner 56 Comments

One of the most challenging experiences that we had in terms of moving abroad was moving our cat. I adopted Lu in the United States at a shelter. Admittedly, she’s not so keen on traveling, but I knew that when we moved abroad that she had to come with us. Since then, she’s traveled with us to four countries following our various moves around Europe by plane and by train. I include my experience traveling with my cat internationally, some tips for traveling with your cat, and my favorite cat traveling accessories, including an airline approved pet carrier.

I urge you not to underestimate how many hours it takes to properly research flying with your cat to your destination as well as preparing them for the move. Cats are creatures of habit and it can be very traumatizing for many cats to be uprooted from their home. I can’t really say that it’s fun traveling with a cat, but sometimes it comes to this when making a significant move abroad with your cat.

• Tips for flying internationally with your cat
• Traveling with multiple cats
• Why you shouldn’t put your cat under the plane

Should you drug your cat for travel?

What you need to do before traveling with your cat.

• Cat traveling essentials

The best airline approved cat carrier

• Our experience flying internationally with a cat on a transatlantic flight
• Our experience flying within the EU with our cat
• Our experience taking the Thalys with a cat

• 1.1 Before you travel with your cat internationally
• 2 Traveling on the plane with your cat
• 3.1 Traveling internationally with multiple cats
• 3.2 Why you should consider NOT putting your cat underneath the plane
• 3.3 Should you drug your cat for travel?
• 4 What you need to do before traveling with your cat
• 5.1 The best airline approved cat carrier
• 5.2 Cat collar
• 5.3 Cat harness*
• 5.4 Folding cat bowls
• 5.5 Calming Spray
• 5.6 Portable Cat Bed*
• 5.7 Portable Litter Box*
• 6 Our experience flying internationally with our cat on a transatlantic flight
• 7 Flying within the EU with a cat
• 8 Taking the Thalys train with our cat
• 9 Have you flown internationally with your cat?

Tips for flying with your cats internationally

Before you travel with your cat internationally.

In general, I recommend not traveling with your cats unless you’re moving for a significant period. Both of my cats do not travel well and if it’s a few weeks, I found that it was better to board them at a facility rather than bring them with me to a destination where the paperwork would make my life more complicated.

In general, it’s generally cheaper to buy a round-trip ticket rather than a one-way ticket. Try to time the way back with when you think you’ll next head home, so you only need to purchase the way back to your new home.

If you intend to fly internationally with your cat, you need to carefully check the requirements of your final destination as well as possible transit destinations. Your cat needs to be healthy in order to fly. I had to first ensure that she was up-to-date on her vaccinations. Talk to your vet .

Some countries require a rabies vaccination to be given a certain amount of time ahead. As a result, you’ll need to plan at least 1-2 months ahead if you’re traveling from a high rabies country as a blood test may need to be done and your cat will need to have their vaccines done in advance. I had to bring my cat in for a check-up shortly before flying in each case to ensure that she was ready.

If you can minimize your travel time, do it by getting a direct flight. Your cat will appreciate it. Your cat will be stressed, hungry, and tired from the travel. Fewer flights will reduce the likelihood that you have a delay or missed transfer.

If you have a rolling suitcase , I recommend putting your cat carrier on top and rolling your suitcase slowly. I’ve tried a couple of ways in terms of minimizing trauma when traveling en route to the airport using public transit/walking and this way worked the best. It’s smooth, your cat is less likely to be jostled within the bag, and they can look out more easily!

If you can travel with your cat in the cabin, do it. I felt so guilty every time that I’ve traveled with Lu, however, it’s a small relief to be able to see how the cat is doing. Your cat might be deeply unhappy, however, at least you can give them water and pet them to calm them if needed. Just be careful about unzipping the bag, so they don’t escape!

Book your cat’s plane ticket in advance. Most airlines that allow animals on board have a limit on how many animals can be brought with you. I had to pay extra to bring Lu as my “carry-on” item and she had to fit in the space near my feet in her carrier.

Traveling on the plane with your cat

As soon as you get on the flight, talk to the flight attendants as well as those around you to check that nobody is allergic. Similarly, it’s good to notify the flight attendants of your furry friend on board just in case something goes wrong.

Keep your cat’s documents with you somewhere that is easily accessible. You might need to show them several times, so don’t put them away in your suitcase. I keep mine in the side pocket of my cat carrier . I have been rarely asked for them, but you never know!

Make sure that your cat carrier has a tag that states your information on it, including your phone number. I made sure that Lu was wearing a collar that stated my phone number on it, just in case she ran off.

The biggest risk in losing your cat is during security when they must be removed from the carrier to be carried through security with you. If you can find a non-metal collar , that’s probably best as you might need to remove the collar during security. I also had a photo of her on my phone, just in case.

Get through security when it’s not so busy and find a quiet place to sit. I recommend giving yourself extra time at the airport. That said, airports are really loud places and if you’ll be there for a while, find a quiet corner away from music, security, and people talking loudly to sit. Your cat will thank you!

Clip your cat’s nail before you travel. You’ll need to carry them through security most likely…and it’s not fun being clawed into with sharp kitty claws.

Avoid feeding your cat 4-6 hours before traveling. I caved during my flight with Lu and gave her a treat, which resulted in her pooping (a small bit) in the litter box. Obviously, for cats, this is not comfortable. I recommend carrying a small folding cat bowl that can be used for water if needed. I bought a water bottle once through security just to give Lu water as needed.

Once you arrive at your destination with your cat

Once you’re somewhere less chaotic and enclosed, let your cat out. They’ll probably be a bit traumatized from the journey as well as hungry/thirsty. The sooner that you can get a litter box, the better as they’ll probably need it.

Check with your hotel that it’s cat-friendly before you go . I find that dog-friendly hotels are often surprised that you want to bring a cat, but you’ll pay a premium for finding a cat-friendly hotel . Even if they say that they’re pet-friendly, not all will accept cats.

On average, you’ll pay 30-40% extra with the majority of hotels telling you no. It’s frustrating, but book your hotels/accommodation in advance as soon as you know your traveling dates. I always try to emphasize that my cat is very well behaved and doesn’t go outside.

Travel can be really hard on cats and it can take your cat weeks to get used to your new home. If possible, try to move slowly to avoid changing accommodations too often as they’ll want to be at home. I recommend looking for places with good windows (like our Paris apartment).

Traveling internationally with multiple cats

An acquaintance of mine contacted me about my experience moving abroad as she was moving with her two cats and one small dog. Airlines usually allow one pet per person, so she found out that it was cheaper to pay for a close friend’s round-trip ticket to her new home (e.g. a free vacation) than it was to have someone else bring her dog. Her friend got a free trip out of it and she got to bring her cats with her.

Why you should consider NOT putting your cat underneath the plane

Quite a few cat breeds, especially Persians, may have issues related to breathing and heat stroke. Putting certain cats into cargo may be a bad idea. Even if your cat is a mutt like mine, your cat might be hyperventilating during the flight. Coming with the uncertainty of not knowing what is going on and the sounds, your cat might be really anxious underneath the plane and/or have issues during the flight.

Some carriers will report the percentage of animals in their care that were injured or killed in transit. Choose carefully if you are considering putting your cat underneath the plane. Ask around if possible.

Lu tends to hyperventilate when on a plane and inside a car, so I opted to take longer to travel with her if it meant having her with me to check on her, even if there was a layover. I ended up going with Aeroflot due to their cat-friendly policy, which allowed her to sit near my feet!

Talk to your vet about your travel plans. I’ve seen several vets about traveling with my cat. Only one of them recommended drugging my cat for travel while the rest said that it was enough just to use a calming spray . There are a number of other drugs, but you should discuss what is most appropriate with your vet.

Generally, cats are given something similar to Xanax (benzodiazepines) if they’ll be traveling a long distance. This is what my cat had gotten prescribed for our U.S. to Netherlands move, however, it left her disoriented and unable to sleep. Since then, I’ve not used a drug.

• 6 Months ahead: Book your cat’s plane ticket and find a cat-friendly airline.
• 5 months ahead: Find out your airline’s paperwork requirements for flying with your cat. Your cat might need to be microchipped with a different chip if it’s not the same where you’re traveling.
• 2 Months ahead: Talk to your vet about your travels. Ensure that your cat’s vaccines are up to date.
• 1-2 months ahead: Ensure that your cat’s travel documents are up-to-date. Possibly see the vet and make relevant appointments shortly before your travels.
• 1-2 months ahead: Organize relevant transportation (buses don’t usually allow cats) and cat-friendly accommodations in your new destination.
• 1 Month out: Buy a good cat carrier , calming spray , cat collar , a cat harness , and other relevant supplies (see below)
• 1 Month out: Call your airline to check that all is well.
• 2-3 weeks ahead: Take care of relevant travel documents (if required)
• Week of travel: Check-up with your vet to ensure that your cat is healthy to fly. Clip your cat’s nails.
• The day before travel: Give your cat a nice meal 12 hours before! Organize your cat’s travel documents. Spray the carrier with Feliway and leave it out for them to explore.
• Day of travel: Stop feeding your cat 6 hours before your travels. Get the cat into the carrier. Leave early for the airport. Keep calm and try to find somewhere quiet.
• Day of arrival: Buy litterbox and cat litter once you arrive. (You can bring a small litter box with you if you arrive late at night) Feed your cat and let them relax/sleep.

Cat essentials for flying internationally

I got this bag around five years ago. This Argo by Teafco Pet Avion Airline Approved Pet Carrier perfectly fits my cat (who is on the smaller side) and it’s built cleverly. Inside, you’ll find a leash that hooks into your cat’s collar as to ensure they can’t escape the bag. Similarly, there’s a way for you to reach your hand inside without the cat escaping if you wish to calm them. There are several pockets around the bag, which can fit Feliway, travel documents, and cat travel accessories.

Most importantly, I love this bag as people assume that it’s a carry-on bag, not a cat bag. Travel is stressful enough for my cat and having strangers trying to pet her doesn’t help. She can look out of the bag through the mesh sides without people peeking in, which has been great for international travel with a cat. ( In quite a few cases, I was never asked about the cat as they didn’t realize I had a cat with me.)

In general, I recommend getting a soft cat carrier if you’ll be flying internationally as your cat needs to fit underneath the seat in front of you. If your cat is larger, you’ll want to get a larger bag to ensure they have room to move around. There might be some squishing of the carrier, so it’s much easier to have a soft bag. (Every vet that I’ve seen in Europe has asked me where I got this bag.)

I recommend ensuring that your cat has a cat collar as you’ll probably want to use the collar to clip your cat into the bag (if possible) and/or connect them to the cat leash. You might need to remove your cat collar if it contains metal, so choose carefully. If you can attach your phone number to the collar, that’s great. Ensure that it’s snug, but not too tight.

Cat harness*

Your cat might be frustrated inside of the bag. I found the cat harness to be helpful, however it’s really hard getting your cat into a cat harness in the middle of an airport. A handicap-accessible toilet might be a good option if you want to get your cat into a harness. In my case, I attached the harness directly to her collar to ensure she wouldn’t wander off.

Folding cat bowls

You cat might get thirsty during the journey and once you arrive at your destination, you’ll want to feed your cat. It was really helpful having folding cat bowls as it enabled my cat to eat as soon as we got cat food. (I brought some with me in a plastic bag.)

Calming Spray

Feliway has helped my cats travel. This spray mimics cats pheromones given off by mothers to help calm kittens. It can help reduce stress in some cases. I recommend putting an item of your clothing that smells like you and spraying it with Feliway before putting it at the bottom of the carrier.

