Which airlines allow you to fly with your dog in cabin from (and to) Narita Airport, Tokyo? Now Singapore Airlines have stopped allowing emotional support animals I am on the look out for other airlines. My human spent an awful lot of time checking the policy of every single airline that flies out of Narita airport to see which ones allow pets to fly in cabin. There are a total of 21 airlines that allow you to fly with your dog in cabin from Narita airport. Unfortunately, it seems that each airline has at least one rule that stops them from being suitable for me 🙁
Almost all Korean airlines allow you to fly with at least a dog or cat in cabin. Most only fly between Japan and Korea. Korean Airlines seem to have been listening and a few have recently increased their weight limit from 7kg to 9kg. So there are now a few options for us slightly bigger dogs.
All airlines that allow dog in cabin from Narita require the carrier has sufficient space for the pet to stand up, lie down and turnaround. The carrier should be waterproof and have sufficient ventilation. Some also require it has a lock that can be opened from the outside. Fo airlines that allow birds they stipulate the cage must be covered. Unless the pet is travelling as a service dog, they must stay inside the carrier at all times.
Please note whilst we make every effort to keep this page up to date, airline policies can change at any time so please always check with the airline before booking your ticket.
Aero K
Aero K is a South Korean airline which it only flies to Cheong-Ju in South Korea from Narita airport so your options are very limited with this airline.
- Dogs, cats, and birds are allowed in cabin
- The maximum weight is 8 kg including the carrier.
- Pets must be over 8 weeks old
- 1 pet per passenger (over 18) or a pair of puppies/kittens mother/puppy, mother/kitten between 8 weeks & 6 months
- Carrier size 43cm x 46cm x 21cm
- Certain breeds are not allowed (eg fighting or aggressive breeds)
- Must book via call centre to add pet to booking (1899-2299) at least 24 hours before the departure time
- Price : per person, one-way, KRW 100,000 (JPY10,000/TWD3,000)
Aeromexico
Aeromexico fly from Narita to Mexico City with connections onwards to Cancun & Guadalajara possible. Conditions for flying with your pet in cabin;
- Only cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin.
- The maximum weight is 9 kg including the carrier.
- Pets must be at least 8 weeks old.
- Carrier size 40cm x 30 cm x 20cm
- Up to 6 pets allowed per flight depending on aircraft
- Class of travel depends on aircraft
- US$162 each way in low season, $168 in high season
Air Busan
Another South Korean airline which flies between Japan and South Korea that allows dog in cabin from Narita.
- Dogs, cats and pet birds are allowed
- 1 animal per passenger
- Maximum 7kg including carrier
- Carrier size no bigger than 115cm with height no more than 24cm
- Will be assigned a window seat
- 70,000 kwn each way (between Japan & Korea) fees vary for other destinations
Air Canada
One of the few airlines who don’t have a weight allowance, Air Canada flies between Japan and, as the name suggests, Canada. As long as it fits within the size limits it’s allowed on board.
- Dogs & cats only
- Not allowed in premium economy cabin (there is no mention about business class)
- Pet fee US$100 each way
- Maximum carrier size (soft sided) length 55cm width 40cm and 27cm height (one of the larger size allowances)
- 1 pet per passenger
- Must be minimum 10 weeks old
Air Premia
Air Premia is another South Korean airlines but they have a bigger network than Aero K. Although from Narita the only option is to Seoul.
- The maximum weight including the container is 7kg
- The pets must be at least 8 weeks old
- Carrier size 38cm x 22cm x 26cm tall (in case of a soft container) and should be under 23cm tall when pressed from the top. It must be stored beneath the seat in front.
- For each passenger, up to one pet is allowed on board, maximum 7 per flight. However, 2 dogs or cats less than 6 months old, a pair newborn and its mother shall be allowed as exceptions
- The pets are prohibited from being taken out of their cage or carrier during the flight
- Must book pet to fly via call centre at least 48 hours in advance
- Need to complete a pledge form for transporting pets (2 copies required at check in)
- 130,000 kwn fee each way (approx £75)
Air Seoul
Air Seoul allows you to fly between Japan and South Korea.
- Only dogs, cats, and birds are allowed
- Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and not be sedated
- The individual cage must measure less than 115cm (L+W+H) and be 25cm or less in height for soft cases
- The maximum weight of the pet and its cage may not exceed 9kg (increased from 7kg)
- One pet may be transported as carry-on baggage per ticketed adult passenger. No more than one animal may be transported in each cage. However, two puppies or two kittens less than 6 months of age, a mother dog/cat and her baby, or a pair of birds may be transported in a single cage
- Fee KRW 70,000 (JPY 7,000) / per 1pet
American Airlines
Another airline that doesn’t have a weight limit and relies on size limit only. As the name suggest, it connects Japan with the US.
