Cabin vs Cargo: Flying with Pets

When planning air travel with your furry friend, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether your pet should fly in the cabin or in the cargo hold. This choice depends on your airline’s rules, your pet’s size and breed, and the overall comfort and safety of the trip.

In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of cabin vs cargo pet travel, highlight airline-specific policies across G7 countries, and recommend must-have travel gear to help you prepare. Whether you’re traveling from Tokyo to Toronto or Paris to New York, you’ll find everything you need to make an informed decision.

“In-cabin” pet travel means your pet travels inside the aircraft cabin with you, typically under the seat in front of you. Only small pets are allowed in-cabin, and they must be contained in a soft-sided, airline-approved carrier.

✈️ Key Facts:

• Weight limit: usually 15–20 lbs (7–9 kg) including carrier
• Must remain in carrier for entire flight
• Limited number of pets allowed per flight
• Available on airlines like Air France, American Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada

👉 Recommended product: Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier (airline approved, fits under most seats)

Pet cargo means your pet travels in the climate-controlled cargo hold of the aircraft. This option is usually for larger dogs or pets that exceed the cabin size/weight restrictions.

📋 Cargo Travel Basics:

• Requires a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate
• Pets are checked in like luggage at the cargo desk
• Travel separately from passengers, but often on the same flight
• Must be booked in advance and includes extra paperwork

👉 Recommended product: Petmate Sky Kennel (IATA-approved for cargo)

Here’s how some major airlines in G7 countries handle in-cabin vs cargo travel:

American Airlines

• In-Cabin: Yes, under 20 lbs
• Cargo: Yes, via American Airlines Cargo
• Breed Restrictions: No brachycephalic breeds in cargo

Air Canada

• In-Cabin: Yes, up to 22 lbs
• Cargo: Available year-round
• Breed Restrictions: Short-nosed dogs not permitted in cargo

British Airways

• In-Cabin: No (only service animals)
• Cargo: Yes, through IAG Cargo

Air France

• In-Cabin: Yes, pets under 8 kg
• Cargo: Required for pets over 8 kg

Lufthansa

• In-Cabin: Yes, up to 8 kg
• Cargo: Yes, with special pet safety program

ANA (Japan)

• In-Cabin: No (except service animals)
• Cargo: Available with reservation

Cabin Travel

Pros:

• Pet stays close to you
• Easier for nervous pets
• Less extreme temperature exposure

Cons:

• Only small pets allowed
• Limited in-flight movement
• May not be permitted on all international routes

Cargo Travel

Pros:

• Suitable for large pets
• More breathing room in proper crate
• Airlines offer climate-controlled cargo

Cons:

• More stressful for pets
• Requires early check-in and pickup
• Breed restrictions more common

Small Dogs & Cats

• Best Choice: In-cabin (if under airline limits)
• Look for airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, Air Canada

Large Dogs

• Best Choice: Cargo (with crate acclimation training)
• Choose airlines with strong safety programs like Lufthansa

Elderly or Anxious Pets

• Best Choice: In-cabin if allowed; otherwise, consult a vet
• Use calming sprays or natural sedatives with professional advice 👉 Check price on Chewy – Adaptil Calming Spray

Brachycephalic (short-nosed) Breeds

• Best Choice: In-cabin only, if allowed
• Cargo travel is discouraged or banned due to breathing issues

For In-Cabin Travel:

• Practice carrier training weeks before
• Freeze a bowl of water to melt slowly during flight
• Line the carrier with pee pads or washable travel mats 👉 Check price – Rocket & Rex Washable Dog Pee Pads

For Cargo Travel:

• Choose non-stop flights
• Label crate with contact info and “LIVE ANIMAL”
• Attach food, leash, water dish to crate
• Use crate that allows your pet to stand, turn, and lie down
• Consider pet tracking tags like Fi GPS or Apple AirTag (if allowed)

• Carrier: Sherpa Deluxe Soft Carrier
• Cargo Crate: Petmate Sky Kennel
• Calming Spray: Adaptil Spray
• Travel Bowls: Comsun Collapsible Bowl Set
• Cooling Mat for Layovers: The Green Pet Shop Cooling Pad

Make the best decision for your pet with our “Cabin vs Cargo: Flight Prep Checklist”, covering:

• Packing lists for each travel type
• Key airline restrictions
• Safety tips for every step of the journey
• Vet-approved product recommendations

👉 Download your free PDF checklist here

Is cargo safe for pets in 2025?

Yes—if you fly with reputable airlines that have climate-controlled cargo holds and follow IATA safety standards. Airlines like Lufthansa and Air Canada offer enhanced pet cargo services.

What breeds are banned from cabin or cargo travel?

Many airlines restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Persians) from cargo due to breathing risks. In-cabin restrictions vary, especially internationally. Always check your airline’s latest breed policy.

How do I prepare my pet for a cargo flight?

Start crate training early. Use the actual travel crate for several weeks before the trip. Ensure your pet is microchipped, has current vaccinations, and you have all required documentation and emergency contacts ready.

Flying with your pet is doable and safe—as long as you prepare well and choose the right option. Whether in-cabin or cargo, the goal is the same: a smooth, safe journey for your furry companion.

👉 Shop airline-approved travel gear on Amazon
👉 Download your free Cabin vs Cargo Checklist (PDF)