Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released new operational guidance to support airlines in managing in-cabin pet travel at every stage of the journey from booking to check-in, boarding, the on-board experience, and arrival.
It follows IATA’s recently launched Guidance on Travelling with Service Dogs, reflecting a broader effort to improve consistency in the transport of dogs by air.
What the IATA in-cabin pet travel guidance covers
“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.
IATA’s 2025 Global Passenger Survey found that about a quarter of respondents have or would consider traveling with a pet. Of these:
- 41% cited uncertainty around pet eligibility as a challenge,
- 36% were unsure about airline policy, and
- 34% were unsure about the overall process of traveling with a pet.
The new In-Cabin Operational Guidelines address these concerns with recommended procedures to deliver a more predictable experience while maintaining safety, animal welfare, and operational efficiency.
Making Air Travel Easier for Passengers Travelling with Pets
The introduction of IATA’s in-cabin pet travel guidance reflects the growing need for clearer procedures as more passengers consider taking their pets on flights. For many travellers, bringing a pet along requires careful planning, particularly when navigating airline-specific rules, documentation requirements and airport procedures. Clearer guidance can help reduce uncertainty and make the overall travel experience easier to manage for both passengers and airline staff.
Travelling with a pet involves several stages, beginning with checking whether an animal is eligible to travel in the cabin. Passengers may need to confirm carrier dimensions, weight restrictions, reservation requirements and any applicable documentation before arriving at the airport. Requirements can vary between airlines and destinations, making it important for travellers to check the relevant policies well in advance.
Preparing Pets for the Airport Experience
Advance preparation is essential for a smooth journey. Travellers should understand how their airline handles pet check-in, security screening, boarding and seating arrangements. They should also ensure that their pet’s carrier meets the airline’s requirements and provides suitable ventilation, space and comfort.
Airports can be busy and unfamiliar environments for animals. Allowing sufficient time for check-in and following staff instructions can help reduce avoidable stress. Passengers should also discuss any specific animal welfare concerns with their veterinarian before travelling, particularly if their pet has health conditions or is unfamiliar with long journeys.
For airlines, standardised operational procedures can help staff communicate requirements consistently and respond more effectively to passengers’ questions. Clear information at the booking stage may also reduce last-minute complications at the airport.
Balancing Passenger Convenience and Animal Welfare
While travelling with pets can offer reassurance to owners, animal welfare remains an important consideration throughout the journey. Airlines must balance passenger convenience with cabin safety, space limitations and the needs of other travellers.
Appropriate carrier placement, adherence to cabin rules and clear communication between passengers and crew can help support a safer onboard environment. Travellers should also consider whether air travel is suitable for their individual pet, taking into account the animal’s health, temperament, journey duration and destination requirements.
International travel may involve additional regulations, including vaccination records, identification requirements, health certificates and import permits. These requirements are established by the relevant authorities and may differ significantly between countries. Passengers should consult their airline and official destination guidance before booking.
Building Consistency Across the Aviation Industry
IATA’s operational guidance provides an opportunity for airlines to review their procedures and improve how information is communicated to customers. Greater consistency across booking, check-in, boarding and arrival could help passengers understand what to expect while supporting more efficient airport operations.
The guidance also complements IATA’s work on travelling with service dogs, although service animals may be subject to different rules from household pets. Passengers should verify the applicable requirements for their specific situation.
As demand for pet-friendly travel evolves, reliable information and practical preparation will remain essential. By encouraging clearer procedures and industry-wide best practices, IATA aims to help airlines deliver a more predictable experience while keeping safety, operational efficiency and animal welfare central to the journey.
Related reading : IATA Cargo Experts Conference: Turning Expertise into Improved Air Cargo Operations
Ahmed Abdul Wasey
Managing Editor, Eat ‘N Stays
Ahmed Abdul Wasey is the Managing Editor in Eat ‘N Stays, overseeing all editorial coverage of travel, hospitality, and food across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. He sets the publication’s editorial direction and reviews coverage across hotels, restaurants, tourism, cruise, and industry news before it publishes.
Have a story tip, correction, or question about our coverage? Reach Ahmed directly at pr@eatnstays.com.
