Hi fellow travelin’ felines! Thinkin’ about going for an airplane ride?
If so, tell your human to check out this info so your trip will be a happy one.
Air travel with a cat can be turbulent if not properly planned ahead of time!
How to Travel By Air With Your Cat
Cat experts recommend you take cats only in the cabin of an airplane, since they can become traumatized being in the cargo hold.
Know ahead of time what airlines allow cats and whether they’re restricted to cargo only or allowed in the cabin with you.
Before making reservations, check the airline’s website for any information about traveling with cats.
Then call the airline and ask the agent about your specific plans and what requirements there are for bringing your cat.
Do this as far in advance as you can, since preparations can take at least a couple weeks.
Some airlines allow only one animal in the cabin per flight, NOT one animal per passenger!
So don’t wait until the last minute to find out somebody else beat you to it.
It’s also something to consider if you want to travel by air with more than one cat.
You may decide to find another mode of transportation if you can’t have more than one cat in-cabin with you.
Be sure to ask if there’s a fee for a “carry-on” cat and set up her reservation when you make your own.
If you’re taking connecting flights, do the same for each one.
The day before your departure, confirm your reservation (and your cat’s).
Non-Stop or Connecting Flights?
When planning air travel with a cat, the first priority is to fly non-stop, if at all possible. This will reduce the amount of stress on both you and your cat.
If you take connecting flights, you both have to go through security, find your gates, board, take off and land multiple times.
This is especially important if your cat has to travel in cargo. Ever heard of lost luggage??
Ask the airline representative what documentation is needed for your cat (health certificate, proof of rabies and other vaccines, etc.)
Health certs must be issued no further back than 10 days prior to your departure date.
Keep these papers on your person, not packed in your luggage, so they’re available on demand.
Cat Carriers for Airplane Travel
For any air travel with your cat, you must use a carrier that the airline approves of, or your cat won’t be going.
Airlines have specific safety requirements for carriers both for cargo and in cabin travel.
If you’re taking a cat in the cabin, the carrier must fit underneath your seat.
Many carriers are advertised as airline approved but you’ll want to double check the latest requirements of your specific airline.
Hard carriers are most protective of your cat and anyone handling the carrier. Some airlines accept soft-sided ones for in-cabin.
Find out more about carriers at “What Are the Best Cat Carriers?” and “Cat Carriers… Take Your Cat In Style!“
Put an ID tag on the carrier with your name, cell phone number, cat’s name, and whatever else you think is appropriate.
Use something that won’t fall off if something happens and you get separated, such as a leather tag that wraps around the metal bars.
Put a sticker on the carrier that says “LIVE ANIMAL”.
Cats Traveling in Cargo
Even though cat experts recommend in-cabin travel for cats, there are times you may not be able to do that.
If your cat must travel in the cargo hold, call well in advance and ask what is specifically required for your cat’s safety.
In general, airlines require a “LIVE ANIMAL” sign in big letters on the crate with arrows pointing up that clearly shows which is the upright side.
It must have food and water bowls attached to the grill door. Have your name, address, and phone number firmly attached or written directly on the crate.
Here is an example of this type of crate carrier… Petmate Sky Kennel
Discover more at “Cat Carriers… Take Your Cat In Style!“
Getting Through Security & Customs
A big factor in taking your cat on a plane is going through security and customs.
Get to the airport early enough to get through all procedures.
Find out what papers and procedures are required when going through customs at every destination point, including connecting flights.
In the United States, TSA will usually require you to take your cat out of the carrier, which makes it even more important that your cat be carrier and leash/harness trained.
The noise of a strange place can scare him if he’s not used to it.
Don’t think you want to be chasing a terrified cat through the airport with security right behind you!
Keep the leash and harness on your cat for the entire trip for everyone’s safety.
You can also request that the carrier inspection be done in a closed room.
Emotional Support Cats
Emotional support animals have become more popular, but any air travel with a special cat must be approved by the airline before your trip.
People have used the “Emotional Support Cat” excuse to try to get around airline requirements.
As a result, many airlines are no longer accepting this unless you have a doctor’s note as proof. Be sure you’re meeting all requirements.
International Travel
For international travel, contact all destination countries months before your trip.
You’ll need the same answers as for domestic air travel but there will likely also be a quarantine period and more paperwork required.
Check back with them 4-6 weeks before your travel date to be sure nothing’s changed.
Commercial Passenger Airlines in the U.S.
Below are links to commercial passenger airlines that fly in the United States. The links are to their pet information pages.
A-E
Alaska Airlines: Booking Pet Travel
Allegiant Air: Traveling With Pets
American Airlines: Pets
Delta Airlines: Pet Travel on Delta
Eastern Airlines: Contract of Carriage – Carriage of Animals
Frontier Airlines: Travel Tips – Traveling With Pets
Hawaiian Airlines:
- Traveling With Animals
- Domestic Contract of Carriage
- Pets Traveling in the Cabin
- Pets Traveling as Checked Baggage
J-Z
JetBlue: Contract of Carriage – pages 1-14 & 1-15
Southwest: Southwest Pet Policy
Spirit: Contract of Carriage – Acceptance of Animals, pages 15-18
Sun Country: Traveling with Kids or Pets
United Airlines: In-Cabin Pets
International Airlines
To find out about pet policies on airlines in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, etc., go to “Airline Pet Policies for Dog or Cat Travel | PetTravel.com“
Helicopters
A word about taking your cat on a helicopter ride.
Just like other modes of transportation, be sure your cat is very comfortable with noise and motion before attempting this.
He should be either in a carrier or on a leash/harness. Make sure the helicopter service and pilot allow you to bring him.
Videos – Airplane Travel
Here are some videos with helpful information about airplane travel with your cat:
Cat Travel Tips: Airplane Edition, Jackson Galaxy, January 6, 2021
FLYING WITH MY CAT to Europe – How to plan for a trip with your cat, Albert & Mia, the Adventure Bengal Cat, Dec 30, 2020
Related Pages of Interest
Sources
Sources used on this website are either primary or secondary.
Primary sources are always preferable and have the most reliable information because they’re original and directly referenced.
Scientific abstracts and data are good examples of primary sources.
Secondary sources are weaker because they usually consist of opinions or articles that give no sources of their own.
However, sometimes they refer to primary sources.
When I use secondary sources, most are those with some authority, such as veterinarian or cat behaviorist books and articles.
List of Sources
“77 Things to Know Before Getting a Cat”, by Susan M. Ewing, Companion House Books, Fox Chapel Publishers International, Ltd., 2018, p. 181
“Airline Pet Policies for Dog or Cat Travel, PetTravel.com”
“Cat Speak”, by Bash Dibra with Elizabeth Randolph, New American Library, Penguin Group (USA) Inc., New York, NY, 2001, pp. 208-211
“The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Getting & Owning a Cat”, by Sheila Webster Boneham, Ph.D., Alpha Books, Penguin Group (USA), Inc., New York, NY, 2005, pp. 205-7
“List of Airlines of the United States”, Wikipedia
“Think Like a Cat, How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat – Not a Sour Puss”, by Pam Johnson-Bennett, Certified Animal Behavior Consultant, Penguin Books, Penguin Group (USA) Inc, New York, NY, 2000, 2011, pp. 266-7
Updated July 10, 2022