pet travel on british airways

Questions about traveling with a pet?

Contact | email | facebook.

Home > Airline Pet Policies > British Airways Pet Policy

British Airways Pet Policy

Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? Selected flight only Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? No Can my pet fly with me as manifest cargo? Yes

In-Cabin Pet Policy

Service Dogs

British Airways will accept service dogs must have been certified by an organization that is a member of Assistance Dogs International or International Guide Dog Federation trained to assist a disabled person. Notification to the Animal Reception Center should be provided at least 7 days in advance. A pre-approval letter will be issued that must be presented by the ARC must be present at check-in, along with all required documentation to enter the United Kingdom.

Checked Baggage Pet Policy

British Airways does not offer checked baggage service for live animals.

• Preparing Your Pet's Crate for Travel
• More Info on Airline Pet Policies - British Airways

Air Cargo Pet Policies

British airways will transport live animals as manifest (air) cargo through the services of iag cargo and an agent is required to book the transport. contact us if you need assistance with an agent ..

Pets Allowed:

Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, hamsters, monkeys, ferrets, snakes, tropical fish and other animals. Larger animals (cattle, horses, etc.) will be handled by an approved agent. Pets flying as cargo willl need to make arrangements with an approved agent to fly with IAG Cargo which handles British Airways live animal cargo transport.

Forms Required:

Health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian at least 10 days prior to travel will be required. All forms required for your destination country should be attached to the crate.

Check in at a IAG Cargo cargo facility (not reservations desk) 4 hours prior to international flights and 2 hours prior to domestic flights. Health certificates issued shortly prior to travel will be required. Consigners will be asked to sign a Form of Indemnity to cover British Airways against any costs arising from any pet not passing the PETS checks on arrival and having to go into quarantine. Pet crate requirements are as stated below.

Route Restrictions

British Airways will not transport live animals from Kuwait. During summer months, pets will not be accepted on flights out of Dallas/Fort Worth. Due to high temeratures, pets will not be permitted on flights in or out of Beijing or Shanghai.

Temperature Restrictions:

British Airways understands the additional risk to live animals transported during the higher temperatures of summer and lower temperatures of winter. Your pet may not be granted boarding if the temperature in any city on your itinerary is forecasted to be above 85°F (30°C) or below 45°F (7°C).

Crate Requirements

Crates must be sized properly for pet with length being measurement from tip of nose to base of tail plus half of length from elbow to ground. There should be a clearance from the top of head OR the tip of ears, if they normally stand erect.

British Airways will not accept Series 100 crates (typically used for smaller pets) except on USA and Canada flights.

Your pet must travel in an IATA-compliant pet crate . Have a crate already? Is your crate IATA-compliant? Need accessories for your crate ? Click here for more information on crate requirements .

• Need an IATA compliant pet crate?
• Need an Agent to Transport Your Pet?

Airports Served

British Airways is based in London and serves cities on six continents including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. It has the largest fleet in the United Kingdom.

British Airways is also approved to fly into London Heathrow and Gatwick which are approved Border Inspection Posts in the UK.

Puppies and Kittens

• Traveling with a puppy

Banned Breeds

No dangerous dogs, Bulldog breeds or Pugs are not permitted. Other snub nosed pets must travel in crates at least 10% larger than normally required.

Snub-nosed dogs will be transported in larger crates than normally required on routes where the temperature does not exceed 75°F. British Airways considers the following breeds as snub nosed: Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffin, Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin and Pekinese.

Other Animals

Need more information?

To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given airline may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to deny your pet boarding privileges. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following the rules of the airline your pet is flying.

Further detail on import permits, costs, tests and procedures are available at minimal cost at PetTravelStore.com . We also stock all the equipment and accessories you will need for traveling with your pet. Same day shipping Monday through Friday until 4:00 PM EST.

GOT QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS???

A Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Pet Travel with British Airways

In-Cabin Pets with British Airways

British Airways only allows assistance dogs trained and certified by an organization that is a full member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) to travel in-cabin. Emotional Support Dogs and other pets without certification are ineligible for in-cabin travel.

Contact British Airways directly for pricing, booking, and specific requirements for your assistance dog. Remember to comply with the pet import requirements of your destination country.

Remember that even though your dog will be traveling with you in the cabin, you’ll still need to follow the pet import requirements for your destination country.

Unaccompanied Pets or Pets Traveling as Cargo with British Airways

British Airways' sister company, IAG World Cargo, handles live animal transportation via cargo with expertise in moving pets.

Ensure your pet's travel crate meets IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards for type and size. PetRelocation can guide you in finding the right crate for your pet.

To make cargo reservations, submit an inquiry on the IAG Cargo Website within 14 days of your pet's travels. IAG Cargo's specialized pet staff will assist with safe routing and inform you of the necessary steps.

When booking, provide the following information:

• Shipper information (name, address, phone number)
• Consignee information (name, address, phone number)
• Travel details (departure and arrival airports, flight day)
• Pet details (name, age, sex, species, breed, weight, kennel size)
• A picture of your pet with the travel kennel

Note: British Airways may request that you work with a dedicated pet-shipping company like PetRelocation to organize your booking.

Breed Restrictions with British Airways

• British Airways restricts certain breeds. Consider another airline if your dog is a Bulldog, Pug, Pekinese, Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, or Pit Bull.

Pricing Structure for IAG Cargo

• Air freight charges are based on the kennel's chargeable weight (volume) in kilograms. Additional fees, like fuel surcharges or security fees, are based on the pet and kennel's combined weight. Transit or entry charges may apply for certain routes.

For assistance with your cargo booking, contact PetRelocation for safe pet travel options.

• Service Animals
• All Airlines
• Atlanta (ATL)
• Charlotte (CLT)
• Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
• Cincinnati (CVG)
• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
• Denver (DEN)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Phoenix (PHX)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• All Airports (ALL)
• Pet Carriers
• Pet Insurance
• Food & Treats

British Airways Pet Policies

British Airways pet policy  allows for in-cabin and cargo animal transport. Many of the pet-related restrictions vary depending on flight, route, and country of destination or origin—as is often the case with large, international airlines. Nevertheless, British Airways sets broader standards and regulations for all flights.   

The airline’s general pet policies are relatively strict and unforgiving. Only service animals are allowed to fly in-cabin, and emotional support animals are not considered to be service animals. Though British Airways has several rules that may seem foreign to American travelers, we are confident that—with the right preparation—your trip will run smoothly and efficiently.   

Here’s what you need to know about British Airways pet policies, regardless of your chosen travel plan.

…HAVE EVERYTHING?

• Flying with Pets in the Cabin :  Only trained assistance dogs may ride with passengers in the cabin. To make sure you can successfully fly with your animal, read about the British Airways policies for pets in the cabin.  
• Flying pets in cargo :  Animals traveling as cargo must be certified by a veterinarian as safe to fly. Temperatures must stay within a safe range for that animal. To ensure you can successfully fly with your pet, read about IAG Cargo and the British Airways policies regarding cargo travel.  
• Service Animal Policies :  Only assistance dogs are service animals on British Airways flights. They may fly in the cabin and for free. Learn more about specific British Airways service animal policies before making final travel plans.

