I remember the first time I planned to cross the Atlantic with my loyal French bulldog, Helga. My heart raced as I stared at the computer screen. I asked myself: can dogs fly to europe? The answer is a loud yes, but the path is not always easy. I spent months reading rules and calling offices. Europe is a place of wonder. You can travel from Seville to Vienna in less than three hours by plane. However, not every plane is a welcome home for your furry friend. I want to share my journey with you so you can find the 16 Best Dog Friendly flights europe has to offer.
First of all, you must understand the basics. Most dog friendly european airlines allow small pets in the cabin if they stay in a soft bag under the seat. The magic number for weight is usually 8 kilograms. This weight must include both the dog and the carrier. Though it sounds tight, many dogs fit this limit. On top of that, you must ensure your pup is at least 12 to 15 weeks old before they take to the sky.
Gradually, I learned that preparation is the most important part of the trip. You need a microchip, an EU pet passport, and a rabies vaccine that is up to date. Statistics show that pet travel is safer than people think. In the United States, the death rate for pets on planes is less than 0.006%. This is a very small number, but safety still comes first. Later, I will tell you about the best airlines for your journey.
Air France
I started my search with Air France. It is a giant in the sky. It allows cats and dogs in the cabin to all countries in the European Union. However, your dog and bag must not weigh more than 8 kilograms. The soft bag size is restricted to 46 x 28 x 24 cm. I found the fee is usually between €70 and €125 within Europe. Additionally, they allow larger dogs in the hold if they weigh up to 75 kilograms. A big airline. A lot of rules.
Similarly, they do not allow pets in the business cabin on long flights for safety reasons. I once talked to a traveler named Ready-Speaker8611 who flew with a Shih Tzu. She said the ticket agent in Seattle did not even weigh her dog! She just showed the papers and walked onto the plane. Still, you should never count on luck. Always follow the rules.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM is a sister to Air France and is one of the most pet friendly airlines europe provides. They allow one dog or cat per person in the cabin. The weight limit is the standard 8 kilograms. Plus, the bag size is 46 x 28 x 24 cm. Fees for these flights range from €70 to €500 depending on where you go.
If your dog is big, the hold is an option. KLM is famous for its Animal Hotel at Amsterdam Schiphol. They take great care of pets during long breaks. However, pets in the hold are not allowed if your stop is longer than three hours. At that time, they want to ensure the animal is safe and fed. Therefore, you should check your schedule closely.
Lufthansa
Next is Lufthansa, the pride of Germany. I consider them very helpful. They fly to over 30 cities in Germany and many other places like Switzerland. First of all, they are very strict about weight. They weigh the dog and the bag together, and you must stay under 8 kilograms. The bag size is 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
Fees for a dog friendly european airlines flight here are usually €70 to €100. On top of that, they have a special animal lounge in Frankfurt. It is a world-class facility. One traveler on Reddit said it was a dream. Though they are strict, they are professional. A firm hand. A safe flight.
Vueling
Vueling is a surprise for many. It is a low-cost airline from Spain that actually likes dogs. Most budget airlines like Ryanair or Wizz Air say no to pets. But Vueling says yes! They allow pets in the cabin on many flights to cities like Barcelona and Madrid.
They used to have a 10-kilogram limit, but it recently changed to 8 kilograms. The fee is about €50 for domestic trips and €60 for international ones. Additionally, they only allow a few pets per flight. You must book early. First come, first served.
Iberia
We stay in Spain with Iberia. This is another top choice for dog friendly flights europe. They allow small dogs, cats, and even birds in the cabin. The weight limit is 8 kilograms, and the bag must be no bigger than 45 x 35 x 25 cm.
Fees are quite low, starting at €40 for flights inside Spain. However, they do not allow pets in the cabin on flights to or from the United Kingdom. This is a common rule for many airlines. The UK has very hard laws about pets. Therefore, always check the destination rules before you buy a ticket.
TAP Air Portugal
TAP Portugal is great for small to medium dogs. They fly to Lisbon, Porto, and many other sunny spots. Their cabin limit is 8 kilograms, and the bag size is 45 x 30 x 23 cm.
I found the online booking fee is about €40 for domestic flights and €70 for Europe. Later, if you book at the airport, the price goes up. Additionally, they accept larger dogs in the hold up to 32 kilograms. Plus, they are known for being kind to animals. A warm welcome. A smooth ride.
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
If you want to see the north, choose SAS. They serve Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. They are very pet friendly airlines europe travelers love. The weight limit is 8 kilograms, and the carrier size is 40 x 25 x 23 cm.
