Top 10 Cat-Friendly International Airlines

Traveling with your cat sounds exciting but, at the same time, stressful. You’ll likely experience the latter if you don’t have any experience booking flights with your feline friend. 

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be a battle, as there are many international airlines that are devoted to making your next adventure with your cat hassle-free and memorable. As long as you have an airline-approved cat carrier, you can board with your cat on any of these airlines. 

1. American Airlines

Besides being the biggest airline in the world, American Airlines is also one of the most cat-friendly. For shorter flights, cats and other small pets are invited to fly in the cabin with their owners, as long as they’re kept inside an airline-approved cat carrier under the seat during the whole flight.

For long-haul flights, you need to have your pets checked in as cargo to ensure they’re properly cared for during the flight. You’ll have to pay certain fees, but the amount depends on the size of your cat and your flight. But don’t worry, this airline gained many positive reviews from pet owners, so you can guarantee that the price you’ll pay is worth it. 

• Fee: From $125 to $200
• Are pets allowed in the cabin? Yes
• Are pets allowed in cargo? Yes

2. JetBlue

Another cat-friendly airline is JetBlue. Unlike most international airlines, JetBlue offers a unique pet perks program wherein they provide fur parents with a carrier bag. This ensures your convenience as you travel and your cat’s comfort and safety, too!

JetBlue requires a fee of $100 for each way, making it an affordable option for pet owners who want to explore the north and south with their fur babies. With these features, flying with JetBlue is sure to make you and your cat happy as you travel to different parts of the globe. 

• Fee: From $100 and up
• Are pets allowed in the cabin? Yes
• Are pets allowed in cargo? No

3. Air Canada

Air Canada is another excellent option as it offers fights worldwide, from Paris to Beijing and just about every major city you can think of. This airline is very accommodating to pets. Just make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure and have your cat stay inside an airline-approved cat carrier. Meet these requirements, and you can bring your cat into the cabin. 

• Fee: From $50 and up
• Are pets allowed in the cabin? Yes
• Are pets allowed in cargo? Yes

4. Delta

Because it serves more than 60 countries worldwide, you and your feline friend will certainly have the best adventures when you travel with Delta. Similar to other cat-friendly airlines, Delta allows small pets to ride with their owners in the cabin, while larger pets must ride with cargo to ensure their comfort and safety. 

You’ll have to pay anywhere from $75 to $200 when you fly with Delta with your cat, depending on your final destination. This price isn’t too hard on your wallet, meaning you can travel more often to more destinations with your pet!

• Fee: From $75 and up
• Are pets allowed in the cabin? Yes
• Are pets allowed in cargo? Yes

5. Swiss International Airlines

As seen on their website, Swiss International Airlines is proud to share that “you can take your pet with you on any route.” Choose this airline and you can take up to two pets, as long as they’re fit to travel and are placed inside airline-approved carriers. Pets should also have the right temperament before they’re allowed to travel. 

• Fee: From $60 and up
• Are pets allowed in the cabin? Yes
• Are pets allowed in cargo? Yes

6. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines understood the assignment — they make it super easy to travel with your cat. As long as your pet’s vaccines are up to date and you have the proper documentation, you can take them on your next flight. The airline allows cats in the cabin as long as they’re inside their airline-approved cat backpack or carrier throughout the flight. 

If you’re planning to travel with two cats, they can stay in the same carrier, given that they’re friendly and familiar with each other. The fee you’re going to pay depends on the total weight of your pet and their crate. For instance, if your cat weighs 8 kilos or less, you’ll have to pay 150 TRY. 

• Fee: From 150 TRY and up
• Are pets allowed in the cabin? Yes
• Are pets allowed in cargo? Yes

7. Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines strongly believe that pets are a part of the family, which is why they go the extra mile to ensure pet owners can comfortably visit international destinations with their fur babies. 

On international flights, you only have to pay a fee of $75 to take your cat with you. This amount is certainly budget-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about stretching your travel budget too much just to visit new destinations with your feline friend. 

• Fee: From $75
• Are pets allowed in the cabin? Yes
• Are pets allowed in cargo? No

8. Aeroflot

This Russian airline has the most inclusive pet policy around. Besides cats and dogs, the airline also allows birds to fly both in the cargo and cabin, depending on their breed and size. The only requirements the airline has are these two: to ensure pets are inside their airline-approved carriers and that the owner brings the correct documents during the flight. 

• Fee: From $87 and up, depending on the size of the pet’s carrier
• Are pets allowed in the cabin? Yes
• Are pets allowed in cargo? Yes

9. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM offers different travel options to accommodate pets and ensure their flight is safe, convenient, and comfortable. If you’re eyeing to fly with their airline, book via telephone call so all details can be sorted out before your flights. Cats are welcome to fly in the cabin and cargo, depending on their size. 

In general, pets weighing more than 18 pounds travel in cargo. If your cat weighs less, you can bring them to the cabin. The fee depends on your flight, but the airline encourages using their online tool to determine the exact amount. 

• Fee: From 75 EUR and up per one-way
• Are pets allowed in the cabin? Yes
• Are pets allowed in cargo? Yes
• What are the pet travel requirements? Click here

10. Alitalia

Have you always dreamt of visiting Rome with your feline friend? Then choose Alitalia for your next flight. Cats, along with dogs, birds, and ferrets, are welcome to fly in the cargo and cabin in this airline, depending on their size and breed. 

According to the airline’s pet policy, the bottom of your cat’s carrier should be covered with a blanket to ensure their safety and comfort. This policy alone shows how the airline truly cares for pets and how they have their best interest in mind. 

• How much does Alitalia charge for pets? From $40 and up
• How much does it cost to fly a dog from USA or Canada to Italy? From $125 to $200
• Are pets allowed in the cabin? Yes
• Are pets allowed in cargo? Yes