Portable Cat Bed*

As I had to get rid of the cat bed that my cat loved, I ended up buying a smaller foldable cat bed that was in my house for a few weeks before my travels. My cat liked it as it was a good way for her to feel safe in a new environment. Similarly, it was squishy enough that I used it as a pillow in transit.

Portable Litter Box*

If you’re arriving late at night, you’ll want to bring a portable litter box with you as litter is typically easier to get at some late night shops/supermarkets, however you generally need to go to a pet store for the litter box.

Our experience flying internationally with our cat on a transatlantic flight

My first international flight with my cat was flying from New York to Amsterdam via Moscow. When moving to Amsterdam, flying Aeroflot with the cat was our best option for an affordable airline that allowed cats in the cabin. It took many hours to find a flight that would allow her in the cabin, but that was non-negotiable.

In our case, the paperwork involved my vet gave her an examination clearing her for flying prior to submitting the paperwork to a federal agency to be stamped. Ask your vet for the procedure for where you’re traveling. Some airlines have limited space for animals, so you should ensure that you reserve your cat’s place in advance. I reserved my cat’s place as soon as my ticket was booked.

On the day of our flight, we showed the paperwork as we checked our bags and headed through security. Security was difficult as Lu is very noise-sensitive and the various noises did not help at all. I was forced to take her out of the carrier as I went through the metal detector. She was very scared and clung to me. Once we were through security, she calmed down a bit.

Once on the plane, we asked everyone around if they were allergic to cats. (The passengers and the flight attendants doted over us and asked to pet her.) It was very painless. She was very quiet although very anxious during the flight. I checked on my cat at several points and she was too upset to sleep. As per our vet’s recommendation, we avoided feeding her during the plane ride and withheld food 4-6 hours before our flight.

Finally, once we arrived in Moscow for our layover. We put her on a cat leash and let her sit on one of the seats. She immediately curled up and took a small nap. Nearby, two burly Russian guys took selfies with her. On the next flight, she meowed quite a bit, but we managed to get to Amsterdam. We immediately went out and bought a litterbox for her as it was day-time.

Flying within the EU with a cat

If you’re traveling within or from the EU with your cat, I strongly recommend seeing if you can get your cat an EU pet passport . It will make your life a lot easier as it shows their complete medical record as well as recent examinations. Just a few days before our flight, we brought her to a vet for a pre-flight examination as required by our airline, who we booked her ticket through.

Last summer, we lived in Brussels while waiting for our French visas. We ended up flying with BlueAir, a budget European airline to Romania and France. The process was fairly decent as my cat already had an EU pet passport. She simply had to get examined by a vet in the days prior to the flight to clear her for health. At this point, she was up-to-date on her vaccinations.

I had Lu on a leash clipped to her collar. The most stressful part was security where one of the employees required that I take the collar off. I had to carry her through airport security, which was an immensely stressful experience for both of us. She tried at one point to jump back into her box as it passed through security.

The flight itself was fine, however we flew twice with her. It was quite hard on her and given the option, I prefer to take the train. That said, you will have limited options as most of the major bus companies in Europe do not allow cats on them, which is quite aggravating as a pet owner.

Taking the Thalys train with our cat

I’ve taken the Thalys with my cat between Belgium and the Netherlands and France and the Netherlands. Cats were free and allowed when I traveled, however I had to have all my cat’s documents in order (similar to a plane). She had stay underneath the seat.

When boarding the Thalys, you’ll need to scan your items. It was quite nerve-wracking going through the security line in Paris, which as outside next to the train tracks. I had to remove Lu from her bag and carry her through security. It was loud and I’d be a bit apprehensive about doing this with a cat who tends to run when they’re scared.

Once on the Thalys, I found my seat. The journey was uneventful and at one point, the conductor asked about the cat. On one journey, a woman next to me refused to sit next to me as I had a cat. (She was pregnant.) I was a bit confused, but she moved across the way with the permission of the conductor. The journey was easy and my cat was far more relaxed than traveling by slower trains and flying.

Have you flown internationally with your cat?

• More tips for traveling with your cat

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

May 15, 2019 at 8:44 pm

do you have a recommendation of a vet in The Hague who is familiar with what is needed for cat “import”? will be bringing my fluffy friends and want to be sure I have all the proper docs up front. I am not in an EU country right now so they don’t know the regulations.

May 16, 2019 at 3:49 pm

Hi Molly, You should be able to ring basically any vet in the center of the Hague. I”m not sure if they’ll help you as you’re not a client (maybe if you promise to become a client!), but you should definitely check with your airline too. Depending on whether the country is high rabies, you might need to do an extra paperwork. There’s some good information on the various pet transit websites and it’s so different by country that I can’t say for sure. Best of luck moving to NL! 🙂

June 9, 2019 at 10:11 pm

I suggest you contact the nearest consulate or embassy for the Netherlands, they should be able to help you. Otherwise, their should be the correct info on their government website or the corresponding EU website. I am moving to France from the USA and found clear instructions on the French government and EU sites. On the latter, I was able to print out the documents which needed to be filled out by the vet in the country of departure (with instructions on how it should be filled out) and also a copy of the EU pet passport which you can print out. Your cat will need to be microchipped with an EU approved chip and also have its rabies vaccine up to date. If the cats aren`t vaccinated for rabies they have to have a primo vaccine and may have to have a titration (?) done by an approved lab 3 months before travelling. I`d advise you to look into this as soon as possible as there may be time limitations for some procedures. Best of luck with your move!

December 12, 2020 at 2:59 am

There are U.S. Veterinarians that are specialized on preparing the needed documents and doing the health exam within 10 days of flight. Not every vet does this but every community has one. We have reserved the cat spaces 6 weeks prior to the flight (during Covid). It is true, if your cat does not have rabies shot yet, you need more time for preparing the transfer, one has to wait 21 days for the rabies shot before being able to travel. One has to submit the documents to the animal export department of your state, which provides a quick turnaround with courier service. If you stay in Europe and travel with your pet there for a while we recommend getting a European animal passport through a vet there. Some countries (Switzerland) are annoyed looking at the U.S. documents and feel suspicious about them or don’t take the effort to understand them. Once the agent did not want to check us on the flight from Zurich to Greece… until her supervisor did a great job in understanding the U.S. health certification papers. This can be stressful.

June 9, 2019 at 10:13 pm

Thank you for all this great info Karen. I have traveled to several countries with dogs (diplomat husband) but never with a cat, you have helped a lot and reassured me!

July 1, 2019 at 3:46 pm

I have 3 cats and will be making the daunting move from UK to Canada. It will be close to impossible for me to have all 3 with me on the plane (Probably 1 can go with me – as she is the most nervous) but they will have to sit in the belly of the plane. i have discussed arrangements with PetAir, but after reading your blog speaking on dead pets absolutely worries me. Have you any tips on how I can go around this?

Many thanks

July 2, 2019 at 11:07 am

Apologies, but I don’t have any easy answers. Can a friend help you with the move to bring another cat on the plane?

September 17, 2020 at 8:40 pm

I have just been reading this blog for some reassurance and panicked at the same part you did. I am doing Canada to the UK in the next few weeks and it’s basically impossible for me to have my cat in the cabin with me due to UK laws. He also has to do two flights in two days due to the current flight situation with COVID. How did your cats do on the journey? I’m terrified something is going to happen to him and I won’t be aware. My cat is only 2 years old and healthy but I’m still so very nervous about it all!

March 25, 2021 at 4:07 pm

I am confused as I have fo fly two cats from DC to Brussels. When I get there I have to take them to hotel take and then to a vet for EU passport right?How do I do that and how long does it take as I have to take a nother flight out? Can you leave airport without a passport?

May 10, 2021 at 2:34 pm

I’d check with your airline as the EU passport is generally for cats already within the EU. It’s a good thing to get long-term once you have a vet. It takes quite a bit of paperwork/time though!

June 9, 2022 at 10:48 pm

Thanks for all this recommendations and insights, even so we have some questions not sure if yourw famiwith:

Were curre3in The Hague and will be moving to Bangkok in August and we have 2 cats. They can only for with KLM on the Cargo, and for that we need special cages that should be IATA approved, but we seem to find it difficult to find them here in Europe as to be 100% approved as they must have metal screws and so on ( do you know any approved one?)

Then the papers are of a different issue, and I think we can deal with it!

December 1, 2022 at 8:54 pm

I am sure PetPlus should have a good cage. If you have already moved, I would love to know how it went!

July 4, 2019 at 12:44 pm

Hi Karen…some great tips. Just curious to know how a 15 pound cat is able to fit Beneath the seat, in a carrier. Can one simply purchase an additional ticket? Thanks

July 4, 2019 at 1:10 pm

Hi Ric, I recommend asking your airline as the weight requirement varies by airline. 🙂

Best of luck, Karen

August 12, 2021 at 3:36 am

I traveled from Italy to Us with three cats. My big boy Orly also weighed 15 pounds. He did not make the requirements for under seat, so in the end I had to put them on in the as cargo in the hold to be able to take all 3 together. It was so stressful and very expensive. Especially nerve wracking as by law at least in 2014 , could not be on a flight longer than 10 hours. So we had to fly through a Eu city that had special overnight animal accommodation, which I was not allowed to check in on them as they were considered cargo. They do get fed and cleaned checked by a vet at this point. When I got on board in the morning, I asked the flight attendant to confirm for me they made it on board, and soon the captain made an announcement: “to the lady with the cats, I confirm they are all on board! ” It all went fine, we arrived in San Fransisco, and it is still a bit of an ordeal to get the customs approval stamped and driving here and there to pick them up. Withstanding restrictions for traveling in very hot or cold weather also. I would try anything else to try and bring them on board in cabin, and finding the most direct route, or one that has a comfortable layover. They do make very light weight, ( a couple of pounds) carriers so he might just make the cut. If you have a long time you could put him on a careful diet to lose a pound ( but slowly!) I am about to return after several years with just one, who is fortunately in the weight category so I found a flight combination with a long enough layover to go to.a hotel and refresh before the next leg.

July 26, 2019 at 10:14 pm

That’s a good idea to work closely with your vet for how to get your pet onto the plane and how to reserve a spot for them. My best friend doesn’t like to leave her cat during vacations so I’ll have to make sure she knows this. For me, I’d rather leave my cat behind at the vet’s boarding quarters so that I know she’s taken care of and doesn’t have to deal with the toll and stress of flying.

October 6, 2019 at 8:12 am

We have to get our cat ( and a snake) from Australia to the UK – this is not going to be fun!

October 25, 2019 at 10:32 pm

Thank you so much for this information. We are relocating to Ireland from the US next year with our two cats. I am worried about the travel but feel a bit more confident having read about your experience and tips. One of my cats meowed the whole way on a four hour car trip once, so I’m hoping the Feliway will help her, otherwise I may have to look into other options as I’m sure that will not be acceptable on a 10 hour flight. We also have two 5 year old children to contend with so it should be an adventure for sure! And I am getting that cat carrier! Thanks again.

October 27, 2019 at 10:39 am

Glad to hear that Brenda! Talk to your vet as they might have some recommendations.

March 1, 2022 at 12:26 am

Hey Brenda, we’re transporting a 5.4kg cat from Mexico to Ireland: how did you find your experience? It’s becoming a massive challenge for us, both in paperwork and maintaining our sanity. We want it to be as easy as possible for our little baby: have you any tips?

