Are you planning to travel with your feline friend on board? Well, before you do that it is a mandate to know about the airlines with which you have planned to travel. Each airline differs from the other when it comes to allowing pets – mainly dogs and cats on board. While some may allow them as cabin baggage, a few may require you to send your pets on hold. Moreover, if you decide to carry your cat along, you should also comply with the policies of the airlines and provide adequate medical and other documents. In this article we will answer your question and help you understand if you can bring cats on a plane or not, alongside other details associated with it. So, let’s get started.
Are You Allowed to Bring Cats On A Plane?
The direct answer to this question will be a YES. In general you can bring cats on plane, provided you adhere to the size specifications and other regulations fixed by the respective airline. No two airlines are similar in their policy of carrying cats on board. Some airlines allow cats in the cabin, while for a few, the animal should go in as checked baggage and can travel in the hold. A few airlines even have a restriction on carrying brachycephalic or flat-faced cats in the cabin, as it could take a toll on the feline’s health, triggering respiratory issues alongside other complications. The breeds included in this list are Persian, Himalayan, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, and British Shorthair.
Different Airlines’ Rules About Carrying Cats On A Plane
Let’s look into the regulations fixed by some of the most prominent airlines regarding bringing cats on board.
American Airlines
They allow cats as carry-ons, provided the restrictions for size, age, and location are met.
- You can bring a single pet carrier as cabin baggage, if you pay the fee.
- The pet should stay inside the carrier which you must place under the seat to your front.
- To include carry-on pets to your trip you must visit American Airlines’ official website or do it through their app.
- You should carry a valid health certificate and other documents to notify that your pet is in sound health.
- The fees vary as per the location, For instance, for carry-on pets the charge is $150 for each pet for flights within the US, Canada,
United Airlines
United Airlines allows only dogs and cats in the cabin, provided their is sufficient space onboard. The cost would be $150 each way. When you are booking on United Airllines official website, you need to choose the option, “Travel with a Pet”. If you wish to add a pet to your existing reservation, you can do the same by going to the “My Trips” option. You won’t be able to include a trip to your reservation via the United App.
Each person can carry no more than two pets, and in such cases they should purchase two seats. There isn’t any restriction for the pet type or weight, Choose a soft-sided carrier for your that may accomodate below the seat to your front.
Delta Airlines
Delta allows pet cats, dogs, and household birds on their flights, provide the size requirement, and other specifications are met. Your pet cat should be a minimum of 16 weeks of age. If traveling in the European Union, the minimum age requirement of your cat should be 15 weeks. In each kennel or crate, a single pet is allowed, however, there is an exception to this rule. A female cat can travel with her litter (unweaned) provided they are eight weeks to six months old. The kennel you are carrying your pet in should have a soft-side and also be well-ventilated.
Apart from the ones mentioned above, different airlines vary when it comes to allowing cats on board. So, when you are making a reservation for Frontier, JetBlue, Emirates, or any other airline as a matter of fact, it is important to go through their pet policies to avoid any inconvenience.
How Much Does it Cost to Carry A Cat On A Plane?
As mentioned already, the price varies from one flight. For United Airlines, it costs $150 each way to carry pets on board.
On most domestic flights Delta charges $95 on tickets issued before the 8th of April 2025, and $150 for tickets issued after the 8th of April 2025. For international flights the charge is $200 on an average.
JetBlue charges $150 for carrying pets on board, each way. They only permit small cats, and dogs on board.
It is always important to check the fees with your respective airline regarding carrying cats before initiating a booking.
Besides the fees charged by specific airlines, there are additional charges that may incur as well, explained below:
- Pet Travel Carrier: Purchasing an airline-approved pet carrier depends on the specifications of the brand. The carrier must comply with the safety and dimensional requirements set by the airline.
- Veterinary Costs: Traveling around the world may necessitate a health certificate, vaccinations (including rabies), and perhaps microchipping. Although these costs can differ.
- Quarantine or Import Fees: Some countries may require pets to undergo quarantine or also have specific import fees that can depend on the regulations of the destination.
- Additional Expenses: When you travel to a country that demands a pet passport or import permit, you may have additional costs varying between $50 and $150.
Flying with a Cat for the first time: Here’s Everything You Need to Know
- Book Early and Reserve a Spot for Your Cat: It is important to make a reservation as early as possible and inform the airline that you will be on the same flight as your cat since many airlines do not allow a large number of pets to be carried in one flight. Furthermore, you can choose a direct flight with the least time to reach your final destination.
