You've found a great flight. Good price, good timing, direct route. Then you search for the pet policy and the world falls apart a little.
Flying with a dog or cat in Europe in 2026 is genuinely achievable — but it requires knowing which airlines play ball, which ones don't, what the weight limits actually mean in practice, and a handful of trip-wire rules that catch even experienced pet travellers off guard (the UK entry rules, in particular, deserve their own section).
This guide compares the pet policies of the major European airlines so you can stop hunting through individual airline pages and get a clear picture in one place. We'll cover who allows pets in the cabin, who restricts it to the hold, which budget airlines flat-out say no, what it'll cost you, and what's changed in 2026 — including a genuinely significant regulatory shift in Italy that could signal where the rest of Europe is heading.
Important note: Airline pet policies change regularly. Always verify directly with your airline before booking. This guide reflects policies as of early 2026 based on publicly available information.
Before getting into individual airlines, it helps to understand the three categories every European carrier falls into:
Pets in the cabin — your pet travels under the seat in front of you in an approved soft-sided carrier. Only possible for small animals (typically cats and small dogs). Almost universally capped at 8kg including the carrier across European airlines, though a handful allow up to 10kg.
Pets in the hold (checked baggage / cargo) — your pet travels in a pressurised, climate-controlled section of the aircraft's hold, in a rigid IATA-approved crate. This is the only option for most medium and large dogs, and the only option on airlines that don't allow cabin pets regardless of size.
No pets at all — several major European airlines, including the continent's biggest budget carriers, simply do not accept pets in any capacity (with the exception of certified assistance dogs). This is not a weight or size issue. It is an absolute policy.
Knowing which category your preferred airline falls into before you buy your ticket is the single most important step in planning air travel with a pet.
Let's get the bad news out of the way first, because these are the airlines most European travellers book on instinct.
Ryanair does not allow pets on board — neither in the cabin nor in the cargo hold. The only exception is for certified guide and assistance dogs on select routes. The reason cited is Ryanair's ultra-low-cost model: adding pet handling would complicate logistics and increase costs — which, bluntly, goes against everything Ryanair is built on. There is no emotional support animal exception. If you were hoping to fly with your dog or cat on Ryanair, you'll need to choose a different airline for that trip.
EasyJet also restricts pets from both the cabin and the hold. Pets are not permitted unless they are recognised assistance dogs. This applies to all routes and all aircraft types. EasyJet passengers travelling with assistance dogs must inform the airline's special assistance team at least 48 hours before the flight.
Wizz Air keeps things very simple — no pets are allowed on board, neither in the cabin nor in the hold. That applies to all routes and all types of pets. The one exception is for recognised assistance dogs that accompany passengers who rely on them.
Jet2's pet travel rules mirror those of EasyJet and Ryanair — the airline does not permit pets to travel in either the cabin or hold, except for recognised assistance dogs.
TUI's pet policy allows only assistance dogs to travel with passengers in the cabin, free of charge. Pets must travel in the hold of the aircraft. Unlike the others in this group, TUI does at least offer hold transport for pets — but this varies significantly by route, so verify directly.
The pattern here is clear: if you're booking primarily on price and reach for a budget carrier by default, there is a high chance your pet won't be coming with you. Planning a European trip with your pet means building your itinerary around airlines that actually accept animals — and often paying a bit more for the flexibility.
The good news is that the majority of full-service and mid-size European airlines do accept small pets in the cabin. Here's how the major ones compare.
Air France allows small dogs and cats up to 8kg in weight, including the carrier, to travel in the cabin. The carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front, with maximum dimensions of 46 × 28 × 24cm. The fee is €50 for shorter flights within Europe, rising to €125 for long-haul routes. Pets are not permitted in Business Class. Air France also accepts pets in the hold for animals over the cabin weight limit.
Lufthansa allows small cats and dogs up to 8kg in the cabin, including the carrier — and is known for weighing pets very precisely at check-in. The soft-sided carrier must not exceed 55 × 40 × 23cm. Pets must be booked in advance and cannot travel in Business Class. Lufthansa is generally regarded as one of the better carriers for hold transport too, with trained staff and Frankfurt Airport considered one of the stronger hubs for animal handling on connecting flights.
