The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released new operational guidance to support airlines in managing in-cabin pet travel at every stage of the journey from booking to check-in, boarding, the on-board experience, and arrival.

It follows IATA’s recently launched Guidance on Traveling with Service Dogs, reflecting a broader effort to improve consistency in the transport of dogs by air.

IATA’s 2025 Global Passenger Survey found that about a quarter of respondents have or would consider traveling with a pet. Of these: 

41% cited uncertainty around pet eligibility as a challenge,

36% were unsure about airline policy, and 

34% were unsure about the overall process of traveling with a pet.

The new In-Cabin Operational Guidelines address these concerns with recommended procedures to deliver a more predictable experience while maintaining safety, animal welfare, and operational efficiency.

The integral version of the report (ten pages) is attached to this AVIONEWS.