Other British Airways Pet Policies and Programs  

If you and your pet are heading to the United Kingdom, you must acquaint yourself with the Pet Travel Scheme. These requirements are set by the UK Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and it allows cats and dogs to travel between some countries and UK airports avoiding quarantine. Though seemingly complex, the requirements are fairly standard—the DEFRA requires the animals to be microchipped, have a pet passport or veterinary certificate, and a rabies vaccination. For more information, see the  DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme website .   

Additionally, British Airways franchise partners may offer different pet-related policies. SUN-AIR, for example, allows all animals under 13.2 pounds to travel with passengers in the cabin. Additionally, cats and dogs under 13.2lbs on  OpenSkies flights  from New York to Paris (or from Paris to New York) may fly in the cabin. For more information about these franchise partners, see the British Airways pet travel  website .   

If you are flying via British Airways to or from the United States, we recommend using our  Airport Travel Guide  to find maps of pet relief areas and cargo facility locations for every U.S. airport you and your pet will be traveling through.   

01206 330332 Get A Quote

Unique pet travel company, owned & run by a qualified Animal Behaviourist

If you need any free help or advice on shipping your pet, feel free to call us on 01206 330332. You can also find out how much it would cost by clicking the button below and getting a free no obligation quote.

British Airways Pet Travel

Approved british airways pet travel agents with over 30 years’ experience.

If you need any free help or advice on shipping your pet, feel free to call us on 01206 330332. You can also find out how much it would cost by clicking the button below and getting a free no obligation quote. BA are the major players in the IAG Cargo group of airlines. There are many routes from the UK that are only served directly by BA, such as Bermuda from Gatwick or Nassau from Heathrow, so this can make the choice of airline easy.

The Gatwick animal reception centre is a brilliant facility where pets are only ever handled by ‘animal people’ and luckily BA use this for all pet shipments. At Heathrow, the pets are delivered directly to the BA Cargo facility where they are held in their own animal room in the cargo warehouse before being taken directly to the aircraft by British Airways staff.

British airways will not carry Bulldogs of any type, Pugs or Pekingese, but do carry most other breeds. Bullmastiffs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus and other breeds with flatter faces must travel in a kennel 10% larger than would be normal for their size to increase ventilation. They will carry cats like Persians, Himalayans and Exotics using these bigger crate rulings. Fetchapet travel crates are generous anyway, so these restrictions don’t really affect us.

BA will only tranship onto an onwards flight in certain Caribbean destinations, so we only normally use them for direct flights.

British Airways Pet Transport FAQs

Yes. British Airways are one of the most popular pet friendly airlines in the UK. BA will ship most breeds of cats and dogs, or bulldogs of any type, pugs or pekingese. To find out if your pet can be shipped with BA call 01206 330332 now for free advice.

No. British Airways does not allow emotional support animals in the passenger cabin. Emotional support animals are only allowed to be transported as cargo on British Airways flights.

No. British Airways does not allow pets in the cabin. Pets are only allowed to be transported as cargo on BA flights.

The price of flying a dog with British Airways is determined by the size of the dog and destination you’re shipping to. Because of this, prices range between £2600 – £8000. To find out exactly how much it would cost to transport your dog with British Airways fill out our online quotation form by clicking her e .

The cost of flying a cat with British Airways ranges between £2600 – £2800, depending on the location you’re shipping the cat to and the size of your cat. To find out exactly how much it would cost to ship your cat with British Airways, enter the details of your cat into our online quotation form. Click here t o get a quote .

Yes, pets can usually be flown in the same aeroplane as you when you use British Airways. We advise you book a flight for your pet before booking your own, as it’s easier and cheaper to make changes to your pets booking than it is yours. And when you use Fetchapet, we allow you to reschedule your pets flight for free, and only charge a small administration fee for multiple changes.

British Airways Pet Shipping

Dog Export With BA

Thinking of flying your dog with British Airways? We’re here to help! Either call our team now for free advice or click the button below for a free quote.

Cat Export With BA

Need to fly your cat with British Airways? Our expert team are here to assist. Call us now on 01206 330332 or click the button below to get started today.

Get A Free BA Pet Air Travel Quote

If you would like to find out the total British Airways pet travel cost for your pet, click the button below and fill out our online quotation form. All pet shipping quotes are free and come with no obligation.

Get A No Obligation Quote Today

• British Airways >

British Airways: Pet Policy

• Planes & Seat Maps

What methods of transport does British Airways provide for my pet?

All animal bookings on British Airways are managed by IAG Cargo. For more information, please visit their site .

SeatGuru was created to help travelers choose the best seats and in-flight amenities.

British Airways Pet Restrictions & Fees

Explore Today's Deals

British Airways Pet Policy

British Airways has specific guidelines in place for passengers who wish to travel with their pets. It is important to note that British Airways does not allow animals to travel in the cabin as pets in passenger cabin are not permitted. Additionally, pets are not allowed to travel as checked baggage.

However, British Airways does allow animals to travel as cargo in the hold. To ensure the safety and comfort of your pet during the journey, British Airways works with PetAir UK, a company owned by qualified veterinarians, to transport pets from UK airports. If you are traveling to the UK, your pet can travel with British Airways' sister company, IAG Cargo.

When transporting pets through IAG Cargo, it is necessary to adhere to certain guidelines. The carriers used must be strong, secure, and have proper ventilation. It is important to ensure that your pet's nose and paws cannot fit through any ventilation opening or door mesh. The carrier must also have water and food bowls secured to the inside. Additionally, pets must be able to stand and sit erect without touching the top of the kennel. Fiberboard, wire mesh, and wicker containers are not suitable for air transportation.

Guidance, Tips, & info on Airlines and Airports

• Go to our guide to global airlines to find information on any other commercial airline.
• Peruse the British Airways BA baggage fees and restrictions page to learn what luggage policies and fees are imposed.
• Check out where you can fly direct to on British Airways if you live near one of their gateway cities.
• Get insights and learn the lingo on airline cabin configurations and seating , while understanding the economics and rationale why those airplane seats seem so small.
• Get up-to-date live info for British Airways's flight status anywhere in the world.
• For more detailed information, including flight check-in, baggage policies, corporate information, and more, visit our guide to British Airways (BA)

The specific dimensions for the carrier depend on the origin and destination of the journey. Cats departing from the USA and Canada must travel in a carrier with the dimensions 27" x 20" x 19" (68 cm x 50 cm x 48 cm). For all other countries and pets, the dimensions should be 21" x 16" x 15" (53 cm x 40 cm x 38 cm), as long as the animal fits comfortably inside.

