A Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Pet Travel with British Airways
Flying Pets with British Airways: What You Need to Know
British Airways is one of the more reliable options for moving pets to the UK or Europe, and a route PetRelocation uses regularly. Here is how pet transport works with BA and what to expect when you book.
Cabin Travel
For most pets, the cabin is not an option on British Airways. Recognized assistance dogs, meaning dogs certified by an organization that is a full member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), can travel in the cabin free of charge. Emotional support animals are not eligible for in-cabin travel on British Airways operated flights and must travel as cargo.
If you are traveling with a certified assistance dog, review British Airways' current assistance dog requirements directly before booking, as documentation and route rules can vary.
How Cargo Bookings Work
All pet cargo for British Airways is handled by IAG Cargo, the cargo arm of International Airlines Group. IAG Cargo has been transporting pets since the 1950s and follows IATA Live Animal Regulations for all animal shipments.
How you book depends on where your pet is departing from:
- Departing from the USA or another country outside the UK: Submit an inquiry through the IAG Cargo pets form at iagcargo.com. IAG Cargo will connect you with a trusted pet travel partner to assist with the booking and provide a quote.
- Departing from the UK: IAG Cargo has partnered with Pet Air UK for all UK departures. Contact Pet Air UK directly for quotes and export bookings.
On some routes, working with a pet shipping company is not just helpful, it is the normal path for getting the move arranged. PetRelocation can handle this coordination for you.
Crate Requirements
Your pet's crate must meet current IATA standards for type, size, and ventilation. The crate is a major part of the approval process, not an afterthought. If the crate is too small, the wrong style, or not built for airline transport, the booking can be delayed or rejected.
The crate also affects pricing, since cargo charges are driven by crate dimensions and chargeable weight. If you are unsure what size crate your pet needs, PetRelocation can help you work that out before you book. The current IAG Cargo pets page has full container guidelines for dogs and cats.
Breed Restrictions
Some dangerous dog breeds and snub-nosed breeds of dogs and cats may not be accepted on British Airways flights. IAG Cargo does not publish a fixed public list, and acceptance can vary by route, season, and aircraft type. If your pet is a snub-nosed breed or a breed that may fall under dangerous dog restrictions, flag this at the inquiry stage before planning your move around British Airways.
How Pricing Works
British Airways does not publish a flat pet fare for cargo moves. Pricing is based on a freight rate with separate handling charges depending on market and station. In practice, what you pay depends on crate size, pet and crate weight, origin and destination, airport handling charges, and any route-specific or import-related fees. This is why one British Airways pet move can price very differently from another, even when both pets are going to the same region.
Traveling into the UK
If your pet is arriving in the UK, it must comply with the UK Pet Travel Scheme administered by DEFRA. IAG Cargo also requires you to sign a Form of Indemnity covering British Airways against costs if your pet does not pass entry checks on arrival. Make sure your pet's documentation is complete before departure.
The Airline Is Only One Part of the Move
A correct airline booking can still go wrong if the destination paperwork is off. A UK or Europe route also has to match the destination country's import rules, timing windows, and arrival procedures. This matters especially for the UK, where pet entry rules are strict and the arrival process differs from most EU countries.
If you want help choosing the right crate, routing your pet safely, and making sure the cargo booking matches the destination requirements, contact PetRelocation to discuss your pet's travel options.