Anúncios
Have you ever wondered how to make your pet’s trip as smooth as possible when it comes to international flights?
Traveling with pets can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to international destinations. But with the right airlines, you can ensure your pet’s comfort and safety.
Anúncios
Here, we’ll explore the best airline options for traveling with your pet. Some of these airlines offer specialized services, such as pet transportation, ensuring your four-legged companion arrives safely at their destination.
The challenge of traveling abroad with pets
Traveling with pets internationally can be a significant challenge due to varying restrictions and requirements. Pet owners often have concerns about their pet’s safety during flights.
Choosing the right airline is crucial to ensuring your pet is treated with care and respect, and it’s essential to understand the different airlines’ pet policies before making a decision.
Anúncios
Common concerns of pet owners
Pet owners often worry about their pets’ comfort and safety while traveling, including choosing the right carrier and getting their pet used to the flight environment.
Importance of choosing the right airline
Choosing the right airline can make all the difference in your pet-friendly travel experience. Some airlines are more prepared and attentive to pets, offering specialized services and safer conditions.
Everything you need to know about flying with pets internationally

When traveling internationally with pets, it’s essential to understand the different transportation options available to ensure you choose the best option for your pet.
Difference between cabin, luggage compartment and cargo
When traveling with pets, it’s important to understand the differences between the transportation options: cabin, overhead bin, and cargo. Cabin is ideal for small pets that can fit in a carrier under the seat in front.
Overhead is for pets that require more space but are still considered baggage. Cargo is the option for pets that need to travel in a separate area of the cabin, usually in special containers.
Breed and size restrictions
Each airline has its own breed and size restrictions for pets. It’s important to check these policies before booking your flight. Some breeds may be considered high-risk and have specific restrictions.
- Check the permitted dimensions for your pet’s carrier.
- Consult the airline’s policies regarding specific breeds.
Documentation required for international travel
The documentation required for traveling with pets internationally includes health certificates, vaccinations, and, in some cases, special permits. Therefore, make sure all documents are in order to avoid problems during your trip.
- Obtain a health certificate for your pet.
- Check the vaccination requirements of your destination country.
The 5 best airlines for traveling with pets
Choosing the right airline is important for international travel with your pet. Some of the best options include Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, each with their own policies and procedures for transporting pets.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa allows pets to travel in both the cabin and the hold, depending on the animal’s size and weight. For international travel, it’s essential to check Lufthansa’s specific requirements.
- Pet policies in the cabin and hold: Small pets can travel in the cabin, while larger ones must travel in the hold. It’s important to check the airline’s policies to understand costs and requirements.
- Popular international routes: Lufthansa offers flights to many international destinations, including Europe, North and South America, and Asia.
Air France
Air France also allows pets to travel in the cabin or hold, with a specialized service for pet transportation.
- Pet policies in the cabin and hold: Pets can travel in the cabin if they meet certain size and weight criteria. Otherwise, they are transported in the hold.
- Popular international routes: Air France operates flights to many destinations around the world, including Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Airline | Pet in the Cabin | Pet in the Basement | International Routes |
---|---|---|---|
Lufthansa (Android and iOS) | Yes | Yes | Europe, North and South America, Asia |
Air France (Android and iOS) | Yes | Yes | Europe, Africa, Americas |
KLM (Android and iOS) | Yes | Yes | Europe, Americas, Asia |
Emirates (Android and iOS) | No | Yes | Middle East, Europe, Americas, Asia |
Qatar Airways (Android and iOS) | No | Yes | Middle East, Europe, Americas, Asia, Africa |
KLM
KLM has similar policies to Air France, allowing pets to travel in the cabin or in the hold.
Emirates and Qatar Airways
Both Emirates and Qatar Airways transport pets in the hold. They have specific procedures in place to ensure their safety during the flight.
When choosing one of these airlines, be sure to check their specific pet policies and available routes to plan your trip efficiently.

