No, Qantas generally does not allow pets in the cabin; they must travel as checked cargo in a special, temperature-controlled hold, with the primary exception being registered Guide, Hearing, or Assistance Dogs that meet specific criteria and receive prior approval from the airline. Most pets (dogs, cats, birds, etc.) travel via Qantas Freight, requiring specific IATA-approved crates and bookings, often through pet travel specialists.
Currently, Virgin Australia is the only Australian airline offering in-cabin pet travel (small dogs & cats) on specific domestic routes as a trial (started Oct 2025), with plans for wider rollout, while other airlines like Qantas and Jetstar generally only allow pets in cargo or as service animals, but this is changing rapidly, so check directly with the airline for current rules and routes.
No. All pets are required to be in airline approved IATA crates for their domestic travel across Australia, with the exception of service dogs that will require special permission directly from the airline. For more information visit the Qantas Airways Travelling with a guide, assistance or hearing dog page.
Pet seating
Your pet must stay inside their carrier for the entire flight. The carrier must remain closed and stowed under the seat in front of you until the aircraft has arrived and you're ready to disembark.
Jetstar Pet Travel : Guide
Unfortunately, Jetstar cannot accept pet bookings on any of their planes. Because Jetstar does not have pressurized cargo facilities, animals cannot be transported in the aircraft hold.
Akasa Air. As one of the newest airlines in India, Akasa Air has quickly gained popularity for its pet-friendly policies. They welcome small pets in the cabin and offer clear guidelines for transporting larger pets in the cargo.
Your pet must always remain inside the carrier while on board. Carriers must be placed below the seat in front of you during taxi, take-off and landing. You may hold your pet in their carrier on your lap during the flight.
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You may book an extra seat for your pet. However, the pet must be placed in their carrier in the floor space of the extra seat. Pets are not allowed to sit on the seat. During taxi, takeoff, and landing, your pet must remain inside the carrier under the seat in front of you.
When checking a pet, you need to:
Bringing your own food on board
You're welcome to bring your own food on board that meets your specific dietary needs or is suitable for children – but it does need to comply with local security screening regulations, and we can't refrigerate or heat your meal on board.
Yes, for budget airlines like Jetstar, a handbag (or personal item like a laptop bag) is generally included in the 7kg carry-on allowance, meaning the total weight of both your main carry-on and your small item must not exceed 7kg. Some full-service airlines, like Air New Zealand, offer a 7kg allowance for Economy but often permit an additional small personal item (like a handbag) on top of that, depending on your fare and status, but always check your specific airline's rules.
Yes, Qantas is a pet-friendly airline that carries all dog and cat breeds (including snub-nosed dogs). They are mainly used to export pets from the UK to Australia, but also offer affordable pet shipping solutions to Singapore and New Zealand.
Use a dog muzzle: If your dog is prone to barking excessively on planes or in public places, you may want to consider using a dog muzzle as a temporary measure. A dog muzzle can help prevent your dog from disturbing other passengers or causing trouble on the plane.
All of the major US airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin, although of course there are size and weight limitations. At least amongst major US airlines, that are no airlines that don't allow pets to fly in the cabin. Note however that some airlines don't allow pets on all routes.
Most of the time, dogs travel quite well, without needing medication. Some dogs, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog if he does not travel well.
Unless your furry friend is small enough to ride under your seat, it's best to avoid air travel with your pets. If you must bring your pet along on the flight, here are a few suggestions to keep your pet safe while flying the friendly skies.
Dogs have very sensitive hearing and, just like us humans, need noise protection while in flight. Several companies provide dog earmuffs, but cotton balls will also do the trick.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
Some dogs can't really settle when travel stress kicks in. Sleep aids might help in those cases, though it's best to check with your vet first. If your pup tends to get anxious before or during flights, Kradle CBD calming chews and CBD chews for dog anxiety might help more than you'd expect.
The max weight for pets and their crates is 150 pounds in the baggage compartment. Larger pets may be able to fly on the airline's Pet Connect service. American Airlines: Small pets traveling in-cabin should be no more than 20 pounds and fit in a carrier with a maximum of 18 inches.
Note also that if you are flying in business or first class, due to the seat design, if you want to fly with a pet, the only option is to buy an adjacent seat. The size and weight limits are the same. In addition to the charge for buying an extra seat, the standard fee for flying with a pet in the cabin also applies.
Alaska Airlines is one of the more pet-friendly U.S. airlines. All pets must be at least 8 weeks old to fly. You must make reservations for pets at least 24 hours before and up to 30 days in advance.
BARK Air began with a simple mission: make flying with dogs feel less like a hassle and more like a treat. Today, we're more than just an airline. We're a hospitality service with one goal: make every journey joyful for dogs and the people who love them.