Short answer: Of 13 major airlines we checked on their official pages, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Air India, United and Delta allow small cats and dogs in the cabin on at least some international routes. Most cap the pet plus carrier at 8 kg (17.6 lb); Air India allows 10 kg. Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways and Singapore Airlines don’t allow pets in the cabin, and American Airlines doesn’t on transatlantic or transpacific trips. Route exclusions, especially to the UK, Australia and the UAE, matter as much as weight.
In-cabin pet travel on international flights is possible with many airlines. But policies vary enough by carrier and route that assuming a domestic policy applies internationally is a common and costly mistake.
Which Airlines Allow Pets in the Cabin Internationally?
From each airline’s official pet page (September 2026):
| Airline | Cabin pets internationally? | Limit | Notable exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa | Yes, dogs and cats | 8 kg including carrier; one carrier per passenger | May refuse certain routes, e.g. the UK and Ireland |
| Air France | Yes, dogs and cats | 8 kg; one animal per passenger | Not in intercontinental Business; UK, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are cargo only |
| KLM | Yes, dogs and cats | 8 kg; Economy only on intercontinental flights | No pets in cabin or hold to the UK |
| Turkish Airlines | Yes (cats, dogs, budgies, canaries) | 8 kg; window seats only | No pets on UK flights, including connections |
| Etihad | Yes, dogs and cats (at least 16 weeks old) | 8 kg including carrier | USA, London, Manchester, Sydney, Melbourne and some Indian cities |
| Air India | Yes (Economy) | 10 kg; one pet per passenger | America, Canada, Australia, UK; India to UAE; ultra-long-haul flights |
| United | Yes, dogs and cats | No weight limit; carrier sizes apply | Australia, Ireland, Hong Kong, New Zealand, UAE, UK and others |
| Delta | Yes, in Main Cabin and Comfort only | Soft kennel about 18 × 11 × 11 in recommended; 4 per flight | Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Africa, UK, UAE and others |
| American | Not on transatlantic or transpacific trips | — | Carry-on pets only within and between the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean |
| Emirates | No (falcons on certain Pakistan routes only) | — | — |
| Qatar Airways | No (falcons and service dogs only) | — | — |
| British Airways | No, on any route | — | — |
| Singapore Airlines | No (checked baggage only) | — | — |
Why Do Policies Vary So Much by Route?
The destination drives much of it. The UK is the clearest example: KLM, Turkish Airlines, United, Delta and Air India all exclude cabin pets on UK routes, and Air France says cargo is “the only mode of transport authorized” to the UK, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Aircraft and cabin class matter too. Air France doesn’t accept pets in intercontinental Business, KLM keeps intercontinental cabin pets in Economy, and Delta excludes Delta One, Delta Premium and international Business. Always check the rule for your exact route and cabin, not the airline’s general page.
What Are the Typical In-Cabin Requirements?
- Weight and carrier: usually 8 kg including a soft carrier that fits under the seat. Carrier sizes differ: Air France and KLM specify 46 × 28 × 24 cm, Lufthansa 55 × 40 × 23 cm, and Turkish 40 × 30 × 23 cm.
- Minimum age: Lufthansa requires 12 weeks (15 weeks to, from or via Germany), Air France 15 weeks and Etihad 16 weeks. For entry to the US, dogs must be 6 months old.
- Numbers: one pet per passenger on Air France, Air India and Etihad. United allows two if you buy a second seat.
- Fees: one way, USD 150 on United, USD 200 internationally on Delta, USD 200–250 on Air France to or from North America, and USD 399 on Etihad.
- Documents: the destination’s import paperwork, checked separately from the booking. Dogs flying to the US also need a CDC Dog Import Form receipt shown at check-in.
What About Flat-Faced Breeds?
For flat-faced pets, the cabin is often the only option. Lufthansa (since January 1, 2020), Air France, KLM and Turkish Airlines (since October 1, 2021) bar snub-nosed dogs and cats from the hold but accept them in the cabin within 8 kg. Qatar Airways doesn’t accept listed breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Persian cats at all. See our brachycephalic relocation guide.
What Should You Confirm Before Booking?
- That your exact route and cabin class allow pets, including every connecting flight and codeshare. Lufthansa notes that on codeshares, the operating airline’s rules apply.
- Your pet’s weight in its packed carrier, against the airline’s limit.
- Breed restrictions, especially for flat-faced breeds.
- The destination’s import rules, and for dogs to the US, the CDC’s requirements.
- Written confirmation of the pet booking, made when you book your own seat.
What If Your Pet Is Too Big for the Cabin?
It travels in the hold as checked baggage or as cargo. That process has its own weight tiers, temperature embargoes and fees; see the real cost of flying a large dog internationally. If your pet is a cat, our guide to flying with a cat internationally has cat-specific tips. For how airlines handle emotional support animals, see our guide to ESA letters for US and Indian airlines.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace guidance from your veterinarian. Airline policies change often; confirm current rules with your airline before booking.
Sources
- Lufthansa — Travelling with animals
- Air France — Traveling with your dog or cat; KLM — Pets: reservation and conditions
- Turkish Airlines — Traveling with pets; Etihad — Travelling with pets
- Air India — Travelling with pets
- United Airlines — Traveling with pets; Delta Air Lines — Pet travel; American Airlines — Pets
- Emirates — Unusual baggage and special allowances; Qatar Airways — Travelling with animals
- British Airways — Travelling with pets; Singapore Airlines — Travelling with pets
- CDC — CDC Dog Import Form and Instructions, April 2026
