Turkish Airlines Pet Policy

Turkish Airlines’ pet policy allows travelers to bring dogs, cats, and small birds like canaries or parakeets in the cabin (PETC) as manifest freight or checked baggage. Booking and confirming your pet’s reservation at least 6 hours before departure is essential to ensure a safe journey.

Moreover, service animals trained to assist passengers are allowed to travel free of charge in the passenger cabin, providing support and comfort to their owners throughout the flight.

Terms and Conditions of Turkish Airlines Pet Policy

Traveling with pets on Turkish Airlines requires adherence to specific terms and conditions to ensure safety and comfort. Here’s a summary of the essential guidelines:

• Passengers must pay a pet transportation fee based on their route. Refer to the pet transportation fee tables for detailed information.
• Pets allowed in the passenger cabins are limited to cats, dogs, and small songbirds like budgies and canaries.
• Only ticketed passengers can purchase pet transportation rights.
• Passengers must verify their pet reservation details at check-in. Discrepancies may result in the pet not being allowed on the flight.
• Pets and their carriers should have a combined weight of not more than 8 kg. The carrier’s size must not exceed 23 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 40 cm in length.
• Pets and their carriers/cages must not exceed a total weight of 50 kg. The carrier/cage dimensions should be within 75 cm in height, 75 cm in width, and 125 cm in length.
• Soft-sided carriers are required for cabin pets, while hard-sided carriers are mandatory for cargo section transport. Carriers must be well-ventilated, waterproof, and appropriately sized.
• Pet carriage rights can be purchased up to 6 hours before departure through online channels.
• Passengers with pets must select a standard window seat. Paid seat reservations cannot be refunded if pet carriage rights are later purchased.
• Pet carriage rights cannot be purchased for unaccompanied children, infants, or on flights to/from the UK. Pets must comply with specific vaccination and health certificate requirements.
• Pets traveling internationally must meet additional health certification and vaccination requirements. Specific rules apply to breeds and health conditions.
• Pet carriage rights are non-transferable. Fees are refunded for canceled or changed flights beyond the passenger’s control.

What pets are allowed to travel on Turkish Airlines flights?

Turkish Airlines accepts a variety of pets for travel, ensuring they are comfortable and safe throughout the journey. However, certain restrictions apply depending on the type of animal.

• Common pets like dogs, cats, and small birds (e.g., canaries and parakeets) are allowed.
• Specific breeds may not be allowed due to health or safety concerns.
• Health certificates and vaccination records are required for all pets.

Which Dog Breeds does Turkish Airlines not allow?

In adherence to international aviation regulations, Turkish Airlines restricts the transport of certain dog breeds to ensure safety and compliance with global standards. The following breeds are not allowed to travel on Turkish Airlines flights:

• Dogo Argentino
• American Pitbull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Fila Brasileiro
• Pitbull Terrier
• American Bully
• American Staffordshire Terrier

These restrictions are in place to meet specific international guidelines and to ensure the safety of all passengers and pets. Please contact their customer service for more information or to check if your pet’s breed is affected.

What are the Travel Options for Pets on Turkish Airlines?

Turkish Airlines offers three options for pet travel, allowing you to choose the best fit for your pet’s needs. Each option comes with specific requirements and conditions.

• Small pets can travel in the cabin under specific size and weight limits. The pet carrier size must fit under the seat, and the mixed weight of the pet and carrier should not exceed 8 kg.
• Pets that exceed cabin limits can travel as checked baggage. Special considerations are made for temperature control and safety.
• Large pets or those not meeting cabin requirements must travel as cargo. Turkish Airlines’ pet cargo services ensure they are handled with care.

Transport Pets in the Cargo Compartment

When pets cannot be accommodated in the cabin due to non-compliant carrier dimensions, they must be transported in the aircraft’s cargo section on Turkish Airlines. This option requires specific carrier criteria and additional fees, ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort during the flight.

