I have spent many years exploring the winding streets of Europe. I never do it alone. My furry best friend always comes with me. You might think that a flight across the ocean or a quick hop from Paris to Rome is a nightmare with a pup. I used to think that too. However, I found out that many Dog Friendly european airlines actually make the process quite simple. I want to share my personal journey and the secrets I learned while navigating the skies with my four-legged shadow. First of all, you must realize that Europe is a paradise for pet lovers. Additionally, the rules change often. I keep a notebook of every flight to track which carriers treat us like family and which treat us like luggage.
The Basics of Dog Travel in the EU
Before you book a ticket, you need to know the basic rules. Every dog needs a microchip. This chip must follow specific technical standards. Plus, a rabies vaccination is non-negotiable. I always make sure my dog gets the shot at least 21 days before we head to the airport. Gradually, I learned that timing is everything. If you are a resident of the European Union, you can get an EU Pet Passport. It is a little blue booklet that holds all the health records. It is valid for life as long as those rabies shots stay up to date.
If you come from outside the EU, like the United Kingdom or the USA, you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). I found out the hard way that these certificates are only valid for 10 days after a vet signs them. Therefore, do not wait until the last minute. The cost for an AHC usually sits between £100 and £150. It is a bit pricey. On top of that, it only lasts for four months of travel within the EU. Finally, if you go to places like Finland, Ireland, Malta, or Norway, your dog needs a tapeworm treatment. A vet must give this between 24 and 120 hours before you arrive.
Which Airlines Allow Dogs in Cabin Europe?
I get this question all the time. Which european airlines allow dogs in cabin? Most of them do! However, there is a catch. Most airlines have an 8 kg weight limit. This weight includes the dog and the carrier bag. If your dog is a bit chunky, you might have a problem. Similarly, the bag must fit under the seat in front of you. I always use a soft-sided carrier. Also, it is more comfortable for the pup and easier to squish under a tight seat.
Below is my curated list of the 20 Best Dog Friendly european airlines. I have ranked them based on my experiences and the latest data I gathered.
Vueling
I love this Spanish airline. It is based in Barcelona. I have had some of my best flights with them. First of all, you can book your pet spot online while you buy your own ticket. This is so much better than calling a busy service center. At that time, they used to allow 10 kg, but they recently dropped the limit to 8 kg. The fee is usually around €50. Though the limit is lower now, the staff is very kind. Sometimes, if the flight is not full, they give you a seat with more legroom so your dog has space. It is a nice bonus.
Lufthansa
This is the big one from Germany. It is one of the most pet friendly european airlines out there. I fly through Frankfurt or Munich often because they have amazing facilities. They even have a Pet Lounge for animals in transit. The weight limit for the cabin is 8 kg. They are quite strict. Lufthansa check-in staff will weigh your dog and the bag together. Irfalas, a user on a travel forum, mentioned that they weigh the pet almost every time. The fee is between €55 and €100 depending on the route. Additionally, you must bring two printouts of a special form to the counter.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
I often look to KLM first when I travel toward Asia or Africa. Their main hub is Amsterdam Schiphol. They have an Animal Hotel there!. The staff at the hotel are trained by the University of Utrecht Veterinary School. On the contrary to budget airlines, KLM lets you add your pet online during booking. The cabin limit is 8 kg. The fee varies wildly from €70 to €500 depending on how far you go. Your dog must stay in the carrier under the seat for the whole flight.
Air France
Air France is the flag carrier of France. They are very supportive of tourists with pets. Their cabin limit is 8 kg. The bag size should be roughly 46 x 28 x 24 cm. I found their staff to be very helpful to nervous pet owners. Additionally, they allow dogs up to 75 kg in the hold. The fees in Europe are usually between €70 and €125. Later, if you fly international, the price can jump to €200.
ITA Airways
This Italian airline is a game-changer. Recently, Italy changed the rules. Since May 2025, Italy allows large dogs in cabin under certain conditions. ITA Airways was quick to adapt. On domestic flights, they allow a total weight of 12 kg (10 kg for the dog plus 2 kg for the bag). This is huge for people with slightly bigger dogs like a Westie or a sturdy Terrier. On international routes, the limit is 10 kg total. The fee is about €73 for domestic hops. Plus, they are quite lenient on the bag height if you use a soft carrier.
Air Europa
Another great Spanish option. They are headquartered in Madrid. This is a fantastic choice if you have a slightly heavier dog. Their policy allows 8 kg for the dog plus 2 kg for the carrier. This gives you a 10 kg total allowance. Though the carrier size is generous at 40 x 30 x 30 cm, it must be flexible. The cost is only €25 for flights within Spain and €50 within Europe. On top of that, they accept snub-nosed dogs in the cabin.
