Flying with a snub-nosed dog or cat: which airlines allow it?
October 27, 2026
Snub-nosed breeds need a different plan when they fly. In particular, you should choose an airline where your pet can stay with you in the cabin.
Pugs, French bulldogs, Boxers, Persian and Exotic cats: snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds have narrow airways, and stress or heat in an aircraft hold can be dangerous for them. That’s why most airlines have special rules. The good news: most airlines still let them fly in the cabin if they’re within the weight limit.
The rule of thumb
- Cabin: usually yes, on the same terms as other cats and dogs (typically 8 kg with the carrier).
- Hold: usually no. In fact, 18 of the airlines we track ban snub-nosed breeds from the hold.
- Cargo: some airlines allow it with a specialist shipper, although often only in cooler months.
Airlines that ban snub-nosed breeds from the hold
Air Europa, Air France, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Iberia, Japan Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Turkish Airlines.
Airlines with notable exceptions
- Brussels Airlines: snub-nosed pets can fly in the cabin with a signed form.
- Turkish Airlines and LOT Polish Airlines: cabin yes, hold no.
- Avianca: brachycephalic breeds may only travel in the cabin.
- SAS: snub-nosed dogs can fly in the cabin if within 8 kg; heavier ones may go in the hold.
- Aer Lingus: doesn’t carry brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers and Persian cats.
- Cathay Pacific: accepts certain snub-nosed breeds as cargo only on a few routes and months, through a certified shipper.
- Qatar Airways: restricts Persian, Exotic, Burmese and Shirazi cats.
Which breeds count as snub-nosed breeds?
However, lists differ slightly by airline. Austrian Airlines‘s list is typical and includes: Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldogs (except American Bulldog), Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Pug, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Tibetan Spaniel, and cats such as British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian and Scottish Fold, plus cross-breeds of these.
Tips for flying with snub-nosed breeds
- Choose an airline and aircraft where your pet can stay in the cabin with you.
- Avoid hot months and long layovers; IATA advises against transporting snub-nosed dogs in hot seasons.
- Also, use a slightly bigger, well-ventilated carrier: IATA recommends 10% more space for snub-nosed breeds.
- Above all, ask your vet about fitness to fly before booking.
For more background, also see the IATA guidance on snub-nosed dogs and hot weather.
Check which airlines take your pet
Rules checked against each airline’s official page on 15 October 2026. Airlines change their pet policies often, so always confirm with the airline before you book.