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British Airways

In Cargo: Dogs, Cats Pet Shipping: yes Microchip: yes Health Certificate: yes Vaccinations: Rabies Airline Pet Policy Link
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Pet Policy Summary

British Airways Pet Policy (Summary)

  • BA-operated flights: Pets are not accepted in the cabin; only recognised assistance dogs may travel in-cabin free of charge (numbers may be limited).
  • Emotional Support Animals: ESAs are not accepted in the cabin on BA-operated flights. They must travel as pets via cargo arrangements.
  • Pet transport logistics: From the UK, arrange export with PetAir UK. To the UK, arrange with IAG Cargo. Fees, crate specs and any route/temperature limits are set by the cargo provider and authorities.
  • UK entry rules: Follow the UK DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme requirements when entering the UK.
  • SUN-AIR (BA franchise) exception: Permits one pet per aircraft in cabin up to 6 kg, in a waterproof bag/cage max 20 x 30 x 20 cm; contact SUN-AIR at least 72 hours before departure; pets are not permitted on SUN-AIR flights to the UK.
  • Assistance dogs: Must be trained/qualified (e.g., ADI/IGDF or equivalent), registered via BA’s Open Doors Organization portal, and secured with an appropriate harness during take-off/landing and when seat belt signs are on. For UK arrivals, obtain pre-approval from the Animal Reception Centre at least 72 hours before travel; for US travel, comply with CDC dog import requirements.
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Health Requirements

Microchip: yes

Health Certificate: yes

Vaccinations: Rabies

Restrictions

Brachycephalic Breeds:

Dangerous Breeds: Not specified.

Support Animals

Service Animals:

Assistance/Service Dogs on British Airways

  • Accepted free of charge in the cabin on BA-operated flights; numbers may be limited.
  • Eligibility: Trained and accredited to assist with a disability/medical condition (e.g., ADI/IGDF or equivalent standard with evidence).
  • Registration: Complete BA’s assistance dog registration via the Open Doors Organization portal. BA recommends completing registration before booking and finalising at least 48 hours before travel. Not bookable online.
  • Onboard safety: A car safety harness (or equivalent) is required during taxi, take-off, landing and whenever the seat belt sign is on. The dog must remain under your control and behave appropriately in public and on board.
  • Seating: Bulkhead seating will be provided if required and available. BA may restrict the number of assistance dogs per flight.
  • Route-specific rules: For arrivals to the UK, obtain pre-approval from the relevant Animal Reception Centre at least 72 hours before your flight. For travel to the USA, comply with CDC dog import requirements (including completing the CDC Dog Import Form before boarding).

Emotional Support: Not specified.

Carrier Details

Compartment: Not applicable on BA-operated flights (pets are not permitted in the cabin). SUN-AIR (BA franchise) allows a waterproof bag/cage up to 20 x 30 x 20 cm for pets up to 6 kg.

Cargo: When carried as checked baggage/cargo, animals must be in proper, adequate and secure containers; specific crate sizes and standards are determined by the cargo provider (PetAir UK/IAG Cargo) and applicable IATA/authority requirements.

Reviews

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