Your furry companions are more than just pets - they're family. And when you're planning a move that involves air travel for your beloved cats and dogs, you might be wondering if they can travel together on the plane to provide comfort and reassurance to each other.
The answer to that question is a bit more complex.
If you're thinking of having them travel in the same crate, the guidelines set by IATA (International Air Transport Association) states that up to two adult animals that are similar in size, under 14 kg (30 lbs) each, and who get along may travel in the same kennel. Additionally, up to three puppies or kittens from the same litter may travel in the same kennel if they are less than 14 kg (30 lbs) each and less than 6 months old. However, if your pets don't meet these criteria, the general rule is one animal per kennel. You must ensure that the kennel provides enough space for each furry friend to move around comfortably, stand up, sit down, spin around, and relax without any restrictions.
Each airline has its own set of rules regarding pets traveling together, whether in-cabin, as checked baggage or as cargo. It's crucial to review the individual policies of your preferred airline before making any travel arrangements.
Below are some examples of policies from a few of our preferred airlines.
American Airlines
American Airlines only allows small cats and dogs to travel in-cabin. The limit is one kennel per passenger and one pet per kennel. Accompanied baggage pet travel is not permitted except for active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel on official orders. They allow up to two pets per passenger and one pet per kennel. Two pets can be in the same kennel only if they are the same species, similar in size, weigh no more than 20 lbs (9 kg) each, and are between 8 weeks and 6 months old. All other pets must travel as cargo and the same rules apply.Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines allows up to two small pets in-cabin per passenger. Two pets can travel in the same carrier only if they are the same species, similar size, at least 8 weeks old, fully weaned, and accustomed to solid food for at least five days without nursing. Pets are accepted as accompanied baggage with one pet per kennel. Two kittens or puppies may share a kennel if they are the same species, between 8 weeks and 6 months old, and weigh less than 20 lbs (9 kg) each. All other pets must travel as cargo and the same rules apply. The only exception is for puppies or kittens under 8 weeks old and traveling with their mother if the destination is a laboratory or research facility.
KLM
KLM allows one cat or dog per passenger (per kennel) to travel in cabin. They must be a minimum of 15 weeks old. Up to three pets per passenger are allowed to travel as accompanied baggage. They can share a kennel if they weigh under 14 kg (30 lbs) each, are two adult animals of similar size, or up to three animals under 6 months old from the same litter. The same rules apply for cats and dogs traveling as cargo.
British Airways
British Airways only allows assistance dogs in cabin - all other pets must travel as cargo. Two adult pets traveling as cargo may share a kennel if they are similar in size, weighing up to 14 kg (30 lbs) each. Alternatively, up to three puppies or kittens from the same litter weighing under 14 kg (30 lbs) each can also share a kennel. Pets over 6 months old or weighing more than 14 kg (30 lbs) must travel in separate kennels to ensure their comfort and safety during the journey.
Qantas
Qantas only allows service dogs in cabin. Pets traveling as accompanied baggage are only permitted on domestic flights within Australia. For cargo travel, pets must be at least 12 weeks old. A maximum of two adult animals of similar size, weighing up to 14 kg (30 lbs) each, and compatible with each other, may be in the same kennel. Animals exceeding that weight limit must travel individually. Additionally, up to three animals under 6 months old from the same litter, weighing up to 14 kg (30 lbs) each, may be in the same kennel.
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand only allows accredited service dogs in cabin. Pets traveling as accompanied baggage are only allowed on domestic flights within New Zealand. A mother and her litter can travel together if the kittens or puppies are over 8 weeks old. Up to three weaned kittens or puppies from the same litter, between 8 weeks and 6 months old, and weighing less than 14 kg (30 lbs) each, can share a carrier. Additionally, a maximum of two adult pets of similar size, weighing up to 14 kg (30 lbs) each, are allowed in one carrier. The pets should be familiar with each other and used to living together. If a pet exceeds 14 kg (30 lbs), only one animal is allowed per carrier.
Pets Traveling as Cargo
Pets traveling as cargo may be placed near each other in the cargo hold, providing some comfort to your furry family members knowing that their sibling is close by. If you're working with Starwood, we always strive to accommodate requests for pets from the same family to be near each other on the flight whenever possible. You can make this request on the day of departure if you are making your own arrangements.
While it's possible for up to three pets to share a travel kennel in certain situations, we prioritize caution and recommend that each pet has their own carrier. This not only ensures the safety and well-being of your furry companions but also helps avoid any potential conflicts if one pet feels their space is being invaded.
*Photo by J. Schiemann on Unsplash
Starwood Animal Transport has rebranded to Starwood Pet Travel. We are still the same great company with the best team, just now with a slightly different name.