Finnair
Finnair is based in Helsinki. It is a solid option for travel in Northern Europe. The cabin weight limit is 8 kg. A cool thing about Finnair is that you do not need a “fit-to-fly” certificate. This saves a trip to the vet right before the flight. However, they only allow two pets in the cabin per flight. Therefore, you must book early. The price is about €60 for European routes. Later, if you book less than six days before the flight, the price goes up to €65.
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
SAS serves Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. They are highly regarded for their pet policies. You can bring one pet carrier per passenger. Inside that carrier, you can even have two small pets as long as they get along. The weight limit is 8 kg. Additionally, you must book within 24 hours after you buy your ticket. The fee is between €55 and €99. Though they are very friendly, they do not allow pets in Business Class cabins.
TAP Air Portugal
I fly with TAP to Lisbon quite often. They allow cats and dogs in the cabin. The weight limit is 8 kg. However, you cannot check in online if you have a dog. You must go to the counter so they can check your papers. First of all, make sure you book the pet spot as soon as possible. Key-Breadfruit9137, a user on Reddit, mentioned that the payment for the pet can sometimes be tricky on their website. Therefore, calling the service center might be safer.
Air Malta
This airline allows a variety of pets in the cabin, including rabbits and ferrets. The weight limit is 10 kg including the bag. This is great news for slightly larger small dogs. Also, they allow up to two pets in the same carrier. On the contrary, the bag size requirements are a bit small. The height limit is only 18 cm. On top of that, you can take a pet stroller for free!. The cost is €70 per flight segment.
Volotea
Volotea is a low-cost carrier based in Barcelona. They have a huge network across Europe. Their pet policy allows dogs and cats up to 10 kg including the carrier. This is a very generous limit. The fee is quite low at €39. However, I recommend choosing the Basic Fare when you book. Wylie Travel Dog mentioned that adding a pet to a “combo” fare is very difficult. Plus, they only allow two pets per flight.
Aegean Airlines
Aegean is the largest Greek airline. They allow small dogs and cats in the cabin. The weight limit is 8 kg. Additionally, the fee is €30 for domestic Greek flights and €60 for international ones. Though they are pet-friendly, they do not allow dogs on flights to London Gatwick or Düsseldorf. I always submit my paperwork to them in advance to be safe.
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group. Similarly, they follow the 8 kg weight limit for the cabin. The carrier must be soft-sided, bite-proof, and leak-proof. The fees range from €50 to €110 depending on your destination. You must register your pet at least 48 hours before the flight. I find their service to be very professional.
Iberia
This is the major airline of Spain. They also stick to the 8 kg limit. The fee is typically between €35 and €50. They allow dogs in the cabin as long as they fit in a bag of 45 x 35 x 25 cm. Gradually, I realized that Spanish airlines are among the most welcoming in the world for dog owners.
Eurowings
Eurowings is another Lufthansa subsidiary. They allow small dogs and cats in the cabin. The weight limit is 8 kg. The bag must be bite-proof and waterproof. I like flying with them because their rules are very clear. Also, they serve many smaller European airports that the big carriers miss.
SWISS
Swiss International Air Lines is based in Zurich. They welcome small pets in carriers that weigh up to 8 kg. The maximum dimensions for the bag are 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Additionally, they have very clear guidelines on their website. I have found their cabin crew to be very attentive to the needs of the animals.
Brussels Airlines
Brussels Airlines allows dogs up to 8 kg in the cabin. The bag size should not exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm. They are a great choice if you are heading to the heart of the EU. On the contrary to some other airlines, their fees are quite standard for the region.
Air Baltic
Air Baltic is based in Latvia. I used to love them because they allowed 10 kg dogs. However, they recently reduced the limit to 8 kg. Janesays, a traveler on a blog, was very disappointed by this change. Though the limit is lower, they are still a reliable choice for the Baltic region. The carrier size is 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
Norwegian Air Shuttle
Norwegian is a great low-cost option. They allow pets in the cabin on most flights. The weight limit is 8 kg. Finally, you must ensure the carrier fits under the seat. I find their booking process to be very simple.
LOT Polish Airlines
LOT allows small dogs and cats in the cabin. The weight limit is 8 kg. They recommend a low-height soft carrier. Plus, they serve many destinations in Eastern Europe that other carriers do not reach.
Large Dog Friendly Airlines Europe
What if your dog is not a tiny pup? Large dog friendly airlines europe are out there, but the rules are different. If your dog and carrier weigh more than the cabin limit, they must go in the cargo hold. This sounds scary. However, the hold is pressurized and temperature-controlled. It is designed for safe transport.
