How to Fly With a Cat: A Detailed Guide

Flying with a cat may seem less complicated than traveling with a large dog, but many of the same rules and regulations apply. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can ensure a smooth, stress-free experience for you and your cat.

Cat owners with more complex itineraries may benefit from help navigating each aspect of their pet’s journey. This guide will walk you through every step, from choosing a carrier to preparing an anxious cat for travel, so that your pet reaches their destination safely and efficiently.

Understanding Airline Policies

Rules for air travel with cats vary by airline. Generally, airlines that allow dogs in cargo or in-cabin also allow cats.Regulations may vary state-by-state if you’re flying domestically, but when flying internationally, assume all airlines will need a health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian.

Itineraries with long stops may require a layover. If your cat needs a comfort stop, we can make sure they’re booked at facilities along the way. For those traveling through LAX, we offer relaxing rest stops at our state-of-the-art boarding facility, Kennel Club LAX, the ultimate pet-friendly hotel.

3 Different Ways to Fly

You have 3 options when flying with cats: 

• Manifest Cargo: Cats fly on their own ticket in the cargo hold of the plane.
• Checked Luggage: Cats fly in cargo on the same ticket as their owner.
• In-Cabin: Cats fly with their owner in a pet carrier underneath the seat.

In-cabin travel is generally the most popular choice for first-time travelers with cats, but it’s not always the best or the most comfortable choice, though. Let’s get into the details.

Manifest Cargo

Cats booked as manifest cargo fly in the plane’s climate-controlled cargo hold. They fly on their own ticket, which can mean you’re separated from your cat for the duration of travel.

The goal of pet travel should always be to limit time in the air. Booking a pet as manifest cargo ensures a more direct, efficient route. It can also make it easier for travelers with multiple pets, even a combination of cats and dogs, to keep pets together.

While this is the most comfortable way for pets to travel, dropping your pet off with strangers can be stressful. A professional pet shipper (like Tailwind Global Pet) can arrange to have your pet picked up and dropped off to relieve that stress and expedite the process.

Checked Luggage

Cats flying as checked luggage, or excess baggage, are booked on the same itinerary as their owner for travel inside the cargo hold.

While this may sound better than manifest cargo, it may not be the best option for your pet, especially if your itinerary isn’t a direct flight. Many airlines have moved away from flying pets as checked luggage in favor of manifest cargo to reduce the risk of lengthy travel days for pets.

It’s important to consider your destination, too. Countries like Australia don’t allow cats to arrive as checked luggage or in-cabin; they must arrive as manifest cargo.

In-Cabin

Most cats are small enough to fly in-cabin, but it’s important to note that pet policies vary by carrier. Some airlines don’t allow pets in-cabin. Others have strict limits on pet carriers.

Here is a list of airlines that typically allow cats to fly in the cabin if you decide this is the best option for you:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Alaska Airlines
• Air Canada
• WestJet
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Air France
• British Airways
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Aer Lingus
• Qatar Airways
• Emirates
• Singapore Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic
• Iberia
• Austrian Airlines
• Turkish Airlines
• SAS Scandinavian Airlines

Pre-Flight Requirements for All Travel Methods

Pre-flight requirements for cats can vary depending on your origin point and destination. Generally, here is what cat owners should expect to navigate once they’ve chosen an airline to transport their cat:

• Flight itinerary: Routes that limit the amount of time in the air for your cat are ideal. This can mean flying separately to reduce issues with connections and layovers.
• Flight reservations: Book flights directly with an airline to make sure your cat is on the booking. Airlines limit how many animals can travel in cargo and in-cabin on each flight.
• Health checkup: Make an appointment with your vet well before your trip. Your cat must be healthy enough to fly and up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. Some airlines require that your cat is microchipped.
• Health certificate: Cats traveling internationally need a health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian that includes their most recent rabies information. Domestic rules vary by state.
• Airline-specific documents: Some airlines require the completion of additional documents during check-in at the ticket counter. 
• Destination-specific documents: Additional requirements can vary by destination. All pets traveling to Hawaii, for example, must arrive with proof of rabies titers tests or they will have to quarantine upon arrival. 

