Can I Fly Multiple Pets Together on the Same Flight?

When relocating with pets, it is natural to want your animals to stay together during the journey. After all, they are not just animals, they are a part of the family. But whether your pets can actually travel in the same space depends on several factors, including airline rules, animal size, and compatibility.

Here’s Everything You Should Know About Flying Pets Together

Crate Sharing: What the Guidelines Say

According to international travel standards set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), it is possible and permissible for pets to share a kennel, but only under strict conditions. 

Two adult animals may travel together if they are of the same species, similar in size, weigh no more than 14 kg (30 lbs) each, and have a calm, friendly relationship with each other. For younger animals, up to three puppies or kittens from the same litter can share a crate as long as they are under 6 months old and each weigh less than 14 kg.

If your pets do not meet these requirements, they will need to travel separately. Crates must always be large enough for each animal to stand, sit, lie down comfortably, and turn around without difficulty.

The Rules Vary from Airline to Airline 

Each airline sets its own pet travel policies, especially when it comes to whether pets can fly together either in the cabin, as checked baggage, or in the cargo hold. It is essential to check the latest pet policies of your airline before booking.

American Airlines

On an American Airlines flight, small cats and dogs can travel in the cabin, but only one per kennel and one kennel per passenger. If flying as cargo, up to two pets of the same species and similar size (under 9 kg each) can share a kennel, provided they are between 8 weeks and 6 months old. Otherwise, each pet must be in an individual crate. 

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines allows two small pets per passenger in-cabin, but only if they are of the same species, similar in size, and at least 8 weeks old. Shared cratLM permits one pet per passenger in-cabin, provided the animal is at least 15 weeks old. For checked baggage, up to three pets can travel with one passenger. They can share a crate if they are under 14 kg each and either two adults of similar size or up to three babies from the same litter under 6 months old. These same guidelines apply to pets traveling in cargo.

British Airways

Only guide and service dogs are allowed in the cabin on British Airways flights. All other pets must travel as cargo. Two adult pets may share a crate in cargo if they weigh less than 14 kg each and are a good match in terms of temperament. Likewise, up to three puppies or kittens from the same litter under 6 months old may travel together if they also weigh under 14 kg each. Pets over 6 months or above the weight limit need to travel alone.

Qantas

Qantas only allows service animals in-cabin. Checked baggage pet travel is limited to domestic Australian flights. In cargo, animals must be at least 12 weeks old. Shared crates are allowed for two adult animals of the same species and size (each under 14 kg) or up to three animals from the same litter under 6 months and within the weight limit.

Air New Zealand

Cabin access is limited to certified service animals. Pets as checked baggage are only accepted on domestic flights. For cargo, a mother and her litter may fly together if the young are at least 8 weeks old. Up to three littermates under 6 months old and under 14 kg each may share a crate. Similarly, two familiar adult animals under 14 kg each may share a carrier, but larger animals will require their own.

Cargo Travel: Keeping Pets Close

When pets are flying as cargo, there may be some flexibility in keeping them near each other, even if they are in separate crates. This small detail can make a big difference for animals that are used to being together. If you are booking your journey through a pet relocation service, they can often arrange to keep your pets in proximity when space allows. You can also make this request directly at the airport on the day of travel if managing arrangements yourself.

Our Take: Together or Separate?

While some animals can share a crate, the general recommendation is to provide individual carriers. Even the best-behaved pets can become stressed in unfamiliar settings like airports and cargo holds. Giving each pet their own space reduces the risk of injury or anxiety and helps ensure a calmer trip for everyone involved.