KLM, based in the Netherlands, allows pets in the cabin with a total weight limit of 8kg including the carrier — strictly one pet per passenger. For cabin travel, the carrier must fit under the seat in front: maximum dimensions 46 × 28 × 24cm. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours before departure. KLM also accepts pets in the cargo hold up to 75kg. Fees vary by route.
Vueling, the Spanish carrier, is notably flexible. Vueling permits pets in the cabin including dogs, cats, birds, and turtles. The maximum weight for pets travelling in the cabin is 10kg, including the carrier. That 10kg allowance makes Vueling one of the more generous cabin options in Europe for slightly larger small breeds. Vueling does not allow pets in the hold, so if your pet exceeds 10kg it's not an option. Pets are not permitted in the cabin on flights to or from the UK.
Iberia allows small dogs and cats in the cabin at up to 8kg including the carrier, with a maximum carrier size of 46 × 28 × 24cm. Iberia often operates on Vueling flights and vice versa, so policies can overlap on shared routes — always check which operating carrier is actually running your flight.
TAP accepts pets in the cabin up to 8kg including the carrier, with standard soft-carrier dimensions. Pets must be booked in advance. TAP also allows hold transport for larger animals. They serve a wide range of European and intercontinental routes, making them worth considering for Iberian connections.
Aegean, the Greek national airline, permits one small cat or dog in the cabin per person, up to 8kg including the animal and carrier. For pets exceeding this limit, there are two options: the baggage compartment (up to 25kg) or cargo hold (for pets over 25kg). Costs in the cabin run from €35 for domestic flights to €65 for international routes.
Finnair meets all the key criteria for a pet-friendly airline — pets in the cabin, pets in the hold, and pets permitted in certain airport lounges. Soft-sided carriers can be up to 55 × 40 × 23cm; hard carriers are limited to 35 × 30 × 20cm. Pets weighing between 8kg and 75kg can be transported in the hold. You should book at least 7 days before the flight, and notify the airline within 24 hours of making the reservation.
Brussels Airlines permits pets in the cabin as well as in the hold. Advance booking via the Service Centre is required. The weight limit is 8kg including the carrier, which can be up to 55 × 40 × 23cm. Snub-nosed dogs and cats are permitted in the cabin subject to the completion of an additional form. Fares range from €80 for within Europe, up to €115 to the East Coast of the USA or Canada.
British Airways occupies a slightly awkward middle ground. Pets must travel in the hold — the airline does not allow pets in the cabin. The only exception made is for recognised service dogs. All other pets, including emotional support animals, need to travel in the climate-controlled hold as cargo, booked through PetAir UK for departures from the UK or IAG Cargo for arrivals. Given that no pets can enter the UK in the cabin in any case (more on this below), British Airways' policy is at least consistent with the restrictions placed on UK routes.
Volotea operates flights from multiple bases in Spain, Italy, France, and Greece. Pet cats and dogs up to 10kg (including carrier) are permitted in the cabin, except on flights to and from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Malta. The maximum carrier size is 50 × 40 × 20cm. The charge varies: €39 online or €60 at the airport.
The most significant development in European airline pet policy in recent years has happened in Italy — and it's worth paying close attention to.
As of January 2026, following a landmark resolution by Italy's National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) and support from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Italy has officially allowed medium and even large dogs to fly in the cabin on domestic routes.
ITA Airways, Italy's flag carrier, announced in February 2026 that it will allow dogs up to 30kg to fly on "large pet-friendly" scheduled domestic flights, with the flights expected to go on sale for the summer 2026 season. The final operational details are still being confirmed. For standard cabin travel on international ITA flights, the 8kg combined limit still applies.
The transition isn't a free-for-all. Dogs must remain in a carrier that is properly ventilated and secured, airlines limit the number of pets per flight, and passenger safety zones for those with allergies or phobias are being implemented.
Whether other nations follow Italy's lead remains to be seen — but for the first time in years, the trajectory in European pet aviation policy appears to be shifting in a positive direction for owners of larger breeds. Charter services remain the most consistent in-cabin option for large dogs across international routes in the meantime.
This is critical, and it's the single most common mistake made by pet owners flying to or through the UK.
No pets are permitted to fly in the cabin on any flight into the UK. This restriction also applies to airlines from other countries flying into the UK. Pet dogs and cats are not permitted to fly in the cabin on any flight into the UK — or even as checked baggage. They can only fly as cargo.
This means: even if you're flying with an airline that normally allows cabin pets on that exact route, your pet cannot travel in the cabin if the UK is your destination. This applies regardless of what the airline's standard policy says.
