Okay, Brussels Airlines just earned a spot on my shortlist. They take dogs right in the cabin, which means Nala rides up front with me instead of stressing in the hold. For an active pup who has strong opinions about layovers, that changes everything. If you fly with a small-to-medium dog, this is the carrier worth a serious look before you lock in that next big adventure.
Brussels Airlines's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How Brussels Airlines handles your pet Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedOnly cats and small dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin. verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesCan I travel with my snub-nosed dog or cat? To enable you to take your pet with you into the cabin as carry-on baggage, we need your confirmation that the animal meets the stated requirements. Please present two copies… verified 2026-07-07 Snub-nosed breeds list American Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Chow Chow Bullmastiff Brussels Griffon Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff Good to know Snub-nosed dog breeds American Bully Affenpinscher Bulldog (all breeds with the exception of the American Bulldog) Pugs (all breeds) American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier Boston Terrier… verified 2026-07-28 One-way fee 170 USD If you transit with your pet via Brussels, Frankfurt, Zurich, Vienna or Geneva, an additional transfer surcharge of EUR 150 / CHF 170 / USD 170 / CAD 220 per direction will be added to your booking verified 2026-07-21 Minimum age 15 weeks Older than 15 weeks verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking required ✓ YesTravelling with your pet on board is subject to availability and must be booked in advance online via "My booking" or via our Service Centre. verified 2026-07-14 Max pets per flight 4 Maximum 4 pet containers per aircraft are allowed. verified 2026-07-14 Max pets per passenger 1 Max. 1 bag per passenger is allowed verified 2026-06-24 Booking method booked in advance online via How can I book a flight with my pet in the cabin? Travelling with your pet on board is subject to availability and must be booked in advance online via "My booking" or via our Service Centre verified 2026-07-14 Banned destinations ✗ YesPets are not accepted on Brussels Airlines flights to the United Kingdom. verified 2026-07-14 Max per flight 4 Maximum 4 pet containers per aircraft are allowed. verified 2026-07-14 Season restrictions 15 June to 15 September 20 Pets in the hold cannot be transported from Brussels to Yerevan and from Yerevan to Brussels when travelling from 15 June to 15 September 2026 verified 2026-07-14 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoThe pet must not be pregnant verified 2026-07-14 Carrier size 55 × 40 × 23 cm within the size of 118cm / 45 inch (or carry-on dimensions of 55x40x23cm) verified 2026-06-24 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg Max. 8kg/18lbs (including the pet bag) verified 2026-07-14 Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, soft-sided ok, Soft sided required, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner within the size of 118cm / 45 inch (or carry-on dimensions of 55x40x23cm) verified 2026-06-24 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets are not accepted on Brussels Airlines flights to the United Kingdom. verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesPlease present two copies of the completed and signed form at the check-in counter to confirm this. Form for carrying an animal in the passenger cabinThe link will be opened in a new browser tab Brussels Airlines does… verified 2026-07-21 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list American Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Chow Chow Bullmastiff Brussels Griffon Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff Good to know Snub-nosed dog breeds American Bully Affenpinscher Bulldog (all breeds with the exception of the American Bulldog) Pugs (all breeds) American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier Boston Terrier… verified 2026-07-28 Hold: Minimum age 12 weeks 1 Exceptions: two young animals of comparable size and a minimum age of 12 weeks, or two fully grown animals of comparable size, or a mother animal with one young animal (0–6 weeks)… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesYou should inform yourself about the import and export regulations for your pet before booking your flight and this for the countries of departure, transit and destination Related topics Service dogs Snub-nosed dogs and… verified 2026-07-25 Hold: Max pets per flight 4 Maximum 4 pet containers per aircraft are allowed verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Heat embargo 95°C The fee for pets traveling as checked baggage ranges from $95 to $445 (80 EUR to 380 EUR), depending on size and the destination of travel The fee for pets traveling as… verified 2026-07-10 Hold: Season restrictions 15 June to 15 September 20 Pets in the hold cannot be transported from Brussels to Yerevan and from Yerevan to Brussels when travelling from 15 June to 15 September 2026 verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Clean and healthy Is not restricted in size or weight Must be kept in a suitable transport container Has to remain completely inside the container (including tail and head) Must have enough food and water for the whole… verified 2026-07-24 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedGo to search Go to footer Brussels HomePetsOther animals Main content Other animals All animals, other than cats and dogs, must be transported as cargo in accordance with the IATA Live Animals RegulationsThe link will… verified 2026-07-16 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesBrussels Airlines does not accept the transportation of snub-nosed pets in the hold. