Europe
Flying with a dog on British Airways BA
Europe
Flying with a dog on British Airways
Limited
Here is the British Airways pet policy for dogs, checked against the airline's own pages in October 2026. Below: what applies in the cabin and in the hold, the breed rules for your dog, and what to sort out before you fly.
British Airways dog policy at a glance
In the cabin
Not allowed
Dogs can't fly in the cabin on British Airways.
In the hold
Available
Breed rules
Restrictions| Breed group | Cargo booked separately |
|---|---|
| Snub-nosed | Conditional |
| Strong breeds | Not listed |
– not listed
Snub-nosed
- Cargo, booked separately
- Conditional
Strong breeds
- Cargo, booked separately
- Not listed
Snub-nosed breeds face restrictions. No fixed breed list — varies by route and season.
Assistance dogs
AllowedTrained assistance dogs travel free of charge in the cabin on the majority of flights; must be accredited/trained (ADI, IGDF, ADAA) and registered via Open Doors Organization. Emotional support dogs not accepted in cabin.
Summary
British Airways does not allow dogs in the cabin; pets travel only as cargo. Fees are provided by quote through PetAir UK or IAG Cargo. Snub-nosed breeds face restrictions, and there is no fixed breed list since limits vary by route and season.
Pets travel in the hold and arrangements are handled by partners: PetAir UK for exports from the UK and IAG Cargo for imports to the UK; no kennel dimensions or weight limits are stated.
Before you fly
- Check which vaccinations and health documents your route requires, and keep them with you.
- Reserve your dog's spot early, as places per flight are limited.
- Check the entry rules of your destination country.
- Get your dog used to the carrier or kennel well before the trip.
- Dogs travel in the climate-controlled hold, so book that early too.
Always double-check
Airline pet policies change often and vary by route, aircraft and season. Confirm the current rules directly with British Airways before booking.
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Flying with a dog on British Airways: FAQ
What is the British Airways pet policy for dogs? ▾
British Airways carries dogs in the hold, but not in the cabin. Some breeds are restricted, and the Dog-Friendly Score is 32/100. Checked against the official policy in October 2026.
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on British Airways? ▾
No. British Airways does not allow dogs in the cabin, but dogs can travel in the hold as cargo.
Can my dog travel in cargo on British Airways? ▾
Yes. British Airways transports dogs in the temperature-controlled hold. Advance booking and an IATA-compliant travel crate are usually required.
Are there breed restrictions on British Airways? ▾
Yes. British Airways restricts certain breeds: Snub-nosed breeds face restrictions. No fixed breed list — varies by route and season. Check the breed rules for your dog before booking.
Does British Airways accept assistance dogs? ▾
Yes. Trained assistance dogs are accepted in the cabin, usually free of charge, with the required documentation. Contact British Airways in advance.