December 23, 2019 at 11:51 pm

I’m moving to Paris for three months with my Exotic Shorthair kitten, Waldo. He’s very social and has traveled by plane, but I am counting on total time door to door from my West Coast home t my Paris apartment will likely be about 18 hours. He has his rabies shot, and all his vaccinations are up to date. I plan a visit with my vet in March (our flight is in early April).

Do you know of any good pet supply stores in Paris? I will be bringing almost none of Waldo’s equipment, and plan to buy a scratching post, litter box, and maybe a climbing tree in Paris. I’ll bring a portable littler box and bag of litter on the plane, his food bowl, and his favorite blanket. CDG is the world’s worst airport for humans, and I dread negotiating it with a 12 pound kitten (Waldo is enormous!)

Our apartment is in St. Germaine in the 6éme arrondissement. Any help or additional tips you have will be greatly appreciated. We are flying business class on Delta, so I believe Waldo will have a somewhat quiet, safe little space for this long long flight.

December 24, 2019 at 12:25 am

I went to my neighborhood ones, which weren’t within the 6e. You will be best to ask within the local Paris expat group for others’ recommendations. Best of luck with the move and hopefully Waldo will enjoy his new Parisian apartment. 🙂

July 7, 2020 at 8:21 pm

Thank you SO MUCH! My husband and I are making a Trans-Atlantic move soon & this is the most thorough & *actually* helpful guide I’ve found.

July 28, 2020 at 4:57 am

Hi, I am Curious if the airline staff will allow the cat to be out of her cage for few minutes. I know my cat will be way more secure if I have her on my lap (with leash so others are not afraid of her). She is not an aggressive cat AT ALL! We’re you allowed to take your cat out during a long flight?

July 29, 2020 at 7:31 pm

I was told strictly that I wasn’t allowed to let my cat out.

August 16, 2020 at 11:49 pm

i’m considering a move to london from nyc. do you know which airlines allow in-cabin cats on transatlantic flights? so far, it seems all of the major carriers (united, british airways, virgin atlantic, american airlines, norwegian, etc.) only allow cargo transport which is a no-go.

thanks! melody

August 22, 2020 at 12:15 am

Apologies, but this list frequently changes. Best to check which airlines fly between the destination–and go through all of their policies

August 4, 2021 at 4:27 pm

Did you manage to fly your cat? Turkish Airlines allows cats, plus 2 luggages as checked in bag, they are the best for US-Europe travel

August 28, 2020 at 3:52 pm

Did your vet mention any risks with traveling even when they are in the cab of the plane? Do some cats get so stressed that they die from the long flight?

My cat is 16 now and I’m not sure if her age would cause problems traveling that far. I’m wondering if it would be a bad idea to take an older cat that far

September 15, 2020 at 1:33 am

Yes, there are risks associated with flying with older cats. This is why you should discuss the issue with your vet.

January 15, 2021 at 9:20 am

thanks so much for this information! We have to fly cats from the east coast of the US to France this coming summer. Do you have any recommendations for airlines. Is Air France possible? Also, of course, we are going to have to fly in the middle of this pandemic. Any suggestions as to the best way to do this? We are French citizens with US passports also, so we are authorized to fly between the two countries. But, I’m looking at this as being a nightmare scenario. All the best and many thanks, Valerie

March 19, 2021 at 2:58 pm

Apologies, but it’s really hard as some have suspended pet services during COVID. You will need to contact each airline, but I believe KLM might allow cats and AirFrance/KLM are technically one company 🙂

March 10, 2021 at 9:02 pm

Hi – Thanks so much for all this great info! I’ve been stressed about our upcoming move from Canada to India with 2 cats (with one having a heart condition). The whole journey could take 24-30 hours total but we are hoping to fly with them. In your experience, what might be the longest flight duration a cat can handle? We will probably have 1 or more connecting flights with the transatlantic flight being about 12-14 hours long. I am concerned about them pooping/peeing on such a long flight. Also, during layovers are there pet areas at airports where cats can poop/pee? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks once again for such insightful information.

June 9, 2022 at 4:28 pm

Hello, can you share how it went, I am travelling my self 24hs journey by plane too, and I have the same questions you had before. Thank you so much in advance!

July 23, 2021 at 8:03 pm

Thank you! Onni and I are about to take our first flight from Finland for a 6-month work stint in the UK, and I’m reading everything I can find. In case other readers are facing having to take their cat to the UK “as cargo” due to its entry rules, here’s a tip: you can fly into Paris with your cat and then hire a service to drive you both through the Eurotunnel, following proper customs procedures. It is NOT an inexpensive service, but in my case it worked out pretty much the same price as cargo. Our vehicle will have a large crate that Onni can move around in with his travel litter tray and bed.

August 6, 2021 at 10:20 am

Hello! Thanks so much for all the information you shared! I plan to travel from Austria to Brazil with my cat in a few months. I have some questions regarding the transatlantic flights. Did you feed your cat during the long flights? And what about peeing and pooping? I read in many blogs that it’s extremely dangerous for cats if they don’t eat anything in 8 hours, that could damage their liver. Could you share more information about it? Thanks!

March 17, 2022 at 9:46 pm

Please ask your vet for advice here. 🙂

September 30, 2021 at 3:42 pm

Hi Karen, thanks for this very helpful and informative piece! You mentioned that if going away for just a few weeks, it may be better to find boarding or a pet sitter as cats are sensitive to changes in their environment. I will be away visiting family in Europe for six weeks over the holidays, making two stops in two different countries (thanks for the info on the pet passport!) What is the duration of time away that you personally consider bringing your cats traveling with you? I am collecting different opinions as I don’t think there is one “right” answer to this question, and it could also depend on the cat.

March 17, 2022 at 10:01 pm

I try not to travel with my cats as they do not enjoy it. They stay at home. I would only bring them personally if I was going for more than 2 months or moving permanently.

October 5, 2021 at 4:29 am

Hi, I’m traveling from Dubai to Italy with a stop in Amsterdam and the company told me the second flight would be late of 3h, my concern is the trip would be 15h. My cat 1 and half year.old and he’s scared of everything. There’s any per friend zone in Amsterdam airport? Also the carrier bag looks small for my cat for such a long trip. I want to be able somehow to take him out and make him feel more comfortable. Also should I feed him in the time I wait the second plane ? I won’t leave my cat 24h without eating. I’m very worried.

March 17, 2022 at 10:02 pm

There is a place for dogs, but not for cats in Amsterdam. If you have a leash or ask staff, potentially that is something that can happen. Airports are busy, so I am not sure that taking your cat out is always the best move either. Please ask your vet for advice.

January 21, 2022 at 8:32 pm

I’ve held off moving back to the US from Australia because I was terrified to have my cats on such a long flight. This has helped a bit thank you, but I think I’m the one who will need Xanax not my cats! Anyone have tips for the parent on how to cope? Or what to do if your cat meows the whole time? I swear I’m more stressed out than they’ll probably be.

March 17, 2022 at 10:16 pm

I felt the same, but I hope that your journey goes well. I was stressed too, but it will stress your cat out more if you are stressed out!

February 15, 2022 at 4:59 pm

This has been super helpful! I am preparing to fly my cat from the UK to Singapore via Amsterdam. I had been reading that you can ask for a security search in a separate examination room and I was really hoping that would be the case, I take it you found airport security quite unforgiving with having to carry Lu through? Thanks Zoe

March 17, 2022 at 9:43 pm

It depends on the cat. They were kind, but she was just scared and very skittish. A private room might be a good idea for some cats!

April 19, 2022 at 11:25 pm

Hi Karen, Thank you for this well written and thorough article. Can I DM you for specific questions that I have? -Deepika

April 21, 2022 at 2:44 pm

I am not flown in a long time with my cats, so I would encourage you to contact your airline!

June 19, 2022 at 12:18 am

Hello Thank you for the tips ,I am going to travel with my cat this summer from Stockholm to Los Angles with a direct flight for 12 hours,I plan to take some food and littler box to use it during the flight but reading your article I understand that I should not feed my cat during flight?! And no litter box needed I was wondering how it is possible since I thin my trip door to door is around 18 hours can you please explain more how to take care of the cat during flight also can I bring out of her box little bit during flight ?!

December 1, 2022 at 9:07 pm

That is a really long flight! Please ask your vet as it might be tough for the cat to go so long. I was advised not to feed my cat before and she was too nervous to go, but she had to go really badly when we got home!

July 20, 2022 at 6:58 pm

Hello, In a couple of months I will have a terror flight with my 3 cats and 3 toddlers (4, 2, and 2 years old) . My mom is going to help me but am really afraid of the mess I will cause with the cats and the kids… We will fly from Mexico to Spain. One of the cats is really large and tends to be aggressive (he is 10 years old) I wonder if it is safe to make him sleep during the flight. We will have to take 2 flights, one domestic in Mexico and then the international. Total flight time will be approx 13 hs. All recommendations are well appreciated.

December 1, 2022 at 8:59 pm

I would recommend to talk to your vet or maybe arrange special transport for the one cat?

September 29, 2022 at 8:43 pm

We flew from Arizona to Portland (3 hours total) with 2 cats when we moved and it was a nightmare. They cried loudly the whole way. I felt for them plus it was embarrassing. We had the spray (not that one though) and even used some relaxer drug (but were afraid to give them too much). Im not sure if Im brave enough to try it again, especially internationally.

December 26, 2022 at 12:38 pm

I recently flew from my home in eastern Pennsylvania with my 2 year old cat the journey: took Uber from home to phl airport (2 hours) then a 3 hour wait at phl then 13 hour flight (on qatar airways) to doh and then 2 hour layover in doh and then 6.5 hour flight to Bangkok another 2 hours to get through customs and 1 hour to get to my destination in Bangkok. So doing the crude math my girl was in transit for well over 30 hours and she came through great! I give kudos to quatar airlways for her travel. One other thing I had a apple air tag on her collar which was helpful as I got a signal from it while in layover in Doha

March 3, 2023 at 7:45 pm

THANK YOU!!!

March 25, 2023 at 8:13 pm

Hi – My daugher has been living in Amsterdam for the past year and this summer, we are bringing her cat to her to live with her there. (btw, we are traveling from the US and total flight including layover will be about 12 hours). We will get all the necessary documents from the vet for her cat, however, my concern is his carrier for the flight. My daughter has a great one she has used when she has flown domestically (under seat in cabin with her), but I’m afraid it won’t fit the requirements for the airline for the international flight.Her cat is 13.5 lbs and fits fine in the carrier, but am afraid if I get s smaller one, they will say it is too small for him to move around…any suggestions? The current carrier is a Petsfit backpack carrier. Thanks for any suggestions.

April 3, 2023 at 2:41 pm

The airline requirements are what matter most at the end!

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Living with a cat is an amazing experience. Playing games, developing a common language that only you and your cat understands, sleeping together... However, there will be some cases when your cat might get a little mad at you. Going on vacation with your cat might be one of them. This is because cats build a deep relationship with where they live and feel quite uneasy when they leave that place. If you need to take your cat with you when you go on a vacation, our tips will be very useful for you.

Living with a cat: “Here comes the owner of the place!”

Sharing the same house and common life with a pet is a teaching experience for everyone. Trying to understand what it wants by observing its reactions – let’s call it “learning a new language between species” – is a unique experience that deeply affects and transforms humans. Cats are undoubtedly the pets with whom we experience this the most in modern times.