• The pet carrier should weigh less than 50 kg and not exceed 75 cm in height, 75 cm in width, and 125 cm in length.
• For safety, only hard-sided carriers are accepted in the cargo compartment; soft-sided carriers are not allowed.
• The carrier must be large enough for the pet to sleep, stand, and turn around. It should also be ventilated and watertight, with a lateral locking system.
• If the flight is longer than 8 hours or has a layover of 4 hours or more, provide food, water, and informative instructions to the carrier. Attach a label with the pet’s identification information.
• Cats and dogs with respiratory issues, such as certain brachycephalic breeds, may be restricted from cargo transport as of October 1, 2021.
• Breeds with respiratory problems or specific conditions must be transported via Turkish freight if they are unsuitable for cabin travel.
• Certain dangerous dog breeds are only allowed in the cargo section of Turkish Cargo, which accepts them.
• A maximum of 3 puppies or kittens aged 10-24 weeks, born to one mother, can be transported in one carrier. Animals of the same breed, close in size, and accustomed to living together can share a single carrier if each weighs less than 14 kgs. Otherwise, they must be transported in separate carriers.

Transporting Pets in the Cabin

Traveling with your pet in the cabin on Turkish Airlines can be a comforting experience, but it comes with specific guidelines to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. Here’s a breakdown of the essential points to remember when transporting pets in the cabin.

• The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 8 kg. Turkish Airline’s pet carrier dimensions must be within 23 cm (height), 30 cm (width), and 40 cm (length).
• Pet transport is not included in free baggage and is subject to additional fees.
• Passengers with pets must sit in window seats (excluding emergency exit and infant bassinet rows).
• Pet carrier in Turkish Airlines must be placed under the seat before you throughout the flight.
• Certain breeds with respiratory issues can travel in the cabin if they meet weight and size limits.
• Two pets of the same species can share a carrier if their combined weight is under 8 kg.

Booking and Reservation for Pets on Turkish Airlines

Reserving space for your pet on Turkish Airlines is simple but requires planning to ensure a secure process:

• Confirm your pet reservation at least 6 hours before your flight.
• Make a reservation for your pet using your reservation code (PNR) on the Turkish Airlines website or mobile app. Alternatively, contact customer service for assistance.
• Ensure all health and vaccination certificates are current before making a reservation.

Turkish Airlines Pet Travel Regulations Based on Country

Turkish Airlines have restrictions on pets in country-based situations, as follows:

• Dogs traveling to the U.S. from high-risk rabies countries must be healthy, at least six months old, and have a valid rabies vaccination and microchip record. Reservations from CDC-approved animal care facilities are required.
• Pets traveling from Türkiye must have a health certificate from a veterinarian. Indigenous animals like the Sivas Kangal and Angora Cat can travel with prior approval.
• Dangerous breeds like the Pitbull Terrier and Rottweiler may not be allowed on some flights. African gray parrots are prohibited.
• Dogs from 100 countries in Canada, including Türkiye, cannot be transported commercially. Only pets owned by the passenger are permitted.
• Pets cannot be transported on Turkish Airlines flights terminating in the UK.

Travel Guidelines for Service Animals in Turkish Airlines

In Turkish Airlines, service animals, including trained assistance animals and psychiatric service dogs, can travel with passengers requiring support under specific conditions.

• Service dogs must be professionally trained and certified. Passengers must present a valid training certificate, vaccination certificate, ID card, and other required documents. For flights to/from the US, reservations must be confirmed 48 hours in advance.
• Service dogs travel free of charge on Turkish flights between Istanbul and the US. Psychiatric service dogs are also transported free of charge but must be caged on connecting flights, with applicable fees collected at the first exit point. Cages are transported free of charge.
• Passengers in Turkish Airlines must provide documents ensuring the service dog will not cause health issues if it uses the restroom. Valid documents include:
  • Veterinarian’s signed statement.
  • Written declaration on preventing restroom use.
  • Photos or other evidence of hygienic relief.
  • Promise to clean up any accidents with necessary supplies.
• Service dogs must be clean and remain in front of the passenger’s seat. They cannot sit in passenger seats and must be muzzled if necessary. Aggressive or disruptive behavior may result in rebooking or transport in the cabin (PETC) or cargo hold (AVIH).
• Passengers are liable for any damage caused by their service animal. They can select their seat, except for emergency exit rows or rows with infant bassinets.
• These dogs are transported free of charge and may travel in the cabin during search and rescue operations, following cargo hold (AVIH) rules.

What is the Turkish Airlines Baggage Policy for Pets?

The Turkish Airlines pet policy includes specific pet baggage rules, ensuring they are treated as valued passengers.

• Pets are subject to baggage fees based on their travel category.
• The pet carrier size should align with Turkish Airlines’ requirements, especially for cabin travel.
• Extra charges may apply depending on the pet’s weight and the travel route.

What are the Health and Safety Requirements for Pets on Turkish Airlines?