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list American Bulldog Affenpinscher Good to know Snub-nosed dog breeds American Bully Affenpinscher Bulldog (all breeds with the exception of the American Bulldog) Pugs (all breeds) American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier Boston Terrier… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Minimum age 15 weeks Above 15 weeks (16 weeks for USA) verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesTravelling with your pet on board is subject to availability and must be booked in advance via our Service Centre . verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Max pets per flight 4 Maximum 4 pet containers per aircraft are allowed verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Heat embargo 15°C Above 15 weeks (16 weeks for USA); Please note: Only dogs that are at least 6 months old Checklist for the carriage… verified 2026-07-28 Cargo: Season restrictions 15 June to 15 September 20 Pets in the hold cannot be transported from Brussels to Yerevan and from Yerevan to Brussels when travelling from 15 June to 15 September 2026 verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoMay not be pregnant verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Carrier size 125 × 75 × 85 cm Maximum size of 125 x 75 x 85 cm (category large) verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, Hard sided required, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Maximum size of 125 x 75 x 85 cm (category large) verified 2026-07-14 Health & documents Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 16 weeks Above 15 weeks (16 weeks for USA); Please note: Only dogs that are at least 6 months old (24 weeks) will Checklist for the… verified 2026-06-04 Other rules Pets accepted ✓ Accepted1 bag per passenger is allowed 2 adult pets may travel in the same bag provided they are comfortable with each other (total max. verified 2026-06-24 Minimum age 12 weeks My animal is at least 12 weeks old (to/ from Germany: 15 weeks), proving documentation is available not sit on a passenger seat under… verified 2026-07-15 Assistance animals accepted ✓ Yests journey in the transport container or pet carrier. Related topics Service dogs Snub-nosed dogs and cats Cats and dogs in the hold Other animals verified 2026-07-14 Service & assistance animals Fee waived ✓ Yes100 | USD100 | CAD135 Angola, Burundi, Congo, Rwanda, Uganda: EUR100 | CHF115 | USD115 | CAD150 United States (East Coast), Canada (East Coast): EUR100 | CHF115 | USD115 | CAD150 Intra Africa: EUR50 | CHF50 | USD60 |… verified 2026-07-14 Recognized ✓ YesTo the Service Center The transportation of assistance dogs remains possible under the new CDC regulations, provided all CDC requirements can be fulfilled verified 2026-06-24 Cabin allowed ✓ Yests journey in the transport container or pet carrier. Related topics Service dogs Snub-nosed dogs and cats Cats and dogs in the hold Other animals verified 2026-07-14 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedOnly cats and small dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin. verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesCan I travel with my snub-nosed dog or cat? To enable you to take your pet with you into the cabin as carry-on baggage, we need your confirmation that the animal meets the stated requirements. Please present two copies… verified 2026-07-07 Snub-nosed breeds list American Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Chow Chow Bullmastiff Brussels Griffon Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff e American Bulldog) Pugs (all breeds) American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier Boston Terrier Boxer Brussels Griffon Bull Mastiff Bull Terrier (except Miniature Bull Terrier) Chow Chow English Toy… verified 2026-07-14 One-way fee 170 USD If you transit with your pet via Brussels, Frankfurt, Zurich, Vienna or Geneva, an additional transfer surcharge of EUR 150 / CHF 170 / USD 170 / CAD 220 per direction will be added to your booking verified 2026-07-21 Minimum age 15 weeks …Which conditions apply for a transport in the cabin? Max. 8kg/18lbs (including the pet bag) Older than 15 weeks Please note: from August 1, 2024, only dogs that are at least 6 months old will be accepted on trips… verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking required ✓ YesTravelling with your pet on board is subject to availability and must be booked in advance online via "My booking" or via our Service Centre. verified 2026-07-14 Max pets per flight 4 Maximum 4 pet containers per aircraft are allowed. verified 2026-07-14 Max pets per passenger 1 Max. 1 bag per passenger is allowed verified 2026-06-24 Booking method booked in advance online via How can I book a flight with my pet in the cabin? Travelling with your pet on board is subject to availability and must be booked in advance online via "My booking" or via our Service Centre verified 2026-07-14 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoThe pet must not be pregnant verified 2026-07-14 Carrier size 55 × 40 × 23 cm …into it completely in a natural position, within the size of 118cm / 45 inch (or carry-on dimensions of 55x40x23cm) Leak and smell-proof soft-sided bag, to be stowed completely under the seat in front of you Without a… verified 2026-06-24 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg Max. 8kg/18lbs (including the pet bag) verified 2026-07-14 Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, soft-sided ok, Soft sided required, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner …into it completely in a natural position, within the size of 118cm / 45 inch (or carry-on dimensions of 55x40x23cm) Leak and smell-proof soft-sided bag, to be stowed completely under the seat in front of you Without a… verified 2026-06-24 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets are not accepted on Brussels Airlines flights to the United Kingdom. verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesPlease present two copies of the completed and signed form at the check-in counter to confirm this. Form for carrying an animal in the passenger cabinThe link will be opened in a new browser tab Brussels Airlines does… verified 2026-07-21 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list American Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Chow