There are a small handful of airlines that allow dogs to fly in the cabin or as checked baggage when leaving the UK, but alternative plans are needed for the return journey.
Additionally, pets entering the UK require:
For the full breakdown of UK entry requirements, see our guide: International Pet Travel Requirements.
If you own a Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pug, Boxer, Boston Terrier, Persian cat, Himalayan cat, or any other brachycephalic breed, you need to read this section carefully.
Flat-faced breeds have compromised respiratory systems that make them particularly vulnerable in stressful, temperature-sensitive environments. Many airlines restrict or outright ban them from the cargo hold — which sounds like good news until you realise it often means they can't fly at all on those carriers if they're too large for the cabin.
ITA Airways no longer allows snub-nosed dogs like Pit Bulls, Bulldogs, or Pugs in the cargo hold as of late 2025. Even if your dog fits the weight limit, the airline won't let them fly as hold cargo.
Brussels Airlines permits snub-nosed dogs and cats in the cabin, subject to the completion of an additional form.
For brachycephalic breeds, the risks of cargo hold transport are significant — sensitivity to stress and temperature changes makes the experience particularly hazardous. If your flat-faced dog is small enough for cabin travel (under 8kg including carrier), the cabin is always preferable. If they're larger, specialist pet transport by ground — a courier or dedicated van — may be a safer option than air cargo for certain routes. See our guide: Pet Transport Services Explained: Couriers, Vans & Ground Travel.
| Airline | Pets in Cabin? | Max Weight (cabin) | Pets in Hold? | Approx. Cabin Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air France | ✅ Yes | 8kg incl. carrier | ✅ Yes | €50–€125 |
| Lufthansa | ✅ Yes | 8kg incl. carrier | ✅ Yes | Varies by route |
| KLM | ✅ Yes | 8kg incl. carrier | ✅ Yes | €70–€500 |
| Vueling | ✅ Yes | 10kg incl. carrier | ❌ No | Varies |
| Iberia | ✅ Yes | 8kg incl. carrier | ✅ Yes | Varies |
| TAP Air Portugal | ✅ Yes | 8kg incl. carrier | ✅ Yes | Varies |
| Aegean Airlines | ✅ Yes | 8kg incl. carrier | ✅ Yes | €35–€65 |
| Finnair | ✅ Yes | 8kg incl. carrier | ✅ Yes | Varies |
| Brussels Airlines | ✅ Yes | 8kg incl. carrier | ✅ Yes | €80–€115 |
| ITA Airways | ✅ Yes | 8–12kg (route dependent) | ✅ Yes | €73–€230 |
| Volotea | ✅ Yes | 10kg incl. carrier | ❌ No | €39–€60 |
| British Airways | ❌ Cabin only | — | ✅ Hold/cargo only | Via IAG Cargo |
| Ryanair | ❌ No | — | ❌ No | — |
| easyJet | ❌ No | — | ❌ No | — |
| Wizz Air | ❌ No | — | ❌ No | — |
| Jet2 | ❌ No | — | ❌ No | — |
All figures are approximate and subject to change. Always verify with your airline before booking.
Almost every European airline that allows cabin pets uses 8kg as the combined limit for pet plus carrier. That sounds simple enough — but it catches people out constantly, and here's why.
A standard soft airline carrier weighs around 0.5–1.5kg when empty. A 7kg dog in a 1kg bag equals 8kg exactly — the limit. But at check-in, that bag also needs to contain a water bowl, a travel pad, and perhaps a toy or two. Those extras add up to 200–400g fast. Add any rounding on the scales and you're suddenly over.
Weigh everything at home before you leave: your pet, their carrier, and everything that's going inside it. If you're at 7.5kg, you're not fine. You're 500g from being turned away — and at an airline like Lufthansa that is known for checking precisely, that's exactly what will happen.
Some practical pointers:
Book your pet at the same time as your own ticket. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight — typically two to five cabin pets. Spaces fill up. Adding a pet after booking often requires calling the airline directly and there may not be space.
Call to confirm even after booking online. Online booking systems don't always accurately reflect pet availability. A follow-up call to confirm your booking is on the system with the pet noted is always worth doing.
Arrive earlier than usual. Checking in with a pet takes longer. Staff need to verify documentation and weigh the carrier. Budget an extra 30–45 minutes at minimum.
