Flying with a short-nosed dog or cat in 2026: which airlines say no

Airlines that keep short-nosed pets out of the hold

Airline	Rule for short-nosed dogs and cats
Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon	From October 1, 2026, certain short-nosed dog and cat breeds are no longer accepted in the cargo hold.
Lufthansa	Not carried in the cargo hold (since 2020). In the cabin only within its limits — up to 8 kg including the carrier.
KLM	Generally cannot travel in the hold; they can travel in the cabin or as cargo.
Delta	Short-nosed dogs and cats and their mixes are not accepted as cargo.
American Airlines	Not accepted as checked pets or cargo.

Breed lists differ between airlines and change over time, so always check the airline's own list before you buy your ticket.

Small pet? If it fits in an under-seat carrier within the airline's size and weight limits, the cabin is usually the way.
Too big for the cabin? A specialist pet shipper can often arrange air cargo on airlines that still accept your breed. Book early — and expect it to cost thousands: Starwood Pet Travel's 2026 report puts a typical international move for one pet at about $4,000–6,000 or more.
Check the breed list first, then book your own ticket — not the other way round.
The import rules of your destination still apply on top of the airline rules: microchip, vaccines, certificates and deadlines.

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Official sources: public.alaskacargo.com · www.lufthansa.com · www.klm.com · www.deltacargo.com · www.aa.com. Not legal or veterinary advice — confirm with your vet, your airline and the official authority.