The Real Deal: Flying with Pets on Cebgo

Hey, I'm Marco. I've flown with my 6kg French Bulldog Mochi on more airlines than I care to admit, and here's what nobody tells you: every airline has quirks, and Cebgo is no exception. I learned the hard way that "pet-friendly" doesn't mean the same thing everywhere. Let me walk you through exactly what Cebgo allows, what they don't, and the gotchas that'll save you from a meltdown at the airport.

Can You Bring Your Pet in the Cabin?

Short answer: Cebgo allows cats and dogs in the cabin, but there's a catch—and it's a big one if you have a snub-nosed breed like Mochi.

Yes, you can bring your pet with you in the cabin. No, you won't pay a cabin pet fee (it's free). But here's the thing: you must pre-book your pet before you fly. Don't show up at the airport hoping for the best. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight, and if you haven't reserved your spot, you're grounded.

The cabin is pressurized and climate-controlled, which is why it's the safest option for your furry friend. But Cebgo—like most airlines—has restrictions on certain breeds. More on that in a moment.

The Brachycephalic Breed Bombshell

This is where I wish someone had told me the truth upfront. If you have a brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed, Cebgo restricts cabin travel. This includes French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and many others.

Why? These breeds have shortened airways and struggle to regulate body temperature. During flight, the stress and pressure changes can trigger respiratory distress. It's not Cebgo being difficult—it's an industry-wide safety standard. When Mochi was younger, I didn't understand this, and it cost me a rebooking fee and a lot of stress.

If your breed is on the restricted list, you have two options:

  • Ship your pet in cargo (with strict temperature controls and IATA-compliant crates)
  • Leave them with a trusted pet sitter or boarding facility

Check the full brachycephalic breed guide to see if your pet is affected. And yes, contact Cebgo directly to confirm—breed lists vary slightly by airline.

Cabin Carrier Requirements: The Nitty-Gritty

Your pet carrier is non-negotiable. Here's what Cebgo expects:

  • Soft-sided carrier only (hard-sided crates won't fit under the seat)
  • Maximum dimensions: 45.7 cm (18 inches) long × 27.9 cm (11 inches) wide × 27.9 cm (11 inches) tall
  • Combined weight limit: 8 kg (pet + carrier together)
  • Ventilation required: Mesh sides for airflow
  • Absorbent liner inside: A mat or pad to handle accidents

That 8 kg limit is tight. Mochi weighs 6 kg, and his carrier adds another 1.5 kg—we're right at the edge. Measure your carrier before you buy it. Some "cabin-approved" carriers sold online are actually too big. I learned this the hard way at check-in.

Pro tip: Buy a carrier with mesh panels on multiple sides. It looks better, your pet gets better airflow, and it meets IATA standards. Avoid solid plastic carriers for cabin travel—they're for cargo only.

What About Cargo or Checked Baggage?

If your pet can't fly in the cabin (brachycephalic breeds, larger dogs, or cats you'd rather not stress), Cebgo allows cargo transport. But this is a completely different ballgame.

Cargo requirements:

  • Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate only (soft-sided won't work)
  • Attached water bowl that can be filled from outside
  • Absorbent liner inside
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the crate
  • Minimum age: 10 weeks (vs. 8 weeks for cabin)
  • Temperature restrictions: Not below -6.7°C (20°F) or above 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination

Cargo is stressful for pets and expensive. I've never done it with Mochi because he qualifies for cabin travel (when we're not flying to restricted destinations). But if you must use cargo, book well in advance and get an acclimation certificate from your vet if you're traveling in cold weather.

Health Certificates & Documentation

Here's what will absolutely get you denied boarding: no health certificate. Cebgo requires a vet-issued health certificate for all pet travel, whether cabin or cargo.

  • Validity window: Issued within 10 days of departure (some destinations require 7 days—check ahead)
  • What it covers: Confirmation your pet is healthy, vaccinated (especially rabies), and fit to fly
  • Cost: Usually €50–150 depending on your vet

Don't get this certificate too early. I once got Mochi's cert 12 days before departure and had to pay for a second one. Get it as close to your flight as possible.

If you're traveling internationally, you may also need import permits for your destination country. This varies wildly. Check with your destination's customs authority—don't rely on the airline alone.

The Sedation Question (Spoiler: Don't)

I've heard this a hundred times: "Can I sedate my pet for the flight?" The answer is no, and it's non-negotiable.

IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedation during air travel. A sedated animal can't maintain balance or respond to emergencies. Even if your vet agrees, the airline won't allow it. This applies to Cebgo and virtually every commercial airline worldwide.

If your pet is anxious, work with your vet on pre-flight calming strategies (pheromone sprays, anxiety wraps, etc.), but sedation is off the table.

Age, Pregnancy & Other Restrictions

Minimum age: Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old for cabin travel (10 weeks for cargo). They must be fully weaned.

Pregnant animals: Cebgo does not accept visibly pregnant animals. The stress and pressure changes during flight pose serious health risks. If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with Cebgo before booking.

Animals in heat: We're still verifying Cebgo's specific policy on this—contact them directly.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pet fee: €0 (free)
  • Cabin carrier max weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 45.7 × 27.9 × 27.9 cm
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days
  • Minimum pet age (cabin): 8 weeks
  • Minimum pet age (cargo): 10 weeks
  • Cargo temperature range: -6.7°C to 29.4°C
  • Max pets per passenger (cabin): 1 carrier

What You Need to Do: Your Pre-Flight Checklist

  • 4–6 weeks before: Confirm your breed isn't on Cebgo's brachycephalic restriction list. Call them if unsure.
  • 4 weeks before: Book your pet with Cebgo. Don't assume you can add them at check-in.
  • 3 weeks before: Buy or confirm your soft-sided cabin carrier meets the 8 kg and dimension limits.
  • 2 weeks before: Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate.
  • 10 days before: Get your health certificate issued. Check if your destination requires import permits.
  • 1 week before: Pack your pet's essentials: food, water bowl, medications, comfort items, absorbent pads for the carrier.
  • Day before: Exercise your pet well. Keep them calm and hydrated.
  • Day of flight: Arrive early. Bring your health certificate and any import permits. Don't sedate your pet.

Real Talk: What I Wish I'd Known

Flying with Mochi has taught me that pet travel isn't complicated—it's just specific. Airlines have rules for safety reasons, not to be difficult. Here's my honest advice:

  • Call Cebgo directly. Their website might not have every detail. A 10-minute phone call saves hours of stress.
  • Get your health certificate early. Vets are busy, and you don't want to scramble last-minute.
  • Measure your carrier twice. I'm serious. An undersized carrier is better than an oversized one that gets rejected at the gate.
  • If your breed is restricted, accept it. I spent months trying to find loopholes for Mochi. There aren't any. Plan alternatives early.
  • Travel during mild weather. Cargo temperature embargoes are real. Summer and winter flights are riskier for pets in the hold.

Need More Help?

Pet travel rules are complex, and they vary by destination. Check out our documents checklist and cost guide for more details. If you're flying to a specific country, we have country-specific guides too.

For personalized advice tailored to your pet and route, get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo. They'll walk you through every step.


Data last verified: January 2025. This guide is based on auto-verified information from official Cebgo sources. Policies change—always confirm directly with Cebgo before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 22, 2026