Turkish Airlines: Pet Policy

What methods of transport does Turkish Airlines provide for my pet?

Pets can travel in the passenger cabin or can be checked as baggage in pressurized and temperature controlled area of the aircraft.

Does my pet qualify for travel in the passenger cabin?

Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel in the passenger cabin:

  • Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel, under the seat for the entire flight.
  • Only domesticated dogs and cats are allowed.
  • The kennel is specifically made for animal carriage and does not exceed 45 x 35 x 23cm (length x width x height).
  • The total weight of the animal together with the kennel must not exceed 6 kg.
  • A maximum of two dogs can share the same kennel. A maximum of one cat is allowed in a kennel; two cats are not allowed in the same crate.
  • Passengers must carry the animal's health/vaccination certificates with them.
  • The total number of animals allowed on a flight may differ according to the aircraft type.

Does my pet qualify for travel as checked baggage?

Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel as checked baggage:

  • Dogs and cats that weigh more than 6 kg, have a box/cage bigger than 45 x 35 x 23cm will be transported in the cargo compartment of the aircraft.
  • Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel for the entire flight.
  • A maximum of two dogs can share the same kennel. A maximum of one cat is allowed in a kennel; two cats are not allowed in the same crate. A maximum of three baby animals (younger than six months old), which are born from the same mother at the same time, can be transported in the same box/cage.
  • Passengers must carry the animal's health/vaccination certificates with them.
  • The total number of animals allowed on a flight may differ according to the aircraft type.

What are the fees associated with pet transport?

Pets and kennels cannot be included in the free baggage allowance. The pet is weighed together with the box and charged as excess baggage. For USA and Canada flights, a flat fee is applied in addition to the excess baggage fee. Contact Turkish Airlines for more information.

What are the kennel requirements?

In addition to the size and weight maximums, the kennel must meet the following requirements:

  • Be leak-proof and escape-proof.
  • Be properly ventilated, but not allow any part of the animal from protruding outside of the container.
  • Provide enough room for the animal to stand and turn around.
  • Be made of metal, wood, or a hard plastic/composite.
  • Contain absorbent material or litter.
  • Have functional handles on the kennel's exterior to prevent tilting and any direct contact with the animals.
  • Be closed securely, but not locked.
  • Have labels with the words "Live Animal" on the crate's top and on at least one side.
  • Have upright arrow labels indicating the kennel's correct position.

What health documentation is required?

Transportation of live animal in cabin is done according to origin transit, transfer or destination point country laws. For further information please contact the Reservation Department.

Are there any other restrictions?

Turkish Airlines can refuse to transport an animal due to illness, aggressive behavior, poor kenneling, or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer, or destination airports.

Please contact Turkish Airlines directly for information about traveling with a service animal.