Preferred Pet Airline Carriers & Their Requirements
Click on the pet airline carrier's logo below to review general pet shipping information for the top commercial airlines frequently used by The Pet Porters. Why? They are the best at proper handling and care of our client’s pets while in transit. Each listed below follows the guidelines of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in the Live Animal Regulations (LAR). The LAR, published annually, must be followed by all involved as it specifies the shipper's and carrier's responsibilities, container requirements, labeling and handling procedures, etc. The Pet Porters team holds an IATA LAR certification for continuous learning of new rules and regulations issued by IATA.
Domestic Pet Airline Carriers & Pet Airline Restrictions
Preferred Domestic Pet Airline Carriers for pet air travel across the US
Alaska Cargo Pet Connect™
minimum age requirement of 8 weeks for cats and dogs and healthy to fly; cargo 100-500 kennel sizes accepted on most aircraft with the XXL or 700 kennel accepted on freighters only.
Breed Restrictions
Brachycephalic or “short-nosed dogs and cats are not accepted in cargo – no exceptions. The following breeds may still travel in-cabin as long as the pet meets the minimum age requirement and fit properly in the accepted pet carrier under the seat.
Restricted Breeds: Dogs
Boston Terrier, Boxer (all breeds), Bulldog (all breeds), Bull Terrier, Brussels Griffon, Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Spaniel/Japanese Chin, Mastiff (all breeds), Pekingese, Pit Bull (all breeds), Pug (all breeds), Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Terrier.
Restricted Breeds: Cats
Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian
American PetEmbark™
Confirm eligibility to fly in cargo.
1. Over 8 weeks and healthy to fly.
2. Confirm route and aircraft.
3. Confirm temperatures are forecasted to be 85°F or below.
Breed Restrictions
Brachycephalic or “short nosed dogs or mixed breeds of snub-nosed dogs and cats are not accepted in cargo – no exceptions. No breed restrictions for in-cabin as long as the pet meet the minimum age requirement and fit properly in the accepted pet carrier under the seat.
Restricted Breeds: Dogs
American Staffordshire Terrier, Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer (all breeds), Brussel Griffon, Bulldog (all breeds), Cane Corso, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all breeds), Pekingese, Pitbull, Presa Canario, Pug (all breeds), Tibetan Spaniel, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu.
Restricted Breeds: Cats
Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian
International Pet Airline Carriers: British Air, KLM and Lufthansa
Pets traveling internationally most often must fly as manifest cargo in the belly of the airplane. This can be a scary thought for many pet parents. While selecting the shortest route for your pet is essential, choosing the right pet-friendly airline with team members trained to manage your pet is also at the top of the list! Pets should always be “last on” and “first off” to minimize the time spent in the aircraft. Climate-controlled pet cargo receiving areas and ground pet transport to and from the plane are also necessary. Every pet move is unique! Working with the top industry commercial pet-friendly airlines only adds to the peace of mind we strive to give to our clients. NOTE: Due to Covid 19 situation, pet airline carriers have drastically reduced pet flight travel schedules and have enacted shipping embargos periodically due to staffing shortages.
British Air
The only way for pets to enter the U.K. is via manifested cargo unless pet is an approved service or emotional support animal. BA does not accept pets in-cabin or as excess baggage. Minimum age for travel to/from the USA is 10 weeks for dogs and cats.
Cargo Restricted Breeds
No dangerous dogs, Bulldogs or pugs. Heat embargo above 75°F for snub-nose breeds such as the Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffin, Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin and Pekinese.
KLM Airlines
KLM is a member of IPATA and requires customers to book travel for pets through an active IPATA team member. KLM follows the minimum age travel requirements for dogs and cats of the destination country.
Restricted Breeds
Dogs: English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier and Pugs. *Other snub-nosed breeds, except the four mentioned above, can be accepted but the kennel size must be one size larger than normally required.
Lufthansa Airlines
The minimum age for travel to/from the USA is 16 weeks for dogs and cats. Lufthansa normally does not enforce temperature restrictions except on snub-nose breeds of dogs and cats. Please follow this link for breed restrictions and additional details.
Cargo Restricted Breeds
NONE (however, must be mindful of destination country restrictions)
Restricted breeds for In-cabin travel
Dogs: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Karabash (Kangal/Anatolian Shepherd), Caucasian Ovcharka (Caucasian Shepherd), Rottweiler
