Can I Fly With This?
Can I bring pet on a plane?
Quick rules for flying with pet in carry-on and checked baggage. Verdicts and conditions across the major aviation regions below.
🇺🇸 United States (TSA)
TSA doesn't regulate pets — airlines do. Most US carriers allow small dogs/cats in cabin in a soft carrier under the seat (max ~43×30×19 cm / 17×12×7 in) for $95–150 one-way. Larger pets go in the cargo hold (extra fees, more risk). Snub-nosed breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats) banned from cargo by most airlines due to breathing risks. Health certificate required for most flights.
🇪🇺 European Union (EASA)
Most EU airlines allow cats and small dogs in cabin (max 6–8 kg combined with carrier), in approved carrier under seat. EU Pet Passport required for travel within EU. Larger pets travel as cargo.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom (CAA)
STRICT — pets CANNOT fly into the UK in the cabin from anywhere except Ireland (only assistance dogs allowed). Pets arriving in the UK must travel as manifest cargo on approved routes under the Pet Travel Scheme (microchip, rabies vaccine, EU Animal Health Certificate or GB Pet Passport).
🌎 Latin America
Most LATAM carriers (LATAM, Aeroméxico, Avianca, Copa, GOL) allow small cabin pets ($60–200). Health certificate from licensed vet required, typically within 10 days of travel. Some Caribbean destinations require quarantine. Brazil requires Animal Health Certificate (CVI).
🌏 Asia (ICAO / IATA baseline)
Region-wide: complex per-country import rules. RABIES-FREE countries (Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia rabies-free zones) require: ISO microchip + multiple rabies blood titer tests + import permit + 30+ day pre-export wait + arrival quarantine (Japan = 180 days max wait + 12 hr arrival check; Singapore = 10–30 days quarantine). NOT rabies-free (China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam): permit + microchip + vaccination + health certificate. Most major Asian airlines accept cabin pets up to ~7 kg combined (Korean, JAL, Cathay, Singapore, Thai); China carriers and many LCCs (AirAsia, Scoot, Lion, Spring) refuse pets entirely. Always confirm 4–6 months in advance.
🇦🇺 Australia & Pacific (CASA)
AUSTRALIA: world's strictest import regime. Cats + dogs ONLY (no other pets accepted as pets). Must come from an approved country (Group 1–3 classification), microchipped, rabies blood titer ≥ 180 days before flight, government veterinary export certificate, import permit (4+ months process), 10-day Mickleham PEQ quarantine on arrival, ~AU$3,000+ in fees. NZ: similar regime, 10 days quarantine. NO PETS IN CABIN on any Australian airline (only registered assistance dogs). Pacific Islands: Fiji similar, French Polynesia easier with French rules.