It is important to keep in mind that air carriers can change these policies at any time, so you should always check directly with British Airways before you book for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

For detailed information about British Airways, including flight check-in, baggage policies, corporate information, and more, you can visit the British Airways Guide .

Do you need to track your British Airways flight? Get real-time flight status here .

Find more help here for your journey through the airport

Flying with Pets: A Complete Guide to Pet-Friendly Airlines

Pet owners invariably find it difficult to leave their furry companions at home when they travel.    Flying with pets has become increasingly popular as airlines embrace the opportunity to share a travel experience or relocation with our constant companions. While the experience will be rewarding for pet owners and pets alike, the process is complicated and takes meticulous planning to ensure a stress-free and safe journey for you and your beloved family pet.

For many, a pet is also an “emotional support” – and many airlines – especially in the USA treat them differently too.

There is much to consider before taking a pet with you on a flight, but with thorough research and preparation, your pets will thank you for taking the time to make their journey safe and comfortable. Airlines differ in their approach to pet travel and have individual rules and guidelines to follow. The process can be lengthy and daunting for first-time pet travellers, so we have compiled this guide to help you through the complex and varied processes involved and provide some of the best airlines to research to make your journey one to remember rather than forget.

The BusinessClass.com Guide to Flying with Pets:

Where will my pet be housed during the flight?

On the whole, pets, including dogs, cats, and other animals, fly in a pressurised and air-conditioned hold of the same aircraft as the owner and inside appropriately sized, secure kennels or containers depending on the animal. The environment is calming, with similar conditions to the passenger cabin. The holds are often dimly lit and undisturbed to avoid unnecessary animal stress. Each airline has specific local guidelines and also adheres to the International Air Transport Association's regulations for the transportation of animals. Such rules include the assurance of appropriate-sized kennels and containers to allow the free movement of animals. Some airlines assist customers with the selection of containers, while others leave the responsibility to the owner. In any event, strict measurement and weight limit information is available on each airline's website.  

Many airlines allow smaller dogs – typically under 8 kilogrammes and small enough to fit inside a pet-friendly travel bag under the seat ahead – to travel with the owners in the cabin. However, it is not universal amongst airlines and may not always be the best environment for your pet in any event. Your pet will have to remain inside the pet travel bag throughout the journey, and there will be far more to distract your small pet in the main cabin. It will be noisy, the owner may transfer their travel anxieties onto their pet, and there is no Plan B if your pet becomes distressed and anxious.

Pet places on aircraft are limited, and not all aircraft or cabins will have the capacity or space to house a travelling pet. Research diligently and book your pet's flight tickets well before travel dates to ease the process and prevent disappointment.

Essential steps to take before your pet travels in the aircraft:

Flying can be very stressful for animals, and your beloved pet must be deemed fit to fly before undertaking what could be an arduous journey for you and your pet. Though health problems caused by air travel are unlikely and, thankfully, extremely rare, your pet will have to undergo a series of compulsory veterinary processes for international travel. Costs will vary depending on the animal and breed.

Your pet will undergo a  comprehensive health check . The healthier the pet, the more likely it will cope with the stresses of air travel and quickly bounce back. Any underlying health or weight issues will increase the pet's vulnerability during a lengthy flight.   

Your pet will require  appropriate vaccinations  depending on the requirements of the international destination. This could take the form of a series of treatments. Always discuss your travel plans with your family veterinary practice at an early stage to ensure you allow sufficient time to begin the vaccination process, which could be lengthy.

Your pet will be  treated against parasites . Pet import regulations vary depending on the destination, and your pet may require a course of treatments within a specific travel timeframe. Again, seek the advice of your veterinary practice.

Your pet is advised to have  microchip implantation . Ensure all database details are current, especially owner details, as customs officials will use a microchip reader to process your pet during their journey. A microchip will also be a safety net should you become unexpectedly separated from your pet.

Your vet will help complete the necessary paperwork to ensure your pet is given a valid  Animal Health Certificate , mandatory within the E.U., or an equivalent pet passport for other destinations outside the E.U. This process will include any significant medical history and vaccination status. A lot of paperwork is required to travel with pets, and everything must be clearly detailed. Allow yourself the time to complete the paperwork accurately.

Buy the best  airline-approved pet carrier/kennel  and familiarise your pet with the carrier or kennel far ahead of the flight to reduce stress on your pet. Ensure your carrier meets your airline's guidelines, as these may differ. Many airlines offer approved carriers and kennels for an additional cost.

Many airlines allow  recognised service dogs  to travel for free in the same cabin as the owner. However, emotional support dogs are not generally included in this category and must travel with other pets in the hold. Check your airline's service dog travel policy in the early stages of planning a flight to see if your dog is eligible to travel with you in the cabin.

It can be expensive to fly with animals, and prices can vary significantly between airlines and based on the type of animal, breed, size and weight. Below we list the popular airlines offering a pet-friendly travel service with some key features to note.

Best Pet-Friendly Airlines

British airways.

British Airways has a pet-friendly approach to flying with your family pets and service dogs who meet the  airline's criteria  travel for free in the main cabin with the owner. In this instance, the dog owner must contact the airline at least three days before the departure date.

Domesticated pets, including emotional support dogs, must travel in the hold. British Airways have teamed up with  PetAir UK  on flights from the U.K. to ensure the welfare and happiness of your pets - namely cats, dogs and rabbits only - throughout their journey. Run by vets, PetAir UK has been flying pets around the globe since 2004. Flights coming into the U.K. are serviced by B.A.'s sister company  IAG Cargo  with over 60 years of experience transporting animals internationally.  

Pet transportation costs will vary depending on the size of the animal and the destination but can run into several thousands of pounds. Contact British Airways for individual pricing, or use this  quick quote tool  for more details.

Read the BusinessClass.com review of British Airways Business Class

Read the BusinessClass.com review of British Airways First Class

Read the BusinessClass.com review of British Airways Premium Economy

American Airlines

The United States airline restricts pet travel to cats and dogs only on flights of up to 12 hours (including the time taken with customs) and strictly within  specific destinations , not including transatlantic flights.

The airline sometimes allows pets to travel as a paid and checked pet carry-on, though this is restricted to the animal breed, size, age and destination. Pet owners must provide a suitable kennel small enough to fit under the seat in front, and the animal must remain inside for the duration of the flight. In this instance, the kennel and animal will be the maximum carry-on luggage. In all other cases, pets must travel with  American Airlines Cargo . Due to space limitations, carry-on pets are not permitted in First or Business Class on certain Boeing 777s and 787s.

Fully-trained  service animals  are permitted to travel in the cabin free of charge.  

View the airline's website on  pet travel  for full terms and conditions and up-to-date pricing.

