Should I fly my cat in cargo?

Cats may be less stressed in cargo than in the cabin, as they will be away from the noise and activity of the plane. Cargo is typically cooler and quieter than the cabin, which can benefit cats sensitive to heat or noise. Large or multiple pets often have to travel in cargo due to size and space limitations.



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Undeniably, cargo is the more dangerous option for pet travel. The safest way for any animal to fly is in the cabin as carry-on luggage, provided that's an option.

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Most airlines ensure your pet boards and disembarks the aircraft on priority. The cargo hold has a special area for pets, and your pet's crate is secured in the plane in its designated space. During the flight, the lights are dimmed, and even the most anxious of pets tend to calm down after the plane takes off.

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“Help your cat see the carrier as a safe space,” she says. “Leave it out all the time, and place a favorite blanket and treats in it, or even feed your cat meals in the carrier. During the flight, that familiar-smelling blanket will provide them with some comfort.”

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In most cases, if the layover is under 3 hours and if your pet is traveling in the cargo hold as checked baggage or air cargo, it will be transferred from one airplane to the next as long as you are staying on the same airline. In this case, your pet is just transiting the country.

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Pets are placed in a climate-controlled, pressurized compartment below the aircraft cabin and kept separate from luggage and other cargo.

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Undeniably, cargo is the more dangerous option for pet travel. The safest way for any animal to fly is in the cabin as carry-on luggage, provided that's an option.

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Most cats don't have much experience with traveling, and when they do, it isn't positive, so it makes sense why many cats are not fans of traveling. Although travel can be stressful, there is a lot you can do to make traveling and carriers less stressful and even enjoyable for your cat(s)!

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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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The cargo hold is pressurized and temperature controlled, with the temp usually at about 20 degrees colder than the cabin (at altitude).

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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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10 Tips For Cat Transporting
  1. Choose a sturdy carrier that is large enough for the cat to move around, allows a small water bowl and has enough ventilation.
  2. When at home, leave your cat carrier open so your cat can wander in or our as he or she pleases. ...
  3. Leave a blanket with your cat's scent inside the carrier.


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Thanks for your questions/concerns about the safest method of travel for your dog! Many other pet owners have pondered the same question, and we're happy to provide some guidance. Having your pet travel via cargo instead of checked baggage would be best.

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If your pet is too large to fly in-cabin with you, The ARK strongly recommends that owners book their companions as cargo rather than excess baggage for these reasons: Animal Welfare – Concern for animal welfare is regulated when pets are shipped as cargo.

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Most animals fly in the hold as checked baggage when traveling with their owners, or as cargo when they are unaccompanied. The AWA was enacted to ensure animals traveling in this manner are treated humanely and are not subjected to dangerous or life-threatening conditions.

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For very long layovers, consider booking a night at a pet-friendly hotel. Make sure you have plenty of time between flights so you can give your kitty a potty break. Find an enclosed room where you are allowed to let your kitty out. “Family Restrooms” are private, and have fully-closing doors.

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The lower deck of an aircraft is usually used as cargo space. The various cargo sections are known as the hold and differ according to their position in the aircraft.

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Can cats survive long flights? Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights.

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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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