Which Airlines Allow Pets To Fly in Business Class?

While there’s plenty of airlines that allow pets to fly in the cabin with you, often this is just limited to Economy Class. Pets are often not allowed in Business Class, generally due to the seat and footrest design in some planes. Additionally, some airlines don’t have a Business Class.

If you’d prefer to fly in Business Class with your pet, I’ve dug up some airlines that welcome pets in Business Class, whether on all flights or on selected flights. Make a booking for one of these ten pet-friendly airlines that allows pets in Business Class for your next trip…

Air Canada (Canada)

Pets Allowed in Business Class? Yes

The Canadian flag-carrier Air Canada allows pets to fly in its Business Class, known as Signature Class. However, pets are not allowed at all in Premium Class onboard Air Canada flights, when available, due to the layout.

Note if travelling in Business Class that different size limitations may apply to your pet’s carrier. On a number of aircraft, the width of the carrier is restricted to a narrow 21cm, along with a length of 41cm and height of 28cm. Double check on their website before making a booking.

For more details, see the Air Canada pet policy.

Air France (France)

Pets Allowed in Business Class? Short-haul only

Air France is one of the most respected European airlines for transporting pets, whether in the cabin, in the hold or as cargo. However, if you are planning on flying Business Class with Air France, your pet may not be allowed.

The policy of Air France is that pets are not allowed in the Business Class cabin on intercontinental flights. Instead, if you are flying Business Class, your pet needs to fly in the hold.

For more details, see the Air France pet policy.

Etihad (UAE)

Pets Allowed in Business Class? Yes

When flying with the Middle Eastern airline Etihad, pets are permitted to fly in the cabin in both Economy and Business Class. While there is the option to buy an adjacent seat when flying in economy with a pet, this is the only option when flying in business class with a pet.

The same weight limit applies for pets flying in business class, 8kg. However, the carrier can be up to 50 x 43 x 50cm. A pet fee of $1500 USD applies in addition to the cost of the seat.

For more details, see the Etihad pet policy.

Finnair (Finland)

Pets Allowed in Business Class? Short-haul only

The Finnish flag-carrier Finnair is one of the world’s oldest airlines and flies to destinations across Europe, Asia and North America. Pets are allowed to fly in Business Class only on short-haul flights, not on long-haul flights, as there is not enough room underneath the seat.

If flying in Business Class on short-haul flights (within Europe), you’ll need to call up to add your pet to your booking. If flying long-haul, an alternative is to make a booking for a Premium Economy Class seat, with bookings also required by phone.

For more details, see the Finnair pet policy.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Netherlands)

Pets Allowed in Business Class? Within Europe only

KLM permits pets to fly in the Business Class cabin on flights within Europe. However, pets are not permitted in the cabin in Business Class or Premium Comfort Class on intercontinental routes, as it’s not possible to put a kennel underneath the seat in front.

For more details, see the KLM pet policy.

Korean Air (South Korea)

Pets Allowed in Business Class? Yes

On Korean Air flights, it’s possible for pets to fly in Business Class, also known as Prestige Class. The key requirement when make a booking to travel with a pet is that you need to select a seat designated for travelling with a pet.

Be warned that there are only a limited number of such seats on each plane, particularly in the Business Class cabin – potentially only a single seat. Designated seats may also not be available on all aircraft, such as in Business Class on A350 flights. Check their availability in advance.

For more details, see the Korean Air pet policy.

La Compagnie (France)

Pets Allowed in Business Class? Yes

La Compagnie is a boutique French airline that only operates all-business class flights from Newark Liberty International Airport in the USA to Paris Orly and Milan Airports, plus seasonally to Nice Airport.

Given pets are allowed on their flights and even seat is a business-class seat, yes, pets are allowed in business class on La Compagnie flights. Just note that seats cannot fully recline when travelling with a pet. A standard weight limit of 8kg applies these days.

For more details, see the La Compagnie pet policy.

Lufthansa (Germany)

Pets Allowed in Business Class? Yes

The German airline Lufthansa doesn’t specify on their website whether or not pets are allowed to travel in the Business Class cabin. However, they don’t explicitly rule it out and there are multiple reports of people doing so, so my conclusion is yes, it’s possible. However, it’s best to call up in advance to confirm for your exact route and plane, before booking.

One reason why Lufthansa may allow pets to fly in Business Class when other airlines don’t is that they mention on their website the use of a “Lufthansa Animal Belt”. This is provided by staff and used if your animal cannot be stowed under the seat in front- it is used to secure your animal to your own safety belt.

For more details, see the Lufthansa pet in cabin policy.

Turkish Airlines (Turkey)

Pets Allowed in Business Class? Yes

The Turkish flag-carrier Turkish Airlines operates one of the most extensive networks of international flights. The airline carries pets in the hold and in the cabin, including in business class.

The airline doesn’t provide any details on their website about flying in Business Class, but other pet owners report flying with the airline in Business Class. They do however stipulate that when travelling with a pet you must sit in a standard window seat or a front row seat.

For more details, see the Turkish Airlines pet policy.

United Airlines (United States)

Pets Allowed in Business Class? Yes depending on aircraft

United Airlines operates two premium class cabins on their flights. United Premium Plus is their premium economy cabin, while United Polaris is their business/first class cabin. Depending on the aircraft, pets are allowed in their premium class cabins.

On the United Airlines website is a list of the aircraft where up to two pets are allowed in premium cabins. If you’re flying in one of these aircraft, pets are allowed in Business Class (i.e. Polaris). However, some aircraft absent from the list include Boeing 757-200, Boeing 767, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787. Double check with United before booking your flight.

For more details, see the United Airlines pet policy.

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