- Dogs & cats only
- Maximum carrier size 46cm x 28cm x 28cm (great height allowance)
- If you are flying in first or business on A321T the pet will be placed in a pet friendly compartment during taxi, take off and landing
- Pets are now allowed in first or business on Boeing 777-200, 777-300, 787-8 & 787-9 which seems to rule out flights between Japan and the US in premium cabins 🙁
Asiana
Asiana offers Seoul as it’s South Korean hub, connecting to many destinations around the world including Asia, Europe, US and Australia. They also allow pets to fly in business class cabin (but will be stored separately during taxi, take off and landing).
- Dogs, cats and birds
- 1 pet per passenger
- Maximum 7kg including carrier
- maximum dimensions 115cm (max width 40cm, height 26cm and must be 21cm when pressed)
- 140,000 kwn round trip between Japan & Korea (additional charges for further destinations)
Etihad
Etihad is one of the more flexible options in that you can (and must in business) buy an extra seat for the pet but it comes with a hefty price tag! I love the forward thinking of being able to put the carrier on the seat but at the cost of an extra seat PLUS $1,500 each way it seems like it’s more about money making than anything else.
- Dogs, cats and falcons (separate rules apply to falcons, please check the website)
- You can buy an additional seat in economy for more space at full price. Carrier is allowed to sit on the seat
- You must buy an extra seat if you wish to fly in business class and carrier must sit on the seat in the carrier
- Cost is US$1,500 each way even if you buy an extra seat
- Maximum weight 8kg
- Maximum carrier size 40cm x 40cm x 20cm if in economy under the seat or 50cm x 43cm x 50cm if you have bought an extra seat
Ethiopian Air
With a reasonable destination list, Ethiopian airlines offers a stop over in Addis Adiba.
- Dogs & cats only are allowed in cabin
- Maximum 2 pets in economy, 1 in business class
- Maximum weight is 8kg including carrier
- Maximum carrier size is 55cm x 40cm x 20cm height
- Allows emotional support animals upon production of psychiatrist letter dated within 1 year
Finn Air
Finn Air connects you to Europe with a stopover in Helsinki.
- Cats & dogs are allowed in cabin worldwide as well as tortoises, hedgehogs & rabbits from the EU
- Maximum weight of the pet including carrier is 8kg
- Maximum carrier size is 55cm x 40cm x 23cm
- Can add the pet via Manage my Booking (unless you are flying business class short haul then must call up)
- Pets are not allowed to fly in Business Class on long haul routes (premium economy is fine)
- €120 fee each way
Iberia Air
We’ve been informed that Iberia Air will be launching the only direct flight between Japan and Spain in October 2024. This is great news as they allow pets to fly in cabin too!
- Allow dogs, cats, fish, tortoises and birds
- Maximum 8kg including the carrier
- Maximum carrier dimensions 45cm x 35cm x 25cm
- £165 each way between Japan and Spain
Jeju Air
South Korean airlines flying between Japan and Korea.
- Dogs, cats and birds are allowed to fly in cabin
- Maximum weight 9kg (increased from 7kg)
- Maximum dimensions of the carrier 100cm (width 37cm, height 23cm)
- 1 pet per passenger
- 70,000 kwn each way
- Allowed in Biz lite cabin
- Must call the customer call centre to add the pet to the booking
Jin Air
Jin Air is an option for those travelling between Japan and South Korea.
- Dogs & cats only
- Maximum 7kg including carrier
- Maximum dimensions of the carrier 115cm
KLM
KLM is a popular option to get to Europe with a connection in Amsterdam which links in well for those wishing to get the ferry into the UK.
- Dogs & cats only
- Must be at least 15 weeks old
- Maximum carrier size 46cm x 28cm x 24cm
- Maximum 8kg including the carrier
- Not possible in business or premium class on long haul routes (possible within Europe)
- Can add online via My Trip
Korean Air
Major South Korean airline flying globally, Korean Air open up quite a lot of the world with a stop over in Seoul. Allowing pets in all classes it’s a great option if you have a smaller animal.