Airlines with special pet programs
Some airlines are standing out by offering special pet programs, ensuring a safer and more comfortable journey for animals. These programs demonstrate these airlines’ commitment to pet well-being during flights.
LATAM and its pet policies
LATAM is one of the airlines that stands out for its specific pet policies, offering a pet transportation service designed to ensure the safety and comfort of animals during the flight.
Delta Air Lines and the Pet Tracking Program
Delta Air Lines offers a pet tracking program, allowing pet owners to track their pet’s location during the flight. This provides great peace of mind for pet owners who want to ensure their pet’s safety.
United Airlines and the PetSafe program
United Airlines offers the PetSafe program, designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for pets during flights, including a variety of services, from pet transportation to in-flight supervision.
These special pet programs are a great advantage for pet owners who wish to travel with their pets. By choosing an airline that offers these programs, pet owners can be assured that their pets will be safe and comfortable during the flight.
Preparing your pet for international travel
To ensure your pet’s safety and comfort during travel, it’s essential to take certain precautions. Preparing your pet for international travel involves several important steps.
Visit the vet before the trip
A visit to the veterinarian is essential before traveling with your pet. The veterinarian can provide a health certificate for your pet and discuss any specific travel-related concerns. It’s also a good opportunity to check that your pet is up to date on all vaccinations.
Choosing the right shipping box
Choosing the right carrier is vital to your pet’s well-being during the flight. The carrier must be comfortable, safe, and meet airline regulations. So, make sure the carrier has adequate ventilation and enough room for your pet to move around.
Tips for reducing your pet’s stress during the flight
There are several tips to reduce your pet’s stress during the flight. Acclimating your pet to the carrier before traveling can help reduce anxiety. Avoiding heavy meals before the flight and maintaining your pet’s normal routine can help ensure a smoother trip.
Common mistakes when flying with pets internationally
When traveling internationally with pets, it’s important to avoid mistakes that could compromise your pet’s safety and comfort. Many pet owners make simple mistakes that can be avoided with planning and knowledge.
One of the biggest mistakes is failing to check the airline’s specific policies. Each airline has its own rules and restrictions for traveling with pets, and not being aware of these policies can lead to problems at check-in.
Airline Policies
It’s essential to research and understand the policies of your chosen airline, including whether your pet can travel in the cabin, in the hold, or as cargo, as well as understanding documentation and health requirements.
Destination Country Health Requirements
Ignoring the destination country’s health requirements is another common mistake. Each country has its own requirements regarding vaccinations, health certificates, and other documents required for animal entry.
Choosing flights with multiple connections can also increase your pet’s stress and the risk of problems during the trip.
Climatic Conditions
Failing to consider the weather conditions of the destination country or layovers can affect your pet’s health and comfort. Therefore, it’s important to plan your trip accordingly to minimize stress.
Common Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
---|---|---|
Not checking airline policies | Problems checking in | Search airline policies |
Ignoring health requirements of the destination country | Problems at customs | Check health requirements of the destination country |
Choose flights with many connections | Increased pet stress | Choose direct flights or flights with few connections |
Do not consider weather conditions | Affecting the pet’s health | Plan your trip according to weather conditions |

Conclusion
Traveling with pets internationally requires careful planning and research. By choosing the right airline and understanding their pet transportation policies and procedures, you can ensure a smooth and safe journey for your pet.
Some airlines stand out for their pet-friendly policies, such as Lufthansa, which offers a dedicated pet area at Frankfurt Airport.
It’s crucial to research the airline’s policies, documentation requirements, and carrier specifications to ensure a smooth trip.
Additionally, considering the weather conditions and health requirements of the destination country is essential. With these tips and information, you’ll be ready for a successful international trip with your pet.
When flying internationally with pets, it’s essential to choose airlines that offer pet-friendly services, including considering pet-friendly airlines that offer special programs and checking their specific pet travel policies.