Where do pets fly on a plane?

It's not news that pets are considered family and we often try to bring them with us anywhere we go. Things can get complicated with your travel plans involve getting on a plane. Many people wonder where pets fly on a plane. The answer to that varies depending on a number of factors including the size, breed, and type of pet as well as the travel destination. The options include in-cabin travel, accompanied or excess baggage, manifest cargo, or private charters. 

In-Cabin

In some cases, your cat or dog may be able to travel in-cabin with you on your own flight. Airlines typically only allow small cats and dogs or service animals to fly in cabin on certain flights. When the pet is small enough (typically under 18 lbs), they will need to be in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Pets need to stay inside the kennel for the duration of the flight. 

There is usually a pet fee depending on the origin and destination. Additionally, many airlines restrict the number of pets allowed in-cabin on any given flight, so make sure you plan ahead.  

Accompanied Baggage

If your pet is too large to fit under the seat in front of you, sometimes you can bring them as checked or accompanied baggage. In this case, they are booked under your own ticket, but they travel underneath the passenger cabin. The space where pets travel is temperature-controlled, pressurized, and oxygenated. The pilot is made aware of any furry friends onboard as well. 

Do keep in mind that there are no people in the pet cabin beneath the plane. Pets traveling this way must have a hard plastic or wooden travel carrier that is IATA-compliant and large enough for them to stand up, sit down, lie down, and spin around comfortably. 

Cargo Hold

Some pets fly as cargo or "manifest cargo," which means they are booked through the cargo side of the airline and not under a passenger ticket. Pets flying this way are often unaccompanied and do not necessarily have someone traveling with them on the same flight. 

Pets flying as cargo go in the same space as they do if they were traveling as accompanied baggage - underneath the passenger cabin. In general, pets are the last to be placed into the aircraft and the first to be taken off. 

This method of travel is sometimes required by certain countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the UAE, and Hong Kong. In these cases, pets are not allowed to fly in-cabin or as accompanied baggage. You may also be required to use a professional pet shipper, like Starwood, to book your pet's travels this way.   

Private Charters

In some cases, depending on the origin and destination, you may be able to book a private jet for your pet. In this case, you can typically fly with your pet on a smaller aircraft with other pet owners. 

Do keep in mind that this method of travel may need to be approved by the destination country, there may be far limited flight options, and you may need to only fly into certain airports. This is also usually a much more expensive option than the others listed above.

Plan ahead and do your research

Traveling with pets on a plane requires careful planning and consideration of various factors such as the size, breed, and destination. Whether your furry friend is small enough to join you in-cabin, needs to travel as accompanied baggage, or must be shipped as cargo, each method has its own set of rules and requirements. For those seeking a more personalized experience, private charters offer an alternative, albeit with additional considerations. By understanding the different options available, you can ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your pet, making your travel experience as seamless as possible.