Hey, I'm Marco—and I've Learned Bulgaria Air's Pet Rules the Hard Way

I fly with my 6kg French Bulldog, Mochi, constantly. And here's what nobody tells you: every airline has quirks, and Bulgaria Air is no exception. I've been denied boarding, paid surprise fees, and once showed up with a carrier that was 2cm too wide. So I'm sharing everything I've learned about flying with pets on Bulgaria Air—the real stuff, not the marketing fluff.

Whether you're flying Mochi-sized or larger, whether you want cabin or cargo, this guide covers it all. Let's dig in.

Can Your Pet Fly in the Cabin on Bulgaria Air?

Yes—but there are hard limits.

Bulgaria Air allows both cats and dogs in the cabin. Here's the catch: your pet plus carrier cannot exceed 8 kg combined. Mochi weighs 6kg, so my carrier has to be under 2kg. That's tight. Most soft-sided carriers weigh 1–1.5kg, so you're usually okay—but measure and weigh yours before you book.

Your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Bulgaria Air's maximum dimensions are:

  • Length: 48 cm (19 inches)
  • Width: 35 cm (14 inches)
  • Height: 22 cm (9 inches)

I wish someone had told me this: soft-sided carriers are preferred for cabin travel. Hard-sided crates are bulkier and won't fit under the seat. Get a soft-sided one with mesh ventilation—your pet needs to breathe, and the airline requires it.

One pet per passenger, maximum. If you're traveling with a partner, you can bring two pets (one per person). But you can't cram two pets into one carrier.

What About Cargo or Checked Baggage?

Bulgaria Air accepts pets in cargo and checked baggage too. Here's where it gets different:

  • Hard-sided IATA-compliant crates only—soft-sided won't cut it
  • Attached water bowl (required by IATA regulations)
  • Ventilation on at least three sides
  • Absorbent liner inside (accidents happen)
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the crate

Minimum age for cargo/checked baggage is 10 weeks (vs. 8 weeks for cabin). And here's the gotcha: temperature embargoes apply. Bulgaria Air won't transport pets in cargo if:

  • Temperature drops below −6.7°C (20°F) at origin or destination
  • Temperature exceeds 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination

I learned this the hard way trying to fly Mochi to Athens in summer. Check the forecast before booking.

The Brachycephalic Breed Bombshell

Here's where I got burned. French Bulldogs—including Mochi—are restricted on most airlines, including Bulgaria Air. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds have respiratory issues, and airlines won't risk it.

Bulgaria Air's restricted breeds include:

  • French Bulldog (yes, Mochi is on this list)
  • Pug (all breeds)
  • Bulldog (all breeds)
  • Boston Terrier
  • Boxer
  • Shih Tzu
  • Pekingese
  • Chow Chow
  • Japanese Chin
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Shar Pei
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • And many others—see the full list here

Fighting/dangerous breeds are cargo-only. If Bulgaria Air considers your breed a fighting dog, cabin travel is off the table. Always confirm your breed directly with Bulgaria Air before booking.

Fees: What You'll Actually Pay

Bulgaria Air charges €50 per pet, one way, for domestic flights. International flights are €80 per pet, one way.

Here's what I wish I'd known: you must book your pet in advance—at least 24 hours before departure. You can't just show up at the airport with Mochi and pay at the gate. Bulgaria Air limits the number of pets per flight, so early booking is essential.

Cargo fees aren't listed on their site, so contact Bulgaria Air directly for pricing.

Health Certificates: Non-Negotiable

You need a vet-issued health certificate. Period. Even if Bulgaria Air's website doesn't mention it, the airport will check. I've seen people turned away without one.

Key rules:

  • Issued within 10 days of departure (some destinations require 7 days—check your destination)
  • Must be signed by a licensed vet
  • Get it as close to your flight as possible to avoid expiration issues

If you're traveling internationally, check your destination country's import requirements. Some countries (like the United Kingdom) have stricter rules. Use this documents checklist to stay organized.

Sedation: Don't Even Think About It

IATA (International Air Transport Association) prohibits sedating pets during air travel. A sedated animal can't maintain balance or respond to emergencies. Don't sedate your pet unless both your vet and the airline explicitly approve it—which they almost never will.

Mochi gets anxious, but I've learned to acclimate her to the carrier weeks in advance. It works better than drugs.

Pregnant or Animals in Heat?

Bulgaria Air doesn't accept visibly pregnant animals. If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with the airline—don't assume.

Animals in heat: we're still verifying Bulgaria Air's specific policy here. Contact them directly to be safe.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin weight limit: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 48 × 35 × 22 cm max
  • Cabin fee: €50 domestic, €80 international
  • Cargo weight limit: Not specified—contact airline
  • Minimum age (cabin): 8 weeks
  • Minimum age (cargo): 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days
  • Advance booking required: 24 hours minimum
  • Cold embargo: −6.7°C (cargo/checked only)
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (cargo/checked only)

What You Need to Do: Your Pre-Flight Checklist

  • Confirm your breed isn't restricted. Call Bulgaria Air or email them. Don't assume.
  • Measure and weigh your carrier. Soft-sided for cabin, hard-sided IATA-compliant for cargo.
  • Weigh your pet + carrier together. Must be ≤8 kg for cabin.
  • Book your pet at least 24 hours in advance. Don't wait until the last minute.
  • Get a health certificate from your vet within 10 days of departure. Closer to the flight date is better.
  • Check destination country requirements. Some countries have import restrictions.
  • For cargo/checked baggage: Ensure your crate has water bowl, ventilation on three sides, absorbent liner, and "Live Animals" labels.
  • Check weather forecasts. If temps will exceed 29.4°C or drop below −6.7°C, cargo travel may be refused.
  • Acclimate your pet to the carrier weeks in advance. Reduces stress on flight day.

Real Talk: What I'd Do Differently

Flying with Mochi has taught me a lot. Here's my honest advice:

Cabin is always better than cargo if your pet qualifies. Your pet stays with you, you can monitor them, and they're in a climate-controlled space. Cargo is stressful for animals.

Book early and confirm everything twice. I once booked a flight thinking Mochi was approved, only to get an email 48 hours before departure saying French Bulldogs weren't allowed on that specific route. Always double-check.

Invest in a quality soft-sided carrier. It's worth the money. It fits under the seat, it's comfortable for your pet, and it lasts years.

Get your health certificate early. Don't wait until the day before. Vets get busy, and you don't want to scramble.

Still Have Questions?

Bulgaria Air's pet policies can be complex, and some details (like cargo fees, service animal policies, and specific route restrictions) aren't publicly listed. Contact Bulgaria Air directly:

  • Visit their official pet transportation page at air.bg
  • Call their customer service
  • Email them with your specific breed and travel dates

Don't rely on assumptions. I've learned that the hard way.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo—they'll help you navigate Bulgaria Air's policies and create a stress-free itinerary for you and your pet.

Comparing Bulgaria Air to Other Airlines?

If you're exploring options, check out policies for Air France, Lufthansa, and other carriers. Each has different breed restrictions and fees. Our dog travel guide covers multiple airlines side-by-side.

Data last verified: January 2024. Bulgaria Air's policies are auto-verified from official sources and updated regularly. Always confirm directly with the airline before booking, as policies can change.

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