Aegean Airlines Pet Travel Policy

Can You Fly with Pets on A3?

Yes, A3 allows dogs and cats to travel with you. You have three options: in the cabin with you, in checked baggage (hold), or via cargo. Each option has different rules, carrier requirements, and costs. The good news is that A3 welcomes small pets in the cabin on most routes — but you'll need to book in advance and meet specific requirements.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Cabin pet fee: €50 one-way per pet
• Max pets per passenger (cabin): 2
• Cabin carrier dimensions: 55cm (L) × 40cm (W) × 20cm (H)
• Max carrier weight (with pet): 8kg
• Minimum pet age (cabin): 16 weeks
• Minimum pet age (checked/cargo): 10 weeks
• Advance booking required: At least 24 hours before departure
• Health certificate validity: 10 days before travel
• Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
• Cold embargo threshold: -6.7°C (20°F)

Flying in the Cabin with Your Pet

This is the most popular option for small dogs and cats. Your pet stays with you in the cabin, which reduces stress and keeps them visible throughout the flight.

Who Can Fly in the Cabin?

• Dogs and cats only (other animals require cargo or checked baggage)
• Must be at least 16 weeks old
• Must fit in an approved soft-sided carrier
• Cannot be visibly pregnant
• Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are banned: Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers cannot travel in the cabin on A3

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Your carrier must meet these exact dimensions:

• Length: Maximum 55cm
• Width: Maximum 40cm
• Height: Maximum 20cm
• Combined weight (pet + carrier): Maximum 8kg
• Type: Soft-sided carriers are required — they fit under the seat in front of you
• Ventilation: Mesh panels on sides for adequate airflow
• Interior: Absorbent mat or liner to manage accidents

Tip: Measure your carrier before booking. Many pet carriers sold as "airline-approved" are actually too large. Soft-sided carriers compress slightly, which helps them fit under the seat.

Booking Your Pet in the Cabin

• Book at least 24 hours in advance
• You can book online, by phone, or at the airport (though advance booking is strongly recommended)
• Maximum 2 pets per passenger
• Cost: €50 per pet, one-way

Checked Baggage (Hold) Travel

If your pet is too large for the cabin or you prefer this option, checked baggage allows travel in the aircraft hold. This is less common but available on A3.

Eligibility

• Minimum age: 10 weeks (must be fully weaned)
• Cannot be visibly pregnant
• Brachycephalic breeds restricted due to respiratory risks — confirm with A3 if your breed is affected

Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage

• Type: Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate (soft-sided not accepted)
• Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides
• Water bowl: Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside
• Absorbent liner: Required to manage accidents
• Live Animals label: "Live Animals" stickers with orientation arrows must be displayed

Temperature Restrictions

A3 will not accept pets in checked baggage if:

• Temperature at origin or destination exceeds 29.4°C (85°F)
• Temperature drops below -6.7°C (20°F) — unless you have a vet-issued acclimation certificate

Check the weather forecast for your travel dates. Summer and winter travel may be restricted.

Advance Booking

Checked baggage pet travel must be pre-booked. You cannot show up at the airport with a pet without prior arrangement. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight.

Cargo Travel

For larger dogs or when other options aren't suitable, A3 offers dedicated pet cargo service. This is a specialized service with its own requirements.

Eligibility

• Minimum age: 10 weeks (fully weaned)
• Cannot be visibly pregnant
• Brachycephalic breeds are restricted

Carrier Requirements for Cargo

• Type: Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate (mandatory)
• Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides per IATA Live Animals Regulations
• Water bowl: Attached water bowl or trough
• Absorbent liner: Required
• Live Animals label: Required with orientation arrows

Temperature Restrictions

Same as checked baggage:

• No travel above 29.4°C (85°F)
• No travel below -6.7°C (20°F) without vet acclimation certificate

Booking Cargo

Cargo must be pre-booked. Contact A3 directly for pricing and availability, as cargo fees vary by route and pet size.

Important Health & Documentation Requirements

Health Certificate (All Travel Methods)

A vet-issued health certificate is required for all pets traveling on A3. This is non-negotiable.

