Flying with a pet can become complicated quickly when you are unsure about cabin limits, carrier size, documents, fees, or destination restrictions. The Turkish Airlines Pet Travel Policy sets specific rules for cats, dogs, and certain small birds, including weight limits and approved carrier dimensions.

If you are preparing to fly with your pet and need help checking your travel requirements, you can also call +1-844-584-7422 before making final arrangements.

Turkish Airlines Pet Travel Policy: What You Need to Know

Turkish Airlines allows eligible cats, dogs, and certain small birds to travel, but acceptance depends on the pet's type, weight, carrier, breed, route, documentation, and destination-country rules.

For cabin travel, the combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 8 kg. The maximum carrier size is 23 cm high × 30 cm wide × 40 cm long. Pets traveling in the aircraft hold can have a combined pet-and-carrier weight of up to 50 kg, with carrier dimensions of up to 75 × 75 × 125 cm.

Because pet capacity can be limited on a particular flight, arranging the pet reservation before arriving at the airport is important. Turkish Airlines states that online pet transportation purchases can be made up to six hours before departure, subject to applicable conditions and availability.

Which Pets Can Fly on Turkish Airlines?

Turkish Airlines permits certain animals under its pet transportation rules.

The main categories include:

• Cats
• Dogs
• Parakeets
• Canaries

Cats and dogs may qualify for either cabin or aircraft-hold transportation depending on their weight, carrier, breed, route, and other conditions. Certain birds can also travel, although bird-specific transportation rules apply.

Not every animal qualifies automatically. Some species must be transported through Turkish Cargo rather than as passenger pet baggage.

Turkish Airlines Pet Travel Policy for Cabin Travel

Cabin travel is generally based on the combined weight of the animal and its carrier.

The total must not exceed 8 kg. The carrier must also stay within 23 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 40 cm in length. The carrier needs to be suitable for pet transportation, waterproof, secure, and designed to prevent leakage.

During the flight, the carrier must remain closed and be placed under the seat in front of the passenger.

Turkish Airlines also specifies seating conditions for passengers who purchase pet transportation. Such passengers are required to use standard window seats or eligible front-row seats under the applicable rules.

If your pet and carrier are close to the 8 kg limit, weigh both together before leaving for the airport. A carrier that appears small enough may still cause an issue if the combined weight exceeds the permitted limit.

For route-specific questions, travelers can check their reservation details or call +1-844-584-7422 before departure.

Turkish Airlines Pet Travel Policy for the Aircraft Hold

If the combined weight of the pet and carrier exceeds 8 kg, the animal may qualify for transportation in the aircraft hold, subject to route, breed, aircraft, and acceptance restrictions.

Turkish Airlines lists a maximum combined weight of 50 kg for pet and carrier in the aircraft hold. The carrier can be no larger than 75 cm high, 75 cm wide, and 125 cm long. Hold carriers must have a hard surface and appropriate locking and ventilation features.

The animal must have enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

There are also special rules for multiple animals traveling in one carrier. For example, certain pairs of dogs or cats may share a carrier when the applicable size, weight, breed, and familiarity conditions are met.

Pet Carrier Requirements

The carrier is one of the most important parts of the Turkish Airlines Pet Travel Policy.

For cabin travel:

• Maximum height: 23 cm
• Maximum width: 30 cm
• Maximum length: 40 cm
• Pet plus carrier: maximum 8 kg
• Carrier must fit under the seat
• Carrier must remain closed during the flight

For aircraft-hold transportation:

• Maximum height: 75 cm
• Maximum width: 75 cm
• Maximum length: 125 cm
• Pet plus carrier: maximum 50 kg
• Hard-sided carrier required

The carrier should allow the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down safely.

Turkish Airlines Pet Travel Fees

Pet transportation is charged separately from the normal baggage allowance. Turkish Airlines uses different categories for cabin and aircraft-hold transportation.

Cabin pets are classified as PETC, while animals transported in the aircraft hold are classified as AVIH. Hold transportation is categorized according to the combined weight of the pet and carrier.

The exact amount depends on the route and transportation category. Turkish Airlines recommends using its pet transportation fee calculator because international routes can have different charges.

If you are trying to estimate the total cost of your trip, check the pet fee separately from your normal baggage allowance. For route-specific questions, +1-844-584-7422 can be used to discuss the booking details before travel.

Documents Required for Traveling With a Pet

International pet travel can involve more than the airline's own rules.

Depending on the origin and destination, travelers may need:

• Vaccination records
• Rabies vaccination documentation
• Veterinary health certificates
• Microchip information
• Import or entry permits
• Country-specific animal-entry documents
• Rabies titer documentation for certain destinations

Turkish Airlines states that cats and dogs traveling from Türkiye to other countries require the applicable veterinary health documentation, while destination-country requirements must also be satisfied.