Read the BusinessClass.com review of American Airlines Business Class

Read the BusinessClass.com review of American Airlines First Class

Dubai-based airline Emirates has a dedicated pet-friendly service called  Emirates Pets  with Emirates SkyCargo, specifically designed to ensure the highest levels of care for your pets while strictly adhering to the International Air Transport Association's Live Animal Regulations (IATA LAR). Dubai Airport, by nature of its location, is often used during transit, and Emirates has an excellent facility for animals arriving or departing in transit with veterinary support if required. A minimum of six hours of connection time is needed in Dubai for optimum transit care. Your pets will be fed, cleaned and exercised as requested by the owner.

As with other airlines, there are  restrictions to specific breeds  of dogs and cats that will not be allowed for carriage on Emirates SkyCargo. Further conditions apply for the import of dangerous dogs and their hybrids, though these will be permitted for transit with the appropriate approval of the destination country. Service dogs can travel in the cabin with the owner – check with the airline directly for more information.

Read the BusinessClass.com review of Emirates Business Class

Read the BusinessClass.com review of Emirates First Class

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

The Dutch airline is an excellent choice for  flying with a cat or dog . Pets should be no younger than 15 weeks of age, and snub-nosed animals are restricted from flying with KLM. Passengers may bring one cat or dog into the cabin when travelling within Europe. However, they must fit inside a closed pet travel bag or kennel and be small enough to fit under the seat in front. The pet and travel container can weigh no more than 8 kilogrammes. In this instance, up to three pets (of the same litter and each up to 6 months old) may travel in the hold and share a kennel of an approved size if they weigh less than 14 kilogrammes each. Individual or sharing animals, including the kennel, must weigh at most 75 kilogrammes. Read the  handy guide  to preparing for your pet's trip.

There are exceptions to travelling with pets, including transfer times over 3 hours, any flights operated by Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft, and snub-nosed cats and dogs due to potential difficulties breathing.

The costs are competitive and will vary depending on the departure and destination airports. Pet reservations are  made directly  via the KLM website. Owners can apply to have  trained service dogs  in the cabin free of charge. However, emotional support dogs are transported in cargo.

Read the BusinessClass.com review of KLM Business Class

Qantas Airlines

Travelling with a pet on Qantas can only be booked through Qantas Freight  Pet Travel Specialists  via the airline's website. 

The pet travel specialists make sure appropriate containers are used and ensure compliance with the origin, transit stops, and quarantine requirements of the destination. They also provide vet checks. Service dogs can be carried in the passenger cabin; however, all other animals must be transported in a special area in the aircraft's hold where noise levels and air temperature are similar to the passenger cabins.   

Unlike some other airlines, Brachycephalic breeds – also known as snub-nose breeds – can travel with Qantas following the airline's  pet travel policy . All animals must be over 12 weeks old with veterinary approval of fitness to fly.

It is advised to book your pet's travel before your ticket, as not all aircraft can accommodate pet travel, and the owner must supply appropriate pet crates unless booked through a pet travel specialist. Read the airline's handy  Pet Travel – FAQs  for more tips and advice.

Read the BusinessClass.com review of Qantas Business Class

Qatar Airways

Doha-based Qatar Airways accepts domesticated dogs, cats and birds as checked baggage on the same or alternative flights per international air travel regulations. All pets must be booked at least 48 hours before flights, and the airline has a handy  submission form  to assist the process. Service dogs will be allowed in the passenger cabin, free of charge on select routes only, and where not permitted, service dogs will be transported as checked baggage free of charge in the aircraft hold. Falcons may also be carried in the Economy Class passenger cabin.

Pet owners must provide  suitable containers  to transport their pets in the cabin or cargo hold and enough food and water for the animal's journey. 

The ground service crew at Doha will care for all animals in transit and will ensure they are fed (every three to four hours), watered and exercised between flights. Qatar Airways does not accept certain breeds of dogs and cats susceptible to heat stroke due to having a snub-, pug-nose, or other stated animals in the airline's list of  restricted animals .

Read the BusinessClass.com review of Qatar Airways Business Class

Read the BusinessClass.com review of Qatar Airways First Class

Air Canada allows cats and small dogs to travel as one standard baggage item in the passenger cabin. The carrier must be small enough to fit in the space beneath the seat ahead and be large enough to allow the animal to stand, turn around and lie down. The current cost of cabin pet transportation is CAD$ 50 within Canada and CAD$ 100 for international flights in each direction. Larger animals are carried in the cargo hold for additional costs and have a maximum weight limit of 45 kilograms (100 pounds) for the pet and container combined. Size restrictions also apply. Contact  Air Canada Cargo  if animals weigh more than the specified limits and arrange specialist transportation of other larger animals, including horses.

Air Canada places restrictions on animals flying to specific locations in the hold when the summer temperature reaches 29.5 degrees centigrade or 85 degrees Fahrenheit and restrictions on peak winter travel due to increased passenger and cargo loads. Air Canada does not allow the following  Brachycephalic (short/snub-nosed) breeds  of cats and dogs to be transported due to the increased risk of heat stroke and breathing problems. The following list of  strong dogs  must also be transported in special reinforced containers.   

Trained service dogs can accompany their owner in the cabin for free if it meets the requirements of the  Air Canada Medical Assistance Desk . Emotional support animals are not permitted in the cabin. Full details of  travelling with pets  can be found on the airline's website.

TAP Air Portugal

The Portuguese flag carrier is an excellent airline for safely transporting pets with the bonus of  earning extra miles  for TAPMiles&Go customers. Pets are carried in the  cabin  or the  hold  depending on several factors, including breed, size, age and aircraft availability. Passengers are advised to request the pet transport service at least 48 hours before the flight and preferably at the time of booking. All pets must have a microchip I.D., an E.U. pet passport and a valid anti-rabies vaccination. TAP is prohibited from transporting pets to the United Kingdom, except for service animals. See  all requirements  for flights outside of the E.U. member states.

Dogs and cats of up to 8 kilograms or 17 pounds (including the carrier) can be carried within the cabin when stored beneath the seat if the carrier is within specific dimensions. Flights with a stopover may require the animal to be transported in the hold for part of the journey. The costs of pet travel will depend on the route. The price of pets in the hold depends on the animal's weight and the route. Trained service dogs can travel with their owner in the cabin.

Brachycephalic breeds  of cats and dogs, including crossbreeds listed, are not permitted to travel unless proven safe to travel from a veterinary declaration. Dogs considered 'potentially dangerous' must meet special  conditions of transport . Read more about  travelling with a pet  on TAP Air Portugal.

Read the BusinessClass.com review of TAP Air Portugal Business Class

German flag carrier Lufthansa offers a carry-on cabin and cargo hold service depending on the kind of animal, its weight, size and compliance with regulations of different countries. Lufthansa Cargo also transports animals as air freight. Passengers wishing to take small dogs or cats in the cabin must meet requirements, such as a weight limit of no more than 8 kilograms (including the carrier) and no more than two pets in either the cabin or the hold – inside one carrier in the cabin or one to two carriers in the hold. All dogs and cats must be older than 12 weeks or 15 weeks for transportation to/from Germany. Passengers can  register cabin pets  via the airline's website and read about  transporting animals  in the aircraft.

