British Airways
Pet travel policy for British Airways (BA) — based at London Heathrow (LHR), United Kingdom.
Policy summary
British Airways does not allow pets in the cabin on any commercial flight other than registered assistance dogs accompanying passengers with a disability — UK animal-welfare regulations and BA company policy require all other dogs, cats, and household pets to travel as manifested cargo through IAG Cargo, the freight subsidiary of BA's parent company. IAG Cargo's PetsXL service handles bookings on a route-by-route basis from approved IATA-rated kennels and is the only legal route for pets entering the United Kingdom because the UK Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) requires live animals to arrive as cargo at one of a limited number of approved Border Control Posts. Snub-nosed dog and cat breeds are not accepted by IAG Cargo at any time of year due to the elevated risk of breathing problems at altitude. Service-dog passengers must apply at least 14 days in advance through the BA Special Assistance team and provide an EU pet passport or equivalent documentation. Pet owners flying into the UK should also book a customs clearance agent who specialises in live-animal entries to handle the paperwork at the destination airport.
Quick reference
| Cabin pets | No (service dogs only) |
|---|---|
| Cargo / checked program | Yes — IATA-rated kennel via dedicated cargo division |
| Cabin fee (one-way) | See airline website |
| Carrier max dimensions | IATA Live Animals Regulations kennel in |
| Weight limit | cargo only |
| Breed restrictions | IAG Cargo PetsXL; banned brachycephalic breeds; UK PETS rules. |
| Reservations | +44 207 949 5050 |
| Hub airport | London Heathrow (LHR) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
How to book a pet on British Airways
Almost every airline requires you to add a pet to your reservation by phone — there is no online self-service for in-cabin or cargo pets at the major carriers, because the airline must confirm there is space on the specific aircraft type and route. Call +44 207 949 5050 within 24 hours of buying your ticket and ask the agent to add the pet to your booking. You will be quoted the fee at the time of booking and pay it at airport check-in. Bring printed proof of vaccinations and a recent veterinary health certificate, especially for international itineraries.
At the airport, plan to arrive 90 minutes before a domestic departure or three hours before an international departure. The airline gate agent will inspect your carrier, attach an in-cabin pet tag, and confirm that your pet meets the under-seat dimension and weight limits. If your animal is travelling in cargo, you will drop them off at the carrier's dedicated cargo-acceptance facility (separate from the passenger terminal) at least four hours before departure for kennel inspection and loading.