Flying with a pet: cabin or hold

Q: Who can help me arrange everything?

File a request in My Bookings, message @sales_travel_bot or call 8 800 1000-646 — we'll help clear the carriage with the airline.

Travelling with a pet starts not at the airport, but weeks before departure. Flying with a cat or dog means a confirmed request, veterinary paperwork and a carrier that meets the rules. Some airlines allow your companion in the cabin, others only in a heated hold — and the destination country may require its own certificates.

In short

Small animals (usually up to ~8 kg including the carrier) can often fly in the cabin for a fee; larger ones travel in a dedicated hold. You'll need to request the space in advance (slots are scarce), a vet passport with vaccinations, certificates and a compliant carrier. Import rules vary by country — always confirm them with the airline and a vet service. The easiest way to file a request is via My Bookings or by calling 8 800 1000-646.

01 / WhereCabin or cargo hold

The key factor is the combined weight and size of the pet and its carrier. Light animals usually go in the cabin under the seat, while larger ones travel in a separate heated, ventilated hold. Each airline sets its own limits, fees and list of accepted breeds, so the figures below are indicative only.

Option	Best for	Typical weight
In the cabin	Cats and small dogs in a soft carrier under the seat	usually up to ~8 kg incl. carrier
In the hold	Larger dogs in a rigid crate (special compartment)	above the cabin limit
As cargo	Very large animals, or flights with no hold carriage	per cargo tariff

Special statusGuide dogs and assistance animals for passengers with disabilities travel under different rules — typically in the cabin and often free of charge, but with supporting documents. Please let us know in advance.

02 / RequestReserve the pet's spot early

The number of animals on board is limited — often just a few cabin slots per flight. That's why you file the request when you book the ticket, not on departure day. Without a confirmed approval the pet may be refused carriage, even with all the paperwork in order.

Open your booking

Go to My Bookings and select the relevant flight.

Add the pet's details

Species, weight with the carrier and its dimensions — needed to clear the booking with the airline.

Wait for confirmation

We'll request the slot from the carrier. Carriage isn't guaranteed until written confirmation arrives.

Pay the fee

The pet fee is usually charged separately — online or at the desk, depending on the airline.

TipOn a connecting itinerary, clear the pet on every segment and with each airline separately — partners may have different rules and limits. Our support can help you line up the whole chain via @sales_travel_bot.

03 / DocumentsVet passport, vaccines and certificates

The core set is a veterinary passport with up-to-date vaccinations (rabies first of all) and a veterinary certificate. International flights often call for extra certificates, microchipping and a required interval between the shot and departure. Prepare the documents early: some tests and certificates have a limited validity window.

Vet passport with vaccination records, rabies above all.
Veterinary certificate of the required form, issued before departure.
Microchip — frequently mandatory for international travel.
Destination-country documents: import permits, lab tests, quarantine requirements.

Country rules differImport requirements vary widely from country to country: some accept a vaccine and a chip, others require quarantine or a prior permit. Always check the current conditions with a veterinary service and the destination country's embassy before buying the ticket.

04 / CarrierA carrier that meets airline rules

For the cabin you need a soft or semi-rigid carrier that fits under the seat in front and stays within the allowed dimensions. For the hold — a rigid, ventilated crate with a secure latch, a water bowl and absorbent bedding. The animal must be able to stand up and turn around freely inside.

01Check the maximum carrier size against the specific airline's rules.
02Make sure the pet's weight with the carrier stays within the cabin limit.
03Let the animal get used to the carrier a few days before the trip.
04Label the crate with your contacts and a “Live Animal” marking.

05 / CostHow the fee is calculated

Carrying an animal is almost always a separate charge and usually isn't part of your free baggage allowance. The amount follows the airline's tariffs: typically a flat fee for the cabin and, often, a weight-based charge for the hold. It's best to confirm the exact figure when your request is approved, since tariffs change regularly.

What affects the priceThe total depends on the route and distance, the carriage method (cabin/hold), the pet's weight with its carrier and any connections. On connecting routes a fee may apply per segment.

06 / FAQFrequently asked

How early should I request to bring a pet?

As early as possible — ideally right when you buy the ticket. Cabin slots for animals are scarce, and carriage isn't guaranteed until the airline confirms it in writing.

Can a large dog travel in the cabin?

Usually not: only small animals fly in the cabin (typically up to ~8 kg with the carrier). Large dogs travel in a special hold compartment. Guide dogs are an exception.

What documents are needed for an international flight?

A vet passport with vaccinations (rabies in particular), a vet certificate, often a microchip and the destination country's documents. Rules differ by country — check them with a vet service and the embassy.

Who can help me arrange everything?

File a request in My Bookings, message @sales_travel_bot or call 8 800 1000-646 — we'll help clear the carriage with the airline.

Did this answer help?

Ask an operator

94% of readers found this helpful · 7 980 ratings