Qualified  assistance dogs  can travel free of charge with their owners in the cabin. However, snub-nosed breeds of cats and dogs are not permitted to travel due to the increased risk of breathing problems. Fighting or dangerous dogs will be transported inside special crates in the hold. An exception to this is when such breeds are between three and six months old, at which time they may travel in the cabin as long they comply with the requirements of cabin travel. Read the  Lufthansa information  about travelling with snub-nosed and fighting dog breeds. All pets must be carried per IATA regulations. The owner is responsible for supplying  approved carrying containers  for their pets, as it is unlikely to purchase them at the airport. Pets are permitted in Lufthansa lounges but should be kept within their transport carrier or container throughout.

Read the BusinessClass.com review of Lufthansa Business Class

Read the BusinessClass.com review of Lufthansa First Class

Delta Air Lines

Delta allows small dogs, cats and household birds to travel in the cabin as long as they fit inside a ventilated pet carrier beneath the seat ahead. Eligible pets must be ten weeks old for domestic flights, 16 weeks old if travelling to the U.S. from other countries, or 15 weeks old if travelling to the E.U. Pets in cabin carriers count as one item of carry-on luggage. Some restrictions are based on destination and can be  reviewed  via the airline's pet travel policy. Cabin pet reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and early contact with  Delta Reservations  is advised. 

Trained service animals and their equipment can travel in the cabin for free with the completion of a  U.S. DOT service Animal Air Travel Form . Exceptions apply to dogs travelling to the U.S. from high-risk countries. All U.S. Military or Active U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers and their spouses with active transfer orders may check their pets as baggage for a fee when travelling on active transfer orders. Please see the  Delta website  for policy and restrictions. Further restrictions apply when travelling to the U.K.   

Cats, dogs, household birds, guinea pigs, rabbits and hamsters are accepted as checked baggage on domestic flights – except snub-nosed cats and dogs. All other animals must be shipped as  Delta Cargo . 

Strict embargos apply to international travel with pets. However, flights with select pets to and from the United Kingdom will be accepted as pet cargo under the  U.K. Pet Travel Scheme . For pets to other countries in the E.U.,  additional restrictions  apply. 

Read the BusinessClass.com review of Delta Business Class

The Finnish flag carrier allows a range of pets on its aircraft. However, some destination countries may limit the animal breeds, so research thoroughly before booking your pet. Small pets able to travel with their owners in the cabin include small dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises and hedgehogs so long as they do not weigh greater than 8 kilograms, including the carrier, which must also fit beneath the seat in front – though no pets can travel in the long-haul Business Class cabin due to space limitations.  All assistance and service dogs will travel in the cabin free of charge, regardless of their size and weight, but emotional support dogs are not permitted in the cabin and must travel in the hold.

Larger dogs and ferrets will travel in the hold of the passenger aircraft, but the combined weight of the dog and container must be lower than 75 kilogrammes. If this weight is exceeded, the pet must travel as Finnair-operated cargo . Some destination countries will also stipulate that pets travel in cargo regardless of weight. One cabin pet carrier is permitted per passenger; typically, no more than two pets are allowed in the cabin per flight.

Fees are paid before travel and vary depending on the size of the pet and destination. Typically, pet transportation in the cabin costs approximately €120 each way and pets in the hold cost around €600 each way. Refer to the Finnair Cargo webpage for cargo fees. Read the Finnair FAQs of travelling with animals .

Read the BusinessClass.com review of Finnair Business Class

BusinessClass.com searches hundreds of travel sites simultaneously to help you find the best premium flight offers.  BusinessClass.com also compares all the major hotel suppliers to give you the very best prices in the finest hotels.

Search & Book your next premium flight - with your pet - on BusinessClass.com today: 

With many major airlines dropping First Class cabins (American Airlines, for instance) - Business Class, is their premier offering. ...

Air France La Première is arguably the most exclusive First Class experience in the skies. It is offered in the French airlines' fleet of...

The Indian Ocean nation of Maldives is a dream holiday destination – ideal for families, couples and increasingly singletons looking for an...

Get in touch +44 (0)1725 551124

• British Airways Pet Travel

• Air New Zealand
• Qantas Airlines Pet Travel
• Singapore Airlines Pet Travel
• Which Airlines Carry Pets?

PetAir are British Airways' preferred supplier for pet travel in UK.

IAG Cargo is a sister company of British Airways within the IAG group and BA are one of the most frequently used airlines to carry pets out of UK. BA has the most departures from Heathrow, many departures from Gatwick and their facilities are excellent. At Heathrow, there is a dedicated check-in area for pets so that the pets can be accepted, security screened and then have their own haven away from the noise and bustle of the busy cargo warehouse. Here is all you need to know about British Airways pet travel and their policies.

British Airways will only accept a booking from an agent up to 6 weeks before the flight – they then confirm the space has been requested and “penciled in”. Around 2 weeks before the flight, once the planes have been scheduled on that particular route, the British Airways specialist sales team will confirm the flight to us. Obviously, there is an issue relating to the fact that humans can book their own flight many months in advance, however most people want to be on the same flight as their pet – the ideal scenario is to get the pet booked and confirmed first and then the person gets on the same flight.

Often, someone will book a flight and ask for their pets to travel on the same flight, but that flight is not available for whatever reason (leaves too early to be cleared, lands too late to be cleared at the destination, the aircraft is not suitable for pets, leaves or lands on a weekend etc.) However, we understand that people generally like to book their flights early in order to secure the best prices, so we ask that you talk to us before booking your flight so that we can advise you on how to increase the likelihood of you and your pet being on the same flight.

British Airways operate an odd, but sensible, pet policy called “OK to forward”. Essentially, British Airways want to speak to the consignee (the person receiving the pets) to ensure that they will be at the airport to collect the pets. This is a superb time for the client to chat to the local handling team about the requirements, such as the fee for customs clearance, how close any customs office is and how long after the flight lands does the collection process begin. You can also find out about an address for collection.

All pets travelling need an “OK to forward” completed, and once the destination airport team has spoken to the consignee, they will then put a note on the file which alerts the team in London that the contact has been made and the pet can fly. Unless this contact is made, British Airways will not allow the pet to leave the UK. PetAir UK can arrange and plan all aspects, but often, the collection at destination is done by the owners, their representatives, or an agent. It’s recommended, however, that you double check your pet isn’t going to be left at the airport, especially after they’ve been on a flight for a long time.

Please do contact us for more information on British Airways pet travel. PetAir understand that organising a flight for your pet can be stressful and so we’re here to help every step of the way.

Got any more questions on travelling with your pets on British Airways? Give us a ring to learn more from our experts on 01725 551124 .

Indy’s Safe Travels

Petair were amazing, they took care of every aspect and communicated with our local broker making the process so much easier for us. Our dog, Indy stayed with them in kennels for a week before travel and Petair vets dealt with all necessary health checks. We received regular updates whilst she was in kennels which...

