Airline Comparison Guide for Pet Transport 2026: Which one to choose for your pet travel? (EgyptAir, Saudi Arabia, Emirates, and Turkish)

Airline Comparison Guide for Pet Transport 2026: Which one to choose for your pet travel? (EgyptAir, Saudi Arabia, Emirates, and Turkish)

⚠️ Stop! Do not book your travel ticket before reading this warning

Some airlines prohibit animals from boarding the cabin, and others require shipping via independent cargo at exorbitant costs. Booking your ticket randomly may result in your pet not traveling with you.

Are you confused about which airline accepts your dog or cat breed? Don't waste your time, get a free consultation and nomination for the cheapest and safest airlines for your trip.

Consult a shipping expert via WhatsApp now 🟢

Choosing the right airline is as important as extractingHealth certificate from veterinary quarantine at Cairo Airport. Each airline has its own policies; Some allow cats inside the cabin (PETC), others require them to be transported in the baggage hold (AVIH) or via independent air cargo (Cargo Only).

inAlfares PetsBased on our daily reservation of hundreds of international flights to and from Egypt, we put in your hands this comprehensive and updated guide for the year 2026 to compare the policies and prices of the most famous Arab and international airlines, so that you can make your decision intelligently and at the lowest cost.

table of contents

• 1. EgyptAir: conditions, prices, and ban seasons
• 2. Saudi Airlines: Tickets and travel requirements for cabin and hold
• 3. Emirates Airlines and Flydubai: Strict air cargo policy
• 4. Turkish and Qatari Airlines: The best long-haul transit options for Europe and America
• 5. Comprehensive comparison table: weight allowance, estimated cost, and policies
• 6. Golden tips before booking a flight ticket for you and your pet

1. EgyptAir: conditions, prices, and ban seasons

Egyptian National Airlines is the first choice for many travelers due to its many direct flights to all parts of the world. EgyptAir's policy is flexible, but it applies strict restrictions in the summer seasons.

• In cab (PETC):Cats, small dogs and falcons are allowed to travel inside the passenger cabin, provided that the total weight of the animal does not exceed the duffel bag8 kg.
• In the baggage hold (AVIH):Pets weighing more than 8 kg and up to 45 kg are accepted in the air-conditioned luggage area using...IATA travel boxes are solid and conform to specifications.
• Summer ban for flat face breeds:EgyptAir prohibits short-faced dogs and cats (such as Persian, Pug, and French Bulldog) from being shipped in the baggage hold during the summer months to avoid suffocation and heat stress.

For detailed prices for different destinations, seeGuide to travel conditions and prices on EgyptAir.

2. Saudi Airlines: tickets and travel requirements

Saudi Airlines connects Cairo to several major destinations (Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam), and its policies are considered among the most regulated in the region, requiring strict advance reservations.

• Cab acceptance:Saudi Airlines allows cats in the cabin as long as the weight does not exceed 7-8 kg, but it is required to obtain prior approval and confirm the reservation at least 48 hours before the flight, given that the seats designated for animals are very limited (2-3 cats maximum on the plane).
• Nama platform requirements:Saudi Airlines does not accept boarding of any pet heading to the Kingdom without identificationAn electronic import permit approved by the Nama platformOf the Saudi Ministry of Agriculture.

To read the Kingdom's government clearance guide, visitA comprehensive guide to shipping animals from Egypt to Saudi Arabia.

3. Emirates Airlines and Flydubai: Strict air freight policy

If you are planning to travel to Dubai, this is where many travelers fall into a big trap; Most people think they can take their pets in the cabin!

• Emirates Airlines: Strictly prohibitedPets travel in the passenger cabin (except for hawks and guide dogs for the blind). All animals destined for Dubai must be shipped in the baggage hold (AVIH) as registered baggage, or as independent air cargo (Manifest Cargo) via Emirates Air Cargo.
• Mandatory cargo for the Emirates:According to the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) regulations, the vast majority of animals coming from non-exempt countries (such as Egypt) must arrive as air cargo to pass veterinary customs inspection.

We at Alfares Pets provide a comprehensive solution to this obstacle, read the details inGuide to shipping animals from Egypt to the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi).

4. Turkish and Qatari Airlines: The best long-haul transit options for Europe and America

For travelers to Canada, America, or European Union countries, transit flights are often the cheapest option. Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways are distinguished by the following:

• Animal Lounges:These lines provide special air-conditioned rooms for animals at transit airports (Istanbul and Doha), where water is provided and bedding is changed for the animals if the transit period exceeds 4 hours.
• Turkish and cab:Turkish Airlines is one of the easiest and most welcoming companies for cat travel in the cabin, and allows you to reserve a pet seat online via their phone application.

If your destination is to adopt a dog to America or Canada, learn about the terms of these lines inA guide to shipping cats and dogs for adoption to America and Canada.

5. Comprehensive comparison table of airline policies 2026

6. Golden tips before booking a flight ticket for you and your pet

1. Don't pay your ticket first:Always contact the airline (or us)beforePay for your personal ticket, to ensure that the animal quota on that specific flight has not yet been completed.
2. Tell them the type of breed:Some companies ban aggressive breeds such as (Pitbull and Rottweiler) or heat-sensitive breeds (Shirazi and Pug). Make sure your dog's breed is accepted in advance as it will not be banned at the airport.
3. Bag or cage?:If your pet will be traveling in the cabin, his bag should be soft-sided to slide under the seat. If it is in the furniture, a hard plastic IATA box and metal screws are required.

To calculate the exact cost for most destinations, see our article onFactors determining the cost and prices of shipping animals from Egypt.

Travel insurance for your pet starts with choosing the right lines with Alfares Pets

Don't let reading complicated airline policies give you a headache. inAlfares PetsWe communicate daily with various airlines; We choose the flight path that is least stressful for the animal, reserve the shipping space, and prepare veterinary papers and certificates that are fully compatible with the conditions of the carrier company.

Ready to arrange your pet trip?

Send us the type of your pet (cat/dog), its weight, and the country of travel. We will respond immediately with the best available airline and the total cost of your trip.

Message us now on WhatsApp to get started ✈️🐾