Whether you’re relocating or taking a return international flight with your pet, one of the trickiest parts of traveling with pets is choosing the right airline. Not every company allows cats in the cabin — and even those that do have specific rules, fees, and weight limits.

I recently flew from Portugal to Brazil with my two cats in-cabin, and believe me, it took months of planning, research, and phone calls to make it work. If you want to know the full story of our international move (with all the chaos and tips) you can read it here.

In this post, I’ll focus on which are the best pet friendly airlines that actually allow cats to fly in-cabin, their main rules, and what to watch out for before you book your ticket. Let’s get started!

🔄 Ongoing Updates

This post is regularly updated as I publish new guides and product recommendations. Some hyperlinks are still being added, especially for posts mentioned throughout the text — so feel free to check back later for more info and links!

👉 I’m gradually building a full Recommended Products page, where you’ll be able to find everything I personally used and tested, from travel gear to pet essentials.

Why Pet Friendly Airlines Matters When Flying with Cats

When choosing a pet friendly airline, it’s important to note if the airline is appropriate for your cat. In my case, for instance, one of my cats weighed over nine kilos, which made it impossible to travel in-cabin with most European airlines. There was a single option in Portugal and it didn’t even take off from the city I lived in. That’s why I had to rent a car and take a cross-country fast-track trip.

On top of that, there are size limitations. If your pet is light but lean and larger than a lap pet, it will be difficult to travel in-cabin with them. All aircraft cabins have limited pet space, which is located under the seat in front of yours, and only a couple of exceptions are adjusted for roomier pet seats. Each pet friendly airline will require a specific size of pet carrier if you’re taking a robust one, but most accept malleable bags without much fuss, as long as you keep close to company measures.

Some pet friendly airlines are more amicable and lenient with your pet’s needs during the flight. For example, I had a great experience with the flight attendants when flying with my cats in-cabin to Brazil. I was able to exchange seats and take one that wasn’t marked as a pet-seat, they allowed me to take my cats off their carriers to stretch them a bit and pet them, and helped when my cat felt sick. Not only were they helpful, but they were also nice and understanding — exactly what we need when we’re traveling with pets, since we’re already stressed out, tired, and worried.

List of Pet Friendly Airlines

Luckily for us, there are numerous pet friendly airlines in the world. From Europe, North America, South America, and other bits of the planet, pets are welcome in-cabin given they follow rules specific to each company. Here you can find a list of the most popular pet friendly airlines:

• American Airlines (USA)
• Delta (USA)
• United (USA)
• Lufthansa (Germany, EU)
• KLM (Netherlands, EU)
• TAP (Portugal, EU)
• Air France (France, EU)
• Iberia (Spain, EU)
• Azul (Brazil)
• GOL (Brazil
• LATAM (Chile)

And, believe it or not, there are companies that don’t allow pets in-cabin — mostly low-cost ones and some from the USA. Such as, but not limited to: Ryanair, easyJet, Jetstar Airways, Wizz Air, Corendon Airlines and Norse Atlantic Airlines. American Airlines and United Airlines only allow travel with pets in-cabin for specific routes. Flights from and to the UK do not allow pets in-cabin under any circumstances.

Why the UK Don’t Have Pet Friendly Airlines

The government of Great Britain prioritises the prevention of rabies and the maintenance of biosecurity standards. This policy must be followed by all airlines, regardless of their own internal rules, which instantly kicks pet friendly airlines out of the picture.

The UK has rabies-free status and wishes to keep it by avoiding any risk of contamination. According to official sources, documentation checks are easier when cats, dogs, and ferrets are transported in cargo, instead of the usual process of seeing an airport veterinarian upon arrival at the airport.

There are many petitions online against those policies, requesting flexibility from authorities, in favor of animal welfare. The most recent one was posted in June 2025 on The Parallel Parliament and there’s another that has been already submitted during the 2019-2024 parliament, with a little over 13,500 signatures.

Key Rules to Compare

Weight Limit

Most airlines allow up to 8kg (about 17 lbs) total, pet plus carrier. Some are stricter, some more relaxed. If your cat is chonky, you’re entering “negotiation” territory. And let me tell you, it’s best to be safe than sorry, so, if you can, go for some of the exceptions in companies that allow up to 10kg instead of (about 22 lbs). GOL and Azul — both Brazilian — follow that pattern. ITA Airways (former Alitalia Airlines) allows up to 12kg (about 26 lbs) within Italy and 10kg in other flights. The uniqueness of ITA Airways is that your pet can weigh up to 10kg and their carrier can add up to 2kg, totalling 12kg. This, indeed, one of the best pet friendly airlines policy I’ve ever seen. Others allow up to 9kg (about 19 lbs).