Bella and Nelson Travel to the USA!

Bella and Nelson travelled from UK to the USA with Pet Air Uk We might be a long way from our old home and there is still a lot of unpacking to do but our most precious dogs have made it safe and well! We are really appreciative of all the support and help that...

4 dogs travel to Antigua!

PetAir UK helped me to move to NYC with my Staffie Luna. They provided an excellent service and kept me updated with her progress via photos which really helped me know she was doing well during the transfer.

We’ve been transporting pets of all shapes and sizes since the 1950s as the cargo handling arm of British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and LEVEL. With our support and expertise, we’ll make sure your pets are comfortably transported to wherever your travels take you.

Approved IATA carrier for Live Animals

Fully trained and passionate personnel with vast experience in animal transport

Specialised facilities and vets

Trusted by some of the world’s most prestigious zoos and animal charities

Preparing your pet for travel

The worldwide standard for animal air travel is IATA’s Live Animal Regulation. You can read more about this  here . You may also find some useful information from IATA on the  Traveler’s Pet Corner  page about preparing your pet for travel.

We work with specialist pet travel agents around the world to ensure the highest level of care for your pet. Just like a travel agent, they will help you make a booking and prepare your pet for travel.

Flying your pet from the UK?

We have partnered with Pet Air UK to take care of all pets that are departing from the UK. The expert team at Pet Air UK can assist with quotations and export bookings.

If you are departing from Ireland, please use this form .

Flying your pet from a different country (Not the UK)?

For all other pets flying from countries outside the UK, simply click the link below and fill out the Pets form. We will share your details and put you in touch with our trusted pet travel partners who can assist you and provide a quotation.

Prior to your journey you should give your pet only a light meal and the opportunity to urinate and defecate before it’s placed in its container.

During the flight your pet will be stored in the aircraft's hold, where it will be safe and secure in a temperature-controlled environment. The hold is unlit as our experience shows that pets quickly settle down and travel better in the dark.

Provided that your pet complies with the pre-entry requirements, there should be no difficulties when it comes to re-entry. However, it is also advisable to have your vet check that the microchip is readable, as sometimes these migrate around the body.

For information on travelling with guide dogs or assistance dogs check the airline policy: British Airways , Iberia , Aer Lingus , Vueling , LEVEL .

Some dangerous dog breeds and snub nosed breeds of cats and dogs may not be accepted, please fill in the enquiry form above and your pet travel agent will advise.

Read the full guidelines for dog containers here .

Minimum requirement for cats departing from the USA and Canada only, is a 200 kennel (200 series kennel = L27" x W20" x H19", L68cm x W50cm x H48cm).

For all other countries, series 100 kennels are acceptable.

Minimum requirement for snub-nosed dogs and cats is a 10% larger container than the minimum.

The container must be strong enough to protect your pet during transport, be secure enough to contain it and have sufficient ventilation on all four sides, to ensure the air quality in the container will not deteriorate.

The door must be secured in such a manner that it will not open accidentally or your pet cannot open it during handling and transport.

Your pet's nose and paws should not be able to fit through any ventilation opening or door mesh.

The container must have a water pot accessible from the outside.

The water pot must be secured and in proportion to the size of the pet but not take up too much of the floor space.

Fibreboard, wire mesh and wicker containers are not suitable for air transportation.

These dimensions are the minimum internal dimensions, please allow extra room if you are placing a blanket or bedding into the kennel. Pets must be able to stand and sit erect without touching the top of the kennel and turn around comfortably.

Read our stories

10 Tips for travelling with your pet

Want to learn more about pet travel and what steps you need to take before flying, read through our top 10 tips for travelling with your pet.

IAG Cargo flies home dogs rescued from canine farm

Animal safety is a priority at IAG Cargo. We make every effort to transport endangered and at-risk animals away from harm as often as possible.

IAG Cargo donates airline blankets to orphaned elephants in Kenya

Protecting wildlife is crucial – especially at a time when the future of our natural environment hangs in the balance.

British Airways Pet Travel Partners

PBS Pet Travel are proud to be partners of British Airways (BA) helping to ship pets all over the world.

BA is one of the most frequently used airlines to carry pets out of the UK and is the sister company of IAG Cargo.

Their motto:

“Whether you want to move an engine or a bearded dragon, from Delhi to Dublin or New York to Nice, we’re here 365 days a year to get that done.”

So, if you need help with pet travel , there’s no one that can do it better.

BA uses the animal reception centre at Gatwick where your pet will only ever be handled by animal specialists. At Heathrow, there’s a dedicated check-in area your pet where they will be security screened and then have their own quiet space away from the noise and bustle of the busy cargo warehouse. They will be delivered directly to the aircraft by British Airways staff.

BA will happily transport most dog breeds but will not carry Bulldogs, Pugs or Pekingese. Flatter-faced breeds such as, Bullmastiffs, Boxers, Boston Terriers and Shih Tzus, must travel in a kennel 10% larger than what would be normal for their size to increase ventilation.

BA also carries cats like Persians, Himalayans and Exotics using these bigger crate rulings.

If you’re bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to the UK, via BA you must comply with the Pet Travel Scheme. You will be asked to sign a Form of Indemnity to cover British Airways against any costs arising from your pet not passing the checks on arrival and having to go into quarantine.

British Airways Pet Policy

BA have a pet policy called “OK to forward”. Before transporting any pet, they want to speak to the consignee (the person receiving the pets) to ensure that they will be at the airport to collect the pet. If this contact is not made BA will not allow the pet to fly. All pets will need this “OK to forward before being allowed to leave the UK.

Arranging travel for your beloved pet can be confusing and stressful but PBS Pet Travel are here to guide you every step of the way. For more information on transporting your pet with British Airways, please get in touch .

• Importing to UK
• General Rules
• UK Documents Required
• Pet Reception Centres
• Booking Customs Clearance
• Ferret Travel
• Birds, Reptiles & Small Mammals
• Additional Services
• How to Book
• Make a Payment
• Paperwork Explained
• Pet Exports
• Pet Flights
• Road Transport
• Travel Kennels
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Rest of the World
• EU Pet Passport Scheme

GET A QUOTE TODAY

To receive an accurate quote, please complete our free quote form, detailing personal, travel and pet details.

GET A DETAILED QUOTATION

Families' shock as cost to take pets abroad hiked

• Published 21 February
• comments Comments

Families moving abroad say they are shocked and devastated they may have to leave pets behind after animal travel costs were hiked.

IAG Cargo, which handles pet transfers for some major airlines, is raising prices from 1 March on select routes.

Sara, whose military family is moving back to the US from the UK, saw the price to ship her two small dogs Ghost and Bentley jump from £1,143 to £5,118.

IAG Cargo said the higher prices reflect the complexity of the service.

A sister company to British Airways, Aer Lingus and Vueling, IAG Cargo is seen as a key provider when it comes to transferring pets, particularly between the US and UK.