Fees vary from €55 to €149. One cool thing is that they allow two pets in one carrier if they are small and know each other. Though space is tight, it can save money. On top of that, they allow pets in the hold on most flights. A reliable choice for the cold north.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines opens the door to the beauty of Turkey. They allow dogs in both the cabin and the hold. The weight limit for the cabin is 8 kilograms. The bag size is 40 x 30 x 23 cm.
I love the new Istanbul Airport. It has five pet relief rooms. They even have kibble dispensers and fire hydrants for dogs to use! Statistics show this airport is one of the busiest in the world, yet they still care for dogs. Plus, they have special check-in counters just for pets. A luxury experience.
Swiss International Air Lines
Swiss Air is the way to see the mountains. They allow up to two pets per person. One can be in the cabin and one in the hold, or both in the hold. The cabin weight limit is 8 kilograms. The bag size is 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
Fees start around €65 for domestic flights. Additionally, the hold has no weight limit for the animal, but the crate must be the right size. Switzerland is a very dog-friendly country. Therefore, the flight is usually very easy. A quiet cabin. A happy pup.
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines is a sister to Lufthansa. They have similar rules for pet friendly flights europe. The weight limit is 8 kilograms, and the bag size is 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
Fees are usually €65 to €125. I once read about a traveler named Better_Protection382 who said they were very careful about weighing the dog at check-in. Though they are strict, they ensure everyone is comfortable. On top of that, they provide great service. A taste of Vienna in the air.
Brussels Airlines
Brussels Airlines is the flag carrier of Belgium. They allow pets in the cabin if the bag and dog are under 8 kilograms. The bag size is 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
They charge about €80 for flights within Europe. Additionally, they allow up to four dogs per passenger in total, but they must be at least 15 weeks old. Plus, they are very clear about their rules. No surprises. Just flying.
Finnair
Finnair is the best for flying to Finland. They allow pets in the cabin on both short and some long flights. The weight limit is 8 kilograms, and the bag size is 55 x 40 x 20 cm.
The fee is €60 for short trips if you book early. On top of that, Helsinki Airport was one of the first in Europe to have pet relief areas. It has a 24-hour room near Gate 51. Similarly, there is an outdoor zone for the summer. A smart choice for the north.
Volotea
Volotea is a budget airline from Spain that is very generous. While others have an 8-kilogram limit, Volotea allows up to 10 kilograms! This is perfect for a dog that is just a bit bigger.
The carrier size is 50 x 40 x 20 cm. Fees start low at €39 if you book online. However, they only fly to certain cities in Spain, Italy, and France. Therefore, check their map. A great deal for a slightly bigger dog.
ITA Airways
ITA Airways is the new flag carrier of Italy. They have a very special rule. On domestic flights within Italy, they allow pets up to 10 kilograms in the cabin. Including the carrier, the total can be 12 kilograms!
However, on international flights, the limit goes back to 8 kilograms. The carrier size is 40 x 24 x 20 cm. Fees range from €73 to €230. Italy is changing its rules to be more pet-friendly. Gradually, more airlines might follow. A big step for big dogs.
KM Malta Airlines
KM Malta Airlines replaced the old Air Malta. They kept the good rules. They allow pets in the cabin up to 10 kilograms! This is one of the highest limits in Europe.
The fee is a flat €85 for a one-way trip. Carrier dimensions are small at 40 x 34 x 18 cm, and only soft bags are allowed. Malta is an island with strict health rules. You must have a vet check within 72 hours of the flight. Proper planning makes it easy.
K9 Jets (For Large Dogs)
If you have a big dog, you might ask: are there large dog friendly airlines europe has for the cabin? The answer is usually no for big planes. But K9 Jets is different. It is a private jet service where dogs of any size can sit in the cabin.
They fly between the U.S. and Europe, including cities like London, Paris, and Frankfurt. There is no weight limit for your dog. I watched a video by Kevin Bubolz who flew his two Golden Retrievers this way. He said the dogs just slept on the floor while he drank champagne. Though it costs more, it is a dream for big dog owners. No crates. No stress. Just luxury.
Important Rules to Remember
Which airlines allow dogs in cabin europe? As you see, many do. However, you must follow the IATA standards for your carrier. The bag must be well-ventilated and big enough for the dog to stand up and turn around. Statistics from the AMC show that snub-nosed dogs like Pugs have a higher risk of breathing problems. In fact, 89% of their pet fatalities involved these breeds. Therefore, some airlines will not let them fly in the hold.
Additionally, you should never use sedatives without a vet’s advice. High altitude and drugs can be a deadly mix. Plus, most airlines like KLM and Luxair do not allow them at all. Keep your dog calm with a familiar toy or blanket instead.
Large Dogs in the Hold
If you can not afford a private jet, your big dog must go in the hold. This is a climate-controlled area under the plane. It is quiet and pressurized. Airlines like Lufthansa and Air France are famous for this. They allow dogs up to 75 kilograms including the crate.
