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Book Pet-Friendly Flights

The best pet-friendly airlines

Some of the best pet-friendly airlines include Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Lufthansa. Discover their policies below. 👇👇👇

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on woman's lap

Delta Airlines pet policy

Flying with your pet:

  • If you'd like to take your pet dog, cat or bird on holiday with you, Delta Air Lines makes this possible.
  • Your pet can travel in the cabin with you for a one-way fee.
  • Your pet must be able to fit inside a small, well-ventilated pet carrier that can easily fit underneath the seat in front of you.
  • Please note that pets stored in cabin kennels will count as your carry-on item with Delta Air Lines.

Flying without your pet:

  • If your pet is too big to travel in the cabin, then you may have to transport them via a Delta Cargo flight.

Please note that Alternative Airlines does not supply cargo flights.

American Airlines Plane

American Airlines pet travel

Flying with your pet:

  • With American Airlines, you can easily bring your small pet onboard with you and enjoy your flight together.
  • You'll need to pay a carry-on pet fee and also have a pet carrier that your furry friend can comfortably stand in. The carrier also needs to fit underneath the seat in front of you.
  • Similar to Delta, your carry-on pet will count as your one piece of carry-on baggage.

Flying without your pet:

  • If your pet is too large to be in the cabin with you or you aren't able to be on the same flight as your pet, you can use American Airlines' Cargo service.
  • Please note that American Airlines only accepts checked pets for active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel travelling on official orders.
dog in a suitcase

Lufthansa pet travel

Flying with your pet:

  • One of the most pet-friendly airlines out there is Lufthansa.
  • With Lufthansa, you are permitted to bring your small cat or dog with you into the cabin.
  • As with other airlines, you will need to make sure your pet fits comfortably inside a pet carrier that can easily fit underneath the seat in front of you.

Flying without your pet:

  • If your dog or cat is too large to fit inside a pet carrier, you can register your pet as excess baggage and transport them via the cargo hold - this is especially ideal if you're unable to be on the same flight as your pet.
  • Your furry companion will be taken care of by Lufthansa in an air-conditioned cargo hold that is well-ventilated and temperature-controlled.
puppy in a suitcase

KLM pet travel

Flying with your pet:

  • KLM is another pet-friendly airline that lets you bring your small cat or dog onboard with you into the cabin.
  • Only 1 pet is permitted per passenger and you need to make sure your pet can comfortably stand and sit inside its pet carrier that must fit underneath the seat in front of you.
  • With KLM, you're only able to bring your pet into the cabin with you if you're in Economy or Business Class and flying within Europe.

Flying without your pet:

  • With KLM you can book flights for your unaccompanied pets - KLM gives you the option to transport your pet in the hold of the aircraft.
  • Up to 3 pets are permitted in the hold - these can share the same kennel if they weigh no more than 14 kg each.
  • Your pet will travel in an air-conditioned cargo compartment and be taken care of by KLM's crew.

How to book flights for your pet

Alternative Airlines doesn't have a feature that lets you book flights for your pets or add pets to your booking. However, you can still book flights with us and take your pet. You'll just have to contact the airline after making your booking.

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    Pet-Friendly Flights FAQs

    What airlines fly pets unaccompanied?

    Some of the most popular airlines to fly pets unaccompanied, include American Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Delta and Air Canada. Check out our full guide on the best pet-friendly airlines.

    Many airlines that let your pet fly unaccompanied will require you to drop off your pet at one of the cargo points rather than the passenger terminals.

    What if my pet is too large to fly?

    If your pet is too large to fly in the cabin with you, there are many airlines that let you ship your pet inside the cargo compartment - these include Delta Air Lines, Lufthansa, American Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, KLM and Air Canada, among many others. Each of these airlines has its own specific requirements for transporting your pet inside the hold. Please check directly with the airline for more information on how to ship your pet in the hold.

    Where can I book a flight for my pet?

    Unfortunately, Alternative Airlines doesn't yet offer this feature. You won't be able to book flights for your pets yet on our site, however, if you'd like to have your pet in the cabin with you, you can still book your flights with us and then make arrangements with the airline directly after booking. Flights for pets only is a feature we don't currently offer.

    Why are flights for pets so expensive?

    Many pet-friendly airlines have fees for transporting your pet on pet-friendly flights. Travelling with your pet in the cabin doesn't cost much, however, shipping your pet in the cargo compartment can be very pricy. This is because the cargo rates are based on the dimensions of the kennel/pet carrier that you're using to transport your pet. If your pet is on the larger/heavier end of the spectrum, expect to pay more to transport your furry friend.