You must contact British Airways Reservations directly to make travel arrangements for your pet; space is often limited.

What methods of transport does British Airways provide for my pet?

  • Checked as baggage in pressurized and temperature controlled area of your aircraft.
  • Shipped as cargo in pressurized and temperature controlled area.

Does my pet qualify for travel as checked baggage?

Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel as checked baggage:

  • Only domesticated cats and dogs are allowed (American pit bulls, Pit bull terriers, Japanese tosas, Fila Brazileiros, Togo Argentinos, bulldogs, Pugs and Pekinese are not accepted).
  • Animal must be at least 10 weeks old.
  • Animal more than 6 weeks pregnant require veteranarian letter.
  • Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel for the entire flight.
  • The kennel meets all requirements (see below for more information).
  • Your pet has all necessary health documents required by your destination (see below for more information).

Does my pet qualify to be shipped as cargo?

If your pet does not meet the requirements for travel as checked baggage, or you would like your animal to travel inaccompanied, contact British Airways Cargo for more information.

What are the fees associated with pet transport?

British Airways will provide you with applicable fees when you make your reservation.

What are the kennel requirements?

Below are some of British Airways' kennel requirements:

  • Be leak-proof and escape-proof.
  • Be properly ventilated, but not allow any part of the animal from protruding outside of the container.
  • Provide enough room for the animal to stand and turn around.
  • Be made of metal, wood, or a hard plastic/composite.
  • Contain absorbent material or litter.

What health documentation is required?

While British Airways does not require a health certificate for your animal, many do require health documents. As it is the passenger's responsibility to be aware of all regulations, you should consult your veterinarian to ensure that your animal will comply with all requirements. In the UK, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) - Telephone: +44 (0) 8459 335577 - has information on import requirements to many countries. Alternatively, contact the applicable local High Commission or Embassy for further advice.

Are there any other restrictions?

British Airways can refuse to transport an animal due to illness, aggressive behavior, poor kenneling, or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer, or destination airports.

More Information

Please contact the airline directly for information about traveling with a service animal.