Carrier Dimensions

These vary slightly per airline and it’s always best to check the airline official website and even call customer service to double-check. Soft-sided carriers give you a bit more wiggle room (literally), but don’t expect to bring your pet in a yoga mat bag and call it a day. Most pet friendly airlines suggest you choose a soft-sided carrier, precisely because it mostly fits anywhere, even if it gets a bit crammed under the seat. ITA Airways made soft-sided carriers mandatory, having had issues in the past with hard-sided ones that wouldn’t fit in some aircraft layouts. Speaking of which, each of their aircrafts have specific carrier dimensions, which you can check here. Azul Airlines allows a carrier up to 20 x 31,5 x 43 cm (7.9 x 12.4 x 16.9″). GOL has two different dimensions, one for hard-sided carriers 22 x 32 x 43 cm (8.7 x 12.6 x 16.9″) and another for soft-sided carriers 24 x 32 x 43 cm (9.4 x 12.6 x 16.9 inches). American Airlines follows another pattern, too, and also recommends soft-sided carriers, much like ITA Airways. Their bag measurements, for all-flights, are 46 x 28 x 28 cm (18 x 11 x 11″).

Fees

Expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $250 per flight. And yes, round trip. No, it doesn’t come with complimentary treats — for you or the cat — I wish. American Airlines, for instance, charges around $150 for flights within America (from Canada to Central America, but not South America). On the other hand, there are no fees for service animals, independent of destination. TAP Air Portugal charges different fees depending on season, way of purchase (online, customer service, or airport) and if it’s a domestic, within Europe or intercontinental flight. Expenses range from 40€ to 180€, so plan wisely and plan ahead. LATAM fees for international flights from South America to Europe or North America are 213€, and for domestic flights, 31€.

Pet Age and Documentation

Your cat (or dog) should be at least 8–24 weeks old (depending on airline), fully vaccinated, microchipped (EU), and have all export/import documentation sorted. American Airlines is one of the most pet friendly airlines when it comes to age, allowing pups and kittens up to 2 months old to travel, as long as they have been weaned. If you’re travelling from and back to Europe, your pet should also be vaccinated for rabies and have a serology test proving your pet is protected from the virus and immune to it. If you don’t have it, entry to the EU will be denied. Also, if you’re planning on doing the serology test in the country you’re going to, for whatever reason — don’t. The process is cheaper and faster in Europe. My cats’ tests took no more than a couple of weeks from blood collection to test results documentation. You can read more about the process that we went through in Portugal in this post: How to Bring Cats to Brazil: The Paperwork You’ll Need (with Screenshots).

* LATAM company policies state that, if the pet can stand and move comfortably in the carrier, they are allowed no matter their weight.
** All fees are based on currency exchange so you can have an estimate value. Double-check with the airline before planning your trip.

Tips Before Booking

Flying with a pet isn’t just a matter of hitting “book now” and hoping for the best. Even with the most pet friendly airlines, there’s a bit of strategy involved if you want to avoid a last-minute meltdown at the check-in counter — yours, not the cat’s.

Call the airline in advance. Yes, we already mentioned this, but it’s worth repeating in capital letters. CALL THEM. Don’t rely on outdated website FAQs or mysterious chatbot replies. Policies change, reps might know different internal rules, and you’ll want things confirmed, especially if you’re flying internationally with a pet.

Book your pet’s spot as early as possible. Pet friendly airlines don’t mean unlimited pet real estate. Most limit in-cabin pets to just a few per flight (Azul Airlines, for example, allows 3 pets per domestic flight and 4 in economy for international routes). LATAM Airlines is slightly more generous on Economy, but strict about Premium Business. Don’t assume your pet is going just because you booked your seat, they need their own reservation, too.

Choose your seat strategically. Not all seats are created equal when flying with a cat or small dog. Avoid aisle seats (less room), bulkhead (no under-seat storage), and exit rows (strictly forbidden). Opt for a window seat instead — more privacy and a calmer journey for both of you. And always double-check with the airline: Azul restricts pet carriers to window seats only, and LATAM only allows pets in Economy and Premium Economy, not Premium Business.

Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

Let’s clear up the (very confusing) skies here. Service Animals — usually trained dogs that perform tasks for people with disabilities — are allowed on virtually all airlines, free of charge and without carrier restrictions. You will, however, need to submit specific forms and documentation ahead of time.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), on the other hand, are in murkier airspace. Most international and US-based pet friendly airlines no longer accept ESAs under special status, they’re treated like regular pets and must travel in-cabin or in cargo, with fees and size limits. One exception is LATAM Airlines, which still allows ESAs on flights between Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia, as well as domestic flights within Colombia.

Always check the airline’s official pet policy directly before booking, as ESA rules are highly subject to change — and sometimes seem based on the mood of the airline’s legal team.

Product Recommendations

Before you throw your pet into any random carrier and hope for the best, let’s talk gear. Different pet friendly airlines have specific size requirements for in-cabin carriers, and not all soft-sided models are created equal. This section includes a curated list of airline-approved pet carriers — some even recommended directly by the airlines themselves — along with travel essentials for both you and your pet.