Life with a cat is amazing. Playing with him, buying new toys, worrying when he gets sick, forgetting how tired you are while caressing his head and more will be experienced in your common life with your cat, which turns out to be the source of happiness and peace beyond words. However, humans are dynamic beings who must be in different places at different times as required by modern life. Therefore, it may be necessary to leave our dear pets for a while due to both business and personal reasons.

Taking your cat out

Taking your cat out, we must say, will be quite tough. This is because cats get used to their environment due to their nature and form strong bonds with their environment. Cat owners know; cats have their daily routine. Knowledge of the places seeing the sun in the house is the default factory setting for cats. It is more or less clear at what time they will lie down; they will start running or climbing to higher furniture to watch around. Cats are fond of these routines.

The stronger are the bonds of cats with their environment, the more secure they feel. In fact, when the famous author Enis Batur said “Cats May Take Care of Kings”, he was talking about a cat that undoubtedly had a strong bond with the house he lived in. However, there are some inevitable situations where taking the cat out becomes an essential need. Sure, the less that is, the better it is (though, since every cat builds his own kingdom, some may like to get out. We will never know why a cat is after something!) The breaking of the bond with the environment (moving out of the house, leaving the cat to a shelter/on a street, etc.) or interrupting the usual course of life (vacation, going to the vet, etc.) could make the cats feel quite uneasy most of the time.

Let’s say you need to take your cat, renowned for being calm at home, to the vet. It is not hard to imagine what will happen to you on the road, right? When your cat first sees the crate, he will start running away. You will try to calm him down by talking nicely. If you are lucky enough, you will catch him in a short time, put it in the crate and take your cat out. He will get nervous. He will start meowing in the car or public transport vehicle. He will not even if you try to silence him. You will again try to calm him down by talking. You will play games with your finger stretched into the crate’s door. He will somewhat feel less uneasy yet, will not completely calm down.

Now let’s assume that you are going on a vacation. You could not find anyone to take care of your cat at home while you are away. You’re not willing to leave your dear cat in a cage in a cat hotel or hostel. Then you will have only one option: going on vacation with your cat.

What should be done before going on vacation with your cat?

You had to go on vacation with your cat. Then get ready for a great vacation!

Your top priority for the trip will be your cat’s comfort. Small but effective measures will ensure both this and your pleasant trip with your cat.

First, leave your cat’s crate at a more visible part of the house a few weeks before the trip. Encourage him to get into the crate. You can use treats for this. Let your cat get used to the crate so that he will not associate it with going out and insecurity. In addition, putting your outfit smelling like you and a toy favored by your cat in the cat crate will calm him down and help to get used to the crate more easily.

Consult your vet before the trip and get advice about the trip. Make sure your cat is fully protected from internal/external parasites and other infectious diseases. Carry disposable under-pads and cleaning materials such as paper towels with you during the trip. You can also take a deep bowl of water with you to make your cat more comfortable during the trip. By this means, your cat can easily drink water without spilling no matter how much the vehicle you are using on your trip moves.

Sedative cat drugs

Some cats feel too uneasy being outside and traveling. In such cases, you can use sedatives as advised by your vet. You can administer your cat the sedative drug approximately 1 hour before the trip. So, the drug will have taken effect and your cat has calmed down by the time the trip begins. In order to avoid the side effects such as vomiting, it would be better to stop giving food 5-6 hours before using the medicine. Your cat may stagger a little and get muddled after taking the sedatives. Do not worry. He will recover quickly after the trip.

Car travel with a cat

Car travel with a cat is not easy. Furthermore, going on a vacation with your cat may be even more difficult depending on the season. While hot weather could be a problem for your cat, especially during the summer, adding the temperature of the car during the travel may cause discomfort for your cat. The first thing you should pay attention to is to make sure that the temperature of the car is not too high. Because cats are affected more severely by temperature compared to humans. It will be useful not to open the windows during the trip to make sure that the ambient temperature remains constant.

If possible, take care to carry your cat in a crate where it can stand or move comfortably. Fixing the crate to the seat with the seat belt will be a precaution to prevent further disturbance to your cat in case of possible sudden movements of the vehicle. You must be careful if you want to take your cat out of its crate. Because a cat who is afraid of the change of his environs can run away to feel safe. This may put you in danger during your trip.

If you are going on a vacation with your cat by car, it will be useful to have a company who will talk to your cat when he is nervous, calm him down and meet her needs when necessary. In addition, if it is a long car journey, parking your car in the shade when you take a break will allow you to spend the break without raising the temperature in your car and prevent your cat from feeling disturbed.

Carrying your cat on board the plane

If you are going on vacation with your cat, the best method will be to choose an airline. But note that, there are too many procedures in this type of travel. First of all, to transport your cat in the plane cabin or in the cargo hold, you must have had a booking made with the airline company. The limit for pets that can be transported in the cabin will vary according to the aircraft type and airline company. Since each airline company will have different procedures, it will be useful to call the airline company and get detailed information when you purchase your ticket. For example, Turkish Airlines has a detailed information web page on traveling with pets.

If you are going to take your cat on a vacation abroad, you will have more to deal with. To be able to take your cat abroad, you will need to know the pet acceptance rules of the country you will be going to. You can see the related rules about the country you will go on the IATA Travel Centre website.

It is essential that you have the documents showing that you have had certain tests (blood test, titration, vaccination card, health certificate, etc.) done while going on vacation abroad with your cat. This is a process that takes some time. This is because you can obtain some of the documents from just one institution in Türkiye. In addition, it is obligatory that microchips have been attached to all pets that will be taken abroad. It is a good idea to have two copies of each document so that you will not have any trouble when starting your travel.

Finally, note that each airline company’s pet transport rules may differ. When you purchase your flight ticket, call the airline company to learn about the weight limit and the crate size accepted for traveling with your pet. Then, if you find out that your cat is over the accepted limit of weight, start giving him a diet and have him do some exercise! No pain, Rocky! No pain!

Going on vacation with your cat might be a difficult experience. Yet there is no doubt it will be enjoyable. We hope our blog post will be useful enough for you to have a remarkable vacation.

Enjoy your holiday.

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*The date of this blog post may have been updated due to additional content. Please be aware that information on fees and transportation is subject to change. The content of this post reflects the author's opinion and views.

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“My experience flying with a pet in the business class cabin with TK (3 times in 1month!)” Review of Turkish Airlines

**For a more detailed report on logistics of actually flying with your cats, please see my post in the forum 'travelling with pets'** I have read very negative reviews of using this airline to fly with your pets and was very apprehensive and worried about the whole thing. We were emigrating and had to take the cats, so what are you going to do? It was the shortest available flight option without having to change more than once and TK allow pets in business class. I was lucky enough to be able to fly business class each time, but circumstances dictated that I had to make 3 separate trips (!!!) however for info you can have more than one pet in the cabin, providing it is 1 per passenger. Flight 1 LHR-KUL via Istanbul 1st week May 2019 Staff at check in very helpful, you have to weigh the pet carrier and then go to the ticket desk to pay the excess charge. Staff at the desk helpful and interested, checked my papers were in order and then sent me back to check in. All positive, and all seemed to know what there were doing in respect of the animal. Turkish long haul passengers use the United lounge, which was quite a walk but very pleasant with great cocktails on offer and nice selection of food. No issues with the cat carrier - obviously you don't take the animal out - and she was well behaved anyway. First leg (LHR-IST, TK1972) Old plane not a 777/300 as billed, with rubbish business class seats, just recliners, very poor considering the money I paid, however the staff were absolutely lovely, very caring, attentive and helpful, couldn't do enough for me. I had no one next to me, so was able to put the carrier on the floor and open out the extendable parts. Champagne very welcome and food reasonable for a short flight. We were delayed and running quite late, leaving very little time for my connecting flight, but the crew messaged ahead and had someone meet me and another family who were also on their way to KL, and take us straight to the gate, I was very grateful as felt quite stressed. My cat was fine during the fight, no noise and well behaved, the staff checked on me throughout so 10/10 here. Flight 2 IST-KUL TK60 Proper business class on A330, 2-2-2 config. Fairly empty cabin, so I moved from the front middle to front left window seat as thought would be out of the way and had no one next to me. Staff were again excellent, very helpful, caring and attentive, most of them cat owners so I guess that helped. I put the carrier on the floor space of the empty seat and made up my bed, as it was a night flight. Daisy was okay but did a bit of crying during turbulence - which to be fair was very bumpy and prolonged and seemed very frequent. I was conscious of other passengers comfort and was able to keep her quiet by popping my hand in the carrier and giving her a stroke, this involved me having to change ends in my bed so I didn't get much sleep, but was paranoid she would cry and disturb others. I though the flight would never end... Throughout the flight the cabin crew checked on me and made sure I had enough water for Daisy or if I needed anything, I found the whole experience really very good and even filled in a form to express my thanks. Flight back few days later on my own was bliss, I slept like a log from KUL-IST, food and service excellent. Second leg, I had made a mistake and inadvertently selected to come back to LGW, so this flight was a narrow bodied plane with basic business class, not great comfort, but cannot fault the staff or service. I did this same return journey 10 days later with another cat and then my final one way flight in June with the last cat to be moved. So it was much easier and less stressful as knew what to expect when travelling with a pet. On both of these flights the crew were, polite, helpful and attentive, I have nothing negative to say about it. The only thing that differed each time was where they wanted me to put the carrier during take and landing, all 3 flights different, strange. I cannot fault the TK business class product; the proper lie flat seat is good, despite this type being a little dated now (and if there is someone next to you don't get a lot of privacy) but the service I received with and without my cats was good, crew were all polite, attentive and friendly. The food is better than most and the selection of drinks on board great, can't go wrong with a glass or 2 of Tattinger. IFE reasonable, but I suppose I did 3 flights in 4 weeks, so can't blame them for lack of variety for me personally. To sum up, I would usually pick middle Eastern airlines for long haul, but from my experiences with TK I would definitely use them again if the price was right and I'd be interested to try their new biz class seat. One point to note, the new IST airport is huge, really huge, it's fabulous if you like airports, but it can be a long, long, long walk to your gate, be warned and also taxi to/from the gate takes forever!!!

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THE WORST!!! Website didn't work so I called customer service to book my flight. They want to charge $100 extra for calling them! Asked to speak to a supervisor and they said "NO" !!??? Have you ever heard of that with any airline? I called back three times and EVERY single "customer service" rep flat out refused to let me speak to a supervisor! Each one was SO was nasty I couldn't believe it. One even said, "Well if our website doesn't work then you should choose another airline on which to fly!". Hard to believe.

Finally, enough legroom on AIRBUS. Less so on Boeing from Istanbul to Sofia, but still - very good service. Food was decent, expediently served by flight attendants. Very friendly service. Lots of leg-work around Istanbul airport stop over. Luckily, there is airport staff with ASK ME sign on their shirts that give directions. Cafe prices are, as one would expect at an international airport, extortionate.

