PetFlightCheck

British Airways Pet Policy (2026): Cabin, Hold & Fees

No. British Airways does not allow pets in the cabin. Pets can travel in the hold instead.

Last verified against British Airways's official pages

PetFlightCheck is independent and not affiliated with British Airways. This page summarizes British Airways's official pet policy pages as of September 27, 2026; confirm the rules with British Airways before you book. Report an error

How to add your dog to a booking

  1. Leaving the UK: arrange your pet's trip through PetAir UK.
  2. Coming to the UK: arrange it through IAG Cargo.

Source: Travelling with pets

Pet fee

British Airways doesn't publish a price. Pets are shipped through its partners (PetAir UK from the UK, IAG Cargo to the UK), who quote the cost.

Carrier size and weight

British Airways doesn't allow pets in the cabin, so there are no cabin carrier rules. See the cargo section for pets in the hold.

    Source: Travelling with pets

    Routes, breeds and other restrictions

    Where pets can't fly

    We haven't verified which routes, if any, don't accept pets on British Airways. Check the official page before you book.

    Breeds

    British Airways doesn't mention short-nosed breeds.

    Also good to know

    • Dogs entering the UK must meet the UK government's (DEFRA) Pet Travel Scheme rules, which let cats and dogs avoid quarantine when traveling between some countries and UK airports.
    • For other countries, check the embassy or consulate's rules.

    Source: Travelling with pets

    Cargo and checked pets

    British Airways carries pets in the cargo hold through PetAir UK (from the UK) and IAG Cargo (to the UK). Pets fly in the hold, with travel managed by a British Airways partner depending on where the trip starts: PetAir UK for pets leaving the UK, and IAG Cargo (British Airways' sister company) for pets coming to the UK.

    Compare every airline's hold rules in our guide to airlines that fly dogs in the hold.

    Source: Travelling with pets

    Service dogs and emotional support animals

    • Emotional support animals fly as regular pets, under the pet rules and fee on this page.

    Source: Travelling with pets

    Other details

    • Assistance dogs can fly free in the cabin on most British Airways flights.

    Before you fly

    British Airways can change its pet policy at any time. We last checked these official pages on September 27, 2026. Confirm the rules with British Airways before you book and again before you travel.

    Planning a trip? Our trip checker checks your dog against British Airways's cabin rules and, for trips abroad, gives you a dated checklist of what your dog needs.

    Entry rules for your dog: Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Hawaii, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain and United Kingdom (Great Britain).

    Compare other airlines