Can cats go through airport security?

Your cat's travel carrier must go through the luggage X-ray screening device at the airport, and your cat cannot, so you will have to carry her in your arms through the human screening device.



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All pets should be brought to the security checkpoint in a hand-held travel carrier. Remove the pet from the carrier just prior to the beginning of the screening process. Place the empty travel carrier so it can be x-rayed. Never place a pet in the x-ray tunnel.

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Instead, you will need to carry your cat through the human scanner. In most cases, your cat must be removed from the carrier and some airports will even ask you to remove harnesses, although you can always try to argue that it's needed to ensure your cat doesn't escape and run loose through the terminals.

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The Transportation Security Administration has a PSA for travelers with pets: If you are traveling with a furry, feathery or leathery companion, do not send it through the X-ray machine. Take the animal out of its carrier, as you would a baby in a stroller or sensitive film in a camera bag.

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As long as your kitty stays in the kennel, there's nothing you can do if your cat starts meowing. Call the airline about their pet policy so you won't get a big surprise. You vet can also prescribe a mild sedative to help your cat relax a bit.

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Many airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin as a carry-on, so long as they stay inside a carrier that's small enough to fit under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. Southwest, Alaska, United, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Frontier are some of the airlines that allow pets as carry-ons.

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Here are the minimum features that your carrier must have to be airline compliant:
  • Your carrier must have a waterproof bottom.
  • Your carrier must have adequate ventilation.
  • Your pet must be securely fastened in the carrier. ...
  • Your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
  • Your pet must fit entirely in the carrier.


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Carrier Requirements a waterproof bottom - be sure and also get some good pet pads. adequate ventilation - at least 2 sides of your carrier should have mesh ventilation. security (zippers, not snaps) - we carry zipper locks to accessorize your bag.

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Strategies to de-stress feline flights include:
  1. A Thundershirt® which swaddles the cats much like swaddling an infant and can reduce anxiety.
  2. Feliway® pheromone wipes and spray can be used in the carrier prior to flying can help lower anxiety.
  3. A pheromone calming collar can help to lower anxiety.


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Though your cat may not be happy with plane travel, there are ways to keep your cat calm during a flight.
  1. Choose a Comfortable Cat Carrier. ...
  2. Train your Cat to Like the Carrier. ...
  3. Try Using Pheromones to Calm Your Cat. ...
  4. Prepare for Security Checks. ...
  5. Consider Putting Your Cat in the Cargo Area.


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Even though you can't buy an extra seat for your cat, you'll still have to make a reservation for it. Several of the biggest airlines in the U.S. charge $125 each way for an in-cabin cat.

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“Because dander is so small and sticky, it attaches itself to clothes, furniture, air and airplane seats. The confined space of a plane could definitely pose a hazard for patients with cat allergy,” Jacobson says, adding that wiping down your seat is a good idea.

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The middle seats have more space under the seats. Once you board the plane, your cat's carrier will have to go under the seat in front of you. On many airlines, the middle seat has the most room for your cat's carrier.

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Exception: Working dogs on a leash. Working and service animals are allowed inside the passenger terminals as long as they are on a leash. All other animals must be in a kennel. Not all those traveling with pets adhere to these rules, and many can be seen walking their dogs on leashes throughout the airport.

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A TSA officer will give the pet owner's hands an explosive trace detection swab to ensure there is no explosive residue on the owner's hands.

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While there are no weight or breed limitations for pets, they must travel in either a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier. This carrier must fit under the seat in front of you or you cannot fly with your pet. There can only be one pet per carrier, and they must be able to stand up and turn around while inside.

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Most of the time, cats travel quite well without the need for medication. Some cats, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your cat if she does not travel well.

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Most of the time, traveling is quite safe for cats. For extended trips that will be a week or longer, traveling with your cat may make more sense than leaving them at home.

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If puppies or kittens less than 16 weeks of age are in transit more than 12 hours, food and water must be provided. Older animals must have food at least every 24 hours and water at least every 12 hours.

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