Travelling with a Cat on a Plane: Everything You Need to Know

Travelling with a cat by plane can appear complex. Between airline policies, entry requirements of the destination country, transport conditions and ensuring your pet’s comfort, thorough preparation before departure is essential. In this article, we outline the conditions to be met and administrative formalities when flying with your cat, as well as tips to help ensure your companion travels in the best possible conditions.

Can You Fly Your Cat with You on a Plane?

Yes, most airlines do allow cats on board, though always under specific conditions. Depending on the airline and your destination, you will generally have two options:

In the cabin: if the combined weight of the animal and its carrier does not exceed the airline’s limit (often between 6 and 8 kg). Your cat must travel in a soft-sided bag or an airline approved carrier* and be placed under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight.
In the hold: if the combined weight of your cat and its carrier exceeds the weight allowed by the cabin travel policy, or if the airline does not allow animals in the passenger cabin. In this case, your cat must be transported in a rigid IATA-compliant cage, in a pressurized and temperature-controlled compartment.

* Maximum dimensions are typically: 46 x 28 x 24 cm.

Some airlines also impose restrictions depending on the breed, the season (e.g. extreme heat or cold), or the number of animals allowed per flight. We strongly recommend checking your chosen airline’s pet policy well in advance and booking your cat’s transport at the same time as your own ticket.

Are you planning to travel with Air France or Emirates? Learn more about these airlines’ pet policies in our dedicated guides.

What Are the Options to Travel with a Cat by Plane?

When travelling abroad with your cat, there are two main options available: transporting your pet as excess baggage or arranging shipment via air cargo. Each option comes with its own conditions, costs, and benefits.

Option 1: Traveling as “Excess Baggage”

In this case, your cat travels on the same flight as you, either in the cabin or in the aircraft hold, and is directly linked to your passenger ticket. The boarding process happens at the passenger terminal, at the airline check-in desk. Transporting your pet is considered an additional service to your ticket, similar to excess baggage, and is charged per piece according to the airline’s passenger tariff.

✅ Advantages

Your companion travels on the same flight as you as a checked baggage
Administrative procedures are simpler than with air cargo.
Often less expensive than shipment by cargo.

⚠️ Disadvantages

Limited number of animals per flight.
Restrictions on size and weight.
Not available with all airlines or to all destinations

Option 2: Traveling via Air Freight

Air cargo transport is a distinct service, comparable to purchasing a separate flight ticket solely for your pet. In this arrangement, your cat travels independently, booked as Live Animals cargo, through a freight forwarder or a specialized pet transport provider.

Transporting your cat as cargo requires specific registration procedures, including thorough checks of documentation, travel carrier, and pre-departure customs formalities. Departure is handled at the airport’s cargo terminal rather than the passenger terminal. Pricing is based not on the animal’s actual weight but on the volumetric weight of the crate (a combination of size and weight). Due to the sensitive nature of live animal transport, airlines apply premium freight tariffs, typically higher than those charged under the excess baggage option.

✅ Advantages

Can be arranged without a passenger ticket.
Greater flexibility, particularly for flight schedules and connections.

⚠️ Disadvantages

More complex process, involving additional documentation, customs clearance, and freight forwarders.
Often more expensive than excess baggage.
Your cat does not travel with you directly.
Mandatory for certain destinations (e.g. the United-Kingdom, Australia)

What Are the Rules for Flying with a Cat?

Travelling by airplane with a cat requires to comply with a set of common rules, including:

Total weight of the cat and carrier: to fly in the cabin, this must generally not exceed 6–8 kg. Beyond this limit, your cat must travel in the aircraft hold.
Minimum age: your cat must be at least 12 weeks old, and in some cases 16 weeks, depending on local regulations.
Identification: a microchip is mandatory, or a clearly legible tattoo if applied before July 2011 within the European Union.
Rabies vaccination: almost always required. Certain destinations also require a serological test to confirm the effectiveness of the vaccination.

Please note that these requirements may vary depending on the airline, the country of departure, and final destination. For instance, in countries such as Australia, New-Zealand, or Japan, quarantine is mandatory upon arrival. We therefore strongly recommend checking the specific conditions with your airline and the relevant health authorities before travelling with your pet.

What Documents Are Needed to Travel on a Plane with a Cat?

As with any international journey, specific documents are required when travelling with a cat on a plane:

The most common is the European Pet Passport, which records up-to-date vaccinations. A valid vaccination booklet may also be accepted.

Most countries and airlines also require a health certificate, issued by an authorized vet within a few days prior to departure (note that the timeframe for issuing this document varies depending on the destination).

Depending on the country, additional forms may be requested, such as a declaration confirming that the transport crate complies with IATA standards.

In some cases, an import permit or health authorization is mandatory – for example, when travelling with your cat to the United Kingdom, Australia, or Canada.

Crate Requirements for Cat Air Travel

The choice of the crate plays a central role in ensuring your cat’s comfort and safety during its journey.

In the cabin: it is essential to use a soft-sided airline approved carrier, which complies with the required dimensions while providing a comfortable space for your pet.