Bring all documentation. For international flights, you need your pet's health certificate, vaccination records, microchip documentation, and any destination-specific permits. Keep all of this in a folder you can access quickly — not buried in a bag.
Check the layover rules if you have a connection. Connecting flights add complexity. The pet policies of the operating carrier on each leg may differ. Transit rules for the stopover country also apply. A direct flight with a slightly less convenient schedule is usually worth it.
Don't assume the same rules apply on the return journey. Especially relevant for UK travel — as noted above, the rules for entering the UK are stricter than leaving it, and many airlines only allow pets in the cabin in one direction.
A new generation of airlines is emerging that cater specifically to the canine set — services like Bark Air and K9 Jets. Until these are up to scale, prices remain higher for these options. But for large dog owners who need in-cabin options on international routes, private charter and pet-specific charter services currently represent the most consistent solution.
Private jet companies also offer pet travel as standard, with no weight limits and no breed restrictions — at the appropriate price point. For those relocating internationally with a large or restricted breed, the maths on a charter versus repeat ground transport plus ferry crossings can sometimes be closer than expected.
Flying your pet is only one part of the equation. Getting your pet to and from the airport, especially with documentation that has strict validity windows, is where things can get complicated on the ground.
Get Pet Go lists pet travel services across all transport types — including airport transfers and specialist pet couriers who understand the timing constraints of health certificates and connecting travel. You can filter by:
Whether you need a door-to-door service to get your cat to a pet-friendly airline departure point, or a specialist courier to meet your dog on arrival, Get Pet Go connects you with providers who know what they're doing.
👉 Search pet transport services on Get Pet Go
The major European airlines that allow pets in the cabin include Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, Vueling, Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, Aegean Airlines, Finnair, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, and Volotea, among others. Most allow pets up to 8kg (including carrier) in the cabin. Budget carriers Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and Jet2 do not allow pets in the cabin or hold.
No. The main budget airlines that don't allow pets in the cabin include easyJet and its subsidiaries, Ryanair, and Wizz Air and its subsidiaries. None of these carriers accept pets in the cabin or the hold — only certified assistance or guide dogs are permitted, and only on selected routes.
The combined weight of the pet and carrier must usually be within 8kg for most European airlines, though some allow up to 10kg. This is a total limit — the carrier weight counts too. Always weigh everything together before travelling.
No. No pets are permitted to fly in the cabin on any flight into the UK. Dogs and cats can only enter the UK as air cargo. This applies regardless of the airline's normal pet policy.
It depends on the airline and the transport method. Many airlines now restrict brachycephalic breeds from the cargo hold due to breathing risks. Some allow them in the cabin if they meet weight and size limits. Always check your specific airline's breed restrictions before booking — and consider ground transport alternatives for flat-faced breeds that don't qualify for cabin travel.
Cabin pet fees on European airlines typically range from €35 to €125 per journey, depending on the airline and route length. Hold transport varies more widely — from around €95 for short domestic hold journeys to €350 or more for longer international legs. Always check the specific fee with your airline at time of booking.
Most airlines limit cabin pets to two to five per flight, with typically one pet allowed per passenger. Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Always book your pet at the same time as your own ticket to secure a spot.
Yes — cats are accepted by most of the same airlines that allow small dogs in the cabin, under the same weight and size restrictions. The 8kg total limit (cat plus carrier) applies universally on airlines that allow cabin pets.
For intra-EU travel, pets need a microchip, an up-to-date EU Pet Passport confirming rabies vaccination status, and compliance with any destination-specific requirements. For travel to non-EU countries, a veterinary health certificate is typically required, issued within 10 days of travel. For UK entry, an Animal Health Certificate from an Official Vet is mandatory, plus tapeworm treatment for dogs. See the full requirements in our guide: International Pet Travel Requirements.
It depends on your pet's size and your route. For small pets in the cabin, Vueling and Volotea offer a slightly higher 10kg allowance. For large dogs, ITA Airways' upcoming large pet-friendly domestic flights (up to 30kg) are the most progressive option currently available in Europe. For hold transport, Lufthansa and Finnair are consistently well-regarded. There's no single "best" airline — the right one depends on your specific route, pet size, and breed.
This article is intended as general guidance and reflects publicly available airline pet policy information as of early 2026. Airline policies change frequently and without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your airline and the relevant government authority for your destination before booking.
Last updated: April 2026