Finnair to the rescue, sort of. Here's what nobody tells you: they'll take your dog in the cabin, cargo, or hold, which sounds generous until you meet the fine print. Mochi doesn't care about options, she cares about the queue length. If you fly a snub-nosed breed like mine, cabin is the only lane worth trusting. Read on before you book anything.
Finnair'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 Finnair 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
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedThe following animals are allowed on board: Cats and dogs can be carried either in the cabin or the aircraft hold. Only very small cats and dogs that can stand straight, sit, turn around and lie down in a closed carrier… verified 2026-07-14 One-way fee 60 Eur …container. Travel option Fees Flights within Europe Intercontinental flights* Pet in the cabin per journey €60 or 7,800 Avios (7 days or more before departure) €65 or 8,500 Avios (6 days or verified 2026-07-20 Minimum age 8 weeks …such as guide dog, hearing dog or service dog, please use the special assistance form to inform us at least 48 hours before d verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking notice 48 hours …an official mission and would like to take your dog to the cabin, you must inform us about the dog at least 48 hours before your flight departure via our special assistance form . verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking required ✓ YesPlease make your flight booking online at least 7 days before the flight and then inform us about your pet without any delay (within 24h) via our chat service verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per passenger 1 The maximum number of pet carriers per customer is one. verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per flight 2 One pet is permitted per passenger and two pets are permitted per flight One pet is permitted per passenger and two pets are permitted per flight verified 2026-07-20 Booking method contact our customer service Please contact our customer service to inquire about reservations for pets in cabin on Jettime-operated flights. verified 2026-07-20 Max per flight 2 mannerly. One pet is permitted per passenger and two pets are permitted per flight. Reservations Passengers are encouraged to book a verified 2026-07-20 Sedation allowed ✗ NoIATA discourages the use of sedatives and tranquillisers for animals during transport verified 2026-07-20 Under seat required ✓ YesThe carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and the pet must stay in the closed carrier throughout the flight The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and the pet must stay in the closed carrier… verified 2026-06-03 Pet passport required ✓ YesA pet passport is mandatory for all cats, dogs and ferrets travelling between EU countries A pet passport is mandatory for all cats, dogs and ferrets travelling between EU countries verified 2026-06-03 Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesTranquillisers and sedatives also often cause nausea. If the owner, under the direction of a veterinarian, wants to sedate a very sensitive animal for the duration of transport, the container and transport documents… verified 2026-07-14 Carrier size 55 × 55 × 23 cm …sizes (length x width x height) Flights operated by Finnair Flights operated by Norra Soft pet carriers 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in) 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in) Hard pet carriers verified 2026-07-20 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg …can travel with you in the cabin on our flights if the total weight of the pet and the pet carrier is: Max. 8 kg (17.6 lb). verified 2026-07-20 Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, soft-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier …sizes (length x width x height) Flights operated by Finnair Flights operated by Norra Soft pet carriers 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in) 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in) Hard pet carriers verified 2026-07-20 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedowing pets onboard our flights when the requirements for carrying pets are met: Cats and dogs can be transported in the cabin or in the hold of the aircraft from EU countries and non-EU countries. verified 2026-07-21 Hold: One-way fee 90 EUR The fees for transporting pets as checked baggage also vary depending on the destination, with charges of 90 EUR for short haul flights and 300 EUR for long haul flights verified 2026-07-09 Hold: Minimum age 8 weeks …such as guide dog, hearing dog or service dog, please use the special assistance form to inform us at least 48 hours before d verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesYou can purchase transportation for pets in the cabin for Finnair flights (AY code on the ticket and operated by Finnair) online at the same time when booking your flights. If you already have a booking, you can pay the… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ Nofeeding the pet just before the flight. IATA discourages the use of sedatives and tranquillisers for animals during transport. After the flight, you will meet your pet in the arrival hall at the airport. Please show our… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking days 7 days Please make your flight booking online at least 7 days before the flight and then inform us about your pet without any delay (within 24h) via our chat service verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesTranquillisers and sedatives also often cause nausea. If the owner, under the direction of a veterinarian, wants to sedate a very sensitive animal for the duration of transport, the container and transport documents… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 75 kg …travel in the hold on the same flight with you, if the total weight of the pet and its container is: Max. 75kg (165lb) on Finnair-operated flights Max. 50kg (110lb) on Norra-operated flights. The maximum allowed size… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Book flights Add a pet to your booking Pet carrier instructions and sizes Please choose an IATA-approved pet carrier or box with a solid bottom and appropriate ventilation verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedCats and dogs can be transported in the cabin or in the hold of the aircraft from EU countries and non-EU countries. