Airlines are reviewing their pet policies

Airlines are revisiting their pet policies as demand for pet friendly travel continues to grow.

Etihad Airways is the latest to make a move.

The UAE’s national carrier has introduced a limited-time promotional price for its “Pets Onboard” service: USD 399 per flight segment, valid for new bookings made until May 31st 2026. Their standard fee is usually USD 1,500 (or 215,000 Etihad Guest Miles) each way, which means a 73% discount, quite an offer.

Etihad is already in a league of its own in the UAE: it’s the only airline in the region that allows pets in the cabin at all, and one of the few globally that permits pets in Business Class via an extra seat purchase.

Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, framed it warmly:
“For many of our guests, pets are part of the family, and we understand how important it is to travel together. The service allows small cats and dogs to travel in the aircraft cabin alongside their owners, helping reduce stress for pets while allowing guests to keep their pets close throughout the journey. By making our Pets Onboard service more accessible, we hope to welcome even more guests travelling with their pets.”

It sounds progressive.
So I went to check their pet travel page, expecting to find something new.

And voilà.
Suprise, surprise…
Nothing has changed.
And that’s the entire problem.

If Etihad truly understands how important it is to travel together, why do the rules tell a different story?

The restrictions remain firmly stuck in the industry’s standard playbook:
→ Max 8 kg (pet and carrier included)
→ Only small dogs, cats, and falcons permitted
→ The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you
→ Large and medium-sized dogs travel on cargo

So the campaign is called “Pets Onboard” yet most pets aren’t.

Why market it under that name when the reality is small pets only?
And why launch a campaign around growing demand without actually expanding who can travel?

And here’s the thing, a more accessible service is not just a cheaper one.

Accessibility means removing barriers: size restrictions, breed exclusions, and weight limits that haven’t moved in years. A 73% price cut is meaningless to the person whose 10 kg Beagle doesn’t qualify.

The price drop is a welcome gesture.

But if Etihad genuinely wants to lead the industry on pet friendly travel, the next step isn’t a discount. It’s rethinking the rules 🧡