How to Read an Airline Pet Policy: What the Fine Print Actually Means
Airline pet policies are written for legal coverage, not for pet owners trying to understand them. Terms like “manifested baggage,” “accompanied air cargo,” and “breed restrictions as per the current IATA list” mean specific things – and misunderstanding them can lead to your pet being refused at the airport.
Here is a guide to the key terms and what they actually mean.
In-Cabin vs. Checked Baggage vs. Cargo Hold
In-cabin: Your pet travels with you in the passenger cabin, in a carrier under the seat in front of you. This is only available for small animals (usually under 8-10 kg combined) on applicable routes. The pet is checked in at the passenger desk, not the cargo counter.
Checked baggage (excess baggage): Your pet travels in the hold but is checked in at the passenger desk alongside your luggage. This is usually only available on routes and aircraft types that allow it, and there are strict weight and crate size limits. Not all airlines offer this option.
Manifested cargo (air cargo / live animal cargo): Your pet is booked as cargo through the airline’s cargo division (not the passenger desk). This is the standard method for larger dogs, for unaccompanied shipments, and for most international routes. The booking is made separately from your passenger ticket, through the cargo team.
When an airline says “pets accepted in cabin,” this does not mean larger pets are accepted as checked baggage or cargo. Check each category separately.
“Routes and aircraft types may vary”
This phrase appears in almost every airline pet policy. It means that even if the airline generally accepts pets, your specific flight may not. The reasons:
- Some aircraft types (narrow-body jets, turboprops) have no temperature-controlled hold and cannot carry live animals
- Some routes have regulatory restrictions at the destination airport
- Busy routes may have live animal capacity already booked
Always confirm live animal acceptance on your specific flight and date, not just the route in general.
Brachycephalic Breed Restrictions
Most airlines have a list of restricted or banned brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds. The list typically includes:
- Bulldogs (English, French, American)
- Pugs
- Boston Terriers
- Shih Tzus
- Pekingese
- Persian, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair cats
Some airlines ban all listed breeds from hold travel but accept them in-cabin. Others ban them entirely. The list varies by airline and is updated periodically. Always check the current breed restriction list for your specific carrier.
“Subject to availability”
Live animal cargo spaces are limited on most aircraft. “Subject to availability” means you cannot simply assume your pet can be added at check-in. Book the live animal space at the same time as your passenger ticket – or even before.
Health Certificate Requirements
Airlines typically require a health certificate issued within a specific window before travel (commonly seven to ten days). Some airlines specify a government-endorsed certificate. “Vet-signed certificate” and “government-endorsed health certificate” are different things – many countries require the latter, and so do most international carriers.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
- Is my specific route and date confirmed for live animal acceptance?
- Is my breed accepted?
- What is the combined weight limit for in-cabin travel?
- What is the maximum crate size for hold travel on this aircraft type?
- What documentation do you require, and does the health certificate need government endorsement?
- What is your offload policy for live animals?