I remember the first time I looked at my dog and thought about taking him across the ocean. The idea felt like a dream. However, it also felt like a giant puzzle. I asked myself a simple question. Can you fly to Europe with a dog? It turns out that you absolutely can. According to the sources, about 78% of American pet owners now travel with their furry friends every single year. The pet travel world is growing by 9.5% each year too. If you are a mature traveler who loves to see the world, you do not have to leave your best friend behind.
I have spent many years learning how to navigate dog friendly flights to europe. It takes a lot of work. You need to plan. You need to prepare. You need to know which airlines will treat your pup like royalty. First of all, I want to share my list of the 20 Best Dog Friendly Flights to Europe based on my research and experiences. This is not just a list. This is a guide to help you and your dog reach the Eiffel Tower or the canals of Amsterdam safely.
The Big Question: Is It Possible?
Many people worry about the safety of their pets on long trips. Roger Wellington once said, 10-hour flight is long for any human… dog pawrents flying their dog for the first time internationally tend to feel immense anxiety”***.
Though it is stressful, the reward is worth it. You should know that dog friendly airlines us to europe exist. They make it easier to stay together. Plus, traveling with your dog means you do not have to worry about them back home. It is about peace of mind.
The Top 5 U.S. Based Airlines for European Travel
If you are starting your journey from the United States, you have several great options. These are the dog friendly airlines us to europe that I trust the most.
1. Delta Airlines
Delta is a giant in the sky. They allow small dogs to travel in the cabin if they meet certain rules. Your dog must fit inside a small, soft-sided kennel. This kennel goes under the seat in front of you. Delta suggests a size of 18 x 11 x 11 inches.
You should know that Delta does not have a strict weight limit for the dog. However, the dog must be able to move around comfortably inside the bag. The fee for this usually ranges from $95 to $125 each way. It is a solid choice for dog friendly flights to europe from usa.
2. United Airlines
United is another top pick. They allow dogs in the cabin with no specific breed or weight limits for in-cabin pets. This is great news for people with small, sturdy dogs. The carrier must stay under the seat. A soft-sided carrier can be up to 18 x 11 x 11 inches.
I appreciate that United does not allow snub-nosed breeds in the cargo hold. They do this for safety. Therefore, if you have a Pug or a Bulldog, the cabin is the only way to go with them.
3. American Airlines
American Airlines permits small dogs in the cabin on selected routes. They usually allow flights up to 12 hours. Your dog must fit in a carrier that stays under the seat. Fees generally range from $125 to $150.
Additionally, American Airlines refuses to put snub-nosed dogs in the cargo hold under any circumstances. They care about the breathing risks these dogs face.
4. JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is very popular, but they are strict. They have a 20-pound limit. This limit includes both the dog and the carrier. They enforce this rule very carefully. The carrier cannot be larger than 17 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches.
The fee is $125 each way. JetBlue does not have a cargo option. This means your dog must be small to fly with them.
5. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is known for being very flexible. They allow dogs, cats, and even rabbits in the cabin. The fee is about $100. Your soft-sided carrier should be around 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches.
They are often called one of the most lenient airlines. A positive attitude with the gate agents can go a long way here.
The European Experts: 15 Amazing Airlines
Once you are looking at european pet friendly airlines, the rules change a little. Most European airlines have an 8 kg (17.6 lb) weight limit for the cabin.
6. Air France
I love Air France. They really seem to care about pets. They allow dogs in the cabin if the total weight of the dog and bag is under 8 kg. The bag size should be 46 x 28 x 24 cm.
If your dog is bigger, they can travel in the hold if they weigh up to 75 kg. Fees for the cabin can go up to €200 for long trips.
7. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM is world-famous for its pet services. They provide excellent guidance for travelers. The weight limit is 8 kg for the cabin. Your carrier must fit under the seat and be no larger than 46 x 28 x 24 cm.
They do not allow most snub-nosed dogs in the cargo hold. Safety is their priority. I found that their staff is very well-trained in handling animals.
