Turkish Airlines Pet Travel Policy 2026: In-Cabin, Hold, Fees & Booking
The definitive guide to flying with pets on Turkish Airlines. Understand the strict in-cabin 8kg limit, AVIH hold rules, zone-based fee calculations, dangerous dog bans, and unique species separation rules for international travel.
Quick Summary: Turkish Airlines Pet Policy
Turkish Airlines permits cats, dogs, and small birds (like canaries) in the cabin if they weigh under 8kg. Larger pets must travel in the aircraft hold (AVIH). Turkish Airlines is unique for its strict “species separation” rule: cats and dogs (or cats and birds) are never allowed on the same flight unless they are in completely separate cabin classes.
- In-Cabin: Dogs, cats, and small birds ≤ 8kg (17.6 lbs). Max dimensions: 23 x 30 x 40 cm.
- In the Hold: Accepted for pets over 8kg inside IATA-approved rigid crates.
- Fees: Zone-based system. Approx. $70–$150 USD for cabin, $150–$500+ for the hold depending on total weight.
- Bans: Complete ban on dangerous dog breeds (Pitbulls, Dogo Argentinos, etc.).
Turkish Airlines (THY), operating out of its massive hub in Istanbul (IST), flies to more countries than any other airline. This makes them a highly popular choice for international pet relocation and travel. They allow pets in the passenger cabin (PETC) and as checked baggage in the hold (AVIH).
However, flying pets through Istanbul comes with specific rules. Turkish Airlines rigidly enforces an 8kg limit for the cabin, applies a complex zone-based fee structure, and actively prohibits “hostile” species from sharing the same air space.
Key Turkish Airlines Pet Travel Facts:
- Age Limit: Pets must be at least 10 weeks old. Nursing mothers and puppies/kittens under 10 weeks are strictly prohibited.
- Species Rule: Turkish Airlines will NOT allow a cat and a dog, or a cat and a bird, to fly in the same cabin compartment. If a passenger books a dog in Economy before you book your cat, your cat will be denied boarding in Economy.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant animals are not allowed to fly under any circumstances.
- Multiple Pets: You can bring up to two pets of the same species in the same cabin carrier, provided their combined weight is under 8kg.
✈️ Turkish Airlines Travel Options
Your pet’s travel category is dictated entirely by their combined weight with the carrier.
Option 1: In the Cabin (PETC)
Eligibility: Dogs, cats, and small pet birds (e.g., budgies, canaries); combined weight ≤ 8kg.
Carrier Limits: Max dimensions 23 cm (Height) x 30 cm (Width) x 40 cm (Length). Hard or soft-sided allowed, though soft is highly recommended.
Allotment: Only a specific quota of pets is allowed per flight class.
Best For: Small cats, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and domestic birds.
Option 2: In the Hold (AVIH)
Eligibility: Dogs and cats exceeding 8kg, or those in crates larger than the cabin allowance.
Facility: Ventilated and temperature-regulated cargo compartments.
Sharing: Up to 3 puppies/kittens (10-24 weeks old) from the same litter can share a crate. Max 2 adult pets of similar size (max 14kg each) can share.
Best For: Medium to large dogs traveling internationally.
💰 Turkish Airlines Pet Fees (2026)
Turkish Airlines charges pet fees based on flight type (Domestic vs. International) and a “Zone” concept. Prices are charged one-way and paid at the airport check-in desk.
| Route Type | In-Cabin (≤ 8kg) | Hold (AVIH) Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic (Within Turkey) | ~350 TRY | ~600 – 900 TRY (based on weight) |
| Transit Flights via Istanbul (e.g., USA → IST → Italy) |
$100 – $150 USD | $200 – $500+ USD (calculated by kg weight bands) |
| Direct International Flights (e.g., London to Istanbul) |
$70 – $100 USD | $150 – $350 USD (calculated by kg weight bands) |
Important Notes:
- For international transit flights (e.g., flying from New York to Rome via Istanbul), the fee is calculated by adding the zone charges of both flight legs.
- Service dogs (SVAN) travel free of charge in the cabin on all routes, provided they meet documentation and training requirements.
⚠️ Dangerous Dog Bans & Brachycephalic Rules
Turkish Airlines enforces a zero-tolerance policy for breeds classified as dangerous by the Turkish government, and heavily restricts snub-nosed animals.
Complete Ban: Dangerous Breeds
The following breeds (including purebreds and crossbreeds) are strictly banned from all Turkish Airlines flights (cabin and hold):
Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bully, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, Dogue de Bordeaux, Roman Rottweiler, Mastiff (excluding Bullmastiff), and Wolf-dog hybrids.
Snub-Nosed (Brachycephalic) Restriction
Banned from the Hold: Snub-nosed animals (Pugs, French/English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Persian cats, Himalayan cats) are generally prohibited from traveling in the aircraft hold due to severe respiratory risks.
Cabin Exception: These breeds are allowed in the cabin ONLY if they weigh 8kg or less. If they exceed 8kg, they cannot fly as checked baggage and must be moved to specialized cargo if permitted by the destination.
🎒 Carrier & Crate Requirements
Turkish Airlines is particularly strict about the height of in-cabin carriers to ensure they fit under the seat safely.
✅ In-Cabin Carrier Specs
📦 AVIH Hold Crate Specs (IATA)
📋 How to Book Pet Travel on Turkish Airlines
Because of the “species separation” rule, booking early is absolutely critical to secure your pet’s spot on the aircraft.
Step 1: Verify Entry Requirements
- Are you transiting through Istanbul? Ensure you meet the final destination’s import rules.
- Are you entering Turkey? Ensure you have the Turkish health certificate, rabies titer test (if required), and microchip.
Step 2: Book Ticket & Call Immediately
- Book your human ticket on TurkishAirlines.com.
- Call the Call Center immediately. Do not wait. If someone has already booked a dog on your flight, and you have a cat, your cat will be denied.
- Reservations must be finalized no later than 6 hours before departure, but doing it days/weeks in advance is highly recommended.
Step 3: Organize Veterinary Documents
- Prepare your pet’s passport/health certificate, vaccination records, and any necessary import permits.
- For flights to the USA, ensure you have submitted the CDC Dog Import Form online.
Step 4: Airport Check-In
- Arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours before departure.
- Proceed to the check-in desk to weigh the pet, verify documents, and pay the zone-based pet fee.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
The total weight of your pet, combined with its travel carrier, cannot exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs). If it weighs more, it must travel as checked baggage in the hold.
Turkish Airlines enforces a species separation rule. Cats and dogs (or cats and birds) are not permitted to travel in the same cabin compartment. If a passenger booked a dog before you booked your cat, your cat will be denied space in that cabin.
No. Pitbull Terriers, American Bullies, Dogo Argentinos, and other breeds classified as dangerous are strictly banned from all Turkish Airlines flights in both the cabin and the hold.
Fees are calculated based on your travel zones and total weight. International cabin pets usually cost between $70 and $150 USD, while hold pets can cost $150 to over $500 USD depending on their weight band and transit route.
Yes, small pet birds like budgies, canaries, and goldfinches are allowed in the cabin. However, they cannot travel in the same cabin class as a cat, and parrots are generally not permitted.
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