Pet-Friendly Airlines Top 10: The Best Options for 2025
For pet lovers, leaving furry friends behind when travelling is often a no-go. Thankfully, many airlines are stepping up their game in 2025, making it easier than ever to bring pets along for the ride. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure, finding a pet-friendly airline is key to ensuring a smooth, stress-free trip. Here’s our roundup of the top 10 pet-friendly airlines that offer the best care for your beloved companions this year.
Airline that Allows Pets in the Cabin
Looking to travel with your furry friend in 2025? Our blog highlights the top 10 pet-friendly airlines, offering seamless and comfortable options for your pets. From American Airlines to Air New Zealand, these airlines provide in-cabin and cargo services, ensuring your pets’ safety and comfort
1. American Airlines
As one of the most well-known pet-friendly airlines, American Airlines offers comprehensive pet travel options. Their Pet Travel Program allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on flights under 12 hours. Larger pets, however, will need to travel via their temperature-controlled cargo hold. With spacious cabins and friendly staff, American Airlines ensures that your pet has a comfortable journey.
Pro Tip: Book early! In-cabin pet spots are limited, and they fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
Cargo Services: Their climate-controlled cargo service is ideal for larger animals, with staff trained to ensure the safety and comfort of your pets.
You may like to read: The Comprehensive Guide to Book International Flight
2. Korean Air
Known for exceptional customer service, Korean Air provides top-tier care for pets too. Offering pet-friendly flights, small pets weighing under 7 kg (including the carrier) are allowed in the cabin, while larger pets are transported in the cargo hold. Additionally, they offer pet lounges at select airports, allowing pets to relax before boarding.
Did You Know? Korean Air has a unique loyalty program for pets called “Skypass Miles for Pets,” allowing them to earn miles for future travels.
Tip for Travelers: Make use of their pet lounges at airports like Incheon International Airport to give your pet a break before the flight.
3. Air Canada
Air Canada is one of the most pet-friendly airlines, offering exceptional services for pet owners flying domestically or internationally. Small cats and dogs can travel in the cabin on flights under 12 hours, while larger pets are accommodated in their climate-controlled cargo service, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.
Fun Fact: Air Canada offers an interactive pet travel guide, providing helpful information and tips on how to prepare your pet for a long journey.
Cargo Safety: Their cargo facilities are designed with pet safety in mind, including special temperature controls and care from trained personnel.
4. Qatar Airways
When it comes to luxury travel and pet-friendly flights, Qatar Airways stands out, even for pets! They offer flexible options for small dogs, cats, and birds to fly in the cabin. If your pet doesn’t meet the cabin size or weight requirements, don’t worry—Qatar’s premium cargo service is perfect for ensuring pets are transported with the utmost care.
Highlight: Qatar Airways features excellent pet lounges, where your pets can relax and refresh before the flight.
Top Tip: For long-haul flights, book in advance to reserve a spot in their state-of-the-art pet lounges at Doha Hamad International Airport.
You may like to read: Top 10 Tips for Booking Flights on a Budget
5. Finnair
Finnair has a reputation for being a highly reliable pet-friendly airline. Small dogs and cats can join their owners in the cabin, while larger animals travel safely in climate-controlled cargo holds. For solo pet travellers, Finnair also provides efficient pet transport services, ensuring pets travelling unaccompanied are well looked after.
Extra Perk: Finnair allows travellers with pets to pre-select seats with extra space, providing additional comfort for both you and your pet during the flight.
Why Choose Finnair? Their pet transport services are especially useful for travellers moving abroad or adopting pets internationally.
6. Azerbaijan Airlines
Azerbaijan Airlines is becoming a popular choice for pet travel, offering affordable and flexible pet-friendly flights for both in-cabin and cargo pet transport. Small pets are allowed in the cabin, while larger pets are flown in the cargo hold under temperature-controlled conditions. Their pet policies cover both domestic and international flights, ensuring comfort and safety for your furry companions.
Travel Hack: Azerbaijan Airlines offers competitive pet travel rates, making them an affordable choice for long-distance travel with your furry companion.
Flexible Options: You can fly your pet on both domestic and international routes, giving you more freedom when planning a trip.
7. Czech Airlines
For pet owners travelling across Europe, Czech Airlines stands out among pet-friendly airlines, offering convenient and straightforward pet-friendly services. Small pets can travel in the cabin, while larger animals are welcome in the cargo hold. Czech Airlines makes pet travel stress-free by providing clear guidelines and assistance, especially for nervous pets.
Pet Owner’s Tip: Avoid giving your pets sedatives during travel—Czech Airlines emphasizes sedative-free travel to ensure your pet’s health and safety.
Stress-Free Travel: Their streamlined process and helpful staff ensure that both you and your pet can fly comfortably.
8. Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus is perfect for pet owners travelling between Ireland, the UK, and North America, offering pet-friendly flights that cater to both small and large pets. Their pet travel services allow small pets in the cabin, while larger pets enjoy a comfortable ride in the hold. Aer Lingus is committed to providing excellent care for all animals, ensuring well-ventilated cargo areas and well-trained staff to monitor pets throughout the flight.
Extra Perk: Aer Lingus offers specialized pet routes, making check-in and security easier for pet owners.
Why Aer Lingus? Their streamlined pet services make it easier to travel between Ireland, the UK, and the US, providing a hassle-free experience.
9. KM Air Malta
When flying with small pets, KM Air Malta is a great option for short- and medium-haul flights, making it one of the top pet-friendly airlines. Their pet-friendly policies ensure your small dogs and cats can accompany you in the cabin, while larger animals are safely transported in the hold. KM Air Malta is known for its friendly staff and extra care when handling pets.
Insider Tip: KM Air Malta partners with pet hotels and kennels near major airports, so your furry friend can get some extra care before or after the flight.
What Makes Air Malta Special? Their services cater to pets of all sizes, ensuring a smooth transition from the plane to your final destination.
10. Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand tops the list for long-haul pet travel, offering excellent services for both in-cabin and cargo pets. Known for their pet-friendly flights, they have specially designed cargo holds that are temperature-controlled, ensuring a safe journey for pets on lengthy flights. For international travellers, they also assist with quarantine and paperwork, making it easy for pets to travel across borders.
What Sets Them Apart: Air New Zealand helps with all necessary import permits and documentation, making international travel a breeze for pet owners.
Top Service: They offer quarantine assistance for countries with strict regulations, so your pets can seamlessly join you wherever you’re headed.
You may like to read: 10 Expert Strategies for Finding Budget-Friendly Flights
Conclusion
Travelling with your pet is becoming easier in 2025, thanks to these pet-friendly airlines. Whether you’re flying domestically or embarking on an international adventure, you can find the perfect option for your furry friend. With proper planning and these top airline choices, your next journey with your pet can be both safe and enjoyable. Happy travels, pet lovers!