For European countries and the United Kingdom, Turkish Airlines states that certain rabies titer reports require QR-code verification during check-in or ticketing.

Do not wait until the day of departure to discover that your destination requires an additional veterinary document.

Are There Breed Restrictions?

Yes. Breed restrictions can affect whether a dog can travel in the cabin, aircraft hold, or through another transportation channel.

Turkish Airlines lists several dog breeds that are not accepted in the passenger cabin because of security requirements. It also lists breeds and mixes that are not permitted on its flights under applicable international aviation restrictions.

Some respiratory-sensitive breeds also have additional restrictions concerning transportation in the aircraft hold.

Because breed rules can be highly specific, travelers should check the exact breed and route before purchasing pet transportation. You can also call +1-844-584-7422 to review the relevant booking requirements.

Can You Travel With Two Pets?

In certain circumstances, yes.

Turkish Airlines allows up to two pet carriers per passenger, excluding Turkish Cargo shipments. Generally, only one carrier may be placed in the cabin, while the other can travel in the aircraft hold, subject to the applicable rules.

Two animals may also share a carrier in specific situations. For cabin travel, the animals must meet the airline's conditions and their combined weight with the carrier cannot exceed 8 kg.

Can Puppies and Kittens Fly?

Young animals have additional restrictions.

Turkish Airlines states that kittens and puppies younger than 10 weeks, animals that have not been weaned, and nursing mothers are not generally accepted under the standard transportation conditions. Kittens and puppies between 10 and 12 weeks may travel only with veterinary approval.

Before booking, check both the airline's age requirements and the destination country's minimum-age rules.

Can Pets Travel to the United Kingdom?

Turkish Airlines currently states that pets are not permitted on flights to the UK, including connecting flights, under its pet transportation terms.

This is an important route-specific restriction. A passenger should not assume that because a pet is accepted on another international Turkish Airlines route, the same arrangement will apply to a UK itinerary. Read More.

How to Add a Pet to a Turkish Airlines Reservation

Follow these steps:

1. Check your route

Confirm that your origin, destination, and connecting airports permit the type of pet you plan to carry.

2. Measure and weigh your pet carrier

For cabin travel, verify the 8 kg combined limit and the 23 × 30 × 40 cm carrier limit.

3. Check your documents

Review vaccination, health certificate, microchip, rabies, and destination-entry requirements.

4. Request pet transportation

Turkish Airlines allows eligible passengers to make pet reservations using their reservation or PNR information through its website or mobile application.

5. Confirm the pet reservation

Do not assume that having a normal flight ticket automatically reserves space for your animal.

6. Arrive early

Pet travelers should allow additional time at the airport because the animal, carrier, and documentation may need to be checked before departure.

If you are unsure which requirements apply to your itinerary, +1-844-584-7422 can be used to review the details before you travel.

Turkish Airlines Pet Travel Policy: Quick Checklist

Before heading to the airport, confirm:

• Your pet is an eligible species.
• Your route accepts pets.
• Your pet reservation is confirmed.
• The carrier meets the size requirements.
• The combined weight is within the applicable limit.
• Vaccination records are available.
• Health certificates are valid.
• Destination-country requirements are completed.
• Breed restrictions have been checked.
• Your pet is healthy enough to travel.

Turkish Airlines also advises against giving pets sedatives before the flight; animals that have been sedated may not be accepted for travel.

FAQs About Turkish Airlines Pet Travel Policy

What is the Turkish Airlines pet weight limit in the cabin?

The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 8 kg for cabin transportation.

What size carrier can I use for a cabin pet?

The maximum cabin carrier dimensions are 23 cm high × 30 cm wide × 40 cm long.

Does Turkish Airlines charge for pets?

Yes. Pet transportation is an additional charge and is not included in the standard free baggage allowance. The price varies according to the route and transportation category.

Can dogs and cats travel in the cabin?

Eligible cats and dogs can travel in the cabin when they meet the airline's weight, carrier, breed, route, and documentation requirements.

Can I take my pet to the UK on Turkish Airlines?

Turkish Airlines states that pets are not accepted on flights to the UK, including connecting flights.

How early should I arrange pet transportation?

Turkish Airlines states that online pet transportation purchases can be made up to six hours before departure, but availability is subject to the applicable conditions. Booking earlier is practical because pet capacity may be limited.

Final Takeaway

The Turkish Airlines Pet Travel Policy is built around several key factors: pet species, cabin or hold transportation, combined weight, carrier dimensions, breed restrictions, documentation, and destination-country requirements.

The biggest mistake is treating a pet reservation like ordinary baggage. Your animal must meet the airline's transportation conditions and the entry rules of the country you are visiting.

Check your pet's weight, carrier, documents, route, and eligibility before departure. If you need to review your travel details before finalizing the arrangements, +1-844-584-7422 is available for assistance.