HORRIBLE, PATHETIC SERVICE WITH ZERO PROFESSIONALISM!! I travelled from Istanbul to Kayseri on Turkish Airlines flight TK 7296 on 22nd June 2019. The flight was delayed for 2 hours and upon reaching Kayseri, our baggage didn't come. We waited for 30 minutes, only to meet the person who informed that our baggage was left in Istanbul as the flight was overweight. We weren't provided with any proper reports for the same and the personnel just wrote our details on a paper while promising us to deliver us baggage to our hotel in Cappadocia, the next morning (a pathetic manner to handle such situation where no official report is made). Next morning, I called, emailed concerned authorities hundreds of times and never received an appropriate response. The only thing I got to hear was to call someone else or I should speak in the Turkish language because the people there do not understand English (which is horrible for someone who works at an airport). In fact, one of the personnel lied saying my baggage has left for Cappadocia. After all the frustration, I drove 1 hour to Kayseri airport to collect my baggage. Nobody was there to check if we are collecting the right baggage (anybody can take anyone's else bags). No proper report was given. The next afternoon (after more than 48 hours), someone called us asking whether we took our baggage or not. This is not only horrible, pathetic service from Turkish Airlines, but it is downright fraud and cheating where you people lie to keep the passengers quiet and show no responsibility towards the safety of our luggage. Terrible customer service with no ethics or morals. Being tourists, we carry everything in one bag and that being delayed, puts us in great trouble whereas Turkish airlines are least bothered about the same. Nor they bother to inform or compensate.

Just to start with- I loved the previous Istanbul airport. It was crowded at times, but still very convenient. Thus was one of the important factors why I have chosen Turkish many times for my international travels. I was looking forward to land in the new IST airport and was really disappointed to the point that I will reconsider my choice of the carrier next time. I flew through IST 3 times on this trip and every time we taxied for 20-30min AFTER landing, followed by taking a bus 2 out of 3 times (20 more minutes)- I forgot about buses on my travel... After that it takes 25 min to get to the international transfer area. So you need around 1.5h only to get to the security. Lounges were another disappointment. There are only 3 lounges in this huge airport and none accept Priority pass. I could easily find a lounge which accepts it in th ed previous airport and anywhere (literally) around the globe I've been to. I travel extensively. I was considering to pay for entrance, but it is really expensive and I had to pay for my kids as well (around 200 euro for 3 of us), so I didn't get in.. The gate usually appears 30-40min before boarding, and you need in some cases 45min to get there.. I traveled through Ataturk 8 times during the past year and I believe I'm not the only one who is so disappointed with many things in the new airport. If these (especially lounge access ) will not be corrected soon, I will choose another carrier for my travel.

Turkish Airlines flying with pets

Does turkish airlines accept passengers traveling with pets.

Passengers may travel with pets on Turkish Airlines flights, and pets can be transported in both the passenger cabin (PETC) and cargo compartment (AVIH) . Pets must have vaccination and health certificates, all necessary entry permits and any other documents required by the countries of transit/destination.

Which pets are allowed on Turkish Airlines flights?

Only cats, dogs, and small birds (budgies, canaries, goldfinches, parrots, pigeons, etc.) can be transported as pets. Cats are not accepted on the same flights with dogs or birds , whether they travel in separate cabins. As far as possible, dogs and birds may be carried in the same cabin or different cabins. According to the type of aircraft, the maximum number of pets that Turkish Airlines will accept on a flight may vary.

Dogs that are considered dangerous (e.g., Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Rottweiler, Mastiff, etc.) will not be accepte d .

Pregnant pets and kittens/puppies younger than 10 weeks old will not be accepted. Also, kittens/puppies, as well as mothers, will not be accepted until they are fully weaned. Kittens/puppies aged between 10 to 12 weeks are accepted only with approval from a veterinary .

For both carry-on and checked pets, passengers must receive approval at least 6 hours before departure time and are required to complete all acceptance procedures at the check-in counter . Cats and dogs who suffer from respiratory problems (Persian, Burmese, Shar Pei, Chow Chow, etc.) should be carried in the passenger cabin. 

For pets transported in the cabin, cages/bags must have the maximum dimensions of 23 x 30 x 40 cm (H x W x L) and a maximum weight of 8 kg . Soft bags are recommended. If on the same flight there is a passenger that proves an animal allergy with a medical certificate, pets will be accepted in the cabin according to specific conditions.

Pets that cannot be accepted in the cabin for any reason must be transported as checked baggage in special cages of an adequate size, with good ventilation, and a waterproof floor.

Only two adult pets of the same sex who are accustomed to living together can travel in the same cage if each weighs a maximum of 14 kg. Over 14 kg, pets must be transported separately. Maximum 3 pets 10-24 weeks old and born of the same mother can be transported in the same cage.

Because pets are not included in the passengers’ free baggage allowance , Turkish Airlines will always charge an additional fee .

On international flights , there is an additional pet fee calculated based on the applicable excess baggage fees , but also a minimum fee (if the calculated amount is under the minimum fee, you will pay the minimum fee).

Assistance Dogs

Turkish Airlines classifies Assistance Dogs as Service Dogs (SVAN) and Emotional Support Dogs (ESAN). 

Passengers needing assistance may bring their Service Dogs (SVAN) in the cabin free of charge on all Turkish Airlines flights . In order to ensure space for a Service Dog, Turkish Airlines requires that the reservation is approved at least 48 hours prior to the flight time . If the reservation has not been approved in advance, the Service Dog may still be permitted to board depending on space availability on the flight. All necessary travel documents such as vaccination certificates or identity cards, as required by the country of destination, must be provided by the passenger in order for the Service Dog to be permitted on the flight . Service Dogs should be kept on a leash and must be wearing a vest and/or an identifying harness.

Emotional Support Dogs (ESAN) are accepted free of charge only on flights between Istanbul and the US. On connecting flights, before and after these routes, the Emotional Support Dog will be transported as a pet in the passenger cabin or as checked baggage for a fee collected at the initial departure point. Passengers with connecting flights are required to carry empty cages in the appropriate dimensions, but with no additional charge. In addition to all necessary travel documents such as vaccination certificates or identity cards, as required by the country of destination, passengers traveling with an Emotional Support Dog must submit official documentation on a letterhead of a licensed mental health professional dated within one year from the date of the initial flight.

More information here >>

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Travelling Without a Passport

The 20 Most Pet-Friendly International Airlines Ranked

Travelling with pets can be confusing and stressful, especially if it’s your first time booking flights for your furry friend. That being said, it doesn’t have to be a battle. There are dozens of airlines all over the world that are devoted to making your experience stress-free and enjoyable – you just need to know where to book.

Whether you’re flying with a playful puppy, a napping kitten, or a service animal, here are the top 20 airlines you should consider when travelling or touring across the globe with your pet.

Travel to: Europe

Note: It’s important to know many airlines have restrictions on breeds, destinations, and storage when travelling with pets. While they might be hard to understand, airlines are often complying with government regulations and safety procedures. These policies are also subject to change at any time and your pet’s safety and well-being is always the number one concern. 

• American Airlines
• Swiss International Airlines
• Turkish Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Lufthansa Airlines
• TAP Air Portugal
• Japan Airlines
• CopaAirlines

1. American Airlines

As the biggest airline in the world, American Airlines is also one of the most pet-friendly. For shorter flights, pets are invited to fly in the cabin with their owners as long as they are kept in a small carrier under the seat for the entire flight.

For long-haul flights, pets must be checked as cargo to ensure they’re properly cared for while flying long distances. Fees tend to vary depending on your flight and the size of your pet, but don’t worry, this airline has dozens of positive reviews when it comes to travelling with pets, so the price is worth it.  Read more about flying with animals and the American Airlines policy in detail here .

• Price: $125 – $200
• Animals: Cats, dogs, service animals

JetBlue is perhaps one of the most pet-friendly airlines, offering their furry passengers their own pet perks program! The JetPaws program provides pet-parent travellers with a carrier bag, a list of tips for managing your pet while travelling, and 300 TrueBlue points.

With a $100 fee each way, it’s also an affordable option when touring around north (and a bit of the south) with your four-legged friend. With their pet perks and extra helping hands, you and your pet are sure to get from point A to point B safely and happily. Read more about flying with animals and the JetBlue policy in detail here .

• Price: $100 and up

3. Air Canada

Air Canada offers flights to cities all over the world, from Beijing to Paris , and just about every other major city you can think of. They’re also extremely accommodating when it comes to pets. As long as you arrive 30 minutes before departure and have your pet tucked in their carrier, they’re allowed to travel with you in the cabin.

See Also: How to Save Money on Flights to London

Bigger dogs are welcome to travel in cargo to keep them safe and comfortable during the flight. Prices range from $50 to $118, depending on your flight and your pet, so it’s definitely an affordable and extremely worldwide option. Read more about flying with animals and the AirCanada policy in detail here .

• Price: $50 and up
• Animals: Cats, dogs, service dogs

With destinations to more than 60 countries across the world, you and your pet can go a long way when you’re flying with Delta, and if you’re flying domestically, household birds are welcome to join! Like most pet-friendly airlines, small pets can ride with passengers in the cabin, while larger dogs must ride with cargo for their own safety and comfort.

Prices range from $75 to $200 depending on your final destination, so it’s not too hard on the wallet. Read more about flying with animals and the Delta policy in detail here .  

• Price: $75 and up
• Animals: Cats, dogs, service animals, household birds

5. Air India

As long as your pet is properly crated, have their required documents, and valid vaccinations, they’re welcome to fly with Air India. There are some restrictions, and the pet cannot be considered carry-on luggage. An additional fee must be paid to fly with a pet, and fees vary depending on which country you’re flying to.

That being said, this airline is known to be very accommodating with animals and work hard to make sure all guests (even the furry ones) are comfortable. Read more about flying with animals and the Air India policy in detail here .

• Price: Varies
• Animals: Cats, dogs, birds, service animals

6. Air France

Air France allows pets onboard both international and domestic destinations. So, if a European tour is on your bucket list, this airline can definitely help. They do require you travel with an approved pet container and recommend the use of a flexible bag instead of a plastic one.

For safety reasons, crates are not accepted in the cabin but are allowed in the hold (in the cargo area). Prices range from €30 to €200, entirely depending on your pet and your final destination. Read more about flying with animals and the Air France policy in detail here .

• Price: €30 and up

See Also: How to Save Money on Food at the Airport in Europe

7. Swiss International Airlines

Quoted directly from their websites, Swiss International Airlines is proud to share that “you can take your pet with you on any route.” Passengers can travel with up to two pets, as long as they’re in an approved transport container and are not dangerous or unfit for travel. Interestingly enough, this airline also allows hares and rabbits to travel, as long as they are in the hold – not the cabin.

So, whether it’s a bunny or a pup, you’re good to go! Read more about flying with animals and the Swiss International Airlines policy in detail here .

• Price: $60 and up
• Animals: Cats, dogs, hares, rabbits, service dogs

8. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines makes travelling with pets super easy, as long as you have the proper documentation and vaccines are up to date. Cats, dogs, and singing birds are all allowed to travel in the cabin, as long as they remain in their carrier at all times.

If you’re travelling with two small pets, they’re welcome to stay in the same container together as long as they are familiar with each other and friendly. Fees range from 70 TRY to 170 TRY depending on your flight, your pet, and your carrier. Read more about flying with animals and the Turkish Airlines policy in detail here .

• Price: 70 TRY and up

9. Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines really believes that pets are a part of the family, so they go the extra mile to make sure you can comfortably travel with your pets. In fact, this is one airline that welcomes dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and birds on their domestic flights.

On international flights, dogs and cats are welcome. Plus, with a fee of only $75, you don’t have to break the bank to tour with your pet pal, no matter how small the pet may be. Read more about flying with animals and the Frontier policy in detail here.

• Animals: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, service animals

10. Lufthansa Airlines

Lufthansa Airlines is more than happy to help you travel with your cat, dog, or hare, to a number of destinations across the globe. As long as they fit comfortably, two pets are welcome to travel in the same carrier without any additional fees, and larger dogs are always tucked comfortably into the cargo hold for flights.