8. Lufthansa
Lufthansa is a very popular choice for dog friendly flights to europe. They allow small dogs in the cabin for a fee of about €75 within Europe. The weight limit is 8 kg.
You must bring two copies of a specific form to the check-in desk. Lufthansa has banned snub-nosed breeds from the cargo hold since 2020.
9. Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS)
SWISS follows the standard 8 kg limit for the cabin. The carrier size is 55 x 40 x 23 cm. They are very professional. If you fly directly to Switzerland, your dog will be checked by customs at the airport.
10. Iberia
This Spanish airline is great for reaching the Mediterranean. They allow dogs, cats, and even birds in the cabin. The weight limit is 8 kg. The fee is around €60 for flights in Europe.
11. TAP Air Portugal
TAP Air Portugal is a wonderful way to enter Europe. They allow pets in the cabin up to 8 kg. They recently increased the carrier height limit to 23 cm.
You must book your pet at least 24 hours in advance. Fees are about €70 for flights within Europe.
12. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
SAS serves Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. They allow pets in the cabin for a fee of about €55 to €99. The weight limit is 8 kg. I recommend booking early because they limit the number of pets on each flight.
13. Aegean Airlines
Aegean is a high-quality Greek airline. They make it very easy to add a pet to your online booking. The fee is only €35 for domestic flights and €65 for international ones.
The weight limit is 8 kg. I was impressed with their roomy seats and the meal service.
14. Vueling
Vueling is a budget-friendly option based in Spain. They allow dogs in the cabin up to 8 kg. This limit was recently reduced from 10 kg. Fees start at €50 for domestic flights.
15. Air Canada
If you are traveling through Canada, Air Canada is a top choice. They allow small dogs in the cabin for about $50 to $100. Your dog must be at least 12 weeks old.
16. ITA Airways
The new Italian airline, ITA Airways, is very generous. On domestic flights in Italy, they allow a total weight of 12 kg (10 kg for the dog and 2 kg for the bag). On international flights, the limit is 8 kg for the dog.
17. Brussels Airlines
Brussels Airlines allows pets in the cabin for €60 within Europe. They even allow snub-nosed dogs in the cabin if you complete a special form.
18. Finnair
Finnair is a great way to reach Northern Europe. They charge €60 for short trips in the cabin. You can add your pet to your booking online very easily.
19. Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines permits dogs in the cabin up to 8 kg. They require carriers to be “insulated against odours”. The fee is about €65 for flights within Europe.
20. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines is famous for its pet-friendly hub in Istanbul. They have pet-only check-in counters and relief areas with food dispensers. The weight limit is 8 kg.
The Challenge of Large Dogs
I often get asked about large dog friendly flights to europe. This is a much harder task. Most big dogs must fly in the cargo hold. However, the cargo hold can be scary for many owners.
If you have the budget, you should look into Big dogs in cabin airlines that offer private or semi-private flights.
- Bark Air and RetrieveAir: These are new services in the U.S. that allow dogs of any size to sit in the cabin beside you.
- K9 Jets and JSX: These boutique services allow large dogs in the cabin if you purchase an extra seat.
These options are much more expensive. You might pay between $8,000 and $50,000 for a private jet experience. For many people, this is the only way they feel safe traveling with a big dog.
Special Care for Snub-Nosed Breeds
I have a Pug named ***”Puglo”***. I know the struggle of a flat-faced dog. These breeds have shorter skulls that make breathing hard in hot or stressful places.
Most airlines ban these breeds from the cargo hold. This is for their safety. I’ve flown with my pug in the cabin countless times. The cabin is the safest place because the temperature is controlled and you can watch them.
Airlines like Delta, United, and Air France are great because they allow these breeds in the cabin. Just make sure your dog meets the weight limits. If your snub-nosed dog is too big for the cabin, you might need to look at ground transport or ferries.
The “Paperwork Mountain” You Must Climb
Do not wait until the last minute for paperwork. It can take several months to get everything ready.
First of all, your dog needs a microchip. This must happen before the rabies shot. Later, your dog must get a rabies vaccination. You must wait at least 21 days after the shot before you can travel.
