The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has issued new operational guidelines to help airlines manage in-cabin pet travel from booking through arrival.
The guidance aims to
improve consistency, safety and animal welfare while creating a smoother
passenger experience.
The move follows
IATA’s recent service dog travel guidance and responds to growing demand for
pet-friendly air travel.
According to IATA’s
2025 Global Passenger Survey, many travellers remain uncertain about pet
eligibility, airline policies and procedures.
The new
recommendations provide airlines with practical frameworks to improve processes
and enhance confidence among passengers travelling with pets.
“A pet is a much-loved
member of the family. People traveling with their pets need clear guidance on
what to expect at every step of the journey. That’s important because
well-prepared travellers and industry-wide best practices enable airlines to
deliver a safe, consistent, and efficient experience for those traveling with
their pets,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo. -TradeArabia News Service