Airline-approved Pet Carriers:

• Sherpa Delta Airlines. (Amazon US)
• Sherpa Original Deluxe medium. (Amazon US)
• 43 cm x 32 cm x 24 cm, in black, from São Pet. (Amazon Brazil)
• 43 cm x 32 cm x 24 cm, in red, from São Pet. (Amazon Brazil)
• Compatible with Azul Airlines, from MillePet. (Amazon Brazil)
• Compatible with LATAM Airlines, from MillePet. (Amazon Brazil)
• Compatible with GOL Airlines, from MillePet. (Amazon Brazil)

General Pet Carriers:

• 18.1″L x 11.8″W x 11.8”H, up to 20lbs, from Gapzer. (Amazon US)
• 17”L x 11”W x 11”H, up to 16lbs, from Chuzhong. (Amazon US)
• 16.15″L x 17.48″W x 17.7″H, from Travel Cat. (Amazon US)
• 43C x 28L x 28A cm, up to 14kg, from Duke & Dixie. (Amazon Brazil)
• 42C x 26L x 27A, up to 15kg, from Python Fly. (Amazon Brazil)
• 21C x 30L x 41A, up to 10kg, backpack from LeBag. (Amazon Brazil)

Travel Essentials for a Human-Friendly Flight:

• MiiKARE Phone Tray Table Support (Amazon US)
• TSA Approved Luggage Locks (Amazon US)
• Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plug (Amazon US)
• Electronic Organizer Travel (Amazon US)
• Apple-only Air Tracker Tags-4 Pack (Amazon US)
• USB-C i2GO Pocket 5000mAh Power Bank (Amazon Brazil)
• Phone Tray Table Support (Amazon Brazil)
• Luggage Tag (Amazon Brazil)
• Anker Soundcore P20i Earphones (Amazon Brazil)
• Facial Cleaning Wipes (Amazon Brazil)
• Eucerin Lip Ointment (Amazon Brazil)
• Apple Compatible Smart Air Tag (Amazon Brazil)

FAQs About Flying with Pets In-Cabin

Can I bring two pets?

Some pet friendly airlines allow two pets in the same carrier if they’re small and fit the combined weight limit. Otherwise, you’ll need a second passenger. Personally, I needed help with other errands involving my relocation, so I was lucky enough to have a mother who was on board with my decision and flew in to help me out with whatever needed — meaning, my youngest cat.

Can someone else carry my pet in-cabin for me?

Yes, but they must be on the same booking and seated close by. There are situations where friends or family travel solo with someone else’s pet and that seems to be acceptable, as long as this person is held responsible for the pet during the entire process and it’s their name in all the travel paperwork. There are companies specialised in this, too — like One Moving and Embarpet* — with trained employees that travel with people’s pets, in contact with the best pet friendly airlines, that deliver them to their tutor in another country (which happens a lot in relocation cases).

* I’m not affiliated with these companies, nor can I attest to their expertise, experience or skills.

What happens if the pet is slightly overweight for my international flight?

Depends. Some airlines will look the other way if your carrier still fits. Others will weigh everything. My experience is, try to stick to this rule. I’ve heard of countless cases of people having to cancel their flight because they couldn’t board with their pet in-cabin and they wouldn’t let them fly in cargo hold (understandably). Not all companies that allow pets in-cabin are the best pet friendly airlines, and that’s mostly about the experience of the trip. If you can, plan ahead, weigh your pet, put them on a diet if needed, but don’t overlook this step.

What if the carrier measurements are a little off?

Again, depends on the gate agent’s mood and the rigidity of the aircraft under-seat structure. If it’s a few centimeters and you’re charming, you might get away with it. If not… cargo it is. All jokes aside, it truly depends on the agent, but they don’t often complain if it roughly follows dimensions and it’s a soft-sided carrier. If it’s a hard-sided one, then it will become a problem and you either won’t board or will have to leave your pet in the cargo hold, as these types of carriers don’t jam safely into tight spaces.

Research, Research and Research Some More

At the end of the day, choosing one of the best pet friendly airlines isn’t easy. A good experience depends on a number of factors and, sometimes, it’s not all up to us or how well we followed the rules — sometimes it’s about luck, too.

Weigh your pet regularly, prepare them for a diet if needed, get that soft-sided carrier in advance and call the airline — once, twice, as many times as you need. They want you to have a good experience and recommend them and keep choosing their service, too, so they will answer your questions and clear all your doubts. Try speaking with customer service on different days to talk with different agents to align information, and make sure to ask if there’s an available online source to confirm their policies.

Creating a check-list is also important, it will guide you through this stressful and anxious time of planning a trip with your loved four-pawed one. Soon, a check-list will be available for download here for free if you purchase the Travelling With Your Pet In-Cabin e-book. It’s a symbolic fee to support my content, so I can keep bringing you more information about pet travel, relocation and expat experiences.

Hope to meet you in one of the best pet friendly airlines out there. Bon voyage, my friend!

🛍️ Affiliate & Product Disclosure

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links or direct links to products I’ve personally purchased and tested. Every shop and item was carefully selected — I made sure they have good reviews, consistent sales, and high ratings, both for the store and the product.

By using links from Amazon Brazil, you support this blog at no extra cost to you, and I get to keep sharing honest, tested advice. 

Do let me know if any of these don’t work. I’ll do my best to update the list with new ones. Thank you! 🖤