Chow Bullmastiff Brussels Griffon Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff e American Bulldog) Pugs (all breeds) American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier Boston Terrier Boxer Brussels Griffon Bull Mastiff Bull Terrier (except Miniature Bull Terrier) Chow Chow English Toy… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Minimum age 12 weeks My animal is at least 12 weeks old (to/ from Germany: 15 verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesYou’ll need all travel documentation required for your pet so that nothing stands in the way of your trip You should inform yourself about the import and export regulations for your pet before booking your flight and… verified 2026-06-04 Hold: Max pets per flight 4 Maximum 4 pet containers per aircraft are allowed verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Heat embargo 95°C The fee for pets traveling as checked baggage ranges from $95 to $445 (80 EUR to 380 EUR), depending on size and the destination of travel The fee for pets traveling as… verified 2026-07-10 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✓ YesClean and healthy Calm and well behaved Must stay inside the bag or container (including tail and head) during the entire flight The pet must not be pregnant Must be large enough that the pet fits into it completely in… verified 2026-07-16 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Clean and healthy Is not restricted in size or weight Must be kept in a suitable transport container Has to remain completely inside the container (including tail and head) Must have enough food and water for the whole… verified 2026-07-24 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedGo to search Go to footer Brussels HomePetsOther animals Main content Other animals All animals, other than cats and dogs, must be transported as cargo in accordance with the IATA Live Animals RegulationsThe link will… verified 2026-07-16 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesBrussels Airlines does not accept the transportation of snub-nosed pets in the hold. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list American Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Chow Chow Bullmastiff Brussels Griffon Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff inscher Bulldog (all breeds with the exception of the American Bulldog) Pugs (all breeds) American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier Boston Terrier Boxer Brussels Griffon Bull Mastiff Bull Terrier (except… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Minimum age 15 weeks Above 15 weeks (16 weeks for USA) verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesTravelling with your pet on board is subject to availability and must be booked in advance via our Service Centre . verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Max pets per flight 4 Maximum 4 pet containers per aircraft are allowed verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoMay not be pregnant verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Carrier size 125 × 75 × 85 cm Maximum size of 125 x 75 x 85 cm (category large) verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, Hard sided required, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Maximum size of 125 x 75 x 85 cm (category large) verified 2026-07-14 Other rules Minimum age 12 weeks My animal is at least 12 weeks old (to/ from Germany: 15 weeks), proving documentation is available not sit on a passenger seat under… verified 2026-07-15 Brussels Airlines sets a hard floor: dogs must be older than 15 weeks to fly in the cabin. Check the birth date on the vaccination record before booking. A puppy under 15 weeks gets refused at check-in. Book the ticket only once the dog clears that 15-week mark, and carry documentation that proves the age at the counter.
Snub-nosed dogs face an extra step. Brussels Airlines requires written confirmation that the animal meets its stated health requirements before a flat-faced breed rides in the cabin. Submit that confirmation ahead of departure, not at the gate. Contact the airline early, request the form, and return signed proof of eligibility so the cabin booking holds.
Frequently asked
How many pets can I bring on Brussels Airlines? Brussels Airlines allows 1 in the cabin, up to 4 in the hold, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier. What is the cabin weight limit on Brussels Airlines? In the cabin, your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 8 kg. Can snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds fly Brussels Airlines? Snub-nosed breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats are not accepted in the cabin, not accepted in the hold. How much does it cost to fly a pet on Brussels Airlines? On flights within Metropolitan France, Brussels Airlines charges from 170 EUR in the cabin, one way per pet. Longer routes cost more — price your exact itinerary. What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity? If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays. What happens if I forget a document? At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
Budget beyond the base cabin charge. The one-way cabin fee runs 170 EUR, and transiting through Brussels, Frankfurt, Zurich, Vienna, or Geneva adds a surcharge per direction. Count both legs when routing through those hubs. Pick a direct connection to skip the extra charge, or add the surcharge each way to the total pet cost.
So here's the move: Brussels Airlines is genuinely dog-friendly, but the age floor, the snub-nosed paperwork, and the transit surcharge all shift the math. Don't eyeball it. Run your exact route, dates, and dog through Pawgo's plan-builder and get a personalized plan that spells out every fee and form for your trip. Sort it now, and you'll be the one grinning at the gate.
Glossary
ISO chip ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard. FAVN Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations. Brachycephalic Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk. AVIH Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
