Flying with a cat may seem simpler than traveling with a large dog, but many of the same rules and regulations still apply. With the right preparation and information, you can make the experience smooth and stress-free for both you and your cat.

For more complex itineraries, it can help to have guidance through every stage of your pet’s journey. This guide covers everything, from airline pet policies to what to expect at security checkpoints, so your pet arrives safely and with minimal stress.

Weight, Size, and Breed Restrictions

Most airlines focus on carrier dimensions rather than the cat’s weight. In-cabin travel usually allows smaller cats that can comfortably fit in a carrier under the seat, while larger cats may need to travel in cargo.

Some airlines have restrictions on certain breeds, especially snub-nosed (brachycephalic) cats, because they are more prone to respiratory issues. It’s best to check with your airline well in advance to see if your cat’s breed is affected.

Commonly restricted brachycephalic cat breeds include:

Burmese
Exotic Shorthair
Himalayan
Persian

That includes cat breeds mixed with any of the above. Working with a professional pet shipper can help navigate these restrictions and communicate with airlines on your behalf.

Airline Policies

Rules for air travel with cats vary by airline. Most carriers that allow dogs in cargo or in-cabin also allow cats. Domestic regulations can differ by state, but for international flights, a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian is generally required.

Most airlines require cats to be at least 8 weeks old to travel domestically. Kittens should be healthy, fully weaned, and up-to-date on relevant vaccinations. Minimum ages for international travel may be stricter, typically 12-16 weeks. Some countries require proof of rabies vaccination, which kittens cannot receive until they are at least 12 weeks old.

Airline fees for traveling cats vary by carrier. Check-in procedures may also differ, with most airlines requiring earlier arrival when traveling with pets to ensure proper processing and paperwork.

Planning complex itineraries or long layovers can be challenging. Our experts at Tailwind Global Pet can help coordinate your cat’s travel, including comfort stops at pet-friendly facilities along the route.

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.

Need support shipping your pet within the U.S.? We can help.

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3 Ways Your Cat Can Travel by Air

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. 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. Flying as manifest cargo is safe and regulated, with airlines following strict temperature, ventilation, and handling standards.

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 and New Zealand don’t allow cats to arrive as checked bags or in-cabin; they must arrive as manifest cargo.

In-Cabin

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

Rules around personal items, in addition to your in-cabin pet, vary by airline. Cats are never allowed in emergency exit rows, and many airlines limit or prohibit pets in first class.

Most cats are small enough to travel in-cabin, but policies vary by airline. Some carriers don’t allow pets at all; others have strict limits on carrier size and the number of pets per flight. Always check with your airline to confirm rules and fees, and book your cat’s spot early, as in-cabin spaces are limited.

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

Pre-Flight Requirements

Pre-flight requirements for cat travel vary depending on your departure point and destination. In general, here’s what cat owners should be prepared to handle once they’ve selected an airline:

Flight itinerary: Choose routes that minimize total travel time for your cat. This can mean flying separately to reduce issues with connections and layovers, whether you’re planning a one-way or round-trip flight.
Flight reservations: Book directly with the airline to confirm your cat’s spot. Most airlines limit how many pets can travel in-cabin or in cargo per flight.
Health checkup: Most airlines require proof from your vet that your cat is fit to fly. Many international destinations, like South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, require proof of up-to-date rabies vaccinations.
Health certificate: For international travel, cats must have a health certificate issued by a U.S. Department of Agriculture-accredited veterinarian that includes proof of rabies vaccination. Domestic requirements can vary by state or airline.
Microchipping requirements: Many airlines and destinations require microchipping. We always recommend ISO-compliant microchips, even if you’re flying to a destination like Brazil that doesn’t require them. These are readable by universal scanners.
Airline-specific documents: Some carriers require additional paperwork or forms to be completed at check-in.
Destination-specific requirements: Rules differ by destination. For example, all pets entering Hawaii must have rabies titer test results available to avoid a longer quarantine upon arrival.
Appropriate crates and carriers: Cats traveling in cargo must be in sturdy, well-ventilated crates large enough for them to stand and turn around comfortably. Cats flying in-cabin should be in a soft-sided carrier small enough to fit under the seat.

Going Through Security and TSA

Cats flying in-cabin must go through 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 request a private screening if you prefer a quieter or less stressful environment.

To make the process easier for your cat, you can cover the carrier with a cloth or blanket to reduce visual stimuli or keep treats available to distract them as needed. Allow extra time at the checkpoint, as the process may take longer depending on how busy it is at security.