• Validity: Must be issued within 10 days of your departure date
• Timing: Get it as close to departure as possible — some destinations require 7 days, so don't wait
• What it covers: Confirms your pet is healthy and fit to fly

Vaccinations & Identification

• Rabies vaccination: Current rabies vaccination is required
• Microchip: Mandatory for all pets traveling on A3
• EU Pet Passport or equivalent: Required (or government-endorsed health documentation for non-EU travel)

International Travel

If traveling internationally, your destination country may have additional requirements. Check the specific country's import rules well in advance — some countries require import permits, additional vaccinations, or quarantine periods.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Dogs & Cats

A3 bans certain snub-nosed breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. These breeds cannot fly in the cabin:

• Bulldog
• Pug
• Boston Terrier

For checked baggage and cargo, brachycephalic breeds are restricted (not outright banned). If your pet is a flat-faced breed, contact A3 before booking to confirm eligibility.

For Persian cats, similar restrictions apply — confirm directly with A3.

See our brachycephalic breed flying guide for more details and alternative airlines.

Special Cases: Pregnant Pets & Sedation

Pregnant Pets

A3 does not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, do not attempt to book travel. Confirm with A3 if you're unsure about your pet's condition.

Sedation

Do not sedate your pet. IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedation during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. Never sedate your pet unless explicitly instructed by both your veterinarian and the airline — which is extremely rare.

Assistance Animals

A3 has a separate policy for assistance animals (service dogs, emotional support animals, etc.). Assistance animals require pre-approval and specific documentation. Contact A3 directly to discuss your assistance animal's travel needs — they do not follow the standard pet policy.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Travel Checklist

6-8 Weeks Before Travel

• Confirm your pet meets age requirements (16 weeks for cabin, 10 weeks for checked/cargo)
• Check if your breed is restricted (especially if brachycephalic)
• Verify your pet's microchip is working and registered
• Ensure rabies vaccination is current
• Check destination country's import requirements

2-3 Weeks Before Travel

• Schedule a vet appointment for health certificate (must be within 10 days of departure)
• Measure your carrier and confirm it meets A3 dimensions
• If traveling internationally, apply for any required import permits

10 Days Before Travel

• Get your pet's health certificate from your vet
• Confirm your EU Pet Passport or equivalent documentation is valid

24+ Hours Before Travel

• Book your pet with A3 (online, phone, or airport — but advance booking is essential)
• Prepare your carrier with absorbent liner
• Pack water bowl, food, and comfort items
• Ensure your pet has used the bathroom before boarding

At the Airport

• Arrive early with all documentation ready
• Have health certificate, microchip proof, vaccination records, and Pet Passport accessible
• Keep your pet in the carrier until boarding
• Inform cabin crew if your pet shows signs of distress

Practical Tips for Flying with Your Pet on A3

• Soft-sided carriers compress: They're designed to fit under the seat. Don't force it — if it doesn't fit naturally, your carrier is too large.
• Absorbent liners are essential: Use puppy pads or washable liners. Accidents happen during flight, and you want to contain them.
• Book early: A3 limits pets per flight. Don't wait until the last minute.
• Avoid peak travel times: Summer and extreme winter temperatures trigger embargoes. Spring and fall are safer for pet travel.
• Acclimate your pet: Let your pet spend time in the carrier at home before the flight. This reduces stress.
• Hydration matters: For checked baggage and cargo, ensure the water bowl is accessible. For cabin, you can offer water during the flight if permitted.
• International travel takes planning: Some countries require quarantine or additional vaccinations. Start research 2-3 months in advance.

Need More Help?

For specific questions about your pet's travel, contact A3 directly. They can confirm breed eligibility, pricing for your route, and any special requirements for your destination.

For comprehensive preparation, see our pet travel documents checklist and flying with a dog guide.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll help you navigate every step of flying with your pet.

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Data last verified: April 10, 2026. This guide is based on official A3 policies and industry standards. Pet travel rules change frequently — always confirm directly with A3 before booking. Information is auto-verified from official airline sources.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026