The price changes apply to anyone using IAG Cargo to move their animals on certain routes. The shipping firm is often used by military personnel to take their pets abroad when their role is relocated.

'Devastating'

Sara's military family is moving back to the US after three years at their duty station in the UK. They are due to ship Bentley and Ghost on a British Airways flight on 1 March.

Under its current policy, IAG Cargo will only accept a booking for a pet transfer up to six weeks before the flight - it then confirms the space has been requested and "pencilled in".

About two weeks before, once the planes have been scheduled on that route, the booking is confirmed and the price is locked in.

Sara had initially received a quote for the journey from London to Baltimore at £1,143 for both dogs.

But the price has now jumped to £5,118, without administration fees or those for the agency she is using to arrange the cargo shipment.

When Sara saw an email with the updated price from her pet shipper on Sunday, she says her eyes filled with tears.

"We're paying out of our own pocket for this, and we just bought a house in our new location," she said.

"Our dogs are like our children, we would do anything for them but that doesn't mean it's not devastating for our finances."

Sara's shipping agent found another airline which could transfer their pets for a lower price. But it means a seven-hour round trip to collect them from a different airport.

She added that while her dogs are smaller breeds, she believes other larger pets could see shipment costs reaching £8,000 to £9,000.

"I already know a number of people who did not bring their pets [to the UK] because of the costs to bring them one way... People are going to be shocked."

Currently, the US military provides up to $2,000 (£1,588) for one cat or dog's transfer if personnel are moving between countries. UK Defence does not pay for any pet transport costs.

'Prices up by 400%'

Dean Faulkner, director of Silver Birch Pet Jets, helps US and UK military families move their pets for permanent station changes. He said some ticket prices had gone up by as much as 400%.

He said many military families would be in "turmoil as they will not be able to confirm the funds".

Mr Faulkner said he heard of the price changes on Friday and had spent the last few days trying to comfort families or find alternative routes.

"Often young families will have small children and pets and get three months' notice when restarting their whole lives from scratch," he said.

"It's a huge amount to organise, and within days or weeks of arriving one of those family members may be sent on to areas of conflict. The dog or cat is hugely important, it is the family's companion when one partner is away fighting and this will be hugely distressing for them.

"It's massively emotional and detrimental to their health and welfare."

Having been in the industry for 12 years, Mr Faulkner said that such price increases were "unheard of" and "came without warning".

"Even during Covid, when aircraft were flying without passengers, prices were not going up as much," he added.

Stephanie, a UK national and military spouse will soon be returning from Florida with her children as her relationship has come to an end.

She said she had originally been quoted $2,600 to ship her dog Toby to London with IAG in June, with the cost totalling some $5,000 to $6,000 when fees and shipping agent costs were added.

Stephanie is now terrified she could potentially be facing a "completely unreachable" bill of up to $20,000 with the price increases by IAG Cargo, which she says would leave her in debt.

"I'd have to consider leaving Toby which would destroy my kids. Some people have dogs and some people have family members, the idea of leaving him behind is something I don't even want to think about," she told the BBC.

"For people like me, and those in the military who have to pick up and leave everything behind, it's extremely difficult... keeping families together could become unattainable."

'Unaffordable'

The BBC has also received emails from families who said they "simply cannot afford" the price increases ahead of their move to the United States in April on military orders.

Another couple returning to the US due to a permanent station change said the cost of shipping their three-year-old cat would be "exorbitant", adding to the financial strain they already face.

They urged IAG Cargo to "reconsider" and "support military families".

Maria Lyle, director of the Royal Air Force (RAF) Families Federation, said: "It sounds like a really difficult situation for those families returning in the short-term with little notice of the change."

She said as the RAF had hundreds of families serving in the US, the charity would raise the question with the British Embassy in Washington.

IAG Cargo said it had reviewed pet transfer rates across its global portfolio and "adjusted a number of rates across multiple routes to better reflect the complexities and care associated with this product."

A spokesperson for the firm said: "We know that pets are as important as family members and the specialist service of providing safe and secure transport for live animals is our priority.

"To reflect the complexities of this bespoke service and the cost of providing the very best care for pets travelling as cargo, we have made some amendments to our prices."

They encouraged any customers with questions about their quotes to contact their sales representative.

Have you found animal travel costs expensive? Share your experiences by emailing [email protected] .

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Upload pictures or video
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at [email protected] . Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

Related Topics

• British Airways

More on this story

Record profits for BA owner as air travel recovers

• Published 28 July 2023

Comments can not be loaded

To load Comments you need to enable JavaScript in your browser

A British Airways flight to nowhere circled in the air for 4 hours after its weather monitoring system collapsed

• A British Airways plane went on a "flight to nowhere" after experiencing a problem.
• After flying in circles for four hours to burn fuel, the plane landed back in Singapore.
• The delay had a knock-on impact on British Airways, leading to a flight from London to LA being canceled.

An already delayed British Airways plane that took off from Singapore landed back at the same airport five hours later after a technical fault forced it to turn back.

The plane, which was set to fly from Singapore Changi to London Heathrow on Tuesday as flight BA12, flew partway over Malaysia before turning back only about half an hour after takeoff, data from flight-tracking site FlightAware shows.

The aircraft, an Airbus 380, flew in circles over the Singapore Strait before landing. It circled for around four hours to burn excess fuel in preparation for its eventual landing.

Aircraft often jettison fuel during emergencies or when they need to land earlier than expected as landing with a full load of fuel is likely to be dangerous due to weight restrictions on landing.

"Planes are designed to land below certain weights," Business Insider previously reported. "A heavier plane is more likely to hit the ground hard and get damaged."

The plane set off at about 3:10 a.m. local time for a planned 14-hour flight and landed back in the city-state at about 8:30 a.m., per FlightAware data.

Passengers had already had to contend with a delay, as the plane was meant to depart at 11:20 p.m. on Monday night.

Related stories

A Business Insider employee was on the flight and said passengers were initially told before takeoff that the plane's weather radar had failed and returned from the runway to an aircraft stand to fix the problem.

After around an hour, the problem was fixed, and the plane took off. Roughly 30 minutes into the flight, staff announced that the system had failed again and told passengers the plane would need to dump fuel before returning to Singapore.

"We are sorry for the delay to customers' travel plans after the aircraft returned to Singapore Changi Airport as a precaution following a minor technical fault," a spokesperson for British Airways told Business Insider.

"Our teams are working hard to get our customers where they need to be."

The BI employee on the flight said that passengers were provided with accommodation and food upon returning to Singapore, but they didn't have information on which flight they would be transferred to.

"We currently do not have a revised departure time for your flight," British Airways said in an email to passengers at about 9:15 a.m. local time.

The BI employee said a number of passengers had missed their connecting flights from Heathrow.

