Flying With Pets? IATA Introduces New In-Cabin Travel Standards

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released guidance to help airlines manage in-cabin pet travel.

“A pet is a much-loved member of the family. People traveling with their pets need clear guidance on what to expect at every step of the journey. That’s important because well-prepared travelers and industry-wide best practices enable airlines to deliver a safe, consistent, and efficient experience for those traveling with their pets,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo.

The new operational guidance for in-cabin pet transport comes as demand for pet-friendly travel continues to grow. According to IATA's 2025 Global Passenger Survey, about one-quarter of respondents either have travelled or would consider travelling with a pet.

Among those surveyed:

41% said uncertainty around pet eligibility was a challenge.
36% were unsure about airline policies.
34% were uncertain about the overall process of traveling with a pet.

IATA said the new guidelines are designed to address those concerns by offering airlines a consistent framework for handling in-cabin pet travel throughout the passenger journey. It follows IATA’s recently launched Guidance on Traveling with Service Dogs.

The association represents more than 370 airlines, accounting for approximately 85% of global air traffic.

Download the Operational Guidelines for In-Cabin Pet Transport (pdf)

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