Travel the World with Your Pet! A Guide to Major Airlines' Pet Travel Policies [2026 Edition]

Last Updated: August 1, 2026

Carry-on or Checked Baggage: Which Is Better for Pets?

There are two main ways to transport dogs and cats on an airplane: “carry-on,” where you bring the pet in its carrier into the passenger cabin, and “check-in,” where the pet is transported in the dedicated cargo hold. Many airlines draw a line between allowing small pets in the cabin and transporting medium and large pets in the cargo hold, but the specific size criteria and whether a pet is accepted vary by airline.

While carrying your pet in the cabin offers the peace of mind of being able to check on them during the flight, most airlines limit this option to small dogs and cats. Transporting your pet in the cargo hold is more accessible for medium and large dogs, but it means your pet will be separated from you for a period of time. Many airlines restrict or do not accept bradycephalic breeds (such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Persian cats) in the cargo hold due to respiratory risks, so special care is required if you own one of these dog or cat breeds.

Whichever method you choose, the key factors to consider are your pet’s weight and size, as well as the size requirements set by the airline you plan to fly with. Even for pets of the same build, whether they and their carrier will fit under the seat is determined by different standards for each airline; therefore, when comparing multiple options, we recommend checking the latest standards on each airline’s official website each time.

When Flying with North American Airlines

Many airlines based in the U.S. and Canada have pet-friendly route networks, offering a wide range of options for traveling with pets, particularly on domestic and intra-North American flights. While full-service airlines typically offer both in-cabin and checked baggage options for pets, low-cost carriers (LCCs) often limit travel to in-cabin only, and there are also differences in the sizes and types of pets they accept. Below, we outline the policies of five major airlines.

When flying with airlines in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia

Many European airlines accommodate both in-cabin travel and cargo hold transport for dogs and cats, and have a proven track record of transporting pets even on long-haul international flights. Airlines from the Middle East and Asia also accommodate pets on certain routes. When traveling on international flights to or from Japan, it’s important to also confirm whether the airports at your layover destinations have the necessary facilities to accommodate your pet.

Are there any airlines that accept pets other than dogs and cats?

Many full-service airlines limit the types of animals allowed in the cabin or in the cargo hold to dogs and cats. Only a few airlines allow animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and small birds to be carried in the cabin, and these policies are subject to change depending on the route and updates to the terms and conditions. As mentioned above, Frontier Airlines allows small mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters, as well as certain small birds, to be carried as carry-on baggage on domestic U.S. flights only (for details, seeFrontier Airlines Official Website(Please check here.) If you wish to bring a pet other than a dog or cat, we recommend that you do not simply take the information stating “accepted” at face value, but instead be sure to contact the airline you plan to fly with directly to confirm the eligible animal species and conditions.

We’ve compiled a list of the policies of the airlines discussed so far. Please note that these represent general trends as of the time of this article’s publication, and conditions may vary depending on the route, travel dates, and aircraft type. Be sure to check the official website of the airline you plan to fly with for the latest information before making a reservation.

Source: Official websites of each company and a PetAirJPN survey (verified in August 2026). The notation “To be confirmed” in the table indicates items for which we were unable to verify the information from primary sources at the time of this article’s research. Since pet policies are subject to change, please be sure to check the latest acceptance conditions on each company’s official website.

Is it okay to take brachycephalic breeds (dogs and cats with flat faces) on airplanes?

Due to their anatomical characteristics, brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Persian cats are considered to be at a higher risk of respiratory problems and heatstroke than other dog and cat breeds. For this reason, many airlines restrict or do not accept their transport in the cargo hold. On the other hand, some airlines do allow these animals to be carried in the cabin, so it is not the case that they are universally barred from flying.

When traveling with a brachycephalic breed, this is an area where acceptance policies vary significantly from one airline to another (for example,Delta Air Lines Official Website(Note: Brachycephalic breeds are excluded from transport in the cargo hold.) Since the range of eligible dog and cat breeds and the associated conditions vary by airline and are subject to change, it is essential to check the latest information on the official website of the airline you plan to use. Some airlines may temporarily restrict cargo hold transport altogether during the hot summer months, so you should also be mindful of your travel dates. For information on acceptance conditions for brachycephalic breeds by airline, please seeSummary of Airline Acceptance Policies for Brachycephalic Breeds...are listed here. General risks and safety measures related to international shipping areRisks and Safety Measures for the International Transport of Brachycephalic Dog Breeds, The specific steps for boarding areThe Complete Guide to Flying with Brachycephalic DogsPlease see this as well.

