Several airlines permit Persian cats to travel in the cabin, but there are specific requirements and restrictions that vary by airline. This comprehensive guide covers the airlines that allow Persian cats, the airlines that prohibit or restrict them, and the specific requirements for flying with a Persian cat.
Airlines That Allow Persian Cats to Travel in the Cabin
1. American Airlines
- In-Cabin Travel: Persian cats are allowed to travel in the cabin, provided they meet the requirements. However, American Airlines does not allow brachycephalic or snub-nosed cats, including Persians, to travel as checked pets or as cargo.
2. Lufthansa
- In-Cabin Travel: Lufthansa allows Persian cats to travel in the passenger cabin, but they will not transport snub-nosed cats as accompanied baggage. They do allow flat-faced cats to travel as cargo, with restrictions that can vary by airport, temperatures, and time of year.
3. KLM
- In-Cabin Travel: KLM allows flat-faced cats, including Persians, to travel in-cabin or as cargo, but not as checked baggage. However, they do not accept certain breeds, but Persian cats are specifically listed as allowed in-cabin.
Airlines That Prohibit or Restrict Persian Cats
1. United Airlines
- Prohibited Breeds: United Airlines does not allow Persian cats and other snub-nosed breeds to travel due to the risks associated with their breathing.
2. Alaska Airlines
- Restrictions: Alaska Airlines does not accept Persian cats and other brachycephalic breeds as checked pets or cargo.
Specific Requirements for Flying with a Persian Cat
1. Carrier Dimensions
- American Airlines: Soft-sided carriers cannot exceed 18″ x 11″ x 11″ (length + width + height). Hard-sided carriers can be no larger than 19″ x 13″ x 9″.
- Lufthansa: The carrier must fit under the seat in front of the passenger.
- KLM: The carrier must fit under the seat in front of the passenger.
2. Health Certificate Requirements
- General Requirement: A valid health certificate from a veterinarian, issued within 28 days of the flight date, is typically required by most airlines.
3. Fees
- American Airlines: A $125 pet fee within and between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
- Lufthansa: Fees may apply, but specific amounts are not detailed in the sources provided.
- KLM: Fees may apply, but specific amounts are not detailed in the sources provided.
4. Breed-Specific Regulations
- American Airlines: Persian cats are allowed in-cabin but not as checked pets or cargo.
- Lufthansa: Persian cats are allowed in-cabin and as cargo with restrictions.
- KLM: Persian cats are allowed in-cabin and as cargo, but not as checked baggage.
Notable Differences in Policies
- United Airlines and Alaska Airlines have stricter policies against brachycephalic breeds, including Persian cats, due to health risks.
- American Airlines, Lufthansa, and KLM allow Persian cats in the cabin but have varying restrictions on checked pets and cargo.
Statistics and Factual Data
- The number of airlines allowing Persian cats in the cabin is limited due to health concerns, but major carriers like American Airlines, Lufthansa, and KLM do permit them under specific conditions.
- The policies are not uniform across airlines, emphasizing the need for thorough research before booking a flight with a Persian cat.