With prices starting at €55, you and your pet can get where you’re going for less, without sacrificing comfort or safety. Read more about flying with animals and the Lufthansa policy in detail here .

• Price: €55 and up
• Animals: Cats, dogs, rabbits, hares, service animals

See Also: The Best Airports for Long Layovers

11. Aeroflot

This Russian airline could arguably have the most inclusive pet policy around. Cats, dogs, and birds are allowed to fly both in the cabin and cargo, depending on their size and breed, and as long as they hold the correct documents and containers. On top of that, polecats, ferrets, meerkats, fennec foxes, lorises, pygmy hedgehogs, mini-lop rabbits, and marmosets are also allowed onboard, as long as they are tamed.

So, it seems like just about every animal is welcome to fly here.  Read more about flying with animals and the Aerflot policy in detail here .

• Price: $87 and up, depending on the size of the carrier
• Animals: The list is quite extensive

12. TAP Air Portugal

Thinking of a trip to Lisbon ? Fly with TAP and your pet will be taken care of! Dogs and cats are both welcome to fly in the cabin or the cargo, as long as the owner provides valid documentation and the carrier is deemed safe.

Owners are also asked to arrive a bit earlier than normal, so airline staff can ensure the animal is comfortable and secure in their carrier. Prices are affordable, starting at €35 for domestic flights and €150 for intercontinental travel. Read more about flying with animals and the TAP Air Portgual policy in detail here .  

• Price: €35 and up

See Also: Cheapest Places to Fly from London

13. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)

As long as you book your pet’s trip more than 24 hours in advance, SAS is more than willing to accommodate both of you during your flight. Cats and dogs are both welcome in the cabin, and other pets are able to fly with cargo. Airline staff do have the right to reject your pet if they cannot comfortably sit and move in their carrier, so make sure your pet has the room they need.

If everything is approved, you and your pet can travel for prices starting at just $60. Read more about flying with animals and the SAS policy in detail here .

• Price: $60 – $140 depending on the flight
• Animals: Cats, dogs, service animals, (contact the airline for all approved animals)

14. OpenSkies (British Airways)

OpenSkies has a very open pet policy. Unlike other airlines, this pet policy is dependent on your furry friend’s weight. To travel in the cabin, your cat or dog must be under 13.2 pounds. Anything larger must fly with cargo. To ensure your pet’s safety, you’ll also need to provide medical and travel certificates that deem your pet safe to fly.

As long as you follow these policies, your pet is welcome onboard, with prices starting at $196. Read more about flying with animals and the OpenSkies policy in detail here .

• Price: $196 in cabin and cargo

15. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

To ensure your pet’s journey is smooth and safe, KLM offers a range of travel options to accommodate pets. Your booking should start with a telephone call, as KLM suggests making pet bookings via the phone so all the details can be sorted out prior to taking off. Cats and dogs are welcome to fly in the cabin and in cargo, depending on their size.

Typically, anything more than 18 pounds travel in cargo. Prices depend on your flight; however, the airline offers an online tool for determining the cost. Read more about flying with animals and the KLM policy in detail here .

16. Aer Lingus

Although Aer Lingus may be one of the smaller airlines, their pet policy is definitely made for pets with big plans! Whether you’re travelling within Europe or a transatlantic flight, accommodations can be made for your cat or dog. While you may not be able to travel with your pet in the cabin, you can rest easy knowing your pet is safe and secure in the cargo hold.

You can even make their booking online, so it’s perfect for making plans in advance. Read more about flying with animals and the Aer Lingus policy in detail here .

• Price: €40 for regional flights, €160 international
• Animals, Cats, dogs, rabbits (on domestic flights only), service animals

17. Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines may not allow pets in the cabin, however, they put great care into making sure your pet has a comfortable ride down below in cargo. Pets are kept in air-conditioned rooms, secured safely in the cargo hold, and are delivered directly to you by an agent following the flight. It’s prime service for you and your pet!

All you have to do is show up a little bit earlier for your flight, at about 120 minutes in advance with the necessary paperwork. Read more about flying with animals and the Japan Airlines policy in detail here .

• Price: Unspecified
• Animals: Dogs, cats, small birds (that eat seeds, fruit and insects), rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, marmots, squirrels, chinchillas, service animals

18. Alitalia

If you’ve always wanted to visit Rome with your pet best friend, Alitalia airlines is definitely your best bet. On both domestic and international flights cats, dogs, ferrets, and birds are welcome to fly in the cabin or in cargo, depending on their size and breed.

It’s also interesting to note that the airline’s pet policy states the bottom of the carrier must be covered with a blanket for the pet’s comfort and safety – so it’s clear they have your pet’s best interest in mind. Read more about flying with animals and the Alitalia policy in detail here .

• Price: $40 one way and up
• Animals: Cats, dogs, ferrets, birds, service animals

19. CopaAirlines

Look no further for a South American pet-friendly airline: CopaAirlines has you covered. Like other airlines, cats and dogs are welcome in both the cabin and cargo hold, as long as they have the proper documentation and an approved pet carrier. For the safety of each pet, a health certificate is required on international flights and they must be free of screwworms – understandably so.

Aside from that, arrive at the airport a bit earlier than normal and you’re set to fly! Read more about flying with animals and the CopaAirlines policy in detail here .

As one of Spain ’s largest international airlines, Iberia can get you and your pet to a number of destinations both inside and outside of Europe. You might not be able to fly with your ferret, but you are welcome to fly with cats, dogs, birds, and tortoises. That’s right – even tortoises.

When you buy your ticket, you will need to contact the booking office directly to let them know you’re flying with a pet. Beyond that, just make sure you have a well-ventilated carrier with a waterproof floor and you’re welcome to fly for as little as €120. Read more about flying with animals and the Iberia policy in detail here .

• Price: Starting at €120
• Animals: Cats, dogs, birds, tortoises, service animals

Share your best tips for travelling with pets in the comments below! 

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Jesse Warner

Jesse is a blogger and content creator who loves travel, the outdoors, and her dog, Molly. When she isn't planning her next trip, she can be found watching Netflix documentaries, enjoying time by the water, or eating soft-serve ice cream. Follow her on Instagram , Facebook , or check out her blog .

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While you enjoy the thrill of exploring the world with your pet, we take care of their comfort and safety. We ensure that pets travel in the best possible conditions and that our passengers have a pleasant and worry-free flight experience.

Make a reservation using our website or mobile app.

You can make a reservation for your pet using your reservation code (PNR) information on our website or mobile application.

Calculate your pet’s transportation cost and leave no room for surprises.

You can easily calculate your pet transportation fee on our page before your domestic or international flights.

Traveling with Pets

Transport in the cargo compartment

Learn about pets that can be transported in the aircraft cargo hold.

More information

Country-based situations

Check the rules and conditions regarding pet acceptance at your destination.

All terms and conditions

Get all the details you need about traveling with pets.

Pets allowed on board

Learn more about booking and boarding pets.

Service animals (SVAN)

Learn more about the service animals that assist our disabled passengers.

Transport in the cabin

Check out the breeds of dogs, cats and birds that can be carried in the cabin.

Frequently asked questions about traveling with pets

What types of pets are allowed on board.

Cats, dogs and small songbirds (parakeets, canaries) are the only types of pets permitted in the aircraft cabin. These animals can also be transported in the aircraft cargo hold.

What is the pet carriage fee?

Before traveling with your pet, you can calculate the fee here .

Are there weight or size limits for my pet?

Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin cannot exceed a total of 8 kg, including their carrier. The carrier dimensions must be no more than 23 cm in height, 30 cm in width and 40 cm in length. For pets traveling in the aircraft cargo hold, carriers/cages cannot exceed 75 cm in height, 75 cm in width and 125 cm in length. The total weight of the carrier and the pet together cannot exceed 50 kg.

What To Know About Traveling Internationally With Your Pets

T raveling internationally with your pet can be a great experience. For one, most of us consider our pets family, so exploring the world or vacationing with our quadrupedal companion can be an exciting proposition. But in some circumstances, it may be difficult — if not impossible — to travel internationally without your pet. Boarding costs and pet-sitting fees can be astronomical, and without calling in favors from family or friends, you may not be in a situation to leave your pet stateside for an extended period of time.

Knowing how to travel with a dog internationally (or cat) wisely can be the difference between a rewarding experience and a hassle-plagued trip. Taking your pet requires forethought, in-depth research, and savvy trip planning. While the idea of traveling with your furry confidant may be appealing, it's also a big responsibility with its own unique considerations, probably dictating what airlines you take, where you plan to stay, and the experiences you'll have.

That said, the reward of sharing your travels with your pet can make the effort, expenses, and sacrifices well worth it. But to avoid major problems, you'll need to be well-acquainted with everything traveling internationally with your pet entails.

Finding A Pet-Friendly Flight

To begin planning your international adventure, it's imperative to research the various pet policies across different airlines. Most major airlines allow small dogs and cats to fly in the cabin with you, as long as they're placed in an FAA-approved pet carrier that fits comfortably under the seat. If you're the pet parent of a small dog or cat, you'll still need to check your flight before purchasing a ticket. Typically, airlines only allow a certain amount of pets on a flight, so you need to ensure a spot's available for your pet before purchasing your own ticket.

If your dog isn't small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, things get a bit more complicated. The only U.S.-based carriers that allow dogs to fly in the cargo hold are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Hawaiian. Fortunately, international airlines tend to be a bit more accommodating. Air France, Swiss, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, TAP, SAS, British Airways, Alitalia, KLM, and Japan Airlines all currently allow larger pets to fly in cargo.

Pet Policies And Alternative Transport Options

It's important to note that some, but not all, airlines also have breed restrictions for the dogs they allow to fly in the cargo hold . These restrictions are typically imposed on short-nosed breeds, such as boxers, bulldogs, Boston terriers, and others, as these Brachycephalic breeds are prone to breathing difficulties. Overall, it's a good idea to contact the airline directly concerning any questions regarding breed restrictions.

If you're unable to find a flight that can accommodate you and your pet, whether due to breed restrictions or other factors, there's still hope. You may have the option to ship your pet through a commercial transport company, but you'll need to ensure the company is part of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), a regulated organization that adheres to ethical safety standards. 

If you are trying to travel with your pug or bulldog, IPATA works with airlines and transport companies that may accommodate your pet. IPATA created a Brachycephalic Certification Program that allows these types of breeds to fly after passing a fit-to-fly assessment. These specialized assessments can be conducted by a certified veterinarian, and the results are given to the airlines and companies partnering with IPATA, helping to ensure the safety of your dog. 

The Cost Of Flying With Your Pet

Airline pet fees aren't cheap. If your pet is small enough to fly in the cabin, the fees can be up to a few hundred dollars one-way, but these prices increase dramatically if the pet is traveling in the cargo hold. The cost will depend on the airline, the route (with or without layovers), and the size of the crate. 

In most cases, when traveling with a pet, it's wise to spend up for a direct flight versus trying to save with layovers if your pet is in the cargo hold. But if your itinerary must include a layover or multiple, many airlines require a three-hour minimum time window between your connecting flights. This gives the airline ample time to feed, give water, and walk your dog to use the bathroom, but fair warning, these services aren't cheap. It's always a good idea to check with the airline to learn more about their specific policies.

