Choosing the right airline is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when traveling with a pet, especially for long-distance or international moves. Over the years, we’ve helped relocate pets all over the world. In that time, we’ve seen firsthand how different airlines handle animal transport. While many airlines technically allow pets, the quality of care, consistency, and infrastructure can vary significantly. Some airlines have well-developed programs with trained staff and established processes. Others may allow pets but handle them far less frequently, which can introduce unnecessary risk or delays. Below is our list of the airlines we’ve found to be the most reliable for pet travel, based on real-world experience coordinating relocations.
What Makes an Airline “Good” for Pet Travel?
Before we get into the list, it’s worth understanding what we look for when evaluating airlines. From our perspective, the best airlines for pet travel typically have:
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Dedicated animal transport programs
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Temperature-controlled cargo environments
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Experienced ground handling teams
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Clear and consistent policies
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Strong global route networks
It’s also important to note that “cargo” does not mean unsafe. Modern airline cargo programs for live animals are specifically designed for pet transport and follow strict safety standards. If you’re unfamiliar with how this works, our guide to airline cargo transport explains the process in more detail.
Before we dive into some of the details, we’ve put together a side-by-side comparison of the airlines we trust most. This table highlights where each airline tends to perform best, how strong their cargo programs are, and what to expect when it comes to in-cabin and international travel.
1. Lufthansa
Lufthansa is widely considered one of the gold standards in pet travel. The airline operates a specialized animal handling facility in Frankfurt and has extensive experience transporting animals internationally. Their infrastructure, consistency, and attention to detail make them one of the most reliable choices for long-haul relocations. From our experience, Lufthansa is especially strong for transatlantic travel.
2. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM has a long-standing reputation for handling pets safely and efficiently. Their hub in Amsterdam is well-equipped for animal transfers, and the airline has built strong operational processes around live animal transport. KLM is often a dependable option for routes between North America and Europe.
3. Air France
Air France is another strong option, particularly for European routes. Their cargo division handles pets regularly, and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport has facilities designed to support animal transport. We’ve seen consistent performance from Air France when documentation and routing are handled correctly.
4. British Airways
British Airways works through a dedicated animal transport partner for pets entering the UK, which has some of the strictest import rules in the world. Because the UK requires pets to arrive via approved cargo routes, British Airways is often part of that process. While the system is more structured than other countries, it is also very controlled and reliable when managed properly.
5. Emirates
Emirates has invested heavily in its cargo operations, including facilities designed for live animal transport. For relocations involving the Middle East, Asia, or long-haul international routes, Emirates is often a strong option. Their global network and infrastructure make them particularly useful for complex itineraries.
6. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has developed one of the more advanced cargo programs in recent years. Their Doha hub is modern and well-equipped, and the airline is known for handling animals across long distances. We’ve seen Qatar perform well on routes connecting North America, Europe, and Asia.
7. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is known for high operational standards across all aspects of travel, including animal transport. Their cargo division handles pets with care, and Singapore’s airport infrastructure supports safe handling during transfers. This airline is often a strong option for routes into Asia.
8. Delta Air Lines
There have been changes to Delta’s pet travel policies over time, but it remains a viable option in certain situations, particularly for domestic travel within the United States. Their cargo program is more limited than some international carriers, but when routes align, Delta can still be part of a successful relocation plan.
9. United Airlines
United offers pet transport through its cargo services and has experience handling animal travel across domestic and international routes. Like many U.S. carriers, availability can depend on route, season, and aircraft type. Proper planning is essential when using United for pet travel.
10. American Airlines
American Airlines also supports pet transport through its cargo division. While policies and availability may vary, the airline can be a suitable option for certain domestic and international relocations when routes and conditions are favorable.
Not All Airlines Are Equal
One of the biggest misconceptions we see is that all airlines handle pets the same way. In reality, the differences can be significant.
Some airlines:
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transport animals daily and have specialized teams
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operate dedicated facilities for live animals
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have consistent global procedures
Others:
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handle pets less frequently
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rely on general cargo processes
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may have more restrictive or inconsistent policies
From our experience, choosing the right airline is less about the brand name and more about how that airline handles animals on a specific route.
Choosing the Right Airline for Your Pet
The “best” airline for your pet depends on several factors, including your departure and destination cities, your pet’s size and breed, the time of year (temperature restrictions matter), and whether the move is domestic or international. For example, large dogs often require different aircraft and routing considerations than smaller pets. If you’re relocating with a bigger breed, our guide to moving with large dogs explains what to expect during the process.
Planning Makes All the Difference
Most pets travel safely every day. The difference between a smooth relocation and a stressful one usually comes down to preparation. When the right airline is selected, the correct kennel is used, and documentation is handled properly, the process becomes much more predictable. We know all too well that problems tend to arise when airline policies are misunderstood, routes are chosen without considering animal handling, and documentation is incomplete or mistimed. These are all avoidable with proper planning.
Planning Your Pet’s Journey
Relocating a pet, especially internationally, involves more than just booking a flight. It requires coordinating airlines, veterinarians, and country-specific regulations. At Animal Land Pet Movers, we work closely with airlines around the world to ensure pets travel safely and efficiently. We evaluate routes, confirm requirements, and manage the logistics so that families can focus on the move itself.
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, our team is here to help guide you through the process. Reach out to our team today for a free quote!
