Pet Cargo vs Excess Baggage: What's the Difference and Which Is Right for Your Pet?

Airlines offer two main ways to transport a pet that cannot travel in the cabin: excess baggage (also called checked baggage or accompanied excess) and cargo. The terms are often confused, and the distinction matters.

Excess Baggage (Accompanied)

Excess baggage means your pet is checked in at the passenger terminal, loaded onto the same flight you are on, and collected from the oversized baggage belt at your destination. You and your pet travel on the same aircraft.

Advantages:

• Same aircraft as you - if your flight is delayed, your pet is delayed with you
• Simpler logistics - handled at the passenger terminal
• Generally cheaper than cargo for the same route
• Your pet arrives when you arrive

Limitations:

• Only available on certain routes and airlines
• Weight limits vary (typically up to 45kg including crate for checked baggage, some airlines lower)
• Booking must be made in advance - live animals cannot be added at check-in
• Airline must operate the route and have live animal capability on that aircraft type

Cargo (Unaccompanied)

Cargo means your pet is shipped as freight, handled through the airline’s cargo division, and may travel on a different aircraft to you - possibly on the same day, possibly a day earlier or later.

Advantages:

• Available on more routes (cargo networks are broader than passenger networks)
• Can be sent before you travel (useful if you need to arrive before your pet is ready, or vice versa)
• May be the only option for very large dogs that exceed excess baggage limits

Limitations:

• More complex logistics - requires cargo bookings separate from your ticket
• Pet may travel on a different flight
• If your cargo flight is delayed, you may be at the destination while your pet is still at the origin
• More ground handling events

Which to Choose

For most international pet moves, excess baggage is preferable if available on your route:

• Same aircraft = same delay/cancellation treatment
• Simpler documentation chain
• Usually cheaper

Use cargo when:

• Excess baggage is not available on your route
• Your pet exceeds the airline’s excess baggage weight limit
• You are sending your pet separately (e.g., pet travels ahead while you sort final moving logistics)
• Your route requires a specialist cargo handler (e.g., Lufthansa PetLounge for long-haul)

Data current as of {TODAY}.