Finally, you need an EU animal health certificate. A USDA-approved vet must sign this within 10 days of your arrival in Europe. If you are a resident of the EU, you can use a European pet passport instead.
Additionally, if you are going to the UK, Ireland, Finland, or Malta, your dog needs a tapeworm treatment. This must be given by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before you arrive.
What Will This Trip Cost You?
Flying a dog is not cheap. Most people spend between $1,500 and $5,000 total.
- Small dogs in cabin: Usually $150 to $400 for a round trip in airline fees.
- Large dogs in cargo: Often $1,000 to $3,000.
- Vet fees and certificates: Can cost between $200 and $600.
- Carrier and gear: Expect to spend $50 to $400 depending on the size.
Survival Tips for a 10-Hour Flight
A long flight is a big test. I have learned a few tricks over the years.
- Exercise is key. You should take your dog on a very long walk before heading to the airport. A tired dog is a happy dog.
- Watch the food. Do not overfeed your dog before the flight. A light meal 4 to 6 hours before travel is best to prevent motion sickness.
- Prepare for accidents. Place a pee pad inside the carrier just in case. Pack wipes and poop bags in your carry-on.
- No sedation. Most airlines and vets say you should not sedate your dog. It can cause breathing problems at high altitudes.
- Comfort items. Put a favorite toy or a blanket with your scent inside the carrier.
Arriving in Europe: The Heathrow Example
Entering the UK is very different from the rest of Europe. Pets cannot fly in the cabin into the UK. They must arrive as manifest cargo.
When your pet lands at London Heathrow, they go to the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC). They get a health check and a bathroom break. This process can take one to five hours.
If you want your dog in the cabin, many people fly to Paris or Amsterdam instead. Then, they take a pet taxi through the Channel Tunnel to reach the UK.
FAQ
Which airline is the most dog friendly?
While many airlines are accommodating, Alaska Airlines and Copa Airlines are noted for being relatively flexible with carriers and seating. KLM is recognized for providing excellent pet travel guidance, and Turkish Airlines offers specialized pet-only check-in counters and relief areas at its Istanbul hub.
Do European airlines allow dogs?
Yes, the vast majority of European carriers permit small dogs to fly in the cabin. Major airlines such as Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, and SWISS allow small pets if they meet specific weight and carrier requirements.
How much does it cost to fly a dog to Europe?
Total costs for moving a dog to Europe typically range between $1,500 and $3,000. Individual airline fees for in-cabin travel generally fall between $40 and $200 per flight segment.
Can I buy a plane seat for my dog?
Yes, some airlines like S7 Airlines, Belavia, and Aeroflot allow you to book a separate seat for your pet in the cabin, often accommodating slightly larger animals up to 23 kg. Some U.S. carriers like JetBlue and Delta may also offer the option to purchase an extra seat for more space.
Which airlines allow dogs in cabins?
Numerous airlines allow in-cabin travel, including Alaska, American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest, Air Canada, WestJet, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Iberia, and Turkish Airlines.
Can I take my 50 lb dog on a plane?
A 50 lb dog is too large for the cabin on standard commercial flights and must usually travel in the climate-controlled cargo hold. However, specialized services like Bark Air and RetrieveAir allow dogs of any size to travel in the passenger cabin.
How much is a plane ticket for a dog?
In-cabin pet fees are usually between $95 and $200. If your dog must fly in cargo, the cost increases significantly, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.
How do I fly to Europe with dogs?
To fly to Europe, your dog must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. You must obtain an EU animal health certificate from a USDA-approved veterinarian within 10 days of arrival and use a ventilated, leak-proof carrier.
Concluding Words
Flying to Europe with a dog is highly achievable if you choose a pet-friendly airline and prepare thoroughly. Most European carriers accommodate small pets in the cabin up to an 8 kg weight limit, while larger dogs or specific breeds may require cargo transport or specialized charter services. Success depends on adhering to strict documentation rules—including microchips, rabies vaccinations, and health certificates—and ensuring your dog is comfortable in its carrier well before departure.