Though it sounds scary, many dogs do fine. I read a story from niktrot who flew a large dog in cargo. She said it was a dream and the dog was happy the next day. However, others have had a hard time. One dog named Schnitzel refused to go to the bathroom for 19 hours because he wanted grass! Therefore, you must prepare for a long day.
Airport Relief Areas
Finding a place for your dog to go “potty” is a challenge in Europe. In the USA, these areas are common, but Europe is slower to catch up. However, things are getting better.
- London Heathrow: Has rooms in Terminals 2 to 5 after security.
- Dublin Airport: Has a room in Terminal 2.
- Paris CDG: Has two fenced dog parks called “espace canin”.
- Madrid Barajas: Has an outdoor area near Parking P1.
If there is no official area, look for grass outside the terminal before you check in. Most airports like Prague or Marseille have grassy spots within a short walk.
FAQ
Can I fly to Europe with my dog?
Yes, you can take your dog on a trip across the ocean. You must ensure your pet has a microchip, a valid rabies vaccine, and the right health papers. At that time, I felt so much worry about the forms, but the process is simple if you plan ahead.
Which airlines are most dog friendly?
Vueling is a top choice for travelers who want a smooth experience. Lufthansa also provides excellent care and has a world-class animal lounge in Frankfurt. Similarly, KLM makes the booking process very easy for pet owners.
Where to travel in Europe with a dog?
Spain is a sunny place that welcomes dogs in many cities. Germany and France also offer many routes where your furry friend can join you. Italy is another great spot because it has many pet facilities.
Does Air Europa allow pets?
Yes, they do allow pets on their flights. You can take a dog in the cabin if the total weight with the bag is 10 kilograms or less. Additionally, they allow animals to travel in the hold if they are larger.
Which airlines allow dogs in cabin in Europe?
Many large airlines like Air France, KLM, and Lufthansa allow small dogs in the cabin. You can also find pet-friendly budget options like Vueling or Volotea. Plus, TAP Air Portugal and SWISS are reliable choices for your pet.
Can I buy a seat for my dog on an airplane?
A few airlines in Eastern Europe like Aeroflot and S7 Airlines allow you to buy a separate seat for a pet. On top of that, K9 Jets offers a shared private flight where your dog can sit next to you on a leash. Though it costs more, it is a very comfortable way to fly.
What if my dog barks during the flight?
Frantic sounds or loud noises are often a sign that your dog feels stress. You should keep them calm with a familiar toy or an old piece of clothing in their bag. However, airlines have the right to deny travel if a pet acts in an aggressive way.
Which airlines allow pets in cabins for free?
Trained service dogs usually fly in the cabin for no charge. Additionally, certain high-price tickets on Aeroflot include a pet in the cabin for free. Most other travelers must pay a fee between €35 and €250.
Can I take my 50 lb dog on a plane?
A dog of that size is too big for the cabin on most regular flights. They must travel in the hold as checked baggage or cargo. On the contrary, you can use a private service like K9 Jets or Bark Air to keep a large dog in the cabin with you.
What is the most dog friendly country in Europe?
Switzerland is a very kind place for animals and has easy rules for entry. Germany also ranks high because of its professional airport lounges and pet-friendly cities. Plus, Italy and France have many airports with new areas for pets to use.
Is it hard to fly internationally with a dog?
It is a complex task that requires a lot of work before you leave. You must start your plans at least six months in advance to get all the shots and papers ready. Additionally, the paperwork for some countries can take up to three or six months to complete.
How much does it cost to fly your dog to Europe?
Cabin fees for small dogs usually range from €35 to €150. Though small, these costs can go up to €250 for long flights. Later, if you have a large dog in the hold, the price can reach €500.
Do Emirates allow dogs?
Emirates is listed as an airline that carries animals. However, they generally require pets to travel as cargo rather than in the cabin. Therefore, you should check their specific rules for your route.
Do Ryanair accept pets?
No, they do not accept pets on any of their flights. Only recognized guide or assistance dogs can go on their planes. Most budget carriers in Europe say no, but Vueling is a happy exception.
Can I travel Europe with my dog?
Yes, it is very easy to move between countries once you are inside the borders. Your EU health certificate stays valid for four months of travel between different member states. A happy pup. A great trip.
Concluding words
Finding the 16 Best Dog Friendly flights europe provides is the first step toward a perfect vacation. Most airlines have an 8-kilogram weight limit for the cabin, but some like Volotea and ITA Airways allow up to 10 or 12 kilograms. You must prepare your pet with a microchip and vaccines at least 21 days before you fly.
Whether you choose the luxury of a private jet or a professional airline like Lufthansa, Europe is a wonderful place for you and your best friend. Proper planning ensures a safe and happy journey for everyone.
