Whether you need to transport your four-legged friend for a big move to another country, or you simply feel your pet deserves to holiday with you, there are numerous reasons why you might choose to take a pet abroad.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of people travelling on aeroplanes with their furry companions. In fact, in the UK alone, there has been a 28% rise in people looking for pet friendly holidays since 2020*. This surge in demand for pet-friendly travel options means we’re seeing more and more airlines adapt their policies to accommodate our furry friends.
Whatever the reason you want your pet to travel with you, having sufficient care on board is, of course, paramount. At SkyParkSecure, we understand the importance of ensuring the comfort and safety of your pets during air travel.
That’s why we’ve conducted extensive research to determine the top pet-friendly airlines around the globe. We analysed various factors such as if pets are allowed in the cargo, cabin, maximum weight, species allowed etc. to determine the top 10 pet-friendly airlines. We also evaluated each airline’s travel rules, alongside TripAdvisor reviews to identify which one is the best for travelling with your pets.
The Top 10 Pet-Friendly Airlines in the World
We’ve ranked the top 10 airlines that are most pet-friendly:
- American Airlines
- Korean Air
- Czech Airlines
- Air Canada
- Finnair
- Nordica Airlines
- El Al Israel Airlines
- Azerbaijan Airlines
- TUI
- Qatar Airways
1. American Airlines
American Airlines emerged as the leading choice for pet travel across the globe, excelling across all evaluation criteria. Key benefits include a generous maximum weight limit of 45kg, ensuring larger pets can be accommodated. Pets are welcome in both the cabin and cargo compartments. In the cabin, American Airlines permits up to one cat or dog, while an additional two pets can travel in the cargo area.
2. Korean Air
Korean Air is the second top contender for pet-friendly travel, offering a range of benefits to ensure your furry companions have a comfortable journey. This airline goes the extra mile by allowing three species on their airline: dogs, cats, and birds. Their fees for pet travel also comes in at one of the lowest on the list, ranging from £17.50 to £36.00 ($21.82-$44.88).
3. Czech Airlines
Czech Airlines is the third top choice for pet-friendly travel and extends a warm welcome to pets, allowing them to sit alongside you in the cabin or ride comfortably in the cargo hold. Highlights of their pet policy include a maximum weight allowance of 32kg, ensuring ample space for various sized furry companions. Pets, including dogs, cats, and ferrets, are permitted to travel with you on Czech Airlines flights.
4. Air Canada
Air Canada provides a flexible pet travel policy that is especially attractive to those travellers looking to fly with multiple furry companions. Pet owners can bring up to two cats or dogs in the cabin, and an additional two pets in the cargo hold.
5. Finnair
Finnair offers the most inclusivity out of the top ten pet-friendly airlines, welcoming up to six different species of pets on board their flights. The fee for pet travel with Finnair is set at 60 euros ($63.90), ensuring affordability for pet owners who are planning to travel with their beloved animals.
6. Nordica Airlines
Only just missing out on a spot in the top five, Nordica Airlines is another great choice for those interested in pet-friendly travel. Each passenger is allowed to bring one small or medium pet aboard with permitted species including dogs, cats, and ferrets. Charging between 35-55 euros ($37.30-58.62), the low pet travel fees also make it an affordable choice.
7. El Al Israel Airlines
El Al Israel Airlines permits pets in both the cabin and cargo hold. The airline caters to the needs of pet owners by allowing three different species on board – dogs, cats, and exotic birds are all permitted to travel with you on El Al Israel Airlines.
8. Azerbaijan Airlines
Azerbaijan Airlines offers the most generous pet weight limits out of the top 10, with a maximum of 31kg for cabin travel and a range of 32-75kg for cargo transport, ensuring plenty of space for pets of various sizes. Three species of animals – cats, dogs, and birds – are permitted to board Azerbaijan Airlines flights.
9. TUI
TUI permits three different species of pets on board its airline. Pets, including dogs, cats, and other companion animals are welcome to travel with TUI. For cargo travel, dogs and cats can weigh more than 8kg, but their cage must be 121 cm x 81 cm x 88cm.
10. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways accommodates up to three different species of pets as checked baggage, allowing one pet per passenger. However, they do charge $245, which makes it the most expensive airline in our top 10 roundup.
Interestingly, American Airlines and Air Canada feature in the top five rankings, indicating North America’s commitment to providing excellent pet-friendly travel. Additionally, UK-based airline TUI features among the top 10, highlighting that pet-friendly travel is also a priority in the UK.
A pet behaviourist’s stress-free travel tips
The comfort and well-being of your pets is, of course, a top priority when journeying on a flight with them. We consulted with a pet behaviourist Liz Clifton to gain valuable tips on keeping your pet calm during travelling:
Preparing your pet
“My favourite ways to relax and release mental and physical stress with you pet are shared silent meditation space, dog yoga and letting them snuggle up in their favourite space at home either inside or outside.
Help them to acclimatise to any different experiences that the plane travel will include. For example, ensure that they are comfortable and used to the crate, harness, lead or other travel equipment that they will be using on the plane.
It’s also a good idea to consider what food and water containers you’ll be using during the journey and once you’ve arrived at your destination and make sure that you introduce them slowly and gently when your pet is calm and relaxed.
Cabin or cargo travel
“When choosing where your pet will travel consider it from their point of view and what they would prefer. Consider how your pet enjoys their time usually, do they prefer being with you or enjoy alone time?
The length of the flight along with the pre and post flight times and environment will also help you decide if they’d be better with you or in cargo.”
Other top tips
“Make sure to include their favourite pet safe familiar bedding, healthy food, toys and comfort blankets plus any current or travel medication or holistic remedies.
As our pets are sensitive to our own emotions it’s also important to look after yourself and release any of your own built up stress to help them enjoy as calm and happy a travelling experience as possible.”
The rise of pet-friendly airlines reflects the growing acknowledgement of the special bond between humans and their furry companions. By catering to the needs of pet owners and implementing pet-friendly policies, airlines are playing a vital role in facilitating safe and enjoyable travel experiences for all.
If you’re looking to fly abroad with your pet soon, take a look at our hotels and parking to discover pet-friendly options.
Methodology
The methodology uses a dataset which ranks 52 airlines, based on how pet-friendly each one is. To do this, six different factors were analysed:
- Cargo – If pets are allowed in cargo
- Cabin – if pets are allowed in the cabin
- Maximum weight – the maximum weight your pet needs to be
- Species allowed – the amount of species allowed on the flight
- Pets per passenger – how many pets are allowed on the flight per person
- Price – the price you have to pay ($) to bring your pet on flight
All data is correct as of 09.04.2024. The ranking data shown is a compilation of multiple data sources and may not be representative of real life. All data is accurate with regards to the sources provided.
Sources:
NewsByWire.com
Liz Clifton – Rescue animal rehabilitator
