The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has issued new operational guidelines aimed at helping airlines provide a safer, more consistent and predictable experience for passengers travelling with pets in aircraft cabins.
The guidance, released on Tuesday, covers every stage of the travel process; from booking and check-in to boarding, the in-flight experience and arrival while promoting uniform standards for airlines handling in-cabin pet transport.
Addressing Passenger Concerns
According to IATA, the new guidance builds on its recently introduced Guidance on Travelling with Service Dogs and forms part of a broader effort to improve consistency in the air transport of animals.
Commenting on the initiative, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, Brendan Sullivan, said pets are increasingly regarded as members of the family, making it essential for travellers to understand what to expect before and during their journey.
“A pet is a much-loved member of the family. People traveling with their pets need clear guidance on what to expect at every step of the journey.
“That’s important because well-prepared travellers and industry-wide best practices enable airlines to deliver a safe, consistent, and efficient experience for those traveling with their pets”, Sullivan said.
Survey Reveals Knowledge Gaps
The move follows findings from IATA’s 2025 Global Passenger Survey, which showed growing interest in travelling with pets but also highlighted widespread uncertainty among passengers.
The survey found that about one in four respondents either had travelled or would consider travelling with a pet. Among them:
41 per cent cited uncertainty over pet eligibility as a major challenge.
36 per cent were unsure of individual airline policies.
34 per cent said they lacked clarity on the overall process of travelling with pets.
Focus on Safety and Animal Welfare
IATA said the new In-Cabin Operational Guidelines recommend standardised procedures that will enable airlines to deliver a more predictable travel experience while maintaining the highest standards of safety, animal welfare and operational efficiency.
The association expressed optimism that the guidance would reduce confusion for passengers and assist airlines in harmonising their procedures for in-cabin pet transport across the industry.