TL;DR
Recent initiatives across the Philippines, Australia, Europe, Hong Kong and Brazil show transport and tourism providers adding ways to travel with pets. The measures range from airline cabin access and ferry cabins to proposed services and operational guidance; some plans still need approval or further details.
Airlines, ferry operators and tourism agencies across several regions are adding or planning services for travelers with pets, including cabin access for cats and larger dogs, pet-friendly ferry cabins and new travel itineraries. The changes reflect a broadening set of options, though availability, route limits and approval requirements vary by service.
In the Philippines, Philippine Airlines has expanded its FurPAL program to let passengers bring a small cat in the cabin on domestic flights. The program began in November 2025, with flights starting on 1 December, initially for small dogs. Under the update, a passenger may bring one small dog or cat for a one-way fee starting at ₱2,500, subject to the airline’s requirements. PAL serves 32 domestic destinations.
In Australia, Spirit of Tasmania has opened bookings for pet-friendly cabins on its new vessels, with sailings offering the rooms scheduled to begin on 31 October 2026. Each cabin can accommodate up to two dogs or cats under the company’s travel requirements. Pets also have access to an outdoor toilet area. The vessels will operate between Geelong and Devonport on trips lasting about 9.5 to 11.5 hours.
Several other developments are at different stages. Italy’s ITA Airways offers cabin travel for dogs weighing up to 30 kilograms on selected domestic flights, subject to availability and limits on the number and weight of dogs. In Hong Kong, Star Ferry has proposed a pet co-ride service on its Wan Chai–Tsim Sha Tsui route. Brazil’s Tourism Ministry has surveyed travelers and businesses to inform a planned good-practice manual and guide.
More Routes for Traveling With Pets
These changes could give pet owners more ways to include animals in trips that previously required separate arrangements or ruled out certain journeys. Cabin access and ferry cabins are particularly relevant for travelers who want to keep pets nearby on longer trips, while coordinated ground and sea connections could extend the reach of specialist pet travel services.
The initiatives also show how operators are addressing practical questions alongside customer demand. Airlines need procedures for reservations, carriers, screening and animal welfare; ferry services must set limits and provide suitable facilities. The International Air Transport Association’s guidance addresses these operational steps, although it is guidance for airlines rather than a guarantee that any particular carrier will offer cabin travel.
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Different Rules Across Each Route
The announced services do not create a single global standard. Each operator sets its own eligibility rules, fees, routes and capacity. For example, PAL’s update covers one small dog or cat per passenger on domestic routes, while ITA Airways’ service is limited to selected flights and specified dog weight bands. Travelers will need to check the requirements for each leg of a trip.
In Italy, the airline’s offer followed new provisions from the Italian National Civil Aviation Authority allowing medium- and large-sized dogs in aircraft cabins from May 2025. ITA conducted a demonstration flight between Milan Linate and Rome Fiumicino in September 2025. In Europe, London-based Vicuna Air has launched Waypoints, which links travelers and pets to its transatlantic gateways through express or multi-day itineraries using rail, private drivers, ferries and selected hotels. Its initial expansion focuses on Northern Europe, including connections through Brussels.
Separately, IATA’s new recommendations cover the passenger journey from booking through arrival. They address pet eligibility, container rules, documentation, check-in, screening, boarding and disruptions such as delays or diversions.
“The company says its new cabins can accommodate up to two pets, limited to dogs and cats, subject to its pet travel requirements.”
— Spirit of Tasmania
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Approvals, Results and Route Limits
Star Ferry’s proposal is not yet an operating service. It was submitted to Hong Kong’s Transport and Logistics Bureau on 17 July, and the operator’s proposed HK$25 pet pass would be added to the regular fare if approved. The source report does not give a decision date.
Brazil’s survey closed on 31 July, but the Tourism Ministry was still compiling responses when it spoke to GlobalPETS. Results were expected by year-end; the report does not provide those findings. The precise requirements, availability and fares for several services may also depend on route and booking conditions. IATA’s recommendations do not establish that all airlines will adopt the same procedures.
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Upcoming Sailings and Guidance
Spirit of Tasmania’s pet-friendly cabins are scheduled to be available on sailings from 31 October 2026. Hong Kong passengers will have to wait for the bureau’s decision before the Star Ferry proposal can move forward. Brazil’s ministry said survey results were expected by the end of the year and will inform a good-practice manual and a guide for tourists and businesses.
For travelers, the immediate next step is to check each operator’s current booking rules, eligible routes, fees and documentation requirements. The new IATA guidance gives airlines a framework for handling those details, but the source report does not say when or how widely carriers will put the recommendations into practice.
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Key Questions
Can passengers bring cats in the cabin on Philippine Airlines?
PAL’s expanded FurPAL program allows one small cat or dog per passenger on domestic routes, subject to the airline’s requirements and a one-way fee starting at ₱2,500.
When do Spirit of Tasmania’s pet-friendly cabins begin?
Bookings are open for cabins on sailings scheduled to begin on 31 October 2026. The company says each cabin can take up to two dogs or cats under its requirements.
Can large dogs fly in the cabin in Italy?
ITA Airways offers the option for dogs weighing up to 30 kilograms on selected domestic flights. Availability and the number of dogs allowed are limited, so passengers need to check the specific flight.
Has Hong Kong approved the Star Ferry pet service?
The report describes it as a proposal submitted to the Transport and Logistics Bureau. It does not report an approval.
Are IATA’s pet travel guidelines mandatory for airlines?
The source describes them as operational recommendations. It does not say that airlines are required to adopt them.
Source: rss