In the hold: the crate must be rigid, IATA-compliant, and spacious enough to allow the cat to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

To improve comfort, we recommend adding accessories such as a soft blanket or absorbent mat, along with a water container suitable for air transport.

Meeting these criteria not only ensures the carrier will be accepted by the airline, but it also helps safeguard your pet’s wellbeing during the flight. For further practical guidance and additional travel tips, we invite you to read our dedicated article on choosing the right travel crate for your pet.

What Airlines Allow Cats on Board?

Most major international airlines offer cat transport services, whether in the cabin or in the hold.

Airlines such as Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, and Iberia are among those permitting cats to travel in both configurations.

By contrast, low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and EasyJet do not accept cats on board under any circumstances.

Pet policies vary considerably from one airline to another: some restrict the maximum number of animals per flight, others only allow pets in the hold, and certain carriers impose specific conditions depending on the breed of cat. To avoid any inconvenience, we strongly recommend reviewing the airline’s pet travel policy before booking your tickets.

Which Destinations Allow Travel with Cats?

Whether you can travel abroad with your cat depends largely on the entry requirements of the destination country. While most European Union member states allow pet cats to enter under harmonized regulations, other countries apply stricter conditions:

Europe: Within the EU, cats may generally travel freely provided they hold an EU Pet Passport, are microchipped, and have a valid rabies vaccination.
United-Kingdom, Ireland, Malta: Cats are allowed but must meet the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), which includes microchipping, rabies vaccination, and in some cases treatment against tapeworm.
Australia, New Zealand, Japan: Entry is possible but subject to very strict protocols, including advance import permits, rabies antibody testing, and mandatory quarantine upon arrival.
United States, Canada : Cats are allowed entry in North America, but specific documentation such as vaccination records and health certificates are required.

As rules vary significantly, we strongly advise checking the latest requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate, as well as with your chosen airline, before confirming your travel plans.

What Are the Costs of Travelling by Plane with a Cat?

The cost of flying with your cat depends on several factors, including the airline, mode of transport, and destination:

In the cabin: pet fees generally range from €50 to €150 per journey.
In the hold: pet fees can range between €100 and €300, depending on the weight of the cat and its carrier.
Air cargo: this is typically more expensive, often starting at €300 and potentially exceeding €800 for long-haul flights or destinations with strict regulations.

Additional costs may include the purchase or rental of an approved travel crate, vet checks, updated vaccinations, and certain customs or health-related fees. As each situation is unique, we recommend contacting your airline or a professional pet transport service to obtain an accurate estimate how much flying your cat will cost.

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How to Prepare Your Cat for Air Travel?

Pre-flight preparation is a crucial step to ensure your cat experiences the journey as calmly as possible.

We recommend gradually familiarizing your cat with its travel carrier by leaving it open at home and adding familiar blankets and toys.

On the day of travel, a long play session or a walk can help expend excess energy.

Regarding feeding, it is best to provide a light meal several hours before the flight to avoid discomfort.

The use of sedatives is strongly discouraged, as they can interfere with breathing and temperature regulation at altitude.

Inside the crate, include an absorbent blanket, a small, secured water container, and, if possible, an item carrying your scent to provide reassurance.

Careful preparation will greatly contribute to reducing your cat’s stress on the day of travel.

How to Reduce Your Cat’s Stress During the Flight?

Ensuring your cat’s comfort and safety during the flight depends on a few key precautions:

- Use a travel bag or crate that is sufficiently spacious to allow your cat to move comfortably.
- Familiarize your cat with its carrier in advance, as this will help reduce stress on the day of travel.
- To minimize stress, opt for direct flights whenever possible and limit stopovers and transfers.
- Avoid periods of extreme heat or cold, as weather conditions can affect your cat’s wellbeing during boarding and disembarkation.

By anticipating these factors, you can provide your cat with a more comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Conclusion

Travelling with a cat on a plane requires careful organization and thorough planning at every stage, from selecting the airline to preparing your pet and its documentation. Rules and regulations, costs, and boarding requirements vary between airlines and countries, making it essential to verify all conditions before each journey. By following our tips for flying with your cat, you can maximize your companion’s comfort and safety.

To ensure your peace of mind, you may wish to entrust these arrangements to a professional pet transport service, such as Air Transport Animal, which assists cat owners and other pet owners with all travel-related formalities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, flying can be safe for cats when proper precautions are taken. Most airlines have established procedures to ensure the welfare of pets, whether travelling in the cabin or in the hold. Ensuring your cat is healthy, using an appropriate carrier, and following airline and destination requirements all contribute to a journey in a safe and comfortable environment.

Sedating a cat for air travel is generally not recommended. Sedatives can interfere with breathing, heart rate, and the animal’s ability to regulate body temperature, particularly during changes in cabin or cargo hold pressure. Instead, to calm your cat, focus on acclimatizing your cat to its carrier and using calming techniques, such as familiar blankets or toys, to reduce stress naturally. You may also use calming sprays.

It is advisable to provide a light meal several hours before the flight, typically 3–4 hours in advance. This helps prevent nausea or discomfort during travel. Fresh water should be available until a few hours before departure, and a small water container can be placed in the carrier during the journey if permitted by the airline. Avoid feeding immediately before boarding, especially for long-haul flights.