Travel Crates and Kennels

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

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. A properly sized crate allows your cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measure your cat’s height and length at home and compare them to the crate dimensions to make sure there’s enough space to do so.

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.

Finally, clearly mark the crate with your cat’s name, your contact information, and any 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 Carriers

Cats traveling in-cabin must remain in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. Under-seat carrier allowances vary by airline and aircraft, but most recommend a maximum length of around 18 inches.

The carrier should allow your cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, and it’s a good idea to test it at home before your trip to ensure your cat can move easily inside. Most airlines prefer soft-sided carriers for in-cabin cats, but check the airline’s specific requirements to ensure your carrier meets their standards.

Soft-sided carriers should have adequate ventilation, a secure zippered closure, and a leak-proof, padded bottom. In most cases, the carrier counts toward your carry-on allowance, though you may be able to bring a small personal item with essential documents.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

Cats can be designated as emotional support animals (ESAs), but they can’t be trained or recognized as service animals. Most airlines no longer allow ESAs to fly in-cabin under special accommodations. Since cats are already allowed to travel in-cabin in an airline-approved carrier, having an ESA designation doesn’t provide any additional privileges or fee reductions.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Flight

Preparing your cat for air travel can feel more stressful than the flight itself, but there are a few things you can do to get them ready (and calm) for their travel day:

Acclimate your cat to the carrier ahead of time. Allow your cat to explore the carrier at home and spend short periods inside it before travel. Familiarity can help make the carrier feel like a safe space.
Familiarize yourself with the airport. This includes both at your origin point and your destination. If your cat is used to a leash and harness, you can use pet relief areas on either end.
Avoid feeding your cat the morning of the flight. Giving your cat a full meal before travel can increase the risk of nausea and accidents in their carrier. Feeding a few hours earlier allows them time to digest and helps prevent potty issues during the flight.
Keep your cat well-hydrated. Offer water leading up to the flight to prevent dehydration, but avoid giving large amounts right before boarding. This helps minimize the need for bathroom breaks while in transit.
Line the crate or carrier with absorbent material. Accidents can happen, especially during long flights. An absorbent liner or towel helps protect the crate and keeps your cat dry and comfortable.
Bring familiar items for your cat’s carrier. A favorite blanket or small piece of clothing with your scent can help comfort your cat. Avoid any choking hazards that can be dangerous mid-flight.
Don’t sedate your cat. Sedation can be dangerous at high altitudes and may cause breathing or circulation issues. Airlines don’t allow pets that are obviously sedated to board their flights.
Talk to your vet for calming strategies. Your vet can provide tips for your pet’s travel anxiety. That may include pheromone sprays for their crate or carrier that offer gentle calming without sedation.
Stay calm. Cats are highly attuned to their owners’ moods and can pick up on stress. Staying calm and confident in the days leading up to their flight and the day of can help your cat feel safe and secure.

FAQs

The cost to fly with a cat depends on a few factors. Airlines set their own pet fees for both in-cabin and cargo pet travel, and it typically costs more to fly a cat internationally. Vet visits, health certificate requirements, and cat crates all add to the total cost.

If you’re an active U.S. military member relocating to a new base, you may qualify for partial reimbursement for pet travel under current U.S. military guidelines.

Acclimate your cat to their carrier ahead of time, using positive reinforcement and treats to make it a safe, familiar space. If your cat will wear a harness and leash during security, practice at home to prevent stress or escape attempts.

You can also ask your vet about safe calming methods, such as pheromone sprays, but avoid sedatives unless specifically approved. Most airlines prohibit them, and they can be high-risk in flight.

Policies for traveling with more than one cat vary by airline. Most airlines allow up to 3 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.

Airlines take special care of pets traveling in the cargo hold. All pets are placed in a climate-controlled, pressurized section of the hold to ensure their comfort for the duration of the flight. Temperatures and pressure are monitored to match cabin conditions.

Before loading, ground staff check that crates are secure, well-ventilated, and appropriately labeled. Pets are loaded last and unloaded first to minimize time in transit.

Ensure Peace of Mind With a Professional Pet Shipper

Planning travel with your pet can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating airline rules, paperwork, and logistics. A professional pet shipper can handle every detail, from flight bookings to customs clearance, so your cat’s journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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

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An In-Depth Guide on How to Fly With a Cat