In recent years, airlines have significantly improved their pet-friendliness, recognizing that more and more pet owners prefer to travel with their four-legged companions. For a fee typically ranging from $50 to $200, pet owners can have their dogs or cats relax in an airline-approved carrier under the seat in front of them.
These days, it’s quite common to spot several pets and emotional support animals traveling alongside you in the economy class. But what about first class and business class? Are pets allowed in the premium cabins, and if so, which pets and on which routes? Here’s your comprehensive guide to flying with pets in business class.
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ARE PETS ALLOWED IN FIRST CLASS?
The majority of U.S. and international airlines permit pets in the economy cabin, provided they are traveling in an airline-approved pet carrier that adheres to weight and size limits. You can find detailed information on the in-cabin pet policies and fees of various international airlines in this DJANGO Dog Blog article.
However, only a select few airlines allow pets in first class, and the specific policies can vary significantly depending on the airline, route, and aircraft type.
- Delta Airlines: Delta permits no more than two pets in Domestic First Class and Domestic Business Class. The term “Domestic” encompasses flights to and from Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam. However, pets are not allowed in the front of the airplane if the seats are flat-bed designs, as there is no under-seat storage area.
- United Airlines: United Airlines also allows two pets per flight in their “premium” cabins, but there are certain restrictions. On Boeing 757, 767, 777, or 787 aircraft, pets are not permitted in premium cabins due to limited storage space under the seat.
- American Airlines: American Airlines offers “First Class Pet Cabins” on A321T aircraft for select cross-country routes, with a recent cost of $125 per pet carrier.
As mentioned, the rules for allowing pets in first class can vary widely between airlines, depending on the specific route and aircraft. If you’re considering traveling with your dog or cat in first class, it’s essential to first confirm whether your chosen airline permits in-cabin pet travel. You should then reach out to the airline’s customer service team to ascertain if pets are allowed in first class on the route and aircraft you plan to take. We recommend calling reservations before booking your trip to ensure that your furry family member is welcome on your flight.
CAN PETS FLY FIRST CLASS ON U.S.-EUROPE AND OTHER TRANSATLANTIC ROUTES?
Generally, most airlines do not allow even small pets in first class on transatlantic routes. This is primarily because premium seats often feature lie-flat designs and do not offer under-seat storage for pet carriers.
Lufthansa stands out as the only airline we are currently aware of that permits dogs and cats in first class on specific transatlantic flights. The allowance is contingent upon the aircraft’s first class seat design, specifically whether there is room under the seat for a pet carrier, and availability (usually limited to one pet per Lufthansa first class flight).
On the other hand, Air France, Delta, and United Airlines do not allow pets in first or business class on transatlantic routes. American Airlines does not permit in-cabin pet travel on any transatlantic flights. You can find an exhaustive list of major international airlines and their in-cabin pet policies here.
CAN LARGE DOGS FLY IN FIRST CLASS?
Currently, no airlines allow large dogs to travel in-cabin. By “large dogs,” we refer to dogs that cannot comfortably fit under a plane seat in an airline-approved pet carrier. The only exceptions are for certified service animals (e.g., guide dogs for the visually impaired) and, in some cases, emotional support or therapy dogs, which we’ll delve into below.
SERVICE ANIMALS AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS
SERVICE ANIMALS: Service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of individuals with disabilities, are always welcome onboard aircraft and can sit in any part of the cabin. Service animals are exempt from the size and weight restrictions that typically apply to regular pet dogs and cats. However, flying with a service animal usually entails additional paperwork, such as a veterinary health form and immunization records, so it’s essential to review your airline’s service animal policy well in advance of your trip.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS (ESAs): Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are also generally allowed on most flights to and from the United States and are typically permitted in first class. Similar to service animals, ESAs do not have to be contained in an airline-approved pet carrier. However, ESAs must not exceed the footprint of your seat and must sit on the floor by your feet if they do not fit on your lap.
When traveling with an ESA, documentation is always required. This typically includes a letter from your medical professional and up-to-date health and vaccination records. Airlines have become increasingly vigilant about verifying ESA paperwork due to the rising number of travelers abusing ESA policies by obtaining letters from anonymous websites or online “doctors.” Many airlines now require additional forms before allowing an ESA on board. For instance, Delta mandates that travelers have their medical or mental health professional complete a specific form within 48 hours of the flight departure.
