Travel
In the cabin, checked or as cargo
In short
Pets fly in one of three ways, in the cabin with you, as checked baggage, or as cargo. Which ways are open depends on the airline and the route, and some destinations set their own rule.
Key points
- Each airline's rule applies only to that airline's flights.
- A destination's rule, such as Great Britain's, applies in addition to the airline's.
Great Britain
United Kingdom (Great Britain): Use an approved route
Book a travel route and carrier approved for pet travel into Great Britain. Pets arriving by plane generally fly as cargo, unless on a chartered private plane or travelling as a guide or assistance dog. [GOV.UK: Bring your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain]
Delta
Delta Air Lines: Pets in the cabin
Kennel size
The maximum in-cabin kennel dimensions are determined by the aircraft dimensions of your flight, as the under-seat space varies by aircraft. Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18" x 11" x 11" since this fits most aircraft types.
Delta Air Lines: Pets shipped with Delta Cargo
Who can ship a pet with Delta Cargo
Until further notice, we are only allowing the shipment of pets for active U.S. Military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service Offices (FSO) traveling with active permanent change of station orders. To make an active U.S. Military or FSO pet booking, please contact the Delta Cargo Customer Service Center at 1-800-352-2746 (dial 711 for relay services). Keep in mind that you will be required to provide a copy of your permanent change of station orders.
Delta Air Lines: Flights to or from the United Kingdom
Pets
When traveling to or from the United Kingdom, Delta will not accept any live animals as checked or carry-on baggage.
American Airlines
American Airlines: Carry-on pets
Weight limit
The total weight of your pet and its carrier must not exceed 20 pounds (9.07 kilograms).
American Airlines: Checked pets (U.S. Military and State Department Foreign Service on official orders only)
Who can check a pet
We only accept checked pets at the ticket counter for active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders.
American Airlines: U.K. and Ireland
Checked pets
Apart from service animals, you can't travel with a checked pet to the U.K. or Ireland, but you can transport dogs and cats to London (LHR) and Manchester (MAN) with American Airlines Cargo.
United Airlines
United Airlines: Checked pets and cargo
PetSafe
We no longer let you check your pets through the PetSafe program.
Each row is quoted from the official page named in it and applies only there. Rules change: confirm with that source before you travel.