For Singapore-based cat owners considering air travel, whether you're going on a significant relocation, a long-term adventure, or simply a holiday, bringing your feline companion along can be a manageable process with careful preparation. 

However, it’s important to note that not all airlines departing Singapore allow pets in the cabin. For example, Singapore Airlines generally requires all pets, with the exception of certified service dogs, to travel as checked baggage or cargo. Therefore, understanding the specific regulations of your chosen airline departing from Singapore is the essential first step in planning your cat's journey.

Generally, cats can travel by air in three ways: in-cabin, as checked baggage, or as cargo. However, options are limited for Singapore-based travellers due to strict airline policies at Changi Airport. Singapore Airlines, the national carrier, only allows pets as checked baggage or cargo (not in-cabin) so choices are restricted when departing from Changi. 

In contrast, other regional airlines have varying policies: for example, Scoot does not accept animals at all (except service dogs under specific conditions), while some international carriers may offer more flexibility depending on the route.

Clarify that in-cabin travel is rare from Singapore; not offered by SIA.

Explain that some overseas carriers (e.g. ANA, Air France, Lufthansa) allow in-cabin cats, so Singaporean travellers may explore this on connecting flights or when flying from pet-friendly hubs.

Include tips from Daily Paws on acclimating your cat to a carrier in advance for reduced stress.

In-cabin travel for cats is rare when departing from Singapore, as Singapore Airlines does not permit cats in the passenger cabin. However, some overseas carriers, such as ANA (All Nippon Airways), Air France, and Lufthansa, allow cats in-cabin on certain routes, provided they meet size and weight restrictions (typically under 6–8 kg including the carrier). 

Singaporean travellers may explore this option on connecting flights or when flying from pet-friendly hubs outside Singapore. To reduce stress during travel, acclimate your cat to a carrier well in advance by placing familiar bedding or toys inside. You can start with short periods in the carrier, and gradually increase exposure through short car rides or quiet time at home.

Cargo is the most common and realistic option for Singapore-based pet travel, especially when flying with Singapore Airlines. SIA offers a dedicated pet cargo service, ensuring cats are carried in temperature-controlled, pressurised holds designed for animal safety. According to Your Cat Backpack, pets can travel safely via cargo when proper precautions are followed, such as opting for direct flights to minimise transit time and avoiding travel during extreme heat or cold seasons. Booking early and ensuring all documentation and carrier requirements are met will further enhance the safety and comfort for your cat during the journey.

Flying with your cat involves various costs, especially when departing from Singapore where cargo or checked baggage are the primary options. For Singapore Airlines, transporting a cat as cargo typically ranges from S$300 to S$800, depending on the cat’s weight, the destination, and the type of carrier used. Additional costs include:

• Vet checks: Health certificates and vaccinations (approximately S$50–150).

• Carrier purchase: IATA-compliant crates (SG$50–200, depending on size and quality).

• Airport handling fees: May apply at Changi or destination airports (varies by location).

For travellers using connecting flights with airlines that allow in-cabin pets (e.g., Delta or United), expect an additional pet carry-on fee of about US$100–150 per leg of the journey, subject to the airline’s policy and route. Always confirm exact costs with the airline during booking.

Before flying with your cat from Singapore, it’s critical to comply with health and regulatory requirements. Check with the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) Singapore for export permits and pre-flight vet checks, which often include rabies vaccinations and microchipping. For incoming travel, countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK impose strict quarantine requirements, so early planning (often 6–12 months in advance) is essential to meet entry conditions. Singapore Airlines advises using an IATA-compliant pet carrier and making advance reservations for pet travel, recommending a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice to secure a spot and complete necessary paperwork.

Selecting the right carrier is vital for your cat’s safety and comfort. Carriers must adhere to size restrictions (large enough for the cat to stand, turn, and lie down), have proper ventilation (at least three sides with vents), and be made of sturdy, leak-proof materials for cargo travel. 

Airlines follow the IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR) as the standard for pet transport, so ensure your crate meets these guidelines. Start acclimation early by feeding your cat in the carrier and increasing their time inside daily to familiarise them with the enclosed space and reduce travel stress.