To ensure your pet’s safety during travel, Turkish Airlines has established strict health and safety requirements that must be met before boarding.

• All pets must have a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian.
• Up-to-date vaccinations are mandatory for all pets.
• For Turkish Airlines flying with pets, certain temperature restrictions may apply during different seasons.

Travel Restrictions for Pets on Turkish Airlines

Some routes and destinations have specific restrictions that passengers should know when booking pet travel with Turkish Airlines.

• The Turkish Airlines international pet policy includes specific rules depending on the destination.
• Specific destinations may have restrictions during extreme weather conditions.
• Certain breeds are not allowed on specific routes due to safety concerns.

Turkish Airlines Pet Travel Fee/Charges

When traveling with pets on Turkish Airlines, a fee is applicable depending on the weight and mode of transport (in-cabin or as checked baggage). The following tables outline the fees for both domestic and international flights.

On Domestic Flights

Pets on domestic flights are charged based on their weight and whether they are carried in the cabin or as cargo. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

On TK Ercan Flights

For flights to/from Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TK Ercan), the pet fees are slightly higher:

On International Flights

Pet fees for international flights with Turkish Airlines are determined based on the pet’s combined weight and crate. The fees are divided into two main categories: “Pet Carried in Cabin (PETC)” for pets weighing up to 8 kg, and “Pet Carried in Cargo Compartment (AVIH),” which is further categorized into small (0-23 kg), medium (24-32 kg), and large (33 kg and over).

The transporting cost for pets on international flights may vary depending on the destination. You can use the Turkish Airlines Pet Transportation Fee Calculator to determine the exact fee applicable to your travel. 

NOTE: Charges are based on the crate, meaning if two cats are transported in one crate, the fee applies per crate, not per cat.

Turkish Airlines Pet Fee Pricing for Stopover Flights

For flights with a stopover, the pet fee is calculated separately for each leg of the journey:

• Example 1: For an animal in the cabin (PETC) between FRA and JFK with a stopover:
  • FRA-IST: 65 USD
  • IST-JFK: 185 USD
  • Total: 250 USD
• Example 2: For an animal in the cargo compartment (AVIH) between FRA and JFK with a stopover:
  • FRA-IST: 0-23KG: 130 USD, 24-32KG: 150 USD, 33KG+: 190 USD
  • IST-JFK: 0-23KG: 370 USD, 24-32KG: 440 USD, 33KG+: 550 USD
  • Total: 0-23KG: 500 USD, 24-32KG: 590 USD, 33KG+: 740 USD

Pet Pricing for Traffic Right Flights

Traffic pet pricing is consistent with the pet pricing applied for travel between TR and Group A.

On Flights Departing from Canada

For flights departing from Canada, the Turkish Airlines pet fee structure is as follows:

Pet Fees or Arrival to / Departure from and Transit Transportation from TR Interline Flights

Additional fees apply when traveling on interline flights based on the carriage type and weight.

Accepting Pets on Flights to/from Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

To carry pets on flights to/from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the following requirements must be met:

• Obtain an import license from the TRNC Veterinary Office, valid for 60 days.
• Obtain from your country’s veterinary directorate at least 48 hours before departure.
• Vaccination Requirements for the breeds are as follows:
  • Dogs: Parvo, Distemper, Hepatitis, and Leptospira.
  • Cats: Feline Infectious Enteritis and Feline Influenza.
  • Rabies: Vaccinated at least one month before and no more than one year before the flight.
• Documentation required for pets while traveling
  • Pet’s passport shows all vaccinations.
  • The original lab report shows blood antibody levels against rabies.
• Age Restrictions for pets must be as follows: 
  • Pets must be over ten weeks old.
  • Pets younger than three months cannot travel alone and must travel with their mother.
• Pets must have stayed in the exact location since birth and not been exposed to wild animals that could transfer infections.

For more information, visit the TRNC Veterinary Office.

How are pets handled during travel on Turkish Airlines?

Turkish Airlines ensures that pets are handled carefully during every phase of travel, from check-in to arrival.

• Pets must be checked in at designated counters with all necessary documentation.
• Cabin crew are trained to handle pets and ensure they are comfortable during the flight.
• Upon landing, pets are carefully handled during the unloading process, ensuring a safe transition to their destination.

Overall, Turkish Airline’s pet travel policy & rules are easy that accommodate various needs. Following these guidelines and preparing in advance can ensure your pet friend a safe and comfortable journey.

Frequently Asked Questions