British Airways Pet Policy for Dogs

British Airways does not accept pet dogs in the cabin on regular flights, so most dogs travel as cargo through PetAir UK or IAG Cargo, while qualified assistance dogs may fly in cabin free of charge.

View Pet Policy Details

British Airways Pet Policy Overview

British Airways handles pet dogs differently from many U.S. carriers. Pet dogs are not accepted in the cabin on British Airways operated flights, and standard pet travel is arranged as hold/cargo transport through approved partners.

In-Cabin Fee Pet dogs are not accepted in the cabin on British Airways operated flights. Qualified assistance dogs travel free of charge.

Cargo Fee Varies by route, dog size, crate size, and handling partner. British Airways directs customers to request a quote from PetAir UK (from the UK) or IAG Cargo (to the UK).

Carrier Dimensions (in-cabin) Not applicable for pet dogs, because British Airways does not carry pets in the cabin on any route.

Weight Limit (pet + carrier) No published standard pet-in-cabin weight limit for dogs, because pet dogs travel in the hold/cargo. Assistance dogs in cabin must fit safely at the passenger's feet or under the seat area.

Breeds Restricted Some dangerous dog breeds and snub-nosed breeds may not be accepted by IAG Cargo; customers are told to submit an enquiry for route-specific advice.

Booking Method From the UK: arrange through PetAir UK. To the UK: arrange through IAG Cargo. Assistance dogs cannot be booked online and require direct contact with British Airways.

Cabin Policy British Airways does not carry pet dogs in the cabin on any route; emotional support dogs are treated as pets, not service animals.

UK Entry Rules Dogs entering the UK must meet DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme requirements.

If you are flying out of the UK with a pet dog, British Airways sends customers to PetAir UK for export arrangements. If you are bringing a dog into the UK, British Airways refers customers to IAG Cargo. Emotional support dogs are not accepted in the cabin on British Airways operated flights. Certified assistance dogs may travel in the cabin free of charge, but approval and documentation are required before travel.

Last updated: 2026-03-25

How to Book Your Dog on British Airways

Confirm whether your dog is traveling as a pet or as a qualified assistance dog. On British Airways operated flights, ordinary pet dogs cannot travel in the cabin, while qualified assistance dogs may be accepted in cabin free of charge.
Identify the direction of travel. If your dog is departing from the UK, British Airways directs you to PetAir UK for export bookings. If your dog is entering the UK, British Airways directs you to IAG Cargo.
Request a quote before you finalize plans. PetAir UK asks customers departing the UK to submit an export quote request with travel dates, airports, destination, and pet details. IAG Cargo also requires trip-specific information because pricing depends on route, crate, and handling.
Prepare your dog's measurements and crate details. Because British Airways pet travel is handled as hold/cargo transport, accurate crate sizing matters. PetAir UK specifically advises customers to measure their pet for comfortable travel before requesting a quote.
Check destination import rules. British Airways states that dogs entering the UK must meet DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme requirements, and travelers to other countries should verify embassy or consulate rules before booking.
Complete any health and travel paperwork required by the destination and cargo partner. This may include vaccination records, microchip information, health certificates, and import permits depending on the country.
If traveling with an assistance dog, contact British Airways directly rather than booking online. British Airways states this service cannot be booked online, and UK-bound assistance dog travel may also require contacting the relevant Animal Reception Centre at least 72 hours before the flight.
Reconfirm acceptance before travel day. For assistance dogs, British Airways notes that final approval depends on the dog meeting cabin safety requirements. For pet cargo bookings, confirm crate, timing, and handover instructions with PetAir UK or IAG Cargo.
Arrive with extra time and all documents ready. Cargo and special-assistance bookings typically require more processing than standard passenger check-in, so plan for additional time at the airport or cargo facility.

British Airways vs Other Airlines

Feature	British Airways	American Airlines	Delta Air Lines
In-Cabin Fee	Pet dogs not accepted in cabin; qualified assistance dogs free	$150 per kennel	$150 USD/CAD on U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands itineraries issued on/after April 8, 2025; $200 international
Cargo Fee	Varies by quote through PetAir UK or IAG Cargo	Varies with American Airlines Cargo; checked pets generally limited to active-duty U.S. military and State Department personnel on official orders	Varies with Delta Cargo/checked-pet rules; checked pet fee commonly $200 where accepted
Weight Limit	No published standard pet + carrier limit for pet dogs because they travel as cargo; assistance dogs must fit safely in cabin space	20 lb / 9.07 kg total for pet + carrier in cabin	No single published in-cabin combined weight figure on overview page; pet must fit comfortably in kennel under seat
Carrier Size	Not applicable for pet dogs in cabin	Soft-sided: 18 x 11 x 11 in	Recommended soft-sided kennel: 18 x 11 x 11 in
Breeds Restricted	Some dangerous and snub-nosed breeds may be restricted by cargo partner	Brachycephalic/snub-nosed dogs not accepted as checked pets	Pug or snub-nosed dogs restricted for checked baggage
Booking Method	PetAir UK from the UK; IAG Cargo to the UK; assistance dogs require direct contact with BA	Carry-on pet can be added in trip management/app, then paid at airport	Call Delta Reservations in advance; check in at Special Service Counter

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my dog fly in the cabin on British Airways?

No. British Airways states that it does not carry pets in the cabin on any route. The main exception is a qualified assistance dog, which may travel in the cabin free of charge if approved.

Does British Airways allow emotional support dogs in the cabin?

No. British Airways says emotional support dogs are not accepted in the cabin on British Airways operated flights. They must travel under the airline's pet rules instead.

How do I book a pet dog on British Airways from the UK?

British Airways directs customers departing the UK with a pet dog to PetAir UK, its partner for pet exports. You typically start by requesting a quote and providing your route, dates, and pet details.

How do I bring a dog into the UK on British Airways?

British Airways refers inbound UK pet transport to IAG Cargo. Your dog must also meet UK DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme requirements.

How much does British Airways charge to fly a dog?

British Airways does not publish a flat pet fee for ordinary dogs because pet travel is handled through PetAir UK or IAG Cargo and priced by quote. Costs vary based on route, crate size, and handling requirements.

Are there breed restrictions for dogs on British Airways?

British Airways' cargo partner information indicates that some dangerous dog breeds and snub-nosed breeds may not be accepted. Acceptance depends on the route and the cargo partner's live-animal rules.

Can I book an assistance dog online with British Airways?

No. British Airways says assistance dog travel cannot be booked online, so you need to contact the airline directly to arrange approval and documentation.

What documents does my dog need to enter the UK?

British Airways says dogs entering the UK must meet DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme requirements. Depending on your origin, that can include microchip, rabies vaccination, health paperwork, and other import conditions.