Requirements for international travel with cats vary significantly by destination. For example, Japan requires a rabies antibody test (which can take months to process), while Malaysia has less stringent rules, often needing just a health certificate and microchip. Destination country rules always take precedence over airline policies, so verify both well in advance. 

For complex itineraries, consider engaging a pet relocation agency in Singapore such as Ferndal Kennels or Shiloh Animal Express to handle paperwork, quarantine arrangements, and logistics, so you can ensure compliance with all regulations.

Singapore Airlines no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals, aligning with updated global standards. As of 2021, following changes by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and similar policies worldwide, only trained guide dogs are permitted in the cabin on SIA flights. 

For cats classified as emotional support animals, travellers must pay standard pet fees and follow regular pet travel rules such as travelling as cargo or checked baggage with SIA. Most global airlines have adopted similar policies, so expect standard pet transport procedures regardless of ESA status.

Checking in

For international flights with pets, arrive at least 3 hours early at Changi Airport to allow time for processing. Bring hard copies of all permits, health documents, and booking confirmations for your cat’s travel. If you’re flying with Singapore Airlines, pets are typically checked in at a special cargo terminal rather than the passenger check-in counter. Do confirm the exact location and procedure with the airline beforehand to avoid last-minute issues.

Security screening

Security processes depend on how your cat is travelling. For in-cabin cats (possible on connecting flights with pet-friendly airlines), you’ll carry your cat through the security checkpoint while the carrier is scanned separately—be prepared to remove your cat briefly if requested by security at Changi or other airports. 

For cats travelling as cargo or checked baggage, you won’t be with your pet during screening. All documentation checks and security procedures take place at the cargo terminal, handled by airline staff.

For Singapore-based travellers, using the right credit card can help offset costs and enhance the pet travel experience. Consider cards that offer:

• Travel insurance: Look for coverage that includes pet delays or emergencies, available with cards like the DBS Altitude Visa.

• Air miles or cashback: Earn rewards on relocation expenses or pet travel fees with cards like the Citi PremierMiles Card, which offers miles for travel-related spending.

• Airport lounge access: Useful while waiting at cargo terminals (e.g., at Changi Airport). Cards like the HSBC Revolution Card often include lounge access perks.

Always review card terms to ensure benefits align with pet travel needs, and use comparison platforms like SingSaver to find the best options.

Benefits:

1. 4 mpd on online and overseas purchases 
2. 1.2 mpd on local spend, 2.4 mpd on overseas spend
3. 3 KrisFlyer mpd spend on Singapore Airlines, Scoot, KriShop, Kris+ and selected category spend
4. 10% cashback on online purchases, both local and overseas

Airline pet policies differ widely, so always check both the airline’s general website and their dedicated pet travel page for the most current information. For Singapore Airlines, pets travel solely as checked baggage or cargo — never in-cabin (except guide dogs) — and you’ll need to make an early booking due to limited slots. 

Regional low-cost carriers like Scoot and Jetstar do not accept pets at all, limiting options for budget travellers. 

For international connecting flights, airlines such as Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, and ANA often provide better in-cabin options for cats, subject to weight limits and fees, making them worth considering if departing from or connecting through pet-friendly hubs.

>> More: Get the best travel insurance for your pet

How to maximise your rewards

To get the most value when flying with your cat, use credit cards that maximise rewards on travel and pet-related expenses. Here are the top picks for 2025:

Earning rate: 1.2 miles per $1 spent locally, and 2.2 miles per $1 spent in foreign currency. Up to 10 miles per $1 spent on select online travel bookings.

Earning rate: 1.2 miles per $1 spent locally, and 2.4 miles per $1 spent in foreign currency.

Earning rate: 1.3 miles per $1 spent locally, and 2 miles per $1 spent in foreign currency.

Earning rate: Up to 10.4 miles per $1 on Platinum 10Xcelrator Partners

Earning rate: 3 miles per $1 spent on flights under Singapore Airlines and on everyday spend, 1.2 miles per $1 spent on all other purchases.