- Dogs, cats & birds
- Allows snub nosed in cabin (but not checked baggage)
- Maximum 7kg including carrier
- Maximum dimensions 32cm x 45cm x 19cm height (can be up to 25cm for soft sided carrier)
- Don’t allow expandable carriers
Lot Air
Lot is a Polish airline which connects you to Europe with a stop in Warsaw. Pets can fly in cabin in all classes.
- You can take a dog, a cat or a ferret
- Maximum weight of the animal together with the container may not exceed 8 kg.
- Maximum carrier size B787 and B737 planes: 55/40/20 cm (length/width/height)
- 100 EUR/120 USD//15 000 JPY fee each way.
- Pet can be added to the booking online or via Manage My Booking
MIAT Mongolian Airlines
The smallest allowance of them all, MIAT Mongolian only operates to Mongolia.
- Only dogs and cats are allowed in cabin
- Maximum weight limit including carrier is 5kg
- Maximum size for carrier is 115cm
Turkish Airlines
Turkish airlines connect you to Europe and beyond with a stopover in Istanbul. They have a very good track record for transporting pets.
- Only dogs, cats and birds are allowed to travel in the cabin
- One carrier per passenger is allowed in the cabin
- The combined weight of the pet and its carrier cannot exceed 8 kilograms
- Maximum carrier dimensions cannot exceed 23 centimeters in height, 30 centimeters in width, and 40 centimeters in length
- Veterinary approval is required to transport kittens/puppies that are younger than 10 weeks or not weaned, and their nursing mothers.
- Cats and dogs or cats and birds are not permitted to travel on the same aircraft, even in different cabins. Dogs and birds can be transported as efficiently as possible in the same or different cabins.
T’Way
T’Way has the largest weight allowance out of all the airlines that allow in dog in cabin from Narita at 9kg (excluding those that don’t specify a limit). They have a good destination list within Asia and recently started connecting to Europe with a flight to Zagreb, Croatia. However, their downside is they don’t allow transit in Korea with a pet and they don’t allow you to fly in the business cabin with a pet. I have been campaigning hard for them to change this as they do advertise as the most pet friendly airline.
- Only dogs, cats and birds are allowed
- Not allowed on transit flights or in business saver seats
- Maximum weight including carrier 9kg
- Maximum carrier size 115cm, maximum height 26cm
- Maximum 6 pets allowed on each flight
- 100,000 kwn each way (between Japan & Korea, further routes are additional cost)
- Can be booked online if you use the Korean language version (can use Google translate) otherwise must be done through call centre
- Can accrue frequent flyer stamps for the pet
United Airlines
Connecting Japan with the United States, United is a good option for smaller, heavier dogs. United don’t have a weight limit restriction as long as the pet fits within the carrier size limits. They also allow travel with 2 pets per passenger which is quite unique.
- 2 pets per passenger allowed. If travelling with 2 pets you must purchase 2 seats. One pet per carrier
- Maximum carrier size 45cm length, 27cm width & 27cm height (so one of the larger size limits also)
- You can add the pet when you book your ticket online or add a pet via My Trips section (but not on the app)
- US$150 fee each way with further $150 fee for each layover over 4 hours
- Pets (up to 2) are only allowed in premium cabins on Airbus 319, Airbus 320, Boeing 737, Boeing 757-300ER, Bombardier CRJ, EMB 175 & EMB 145 aircrafts (which rules out premium cabins between Japan and US 🙁 )
- 4 pets are allowed in economy on those aircrafts and up to 6 pets in economy on Boeing 767, Boeing 777 & Boeing 787 aircraft
Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam airlines has quite a good reach around the world with a transit in Vietnam but their allowance and size restrictions are only suitable for the smallest of dogs.
- Only dogs and cats are allowed in cabin
- Minimum 10 weeks old
- Maximum weight including carrier is only 6kg
- Maximum size 35cm x 30cm x 20cm
- Carrier must be hard sided, soft sided are not allowed (although I have heard of people getting approval for a soft sided carrier)
Conclusion
Whilst there are a lot of airlines that allow a dog in cabin from Narita airport, is there one suitable for you? For travelling within Asia, T’Way remains my only hope due to weight restriction. But they don’t allow transit which really sucks. I hope they change this policy soon as it really restricts our options. For Europe there are a couple of options such as Turkish or Lot. And for the US I guess we’d have to go in via Canada on Air Canada.
If you are planning to travel with your dog in cabin to Narita, don’t forget to check out my page on how to bring your dog with you to Japan which can be found here.
Happy travels, woof woof, Wylie x
*Information is valid as of date of posting, but please check direct with each airline before booking as policies can change at any time.
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