Flying with your pet in the cabin is the cheapest and easiest way to transport an animal with Turkish Airlines. This airline allows passengers to bring dogs, cats, and singing birds, like parakeets and canaries, into the cabin. The pet fees for all in-cabin animals is 80 Turkish lira, or around $14 depending on the exchange rate for domestic flights. Animals that are too large to fly in the cabin will fly in the pressurized cargo hold. For more information about the other ways your pet can fly with this airline, visit our main page for Turkish Airline Pet Policies.

 

Travel Restrictions for Pets in the Cabin

The Turkish Airlines pet policy applies a few idiosyncratic animal restrictions you’ll want to know about before booking your flight. As with most airlines, they do not allow pregnant animals or cats and dogs under 10 weeks old onto their flights. They cannot transport animals between 10 and 12 weeks old unless provided with documentation of veterinary approval. Breeds with respiratory issues, such as Burmese cats, bulldogs, terriers, and boxers, may only travel in the cabin as long as the combined weight of the animal and its carrier does not exceed 8 kg, or 17.5 lb. If they exceed this weight, breed with respiratory issues are required to travel in the cargo hold.

Unlike most airlines, cats and dogs or cats and birds are not allowed on the same plane, regardless of whether they are separated by cabins. Dogs and birds may be on the same flight, but only if they are in different cabins or seated at the furthest distance possible. Full liability of passengers is assumed when it comes to health, safety, and animal management. Requests for traveling with pets can be rejected at the departing airport even if the related reservation has been confirmed.

 

Preparing Your Pet for Travel

Your pet’s comfort is key to having a pleasant flight. There are a few things you should do in preparation for your flight.

  • Register your pet with Turkish Airlines after booking your flight.
  • Arrive one hour prior to the usual recommended arrival time.
  • Feed your animal between four and six hours prior to departure. Flying on a full stomach can be uncomfortable for most animals.
  • Line the bottom of your carrier with absorbent material.
  • Locate the nearest pet relief areas in your departing and arriving airports.

 

Travel Container Specifications for Carry-On Pets

To transport your pet in the cabin, you will need either a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier. In general, the animal must be able to comfortably stand up, turn around, and sit down. These containers must be size-appropriate and safely secure the animal. To be accepted into a Turkish Airlines cabin, your pet carrier must fit the following criteria:

  • The cage cannot exceed 23cm x 30 cm x 40 cm (approximately 9 inches tall, 12 inches wide, and 15.5 inches long).
  • The combined weight of the carrier and animal cannot exceed 8kg, or around 17.5 pounds.
  • The carrier must be well ventilated.
  • While not a requirement, Turkish Airlines recommends soft-sided carriers for pets traveling in the cabin.

Keep in mind that the dimensions allowed on Turkish Airline flights are smaller than typical U.S. domestic flights by one or two inches. Be sure to measure your carrier before leaving for the airport. For more information and recommendations for flying with your pet inside the cabin, visit the Turkish Airlines pet policy page.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Fly with Pets in the Cabin?

When transporting pets in the cabin, the cost will vary by your destination and flight duration. Turkish Airlines pet fees will cost 80 Turkish lira, or approximately $14. Carriage of pets is not included in the free baggage allowance for international flights, so it is subject to fees. The total weight of the pet and its carrier will be multiplied by the excess baggage fee applicable on the route. The minimum fee charged is $70. Additionally, pets traveling in the cabin on intermediary flights will cost $35.