Flying with a pet! Breaking down airlines, prices, and real weight restrictions. Image source: news-geeks.ru
Flying with a cat or dog is not exotic — it’s a reality for thousands of pet owners. But the rules have become noticeably stricter in recent years: you can no longer just show up at the airport with a carrier. Each airline has its own restrictions on weight, dimensions, and documents, and not knowing the details can ruin your trip. Let’s figure out which airlines allow pet transport and how to do everything correctly.
Which Airlines in Russia Allow Transporting Cats and Dogs
Most major Russian carriers accept cats and small dogs today. In the cabin, transporting an animal in a carrier under the seat in front is usually permitted, and some airlines allow transporting an animal on the adjacent seat.
Aeroflot: Transporting Cats in the Cabin and Cargo Hold — Rules, Weight, and Price
Aeroflot allows cabin transport with weight restrictions (animal plus carrier — up to 8 kg). Soft carrier dimensions by the sum of three measurements — up to 126 cm. In the cargo hold — up to 50 kg including the container; hard carrier — no more than 44×30×26 cm. Temperature restrictions for hold transport — usually from −20 °C to +30 °C.
The number of animals in the cabin is limited (typically up to 2–3 per flight total). Prior coordination and payment for the service are required. Cost: on average from 3,000 to 7,000 ₽ within Russia, on international flights — from 75 to 150 €.
Transporting animals in the cabin (under the seat). Image sources: th.by, petsfit.com
S7 Airlines: Can You Fly with a Cat in the Cabin and How Much Does It Cost
S7 Airlines allows transport in the cabin (up to 23 kg including the carrier; dimensions — up to 55×40×40 cm) and in the cargo hold (up to 50 kg with container). Temperature conditions for the hold — approximately from −20 °C to +30 °C.
A limited number of animals is allowed in the cabin — usually no more than 2–4 per flight. Booking a spot for your pet in advance is mandatory. Cost: approximately from 2,500 to 6,000 ₽ within Russia, international destinations — from 50 to 100 €.
Ural Airlines: Carrier Requirements and Cost of Transporting Pets
Ural Airlines accepts animals in the cabin with a weight limit of up to 8 kg including a soft carrier, dimensions — no more than 45×35×25 cm. Up to 15 kg with a hard-frame carrier, dimensions 55×45×40 cm when purchasing a seat. In the cargo hold — up to 50 kg with container; sum of three measurements — up to 203 cm.
The number of animals per flight is limited (usually up to 2 in the cabin). Cost: approximately from 5,000 to 7,000 ₽ within Russia, abroad — from 50 to 120 €; when transporting on an adjacent seat, both the ticket and the PETA tariff are charged.
Pobeda: Rules for Transporting Pets in the Cabin and Dimension Restrictions
Pobeda allows cabin transport, with the animal plus carrier weighing up to 8 kg. Carrier dimensions — no more than 55×35×30 cm. Transport in the cargo hold is not available. The number of pets per flight is limited (typically up to 4). Cost: from 2,499 ₽/38 € (via website/call center), 3,499 ₽/40 € (at the airport).
Since late 2025, there is a “pet on a seat” option: same carrier dimensions, weight up to 15 kg including the carrier. In addition to the tariff fee, an additional service charge applies: from 4,999 to 5,999 ₽ within Russia and 80 € for international flights.
Transporting a cat in the cabin on a seat. Image source: mn.ru
That covers flights within Russia, and for international flights from Russia the following airlines will accept you with an animal.
Turkish Airlines: How to Transport a Cat via Istanbul — Conditions and Fares
Turkish Airlines is one of the most popular options for flights through Istanbul. In the cabin: up to 8 kg including the carrier, dimensions usually up to 23×30×40 cm (the carrier must fit under the seat). In the cargo hold: up to 50 kg with container.
Breed restrictions apply (brachycephalic breeds are questionable and are more often not accepted in the hold due to breathing and overheating issues). Cost is approximately from 70 to 150 € depending on the route.
Lufthansa: Transporting Pets to Europe — Rules and Restrictions
Lufthansa allows transporting cats and dogs in the cabin (up to 8 kg with carrier) and in the cargo hold. Cabin carrier dimensions — approximately 55×40×23 cm. Cost — approximately from 50 to 110 € in the cabin and higher in the cargo hold. One of the most predictable European options.
Air Serbia: Flying with a Cat via Belgrade — What You Need to Know
Air Serbia accepts animals in the cabin (up to 8 kg with carrier) and in the cargo hold. Cost — usually 40–100 €, depending on the route. A popular transit option through Belgrade.
Pegasus Airlines: Budget Pet Transport in the Cabin — Conditions and Price
Pegasus Airlines is a low-cost carrier that allows cabin transport (up to 8 kg) and cargo hold transport with restrictions. Cost — approximately 30–70 €. A more budget-friendly alternative to Turkish Airlines.
Belavia: Rules for Transporting Pets in CIS and Europe
Belavia allows transport in the cabin (up to 8 kg) and in the cargo hold. Cost — approximately from 50 €.
Transport in the cargo hold. Image source: ru.dobermanblog.com
Emirates: Transporting Pets as Cargo — Features and Cost
Emirates is a complicated option: in most cases, animal transport is only available as registered cargo, not in the cabin. This means separate processing through the cargo division (read more in the next section). Cost is significantly higher — often from $300–500 and above, depending on the destination and weight.
Qatar Airways: Rules for Transporting Pets on Long-Haul Flights
Qatar Airways is also not the simplest option. Cabin transport is usually not allowed (with rare exceptions); transport in the cargo hold as checked baggage or cargo is possible. Weight with container — up to 75 kg. Cost: calculated by weight and route, often from $200–400.
Etihad Airways: Can You Take a Cat on the Plane and How Much Does It Cost
Etihad Airways allows animal transport in the cargo hold on most routes. In the cabin — extremely limited (mainly service animals). Cost — individual calculation, usually from $200 and above.
Flydubai: Transporting Animals to the UAE — Cabin or Cargo
Flydubai typically allows transport in the cargo hold or as cargo; in the cabin — extremely limited. Cost is calculated individually.
Air Arabia: How to Transport a Pet via Cargo Service
Air Arabia generally only allows animal transport as cargo. Animals are not accepted in the cabin.
Important: the number of animals on each flight is limited. Even if the rules allow transport, without prior confirmation you may be denied boarding. Conditions and fares are constantly changing, so always check the latest information on your airline’s website.
Transport in the cargo hold. Image sources: lot.com, businessinsider.com
How Animals Are Transported on Planes: Cabin, Cargo Hold, and Cargo
There are two main options: in the cabin as carry-on luggage or in the cargo hold.
Cabin — the preferred option. The animal is under your control, and the risks of overheating or hypothermia are minimal. But the carrier must fit under the seat, be ventilated, and close from the inside.
Cargo hold — sealed and heated, but the animal still spends some time on the tarmac. Many airlines impose temperature restrictions and may refuse transport in extreme heat or cold. Brachycephalic breeds (for example, Persian cats, pugs) are often not allowed in the hold due to the risk of breathing problems.
