24 Aug Best Pet Friendly Airlines Around the World
A Guide to Flying Pets Internationally
Planning an international move with your pet can feel overwhelming. One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is choosing the right airline. Every airline has its own rules and requirements for travelling with pets, so it’s important to do your research before booking a flight.
Things like temperature restrictions, crate requirements, how pets are handled during layovers and the regulations at your destination can all affect your pet’s journey. Choosing the right airline can make a big difference to your pet’s safety and comfort.
At Pets Abroad, we help South African pet owners navigate the process of relocating their pets internationally. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the leading pet-friendly airlines available from South Africa and what you should consider before booking.
What Makes an Airline Pet Friendly?
When comparing airlines, the cheapest flight isn’t necessarily the best option for your pet. A genuinely pet-friendly airline should have the facilities, experience and procedures needed to transport animals safely.
Some of the things to look for include:
- Dedicated teams experienced in handling live animals
- Temperature-controlled cargo areas
- Staff trained in animal welfare
- Clear and well-defined pet travel policies
- Good international connections
- Reliable facilities for pets during transit
Choosing the right airline can help make the journey safer, more comfortable and less stressful for your pet.
Top Airlines for International Pet Travel from South Africa
Lufthansa
Lufthansa is a popular choice for international pet relocations and has extensive experience transporting animals around the world. Its network makes it particularly useful for journeys to Europe, North America and other international destinations.
Best for:
- Europe
- United Kingdom via approved routes
- USA
- Canada
Advantages:
- Extensive experience transporting pets
- Temperature-controlled facilities
- Strong international network
- Good reputation for animal welfare
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM has long been a popular option for international pet travel. Its Amsterdam hub provides convenient connections to a wide range of destinations, making it a useful choice for many international relocations.
Best for:
- Europe
- North America
- International connections
Advantages:
- Established pet-handling procedures
- Convenient transfers through Amsterdam
- Facilities designed for animal transit
- Good international connectivity
Air France
Air France offers different options for travelling with pets, depending on the size of your pet and your destination. Its extensive international network can also make it a practical option for onward travel through France.
Best for:
- France
- Europe
- International onward travel
Advantages:
- Experience with live animal transport
- Extensive international network
- Cargo options for larger pets
Emirates SkyCargo
Emirates is another well-known option for long-distance pet relocations, particularly for journeys connecting through Dubai. Its extensive route network makes it useful for travelling to destinations across Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Europe.
Best for:
- Australia
- Asia
- Middle East
- Europe
Advantages:
- Modern cargo facilities
- Extensive international network
- Climate-controlled handling
- Experience in transporting animals
Qatar Airways Cargo
Qatar Airways is also widely used for international pet relocations. With its hub in Doha and extensive global network, it can provide a number of useful routing options for South African pet owners.
Best for:
- Europe
- Asia
- USA
- Other international destinations
Advantages:
- Dedicated Live Animal Centre in Doha
- Professional animal-handling procedures
- Modern cargo facilities
- Extensive international connections
Can Pets Travel in the Cabin?
Whether your pet can travel in the cabin depends on the airline, the size of your pet and the country you’re travelling to.
Some airlines allow small pets to travel in the cabin on certain routes. However, when travelling internationally from South Africa, cabin travel is often not an option.
Some countries, including Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, have strict import requirements that mean pets must enter as manifest cargo rather than travelling in the passenger cabin.
It’s therefore important to check both the airline’s rules and the regulations of your destination country before making any arrangements.
What About Travelling in the Cargo Hold?
The word “cargo” can sound worrying when you’re travelling with a pet, but pets travelling as manifest cargo are not simply placed in the same area as ordinary luggage.
Aircraft used for international pet transport have designated areas for live animals. Depending on the aircraft and airline, these areas are generally:
- Pressurised
- Temperature controlled
- Ventilated
- Monitored during the flight
Pets are handled separately from standard baggage and must be transported in accordance with international regulations for live animals.
Choosing the Right Airline for Your Destination
The best airline for your pet will depend largely on where you’re travelling and the available routes.
Europe
Lufthansa, KLM, Swiss and Air France can be good options for European destinations because of their extensive networks and connections within Europe.
United Kingdom
British Airways, Air Mauritius, Lufthansa and KLM are commonly considered for pet relocations to the UK, where pets must travel according to specific approved entry and cargo requirements.
Australia and New Zealand
Emirates and Qatar Airways can offer useful routing options to Australia and New Zealand. However, these destinations have particularly strict import requirements, so careful planning is essential.
North America
Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Swiss, Emirates and Qatar Airways can all provide international routing options to North America. The best choice will depend on your final destination and the specific requirements for your pet.
Tips for Flying with Pets Internationally
Before booking your pet’s flight, make sure you have considered the following:
- Use a travel crate that meets the airline’s requirements.
- Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.
- Ensure your pet is correctly microchipped.
- Check the import requirements for your destination country.
- Confirm that all required veterinary documents and permits are in place before booking.
- Work with an experienced pet relocation specialist who can help coordinate flights, veterinary requirements and permits.
Planning ahead can make a huge difference. It gives you time to deal with unexpected requirements and helps reduce stress for both you and your pet.
Why Work with a Pet Relocation Specialist?
Choosing an airline for international pet travel can be complicated. Each airline has its own requirements, while different countries have their own import rules, documentation requirements and restrictions.
At Pets Abroad, we take care of the details involved in moving your pet internationally. We can assist with the veterinary paperwork, arrange the flights and coordinate with an agent at your destination to help with customs clearance and veterinary inspections.
Because we have extensive experience with international pet relocations and work with trusted airlines and partners, we can help identify a safe and practical travel option for your pet.
Whether you’re relocating your pet to Europe, Australia, North America or another destination, having the right support can make the process much easier and less stressful.
Need Help Planning Your Pet’s Journey?
Choosing the right airline is only one part of an international pet relocation. If you’re planning to move your pet from South Africa to another country, Pets Abroad can help you navigate the process from start to finish.
From veterinary requirements and documentation to flight arrangements and arrival procedures, we’ll help you prepare for the journey and make sure your pet gets to their new home as safely and smoothly as possible.