- Choose the Right Carrier: Your cat will travel in an airline-approved carrier, and it must meet the size requirements to fit under the seat. Also, ensure that it is comfortable, well-ventilated, and secure. A soft-sided carrier is often preferable for in-cabin travel. Familiarize your pet with the carrier about a month before the scheduled flight date. This will help your cat get accustomed to it, thereby lessening stress.
- Visit the Vet: Before the flight, ensure your cat is healthy enough for travel by scheduling a visit with your veterinarian. You will likely need a health certificate, and your cat should be immunized as a precaution. Some airlines may require you to have documents, so please confirm this with them.
- Prepare for Airport Security: Security checks at the airport will include removing your cat from the carrier for screening and passing the carrier through the X-ray machine. To ensure no surprises, it is suggested that you take a leash or harness and secure the pet during this procedure.
- Make Your Cat Comfortable: Familiarize your cat with the carrier in advance. Let your cat spend some time in the carrier at home. Thus, it will not be a strange place for it. Put in the carrier some floppy stuffed toys or a blanket the cat likes the most. It will help to encourage the feeling of being in a safe place. You can also use some calming sprays or treats to help get rid of anxiety.
- Plan for In-Flight Comfort: When traveling by air, your cat should always remain in the carrier. Ensure that they can drink water and are as comfortable as possible. As a precaution against motion sickness, it is advisable not to feed them a large meal right before the trip.
- Pack Pet Travel Essentials: You should bring some essential items along the trip, including portable food and water bowls, a small supply of cat food, wet wipes, and a portable litter box or pee pads in an emergency.
- Avoid Flying Brachycephalic Cats: You should never fly with flat-faced or brachycephalic cats, as they may be at risk of breathing difficulties. Some examples of brachycephalic cats are the Persian cat, Himalayan cat, Exotic shorthair, and British shorthair.
- Take Care of Your Cat’s Nails: Clip your cat’s nails well to prevent them from getting stuck onto the doors or bile of the carrier.
- Avoid Tranquilizers: Do not sedate or tranquilize your pet unless recommended by a vet. Sedation might confuse your pet, and even result in further distress during travel.
Can You Travel With Your Cat On International Flights?
Cats can travel with their owners on international flights. Provided the terms and conditions are met. Here are some points to make note of:
- Your pets can accompany you in the cabin, or may have to go in as checked baggage/, as per the airline’s rules.
- On European Union or non-European Union flights your pet might require a microchip. In such cases, you should contact a veterinary clinic. If it’s not available there, then you need to purchase it online from a pet store.
- If you are traveling with pets outside the US, it is important for you to go through USDA’s regulations for exporting pets. You must check at what time near your departure date you should conduct the vet examinations and crucial tests, essential for validating that your cat or dog is fit to travel.
- Make sure you have the required shots, and certificates ready before your date of travel.
Read Also: Can You Bring Cigarettes On A Plane?
Alternatives to Flying with Your Cat
It would be possible to have a cat on a plane but some other travel alternatives could be more comfortable for your cat. Let us review the possibilities:
Hiring a Pet Transport Service: Moving animals and ensuring their comfort and safety during transportation are the specializations of pet transport services. They take care of all the logistical tasks, which include managing documentation and interacting with various carriers of transportation such as airlines. They are the most secure choice for a long-distance move, convenient for international travel, in which the obfuscation of regulations is directly tackled.
Conclusion
“Can you bring cats on a plane?” Certainly, cats are allowed on a plane, but it involves extensive preparation. From the policies of the respective airline to making your cat comfortable while traveling, the main thing is planning for a smooth experience. Whether the choice is to place your cat in the cabin or the cargo hold, it is important to check health requirements, have the right carrier, and think about your pet’s comfort. You can ensure a hassle-free and safe trip for both of you by adhering to the above points.
FAQs
It is sometimes risky to fly with flat-faced cats like Persians, British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, etc. since they are more susceptible to breathing issues. It is always ideal to check with the rules, and regulations of the respective airlines, and even consult the vet in this regard.
No, your cat cannot sit on your lap during the flight. Cats must remain in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you for the entire flight.
Ryanair doesn’t permit pets on board However, in some cases, service dogs are permitted. If you have booked a flight with Ryanair, knowing their pet policy in advance is of immense importance.
Yes, American Airlines permits cats in the cabin on most flights, given that they are in an airline-approved container and satisfy the specified size and weight requirements.
Most airlines charge a fee for carrying a pet, which varies from one airline to the other. It may be $100-$200 per way.
The airline-approved pet carriers can be purchased online or from a pet store. Some airports sell pet carriers, not all, though. If you are flying with Southwest, you can buy their pet-approved carriers from their online store.
EVA doesn’t allow cats, rabbits, and dogs but in the cargo only. You cannot bring them onboard in the cabin. Only service dogs are allowed to help passengers with special assistance.
