Turkish Airlines Pet Policy

Travel plans often feel more complicated when pets are part of the journey. Questions come up quickly—can a pet travel in the cabin, what size carrier works, how much it costs, and whether cargo travel is safe. The Turkish Airlines Pet Policy is designed to cover all of those concerns while offering flexible options for passengers traveling with cats, dogs, and certain other small animals.

Turkish Airlines operates an extensive international network, which means its pet policy must meet a wide range of country regulations and animal welfare standards. From short domestic routes to long-haul international flights, the airline provides structured rules that aim to keep pets safe and passengers informed.

This guide explains everything clearly, from in-cabin pet rules to cargo transport guidelines, fees, carrier requirements, and documentation expectations.

Overview of Turkish Airlines Pet Policy

The Turkish Airlines Pet Policy allows pets to travel either in the passenger cabin, as checked baggage in the aircraft hold, or as cargo through Turkish Cargo. The option available depends on the pet’s size, weight, breed, destination, and aircraft type.

Cats and dogs are the most commonly accepted animals, though birds may be allowed on certain routes with restrictions. Each method of travel comes with its own conditions, paperwork requirements, and fee structure.

Advance planning is essential. Pet reservations are limited on every flight, and approval must be received before travel day.

Types of Pets Allowed on Turkish Airlines

Under the Turkish Airlines Pet Policy, the following pets are generally accepted:

Cats
Dogs
Small songbirds (such as budgerigars or canaries, on select routes)

Other animals, including reptiles or rodents, are not typically accepted on passenger flights. Service animals follow a separate policy and are not subject to standard pet fees or carrier rules.

Breed-specific restrictions may apply, especially for snub-nosed (brachycephalic) animals.

In-Cabin Pet Travel Rules

In-cabin travel is often the preferred choice for passengers, especially for smaller pets. The Turkish Airlines Pet Policy allows cats and dogs to travel in the cabin if all conditions are met.

Cabin Weight Limits

The combined weight of the pet and its carrier must not exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs). This limit is strictly enforced.

Approved Cabin Carriers

Cabin carriers must meet the following guidelines:

Soft-sided or hard-sided carriers accepted
Must fit under the seat in front
Maximum dimensions usually around 23 x 30 x 40 cm
Leak-proof, well-ventilated, and secure

The pet must remain inside the carrier for the entire flight.

Seating Restrictions

Pets are not permitted in:

Emergency exit rows
Bulkhead seats
Seats with no under-seat storage

Only one pet per passenger is allowed in the cabin.

Fees for In-Cabin Pets

Pet travel fees under the Turkish Airlines Pet Policy vary depending on the route.

For domestic flights within Turkey, fees are generally lower and calculated based on distance. For international flights, fees are higher and may be charged per segment.

Payment is typically required at the airport check-in counter, though approval must be obtained in advance through customer service or ticket offices.

Pets Traveling in the Aircraft Hold (Checked Baggage)

When pets exceed cabin weight limits, the aircraft hold becomes the next option. Turkish Airlines uses climate-controlled and pressurized compartments designed for live animals.

Weight and Size Limits

Pets traveling as checked baggage usually must weigh more than 8 kg (including carrier). Maximum weight and crate dimensions depend on the aircraft type operating the route.

The carrier must allow the pet to:

Stand naturally
Turn around
Lie down comfortably

Crates must comply with IATA Live Animal Regulations.

Carrier Requirements for Cargo Hold Travel

Cargo hold carriers must meet stricter standards than cabin carriers:

Rigid plastic or fiberglass construction
Metal door with secure locking mechanism
Ventilation on at least three sides
Absorbent bedding inside

Wheels should be removed or locked. Food and water bowls must be attached to the inside of the crate.

Fees for Checked Pets

Under the Turkish Airlines Pet Policy, pets traveling in the hold are charged as excess baggage. Fees depend on:

Total weight (pet + crate)
Travel distance
Domestic or international routing

Costs can vary significantly on long-haul flights, making it important to confirm pricing before travel day.

Turkish Cargo Pet Transport Option

For larger animals or cases where checked baggage is not permitted, Turkish Cargo offers a professional live-animal transport service.

This option is often used for:

Very large dogs
Multi-pet shipments
Relocations involving long distances

Turkish Cargo follows international animal transport standards and handles customs coordination at many destinations.

Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breed Restrictions

One of the most important aspects of the Turkish Airlines Pet Policy involves snub-nosed breeds. These animals are more sensitive to temperature and stress.

Common restricted breeds include:

Bulldogs
Pugs
Persian cats
Himalayan cats

Many of these breeds are not accepted in the cargo hold. Some may travel in the cabin if weight limits are met, but approval is never guaranteed.

Required Health Documents and Vaccinations

Proper documentation is mandatory for pet travel on Turkish Airlines.

Typical requirements include:

Veterinary health certificate issued within a specific timeframe
Proof of rabies vaccination
Microchip records (mandatory for many countries)
Import permits for certain destinations

International travel may require additional testing, quarantine documentation, or government approval.

Country-Specific Rules and Quarantine Regulations

Every destination has its own animal import laws. The Turkish Airlines Pet Policy requires passengers to comply fully with destination country regulations.

Some countries enforce:

Mandatory quarantine periods
Blood titer tests
Advance import approvals

Failure to meet these requirements can result in denied boarding or pet quarantine upon arrival.

Booking a Flight With a Pet on Turkish Airlines

Pet reservations cannot be completed online. Travelers must contact Turkish Airlines directly to add a pet to the booking.

Steps usually include:

Booking the passenger ticket
Contacting Turkish Airlines customer service
Submitting pet details and carrier dimensions
Receiving approval confirmation

Pet slots are limited per flight, so early booking is strongly recommended.

Check-In Process for Passengers Traveling With Pets

On travel day, passengers should arrive earlier than usual.

At check-in:

Pet documents are reviewed
Carrier dimensions are checked
Fees are collected
Final approval is granted

Security screening requires removing the pet from the carrier while the carrier passes through the scanner.

Onboard Experience for Pets

During the flight, cabin pets must remain calm and inside their carriers at all times. Sedation is strongly discouraged and may lead to travel refusal.

For pets in the hold, Turkish Airlines ensures proper ventilation and temperature control throughout the journey.

Seasonal and Weather Restrictions

Extreme temperatures can affect pet acceptance, particularly for cargo hold travel. During very hot or cold seasons, Turkish Airlines may temporarily restrict pet transport on certain routes.

These measures are designed to protect animal health and safety.

Traveling With Multiple Pets

The Turkish Airlines Pet Policy generally allows:

One pet per passenger in the cabin
Multiple pets as checked baggage, depending on aircraft capacity

Two pets of the same species may sometimes share one carrier, provided they are compatible and meet size limits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many travel issues arise from avoidable errors, such as:

Booking flights before confirming pet approval
Using non-compliant carriers
Missing vaccination timelines
Ignoring destination import rules

Careful preparation prevents last-minute stress.

Tips for Stress-Free Pet Travel

Choose direct flights when possible
Introduce the pet to the carrier early
Avoid feeding just before departure
Label carriers clearly with contact details

Small steps make a big difference for animal comfort.

Final Thoughts on Turkish Airlines Pet Policy

The Turkish Airlines Pet Policy offers structured, well-defined options for passengers traveling with pets. Whether flying with a small cat in the cabin or transporting a larger dog internationally, the airline provides clear rules designed to balance safety, comfort, and regulatory compliance.

Planning ahead, understanding carrier requirements, and confirming documentation are key to a smooth journey. With the right preparation, traveling with pets on Turkish Airlines can be a manageable and positive experience for both animals and their owners.