Appropriate crates and carriers: For cats flying in cargo, crates must be large enough for pets to fly comfortably, secured, and well-ventilated. Cats flying in-cabin should be in a soft-sided carrier small enough to fit under the seat.

Seating Arrangements (for In-Cabin Travel)

For cats flying in-cabin, they must remain in their carrier for the duration of the flight underneath the seat in front of you. Some airlines allow you to purchase an extra seat to accommodate a second cat carrier, but that pet must still remain underneath the second seat for the flight. 

Cats are never allowed in exit rows, and most airlines limit or prohibit pets in first class.

Going Through Security and TSA with a Cat

Cats flying in-cabin must navigate a TSA security screening. When you reach the checkpoint, you’ll need to remove your cat from their carrier and carry it through the metal detector. The empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine.

A harness and leash can prevent your cat from escaping during this process. You can also ask an agent about a private screening for your cat. You may need some additional time depending on how busy it is at the checkpoint.

What to Know About Travel Crates

Requirements for cat kennels and carriers can vary by airline, but there are some general rules to consider as you plan for cat travel.

Cat Kennels

All crates for pets traveling in cargo must be International Air Transport Association (IATA)-approved. These are standards covering size, ventilation, and sturdiness that may not apply to all hard-sided carriers.

IATA-compliant crates come with everything you need to secure the crate. That includes hardware, fasteners, and live animal stickers. Choose a crate large enough for your cat to stand up and turn around.

Cat crates cannot be lined with anything other than an absorbent liner and a soft bed or blanket. Litter boxes and toys are not allowed. Attach food and water containers inside the crate and ensure they are accessible from the outside without opening the door.

Your cat’s crate should be clearly marked with the pet’s name, owner’s details, and any additional documents required by the airline. 

If you’re not sure where to start, we can help you choose the right crate for your needs. 

In-Cabin Pet Carriers

Generally, cat carriers should be small enough to fit underneath the seat. Allowances can vary somewhat depending on the route and aircraft, but most brands limit carriers to about 18 inches in length. Make sure to check with the airline for specific size requirements and limitations.

Cats flying in-cabin should be able to comfortably stand up and turn around inside their carrier. Cat carriers are soft-sided with adequate ventilation and a secure, zippered closure to prevent escape. Carriers should be leak-proof, with a padded, absorbent bottom.

Note that your cat carrier will count toward your carry-on bag allowance. You may be able to bring a small purse with relevant travel documents, but nothing else.

Weight, Size, and Breed Restrictions

Most airline restrictions for cats focus on carrier and kennel size rather than weight. If you’re traveling with a larger cat that would benefit from more room than an under-seat space allows, they’ll need to travel in cargo.

Some airlines have restrictions on certain snub-nosed breeds like Burmese, Persian, Himalayan, and exotic shorthair cats. Others may have specific guidelines for those breeds. You’ll need to work with the airline in advance to know whether or not any of their restrictions apply to your cat. If you work with a professional pet shipper, we can handle those communications for you.

Traveling with Multiple Cats?

Policies for traveling with more than one cat vary by airline. Most airlines allow up to three pets per booking in cargo, but that can depend on the number of pets already on that flight.

For in-cabin travel, some airlines allow up to 2 cats per passenger. If you’re traveling with multiple cats, you will need multiple carriers in most cases.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

Cats can be certified emotional support animals (ESAs), but they can’t be trained as service animals. Most airlines no longer allow ESAs in-cabin. Since cats are already broadly permitted to fly under the seat, an ESA designation won’t allow for special privileges or fee reductions.

Preparing Your Cats for Travel

Preparing your cat for air travel can feel more stressful than the flight itself, but it’s important you take the steps to get them ready for their travel day.

Generally, it’s best to avoid feeding your cat the morning of their flight to prevent nausea and reduce the urge for potty breaks in the air. Keeping them well-hydrated is important. Their crate or carrier should be lined to absorb any liquids if accidents do happen.

We’ve already mentioned a few additional ways to get them ready, including talking to your vet about tips for calming nervous cats, but we have one more important tip: Try to exude calm as best you can, as cats are very tuned in to stress. 

We know how difficult that can be, but using a professional pet shipper can dramatically reduce stress levels for you and your pet.

Ready to get started? Each pet relocation is different. To get an idea of the costs involved, fill out a quote request.