Moving with your pets can involve a number of decisions that you have to make, but one of the most critical decisions is how your pet will travel as accompanied air baggage (it may include the pet traveling in both the cabin and cargo hold of the same flight) or unaccompanied air cargo. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages; these can help ensure that your pet’s transit is safe and without stress. In this blog, you will understand the complete information regarding cabin vs. cargo hold travel for pets.

Cabin vs. Cargo Pet Travel: Knowing the Options for Safe Relocation

Cabin travel: In-cabin travel allows small pets under 7-8 kg, including the carrier, to travel with the passenger in the air cabin. This is limited to specific rules and regulations, which are only for the cats and small dogs.

Cargo holds: In this case the pets are traveling in the pressurized and temperature-controlled section but on the same flights as the passengers; this is most often used for the medium-sized pets.

Air cargo: When the pets are traveling with manifest cargo, then they are booked independently of a single passenger, and the pet may fly on different flights. This is usually required for international travel or when the pet is being relocated by the mediator or when the airline mandates it.

Safety contemplation

Cabin travel is safe but limited. Cabin travel is the most protected and least stressful mode of transport. The pets are less supervised, the environment is controlled, and there is little risk of mishandling, although few pets qualify for this because of the size of the pets and airline policy.

Cargo hold: This is normally safe with reputable airlines. The cargo holds are generally used for the live animals and are pressurized and temperature-controlled cargo holds, contradictory to the common myths. Airlines like Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines have a strong reputation for animal safety. The pets are usually well taken care of during the layovers. The many airlines partner with pet relocation services that monitor your pets throughout the transit.

Still, there are some risks involved when comparing Cabin vs. Cargo pet travel.

Stress from the separation from their owner and sounds

Nonprofessional handling during the loading and unloading

Temperature delays, especially with extreme climates.

To minimize the risk, always choose the airlines with pet-friendly policies. or avoid traveling during the deep summer or winter.

Air cargo is best for international moving.

Manifest cargo is often best for the international move, quarantine, import permits, or the health checks that are involved. It may sound less important, but it is often regulated and properly structured.

The air cargo shipments are usually handled by the professional air staff who are trained in animal care. The crates are secured in the designated areas, and logistics partners will manage the documentation, customs clearance, and handling. This can provide more predictability and adherence to law, especially when you are moving to a country like the UK.

Legal and airline regulations.

Many international destination countries, like the UK, allow pets in the cargo.

Airlines may restrict some breeds from flying in cargo, especially the snub-nosed breeds.

Some countries do not allow in-cabin pet travel for international flights.

Cabin vs. Cargo Pet Travel: Choosing the Right Option for Your Pet

Go for the cabin travel if your pet is small, calm, and in an airline-approved carrier. The airlines allow cabin travel on the international routes. If you want to be with the pets during the transit.

Choose the cargo hold if your pet is medium to large in size, if you are flying with your pets, and if the routes and airlines are pet-friendly and allow live animals in checked baggage.

Choose the air cargo if you’re traveling to the destination country that mandates cargo travel. If you are using any kind of pet relocation services. Or if you are okay with the import and export rules and regulations.

Check out our latest blog:

Pet Relocation from India to UAE, UK & USA: Rules, Requirements

A complete international pet relocation to-do list for pet parents

Pet Relocation Success Story with HappyLocate Worldwide

HappyLocate Trusted Pet Parent Review

Check out our social media page of Pet Relocation