Things to Check When Choosing Cargo Hold Transport

For medium- and large-sized pets that cannot be carried on board, you’ll need to consider transporting them in the cargo hold. Since cargo hold transport means your pet will be separated from you for a period of time, going through each of the pre-trip checkpoints one by one can help reduce your anxiety on the day of travel.

These conditions vary significantly by airline, and may even differ within the same airline depending on the route or aircraft type. If you are considering transporting your pet in the cargo hold, it’s best to contact the airline’s pet service desk directly as early as possible in the booking process. The acceptance conditions for brachycephalic breeds areSummary of Airline Acceptance Policies for Brachycephalic BreedsIt is organized by airline.

How do quarantine requirements vary depending on the destination?

Even if your pet meets the airline’s acceptance requirements, it will not be allowed to enter the country if it does not meet the destination’s quarantine requirements. Quarantine requirements vary significantly by country and region, and the necessary procedures and preparation time will also differ. If you miss the deadline for microchipping or vaccinations, your pet may not be ready in time for your arrival date, so it’s important to check the requirements as soon as your travel plans are finalized. We’ve summarized the typical requirements for popular travel destinations.

From JapanDogs & CatsWhen taking an animal out of the country, you must also undergo an export inspection by Japanese authorities. Applications to the Animal Quarantine Station must be submitted by theAt least 14 days before...the export inspection itself takes place prior to departureWithin 10 daysPlease note that this is a two-step process (Source:Animal quarantine office "to export dogs and cats."(Confirmed in August 2026). If you are traveling abroad with pets other than dogs and cats—such as rabbits or small birds—the procedures will differ from those described here, so please check the Animal Quarantine Service’s official website for the specific procedures for each type of animal.

Steps for Preparing from Booking to the Day of Departure

How to Choose a CrateThe Complete Guide to Choosing a Crate, Safety measures in the cabin and cargo hold, as well as preparations for emergencies, areA Guide to Safety Precautions for Traveling by Air with Your PetThis is explained in detail there.

Checklist of Items to Bring on the Day of Your Flight

If you’re taking your pet on a long-haul flight for the first time, getting them used to their crate a few weeks before departure can help them stay calm on the day of the flight. Even pets that resist at first often gradually get used to it if you slowly associate the crate with positive experiences, such as giving them treats inside it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Summary: Choosing an airline starts with deciding whether to carry your luggage on board or check it

When choosing a pet-friendly airline, the first thing to consider is whether your pet will travel as a “carry-on” or in the “cargo hold.” Once you’ve done that, comparing factors such as the types of animals accepted, accommodations for brachycephalic breeds, and route networks will make it easier to narrow down your options. However, the trends for each airline described in this article are only a general guide. Since pet policies are subject to change at the airline’s discretion, be sure to check the latest acceptance conditions on the official website of the airline you plan to fly with before making a reservation.

Once you’ve confirmed the airline’s requirements, the next step is to check the quarantine requirements for your destination and the departure and entry procedures for Japan. Since both of these require a certain amount of time to prepare, the best way to avoid problems on the day of travel is to start planning by working backward from your confirmed travel date as soon as your trip is finalized. The acceptance requirements for brachycephalic breeds areSummary of Airline Acceptance Policies for Brachycephalic Breeds, Safety Measures in the Cabin and Cargo Hold areA Guide to Safety Precautions for Traveling by Air with Your Pet, Here's an overview of everything from travel preparations to what to do once you're there:A Guide to Preparing for Overseas Travel with Your PetPlease take a look at this as well. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact PetAirJPN.

Written by: PetAirJPN Editorial Department (International Pet Transportation Operations Team)

*The information in this article is current as of August 2026. Quarantine regulations in various countries and airline policies are subject to change without notice. This article is intended to provide general information only; to determine whether travel is permitted and to confirm specific requirements, please be sure to check the latest official information from the relevant national authorities, animal quarantine offices, and airlines.