According to the British Airways app, the airline's next flight from Singapore to London was due to leave at 11:20 p.m. local time on Tuesday but is now not expected to depart until 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Flight cancellations and delays such as that impacting BA12 can cause a snowball effect on airlines, staff, and passengers, leaving crew members and aircraft in the wrong place and disrupting further flights.

In the case of the Singapore to Heathrow flight, the Airbus A380 used was meant to be flying on from London to Los Angeles on Tuesday. However, that flight had to be canceled, as British Airways did not have any other aircraft available.

Watch: A glitch in air traffic control left thousands of travelers stranded

• Main content

The best ways to redeem British Airways Avios

MSN has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. MSN and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.

British Airways is the largest full-service airline in the United Kingdom and flies to more destinations in the United States than any other European carrier.

The airline’s loyalty program is called Executive Club , with Avios as its currency. With a substantial U.S. route network, excellent airline partners and a loyalty currency that is easy to earn and redeem, this program should be on your radar, even if you aren’t traveling to the U.K. Unlike the major U.S. loyalty programs, Executive Club does not use dynamic pricing , though there are discounts for off-peak travel dates. Provided there is availability, you will always know what you will need to pay with no nasty surprises or 300,000-point flight redemptions.

Here are the best ways to redeem British Airways Avios.

Related: 5 reasons why you should care about British Airways Avios

Short-haul awards

Short-haul tickets are arguably the best British Airways Avios redemptions. They start at just 4,750 Avios plus 17.50 British pounds (about $22) for an off-peak award flight 650 miles or less in distance operated by British Airways. One example would be a flight between London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).

Since British Airways has a distance-based award chart and American Airlines and Alaska Airlines are Oneworld partners , you can use Avios to book any American or Alaska flight with saver-level award availability.

Partner awards, including those operated by Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines, start at 6,000 Avios but exclude flights within North America. Meanwhile, partner flights in North America start at 7,500 Avios for flights 650 miles or less and get more expensive for longer flights.

Booking short-haul flights with British Airways can be a great deal, even if you’re booking flights in North America on American or Alaska. A flight from New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) clocks in at 733 miles, meaning you need 9,000 Avios one-way in economy class. This is often cheaper than you’ll pay to book the same flight with American’s AAdvantage program.

Thanks to the British Airways Reward Flight Saver offer , Executive Club members also have the option to choose to pay more Avios to reduce the (already reasonable) fees and taxes, down to just 62 cents per flight.

Related: How to book awards using British Airways Avios

Island-hop through the Caribbean

You can use Avios to fly American Airlines to the Caribbean, starting from just 7,500 Avios each way, as mentioned above. But here is a neat trick to experiencing more of the Caribbean once you are there.

While flights between islands in this region can be expensive, British Airways operates several fifth-freedom routes where, for example, a BA flight originating in London will fly from Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) to St Kitt’s Robert L. Bradshaw Airport (SKB) several times per week.

You can book just the short hop between the islands, and British Airways prices these short flights in the same way as its European short-haul flights. Using the Reward Flight Saver offer , redemptions start from just 4,750 Avios each way plus 17.50 British pounds (about $22) on off-peak dates. Award availability is usually outstanding on these fifth-freedom flights as many passengers disembark at the first stop, leaving plenty of empty seats for the second, short leg.

If you can’t decide between two islands in this beautiful part of the world, consider using Avios to cheaply hop between both.

Related: What it’s like flying British Airways for a 20-minute flight between Caribbean islands

Domestic business class on American

Though American Airlines names its domestic premium-class cabin “first class,” you can redeem Avios for this product at business-level rates.

The real kicker is that American Airlines regularly flies internationally configured wide-body aircraft on domestic routes , including 777s and 787s. For example, AA’s flagship 777-300ER operates some flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Miami International Airport (MIA), a 1,089-mile journey. You could book a business-class award on this flight for only 16,500 Avios, which is a great deal.

West Coast to Hawaii

Since we’re on the subject of American Airlines, another sweet spot you’ll find with Avios is the ability to fly from major West Coast cities to the Hawaiian Islands for just 13,000 Avios each way, thanks to the Avios distance-based chart. That beats the award rate for all the U.S. airlines, and there’s no close-in booking fee either.

But in this case, it’s not just about American’s route network. Alaska Airlines is also a British Airways partner, which means you have access to Alaska’s flights to Hawaii, though you’ll need to call to book Alaska flights with Avios since they aren’t searchable on ba.com. That opens up routes that AA doesn’t serve but Alaska does, such as Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) to Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG).

So if you live almost anywhere on the West Coast — or can easily position there — Avios can be your friend to Hawaii.

Related: The best ways to get to Hawaii using points and miles

Aer Lingus at off-peak prices

If you can travel during off-peak dates — which cover roughly eight months of the year — you can fly to Dublin from a handful of U.S. cities, including as far west as Chicago. This award will set you back just 26,000 Avios round-trip in economy or as low as 50,000 one-way in business class .

And suppose you live in the South in a city like Orlando or Miami, or the West in Los Angeles or San Francisco. In that case, the price only increases to 32,500 Avios round-trip in economy and 62,500 one-way in business, which is still a great deal considering how long these flights are.

You also won’t be charged fuel surcharges when redeeming British Airways Avios for Aer Lingus flights.

Related: Flight review: Aer Lingus business class on the A321neo, Dublin to Philadelphia

How to earn Avios

Avios branded credit cards.

The easiest way to earn a meaningful number of Avios for everyday spending is by applying for the  British Airways Visa Signature Card .

This card offers new applicants 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. TPG values Avios at 1.5 cents each , making the full bonus worth $1,125. The  British Airways Visa Signature has a $95 annual fee and earns 3 Avios per dollar spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and Level. Plus, you can earn 2 Avios per dollar spent on hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel. All other purchases earn 1 Avios per dollar spent.

Remember that Avios can easily be transferred at a 1:1 rate between the different programs that use this currency. So you might also want to consider the  Aer Lingus Visa Signature Card or the Iberia Visa Signature Card, which offer the same 75,000-Avios welcome bonus, generous earning rates and low annual fee.

The following cards all currently offer strong welcome bonuses that you could easily convert to Avios:

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : Earn 120,000 bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Check to see if you’re targeted for a 125,000-point welcome offer through CardMatch  (offer subject to change at any time). Terms apply.
• American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Terms apply.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
• Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card : Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Citi Premier® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening (see rates and fees).

Bottom line

You might be wondering why we didn’t mention using Avios for transatlantic flights on British Airways or non-flight redemptions such as hotels and cars. Since British Airways insists on tacking huge surcharges onto its award tickets , using Avios for transatlantic flights on the carrier itself usually doesn’t make much sense. And the value you’ll get from burning Avios on hotels or car rentals often isn’t worth the cash you’re saving in the first place.

But now that you know the best uses, you can get terrific value from your Avios regardless of whether you prefer economy or premium class or take international or domestic flights. Just remember the hows and whens so you can use your Avios wisely.

Additional reporting by Ethan Steinberg and Andrew Kunesh.

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.