I have used the hold for my larger dogs before. Lufthansa and KLM are the best for this. Lufthansa has trained staff who handle the animals with great care. At Amsterdam Schiphol, the animals get a lot of attention at the KLM Animal Hotel. Additionally, the weight limit for the hold can be as high as 75 kg including the crate. TAP Air Portugal and Finnair also offer this service. On top of that, some airlines like Belavia even offer a seat option for dogs up to 23 kg!.
The Italian Revolution: Large Dogs in Cabin
I must mention the new rule in Italy again. It is very exciting for large dog friendly airlines europe fans. As of May 2025, Italy allows dogs that do not fit under a seat to travel in the cabin. Though you cannot just bring a Great Dane and let it roam, dogs up to 10 or 15 kg might get a pass. The dog must stay in a carrier. Additionally, the carrier is often secured with a seatbelt. This is a big step forward for animal rights in Europe.
Traveling to the UK: A Different Beast
Flying to the United Kingdom with a dog is not easy. Most dog friendly airlines eu cannot fly your pet in the cabin into the UK. British law says all animals (except assistance dogs) must arrive as manifest cargo in the hold. Therefore, if you want your dog in the cabin, you cannot fly directly to London.
I have a trick for this. I fly into Paris or Amsterdam with my dog in the cabin. Then, I take a ferry or the Eurotunnel to the UK. You need a car for this, but it is much cheaper and less stressful for the dog. First of all, remember the tapeworm treatment. It is a strict requirement for entry into the UK.
Banned Breeds and Restrictions
I feel for owners of certain breeds. Some european airlines dogs in cabin policies exclude specific dogs. Korean Air, for example, bans snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Chihuahuas. Similarly, many European airlines like Lufthansa and KLM restrict these breeds in the cargo hold because they can have trouble breathing. However, Air Europa accepts them in the cabin!.
There are also banned dog breeds in certain countries. The UK bans Pit Bull Terriers and Japanese Tosas. Germany regulates American Staffies. Denmark prohibits 13 specific breeds, including the Kangal. Therefore, research your destination before you go. If you have a restricted breed, you might need a muzzle or a special license.
FAQ
Which airlines are most dog friendly?
Vueling, Lufthansa, and KLM are highly rated for their pet-friendly services, with Vueling often providing extra space when flights are not full and Lufthansa offering a smooth booking process through well-trained staff. Air France is also noted for its supportive pet programs.
Can I fly to Europe with my dog?
Yes, dogs can fly to Europe if they meet specific health requirements, including being microchipped, having a rabies vaccination, and possessing either an EU Pet Passport or an Animal Health Certificate.
Does Wizz Air allow dogs?
No, Wizz Air is a budget carrier that generally does not allow pets to fly.
Does KLM allow pets in-cabin?
Yes, KLM allows small dogs and cats in the cabin if the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 8 kg.
Can I buy my dog a seat on an airplane?
While most airlines require pets to be under the seat, Belavia offers a seat option for larger dogs up to 23 kg, and T’Way has allowed passengers to pay for an empty middle seat to provide extra space.
Which airlines allow pets in cabins for free?
Standard pets usually require a fee, but recognized service dogs are permitted to travel for free in the cabin on most airlines, including SAS and Lufthansa.
Which European country is most dog friendly?
France, Portugal, and the Netherlands are considered highly pet-friendly because they offer extensive green spaces, pet-friendly accommodations, and allow dogs on public transport.
Does Ryanair allow dogs to fly? No, Ryanair does not permit pets to travel on their flights.
What airlines in Europe allow dogs?
Many major carriers allow dogs, including Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Iberia, Vueling, Aegean Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Finnair, and ITA Airways.
Does easyJet allow dogs?
No, easyJet is among the budget carriers that do not allow pets.
Can my dog sit on my lap during a flight?
No, airlines generally require pets to remain inside their approved carriers under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight.
What is the most pet friendly international airline?
Lufthansa and Air France are frequently cited as the top international choices for their comprehensive pet safety programs and handling.
How much is KLM pet fee?
The fee for transporting a pet with KLM varies by route, typically ranging from €70 to €500.
Is it stressful for dogs to fly?
Flying can be stressful for dogs, but you can minimize anxiety by using crate training, choosing direct flights, and providing familiar items like blankets inside the carrier.
Concluding words
Traveling with a dog in Europe is highly accessible through major carriers like Lufthansa, KLM, and Air France, which offer well-regulated cabin and hold options. While most airlines enforce an 8 kg weight limit for the cabin, some carriers like Vueling and Air Europa allow up to 10 kg.
Successful travel requires careful preparation, including obtaining an EU Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate and ensuring your dog meets all rabies vaccination and microchipping standards. Emerging regulations, such as those in Italy, are even beginning to allow larger dogs in the cabin, signaling a move toward more flexible pet travel policies across the continent.
