Turkish Airlines dog in cabin: weight, size and restrictions

Turkish Airlines accepts dogs, cats and small birds in the cabin up to 8 kg including the carrier. The bag must fit under the seat and measure no more than 40 x 30 x 23 cm.

At a glance

• Cabin. dog, cat or small bird up to 8 kg with the bag
• Carrier. maximum 40 x 30 x 23 cm
• Hold. pet and kennel up to 50 kg
• Hold kennel. maximum 125 x 75 x 75 cm
• United Kingdom. no pets accepted, including connecting flights
• Snub-nosed breeds. accepted in cabin if weight and size limits are met
• Sedatives. sedated animals are not accepted

The carrier is one of Europe's tightest

The 40 x 30 x 23 cm limit is shorter than many European airline allowances. A 45 or 46 cm bag previously used with Iberia, Air France or KLM may therefore be refused. Pet and carrier together must remain within 8 kg.

During the flight the closed container stays under the seat in front. It must be designed for animals, ventilated on at least three sides and large enough for the pet to remain in a natural position.

Only dogs, cats and small songbirds such as parakeets and canaries travel as pets in the cabin. Incompatible species on the same flight may require different seating or hold transport.

Hold up to 50 kg, then cargo

When pet and carrier exceed 8 kg, Turkish Airlines carries them in the ventilated hold up to a 50 kg total. The kennel cannot exceed 125 x 75 x 75 cm; above the weight or size cap the shipment moves to Turkish Cargo.

Acceptance depends on the aircraft and hold conditions. The captain may refuse carriage when ventilation or operational conditions are not suitable for a live animal.

The airline advises against sedatives and states that sedated animals are not accepted. Discuss anxiety or motion sickness with a vet well before the flight instead of relying on sedation.

United Kingdom and restricted breeds

Turkish Airlines does not accept pets on flights to the United Kingdom, including connecting journeys. An Istanbul-London itinerary with a dog does not work as normal pet baggage: cargo or an authorised ground alternative is required.

Snub-nosed breeds can travel in the cabin if they fit the 8 kg and carrier limits. Several breeds classed as dangerous are prohibited or accepted only as cargo, so the current official list must be checked before booking.

There is no single published fee table: Turkish Airlines calculates the charge by route and weight. Use the official calculator before buying the passenger ticket and obtain separate confirmation for the pet space.

Frequently asked questions

• Does Turkish Airlines allow dogs in the cabin?
  Yes, dogs, cats and small birds up to 8 kg including the carrier, which cannot exceed 40 x 30 x 23 cm.
• What carrier size does Turkish Airlines allow?
  Maximum 40 cm long, 30 cm wide and 23 cm high. It must remain closed under the seat and provide adequate ventilation.
• How much can a dog weigh in the hold?
  Pet and kennel can total up to 50 kg and the container cannot exceed 125 x 75 x 75 cm. Above that, Turkish Cargo is required.
• Does Turkish Airlines carry dogs to the UK?
  Not through its normal pet service. Pets are not accepted on Turkish Airlines flights to the United Kingdom, including connecting journeys.
• Can I sedate my dog before the flight?
  Turkish Airlines advises against sedation and does not accept animals that have been sedated. Speak with your vet before travel.

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