If a direct flight isn't possible, then try to at least stick to the same airline. In simplest terms, changing airlines in a foreign country will require you to claim your dog from cargo, then pay another pet fee to the new airline. You'll also need to clear your dog through customs.

Paperwork And Health Assessments

Before you depart, you'll need to make sure your pet's paperwork is in order. While countries differ in their requirements, most require the following at minimum. First, you'll need to take your pet to a veterinarian to receive an international health certificate no more than 10 days before departure (or entry to the foreign country). You'll also need proof of a rabies vaccination taken within the last year for most destinations, as well as governmental export paperwork.

In addition, some countries require blood titer tests for rabies and proof of parasite prevention treatments. You need to research the requirements carefully of the particular country to ensure you have the proper paperwork, as the requirements are not flexible. Your pet will also require an ISO-compliant microchip, which is the world standard. If you need to update your pet's vaccinations, many countries require that the microchip be implanted before the pet receives its vaccinations. Finally, while most countries do not require a quarantine period upon entry, some rabies-free and island nations do, such as Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Iceland. The length of quarantine varies by country. 

Prepping Your Pet For Flight

Along with knowing how to travel with a dog internationally in financial and regulatory terms, it's equally as important to prepare your pet for the trip, especially if it's a long-haul flight. For instance, if your pet isn't used to being in a crate, then it's a good idea to acquaint your pet with one for a few weeks before the flight. This could mean requiring them to sleep in a crate or leaving them in one for periods of time.

Same idea with puppy pads. Whether they're flying in the cabin or the cargo hold, your fur buddy will probably be expected to use a pet relief area at some point. Flying can be a stressful experience for a pet, but introducing them to a crate and pads beforehand may help the situation.

While traveling internationally with a pet can be costly and time-consuming, it can also be an extremely rewarding experience after the rigmarole, as long as you plan carefully and know what to expect.

Read this next: Insider Hacks And Little-Known Facts: 12 Secrets Of Inflight Beverage Service

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The best cat carriers for stress-free travel, according to editor reviews

We’re celebrating National Pet Week at NBC Select by sharing our favorite pet products. Shop  puppy supplies ,  kitten essentials  and more on our  pets homepage .

Whether cats like it or not, spending time inside a travel carrier is necessary for vet visits and family trips. They run the gamut as far as size, style and build are concerned, so it’s important to think about what models your cat will be the safest and most comfortable in. We consulted experts about how to shop for the best cat carriers and rounded up our favorite options from brands like Away, Sherpa and Tuft+Paw. Experts also share tips for acclimating cats to their carriers, and what you should know about driving, flying and walking with them.

SKIP AHEAD Best cat carriers | Best cat backpacks | How to help cats get used to their carrier

Selected. Our top picks

How we tried cat carriers

• Mode of transportation and activity : How you’re traveling with your cat impacts what type of carrier you should purchase, our experts say. If you’re flying, for example, you’ll need to check your airline’s dimension requirements for in-cabin carriers (meaning those that fly with the passengers). But if you’re taking your cat in a car or on a train, there aren’t the same kinds of limitations, giving you more freedom in choosing one.
• Size : To find the right size carrier for your cat, measure from the base of their tail to their snout and add a few inches — that’s how long the carrier should be, says Albert Colominas, a cat trainer and behaviorist who founded Outdoor Bengal , which offers cat training videos, gear and other online resources. To determine how tall the carrier should be, measure from the top of your cat’s shoulders to the floor and add a few inches. This ensures they can stand and sit up straight without crouching, he says.
• Weight limit : Most brands note the maximum weight their cat carrier supports to help you determine if it’s the right fit.
• Style : Most cat carriers look like tote bags or backpacks. Tote bag-style carriers offer cats more sprawling room, which is especially important for longer trips. Backpack-style carriers are usually more cramped, but if you’re walking a short distance, they’re easy to carry. Brands also make wheeled carriers, which you should try to stay away from, says Jennifer Van de Kieft, a certified advanced feline training and behavior professional who owns Cat Advocate , a feline behavior consulting company. They may seem convenient, but they’re less stable than options you hold, and may cause your cat to get bumped around while in transit. Cats appreciate being close to you when they’re in unfamiliar situations, so carrying them with hand or shoulder straps is preferred, she says.
• Opening : Standard cat carriers have a side opening, but if your cat fights you on going inside, you may find it easier to maneuver them through wider top openings.
• Hard-sided versus soft-sided : Hard-sided carriers are often made from plastic, and they act as durable, solid, protective shells for cats, says Colominas. Soft-sided carriers, on the other hand, are typically made from fabric like nylon and polyester, so they’re lightweight, soft and comfortable. Soft-sided carriers tend to be best for air travel or for walking short distances with your cat. Hard-sided options are the safest option for car travel and come in handy for aggressive cats who gnaw or claw at fabric. They’re also preferred for cats who suffer from motion sickness or have accidents in transit since plastic is easier to clean than fabric, says Colominas.
• Visibility : All carriers allow cats to see their surroundings, but some offer more visibility than others. Confident, curious cats might feel more at ease if they can watch what’s happening outside of their carrier — in this case, look for options with mesh or clear windows, says Colominas. But timid cats often find visibility overwhelming — in this case, look for options with limited windows. You can also cover a carrier with a blanket or sheet to occasionally decrease visibility, like if you’re walking through a crowded airport, says Van de Kieft.
• Storage : Just like traveling with kids, traveling with pets requires lots of snacks, toys and other accessories to keep them happy and comfortable. Rather than packing a separate bag, look for carriers with exterior pockets. 
• Safety : If you want extra assurance that the cat carrier is safe for car travel specifically, look for those crash-tested by the Center for Pet Safety , a non-profit that conducts independent crash tests on cat and dog travel products. Also be aware that some carriers have a tether inside them with a clip on the end — attach it to your cat’s harness to prevent them from jumping out when you open a door. Van de Kieft does not recommend clipping it to a cat’s collar, as doing so limits their range of motion too much and could become unsafe.

The best cat carriers of 2024, according to our reviews

Below, we rounded up cat carriers NBC Select cat parents recommend. Some of our picks are NBC Select Pet Award winners , and all of them meet expert shopping guidance. Airline-approved cat carriers and backpacks are also noted, which means they’re designed to fit under seats in most commercial airlines, according to the brands. But different airlines have different size requirements for in-cabin carriers, so be sure to check before bringing it to the airport.

The best cat carriers

Best overall: away the pet carrier.

Away Pet Carrier

• Removable, washable bed
• Multiple pockets
• Seatbelt attachment
• High price point

Away’s carrier — a Select Pet Award winner — has soft yet rigid sides that help the bag keeps its shape during and between uses, in my experience. It’s designed with a leather body and water-resistant nylon interior, making accidents easy to clean up if they happen. The carrier comes with a removable, washable plush sherpa bed cats can rest on, plus it’s built with a luggage sleeve, latches that can fasten it to a car seat belt and a removable name card. You can also choose to carry the bag by its handles or removable shoulder strap. Away’s carrier is certified by The Center for Pet Safety and it’s personalizable for an additional $35.

I love using this carrier for my cats Wanda and Lucy. I appreciate the spacious exterior pocket, which holds their treats and a couple small toys, as well as my phone and wallet. There’s even a dedicated clip for my keys. The carrier also has a side pocket with water-resistant lining and drainage holes in case you put a collapsible water bowl inside. There’s mesh panels on three sides of the carrier, and one side has an added retractable privacy screen — I keep it up when we’re in the car or at the vet so my cats can see their surroundings, but roll it down while walking through busy New York City streets to shield them from some of the activity.

Size (LxWxH) : 18.7 x 10.8 x 10.75 in. | Opening: Top and side | Weight limit: Up to 18 lbs. | Airline approved: Yes

Best affordable: Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier

Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier

• Removable, washable liner
• Affordable price point
• Pockets and luggage sleeve
• High visibility

The majority of cat parents on NBC Select’s team own Sherpa’s carrier, and they all love its simplicity and functionality. The Select Pet Award winner also has a flexible spring wire frame and mesh side panels. The interior of the base is covered in water-resistant material and a removable, machine-washable liner, giving cats a soft, cozy place to rest. You can hold the carrier by its padded handles or detachable shoulder strap. There’s also an exterior storage pocket and a luggage sleeve that you can weave a seat belt through during car rides.

Size (LxWxH): 17 x 11 x 10.5 in. | Opening: Top and side | Weight limit: Up to 16 lbs. | Airline approved: Yes

Best carrier for large cats: Roverlund Out-Of-Office Pet Carrier

Roverlund Pet Carrier

• Two sizes available
• Sturdy structure

Roverlund’s carrier comes in two sizes — small and large — the latter of which is a great option for traveling with big cats, says Rebecca Rodriguez , NBC Select editorial projects manager. She uses it to take her 16-pound cat Enzo to the vet, and is impressed by its sturdy structure, despite being a soft-sided carrier.

The bag has three mesh side panels and a leak-resistant base lined with polyester. It also comes with a machine-washable, fleece-lined bed. You can store your cat’s travel accessories in the bag’s rear pocket, and Rodriguez finds its rope handles and shoulder strap comfortable and supportive. There are also reflective details, making it more visible in the early morning or late evening. 

Size (LxWxH) : 17 x 11 x 10.5 in. (small), 19 x 11.75 x 11.5 in. (large)  | Opening: Top and side | Weight limit: Up to 15 lbs. (small), up to 25 lbs. (large)  | Airline approved: Yes (must remove rear pocket insert before flying)

Best multifunctional: Tuft & Paw Porto Cat Carrier

Tuft & Paw Porto Cat Travel Carrier

• Turns into a bed
• Luggage sleeve and pockets
• Nothing to note at this time

Tuft & Paw’s Porto carrier doubles as a cozy bed, thanks to its zippered walls. You can unzip one of them to form the base of the bed while the other three stay upright, which makes my cat Wanda feel safe and secure while sleeping. In fact, she naps in it so much that I leave this carrier out 24/7 to make coaxing her inside for travel easier.

It's made from water-resistant canvas and has multiple mesh windows. It’s also designed with a luggage sleeve, handles and a detachable shoulder strap, as well as a pocket to store travel essentials. Plus, it comes with a machine-washable faux shearling pad.

Size (LxWxH) : 18.75 x 10.5 x 11.25 in. | Opening: Top and side | Weight limit: Up to 30 lbs. | Airline approved: Yes

Best for car travel: Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier

Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Small Carrier

• Highly protective
• Comes with clip-on bowls
• Bulky design
• Not airline approved

Because they’re likely to be the most protective in an accident, a rectangular, hard-sided carrier is best for car travel, says Dr. Marcia Landefeld, a veterinarian and owner of the Feline Veterinary Hospital in Port Washington, New York. Its rigid top and bottom pieces are typically held together via metal nuts and bolts, and Landefeld likes options with a metal door that swings outward and tightly locks in place, preventing escape. 

Petmate’s Sky Kennel Pet Carrier offers all of these features, and it has a 4.4-star rating from 6,748 reviews on Amazon. Cats can see outside all four walls, and it comes with clip-on bowls and ID stickers. Petmate’s carrier has a top handle, but Landefeld suggests putting your arms underneath its base and holding it like a sack of potatoes to keep your cat more stable.

Size (LxWxH) : 21 x 16 x 15 in. | Opening: Side | Weight limit: Up to 15 lbs. | Airline approved: No

Best dome-shaped: Sleepypod Pet Carrier

Sleepypod Pet Carrier

• Easy to get cats inside
• Seatbelt attachement
• Removable, washable bedding

To prevent going into a carrier, some cats hold their legs out and stiffen them, making it very difficult — if not impossible — to finagle them through a narrow opening. You might have an easier time getting finicky cats inside dome-shaped carriers, which typically have very wide top openings, says Landefeld.

