India, July 17 -- 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.

IATA Guidance on In-Cabin Pet Travel

- Release Date: 15 July 2026

- Purpose: To provide airlines with operational guidance for managing in-cabin pet travel across all stages - booking, check-in, boarding, on-board, and arrival.

- Context: Builds on IATA's earlier guidance for service dogs, part of a broader effort to improve consistency in transporting animals by air.

Why It Matters

- Passenger Demand: IATA's 2025 Global Passenger Survey found that about 25% of respondents have or would consider traveling with a pet.

- Challenges Identified:

- 41% cited uncertainty around pet eligibility.

- 36% were unsure about airline policies.

- 34% were unclear about the overall process.

- Solution: The new guidelines....

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Travel Media.