The Sleepypod Pet Carrier, certified by The Center for Pet Safety, has a mesh dome top that zips onto a rigid nylon base lined with water-resistant polyester. It comes with machine-washable plush bedding and to get cats in and out, you can either completely unzip the mesh dome from the base or zip the middle of the dome open. It also comes with a removable padded shoulder strap, or you can carry it by its top handle. Plus, it has built-in seatbelt straps to secure it to car seats.

Size: 17 in. diameter, 13.5 in. height  | Opening: Top | Weight limit: Up to 15 lbs. | Airline approved: No

Best expandable: Petsfit Expandable Carrier

Petsfit Expandable Carrier

• Expandable mesh panel
• Side storage pocket

One side of this cat carrier is designed with an expandable mesh panel, giving your cat extra sprawling room if you’re in the waiting room at the vet or sitting at the gate before boarding a plane. Once it’s time to move, you can fold the mesh panel so it’s flat against the carrier and zip it shut. The carrier — which has a 4.6-star average rating from 1,918 reviews on Amazon — has a solid wire structure, multiple mesh windows and a removable, machine-washable plush bed. Its base is made from water-resistant material, and you can store travel essentials in a side storage pocket. It's also built with a luggage sleeve and handles, plus a removable, adjustable shoulder strap.

Size (LxWxH) : 17 x 11 x 11 in., expands to 20 x 17 x 11 in.  | Opening: Top and side | Weight limit: Up to 13 lbs. | Airline approved: Yes

The best cat backpacks

Best overall: the fat cat mini backpack carrier.

The Fat Cat Mini Backpack Carrier

• Swappable bubble window
• Shoulder and chest straps

Kelsey Fredricks, NBC Select production coordinator, uses this backpack to show her 11.5-pound cat Kiwi the outside world. She finds it very protective while taking him on walks to see squirrels and pigeons, as well as to the vet.

There’s mesh on the tops and sides of the carrier, plus a bubble window cats can look out of. You can also swap out the bubble window for a screen to make the front of the backpack flatter, which you may have to do if you’re flying with it. There are multiple storage pockets on the backpack’s exterior, as well as adjustable shoulder, chest straps and a removable, machine-washable plush pad.

Size (LxWxH) : 20 x 7 x 19 in. | Opening: Top | Weight limit: Up to 15 lbs. | Airline approved: Yes

Best backpack for large cats: Jespet Backpack Carrier

Jespet Backpack Carrier

• Adjustable straps
• Removable, washable pad
• Exterior storage pockets
• Not easy to clean

Since her 16-pound cat Sammy is big, NBC commerce photo editor Kara Birnbaum finds it easier to carry him in a backpack compared to a tote. She says this model is comfortable since it has adjustable straps and padded walls that keep the backpack stable while she’s walking.

The carrier is designed with multiple mesh windows and comes with a removable, machine-washable fleece pad. You can lay it down or sit it up when you take it off. It’s built with exterior storage pockets, too.

Size (LxWxH) : 13 x 12 x 17 in. | Opening: Top and front | Weight limit: Up to 16 lbs. | Airline approved: Yes

Best for plane travel: Mr. Peanuts Aspen Series Backpack Pet Carrier

Mr. Peanuts Aspen Series Backpack Pet Carrier

• Extra wide doors
• Hidden laptop pocket

This cat backpack is a lifesaver when I fly with Wanda, which is why I’ve taken it on five flights in the past two years. In addition to the top and front openings, both sides of the backpack unzip, providing extra wide doors I put Wanda through when she’s being difficult about going in the more narrow openings. I lay the backpack down when I have to put it under the seat on the plane and it gives Wanda plenty of space to stretch out and rest comfortably. It's also tall enough that she can sit up straight when I stand it up. 

Mr. Peanuts’ backpack comes with a removable, machine-washable fleece pad and is built with a luggage sleeve, seat belt attachment and multiple mesh windows. Its padded shoulder straps are comfortable for me to wear while walking through the airport, and there’s a hidden pocket on the back of the carrier that’s large enough to store a 13-inch laptop. The sides also have pockets to store pet essentials or a water bottle.

Size (LxWxH) : 14 x 8 x 17.5 in. | Opening: Top, front and sides | Weight limit: Up to 16 lbs. | Airline approved: Yes

select I have two cats — these are the must-have products I recommend for new kittens

Frequently asked questions.

Hard-sided and soft-sided carriers each offer strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, deciding which is right for your cat depends on their personality and your travel plans.

Hard-sided carriers

Hard-sided carriers are made from durable plastic that creates a solid, protective shell around your cat, says Colominas. Since they have more structural integrity than soft-sided carriers, the walls are less likely to cave in or collapse if you’re in a car accident. Because of this, they’re the safest option for car travel, says Landefeld.

Hard-sided cat carriers are also the best option for aggressive cats who are likely to scratch or gnaw through fabric. They’re also easy to clean, which is not always the case with soft-sided carriers, whose fabric may absorb accidents, hold onto odors and stain.

The challenge of hard-sided carriers is that they’re typically bulkier, heavier and less comfortable compared to their soft-sided counterparts. But you can make them cozy with soft cat beds and blankets, as well as items that help muffle noise, says Landefeld.

Soft-sided carriers

Soft-sided carriers are made from fabrics like nylon and polyester. They’re lightweight, making them easier to carry, and cushioned, making them more comfortable for cats. Soft-sided carriers’ fabric construction also means they’re more flexible compared to hard-sided carriers: “They can squish into smaller spaces, like under that airplane seat,” says Colominas. Every time I’ve flown with my cat, the airline required me to use a soft-sided carrier for this exact reason.

Despite their positive attributes, soft-sided carriers won’t stand up to gnawing and clawing from stressed cats, and they’re tricky — sometimes impossible — to clean if your cat has an accident in transit. The walls of soft-sided carriers can also cave in if they bump into something, making cats more vulnerable to outside elements.

All the experts we spoke to say to never put your cat in cargo while traveling, meaning underneath the passengers with the checked luggage. Instead, travel with your cat in the plane's cabin, meaning where the passengers sit. Here, your cat carrier goes underneath the seat in front of you.

Every airline has its own set of dimension requirements for in-cabin pet carriers. So even if you purchase something that's advertised as an “airline approved pet carrier,” don’t make assumptions. It’s best to call the specific airline you’re flying with to find out what their requirements are or read through the pet travel FAQs on its website, experts say.

While traveling with your cat in the car, it’s best to place their carrier on a seat with the seat belt around it, or on the floor behind the front seats, says Landefeld. These are the most stable places in the car, and if you stop short, the carrier is less likely to move around. Landefeld also says you should never take your cat out of its carrier while driving.

If you’re traveling with very young kittens, you may be able to get away with putting them in one carrier together. However, the stress of traveling can make cats aggressive toward one another, so it’s usually not worth the risk, says Van de Kieft. It’s generally best for each cat to be in its own carrier.

Some cats don’t make a peep in their carrier and are content lying down or looking out the window in transit. But for other cats, a little meowing, scratching and pacing back and forth is par for the course — and that’s totally normal, says Landefeld. They likely don’t like being in the enclosed space and want to get out. However, if your cat is open-mouth breathing (panting), vomits or collapses inside its carrier, they’re very stressed and should be removed from the situation as soon as possible. Experts also recommend immediately calling your vet.

If your cat is constantly upset inside its carrier, talk to your vet about next steps. Often, they’ll prescribe a medication called Gabapentin, which can help cats relax and has a mild sedative effect, says Landefeld. They’ll be less fearful in transit, making trips more enjoyable for both of you.

Finally, keep in mind that while some trips can’t be avoided — like vet visits or if you’re moving — others can be. And if your cat really hates being in the carrier, Colominas recommends weighing the benefits of bringing your cat along against the possible anxiety the journey could cause. “If it’s just for a weekend getaway, consider whether your cat would be happier at home with a pet sitter,” he says.

How to help cats get used to their carrier

Once you find the right carrier for your cat, it’s time to help them get used to spending time in it. Here are some of the best ways to do so, according to experts.

Make sure the carrier is clean

If a carrier has been in storage for a while, clean it before introducing it to your cat, says Van de Kieft. Make sure it doesn’t smell strange and is free of dust, dirt and bugs — all things that could deter your cat from getting inside.

Leave the carrier out in your home

It’s important to make your cat’s carrier a fun place to be, which starts with leaving it out in your home so they have constant access to it, says Van de Kieft. Cats are super smart, and if you exclusively bring the carrier out when it’s time to go to the vet, for example, they’ll associate negative experiences with it. Instead, let cats explore the carrier on their own and make it inviting by adding a soft blanket or one of their favorite toys.

Finding a place to leave your cat’s carrier out may take some trial and error. Some cats ignore their carrier in one room but jump right into it in another, says Van de Kieft. Regardless of where it ends up, it’s best to elevate the carrier on a table or chair, she says. Cats are biologically programmed to like heights — in the wild, it’s how they’d spot predators and find food. Thus, elevating their carrier makes it more attractive, says Van de Kieft.

Spray it with calming pheromones

Pheromones are chemical substances animals naturally release into their environments, and certain types have calming, comforting effects, says Van de Kieft. Feliway makes a spray that mimics the natural facial pheromone cats mark their territory with when they feel safe and secure, and this smell can cause them to feel less stressed, according to the brand. Van de Kieft and Landefeld recommend spraying your cat’s carrier with Feliway’s spray to help them understand that it’s a safe place to be. I’ve used this spray for about two years with my cat, and it seems to encourage her to explore her carrier at home, plus take the edge off when we’re in transit.

Praise your cat when they’re inside the carrier

“The best way to carrier train your cat is to reinforce every time they’re inside it,” says Van de Kieft. Give them a treat every time they’re inside it, verbally praise them by talking to them and pet them, for example. This creates positive associations with the carrier and signals that it’s a happy, safe place to be.

Play soothing music

Some artists make music that’s specifically composed to be calming for cats, and playing it can help reduce stress around certain situations, like being put into its carrier. Van de Kieft recommends David Teie’s Music for Cats , some of which you can stream for free through his website.

Buy a new carrier

“If your cat absolutely hates its carrier, the easiest thing to do might be to just get a completely different one,” says Van de Kieft. Cats who have a negative experience with a carrier may never go near it again, or panic at the sight of it. In this case, starting fresh with a new one may be your best option.

What to pack while traveling with your cat

Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats

Feliway Classic Cat Calming Pheromone Travel Spray

Yeowww! Banana Catnip Toy

Pawaboo Collapsible Food and Water Bowls

Sport Pet Large Portable Litter Box

Meet our experts.

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Albert Colominas is a cat trainer and behaviorist. He's also the founder of Outdoor Bengal and frequently travels around the world with his cat Mia.
• Jennifer Van de Kieft is a certified advanced feline training and behavior professional. She owns Cat Advocate , a feline behavior consulting company.
• Dr. Marcia Landefeld is a veterinarian and owner of the Feline Veterinary Hospital in Port Washington, New York.

Why trust NBC Select?

Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor at NBC Select who writes about pet products, including kitten supplies and accessories to keep your dog cool . For this article, she interviewed three experts about how to shop for cat carriers and rounded up products recommended by NBC Select pet parents.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor for Select on NBC News.