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks …the consignee Other important points to consider Finnair does not carry cats or dogs that are younger than 8 weeks of age verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesFinnish Customs also provides information on import regulations. Booking Space must be booked in advance for live animals. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Max pets per passenger 2 For a pet travelling in the hold on flights to or from the USA, we aim to confirm the booking at the latest 2 weeks before your departure. If we cannot accept your pet for the flights requested, you can get a refund of… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoIATA discourages the use of sedatives and tranquillisers for animals during transport verified 2026-07-25 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoGeneral requirements for animal containers Safe for the animal and the personnel handling the container Strong construction Sufficient number of ventilation openings Correct size for the animal in question Doors cannot… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesTranquillisers and sedatives also often cause nausea. If the owner, under the direction of a veterinarian, wants to sedate a very sensitive animal for the duration of transport, the container and transport documents… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Carrier size 35 × 23 cm …(length x width x height) Flights operated by Finnair Flights operated by Norra Soft pet carriers 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in) 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in) Hard pet carriers Learn more about pet verified 2026-07-28 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 75 kg …17,100 Avios (6 days or less before departure) Pet in the hold, maximum combined weight with the container 75 kg (Finnair) or 50kg (Norra) per one-way journey €140 or 18,500 Avios €650/$700 or 86,500 Avios Pet as cargo… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier …(length x width x height) Flights operated by Finnair Flights operated by Norra Soft pet carriers 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in) 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in) Hard pet carriers Learn more about pet verified 2026-07-28 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesRelated: Selecting a pet carrier that is airline compliant Forms required For all flights to or within the European Union, an EU Pet Passport (resident dogs, cats or ferrets) or EU Health Certificate (non-resident dogs,… verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate validity 10 days For other animals, an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a licensed veterinarian must be available. verified 2026-07-20 Microchip · Required ✓ Yescats or ferrets) or EU Health Certificate (non-resident dogs, cats or ferrets) must be available documenting proof of microchip and rabies vaccination. verified 2026-07-20 Quarantine · Required ✓ Yests, vaccination and quarantines Regulations regarding transporting pets and the required documents, vaccinations and quarantine times vary by country. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Required ✓ YesFor those pets who originate in a high-rabies country , results of a rabies titer (serology) test must be available. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Issuer a licensed veterinarian For other animals, an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a licensed veterinarian must be available. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesForms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a licensed veterinarian, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ YesForms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a licensed veterinarian, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 12 weeks …i n place in other countries may require an older age. For example, in the UK the minimum age requirement is 12 weeks. verified 2026-06-19 Health certificate valid within days · Health certificate valid within days 10 days For other animals, an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a licensed veterinarian must be available. verified 2026-07-20 Other rules Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedFlights operated by Jettime On flights operated by Jettime , only cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin. verified 2026-07-20 Minimum age 8 weeks If you are travelling with a puppy, it needs to be at least eight weeks old, weaned from its mother and able to eat on its own. verified 2026-07-20 Emotional support animals allowed ✗ NoPlease note that emotional support animals are no longer classified as service animals under the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, and Finnair will no longer accept or accommodate the… verified 2026-07-14 Service & assistance animals Esa note emotional support animals are no longer classified Please note that emotional support animals are no longer classified as service animals under the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) r verified 2026-07-14 Fee waived ✓ YesAssistance dogs, such as guide dogs, hearing dogs and service dogs, are warmly welcome to travel with you free of charge on board all our flights. verified 2026-07-14 Recognized ✓ YesAssistance dogs and working dogs on official search or rescue mission are welcome to travel in the cabin on all our flights free of charge regardless of their size. verified 2026-07-20 Cabin allowed ✓ YesAssistance dogs, such as guide dogs, hearing dogs and service dogs, are warmly welcome to travel with you free of charge on board all our flights. verified 2026-07-14 Esa recognized ✗ NoPlease note that emotional support animals are no longer classified as service animals under the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, and Finnair will no longer accept or accommodate the… verified 2026-07-14 Advance notice hours 48 hours You must inform us at least 48 hours before your flight departure if you are traveling with your assistance dog. verified 2026-07-14 Documentation required ✓ YesPsychiatric service dogs* (only on flights to/from the United States) U.S. DOT Service Animal forms * On our direct flights to or from the United States, passengers are permitted to travel with a psychiatric service… verified 2026-07-14 Recognized organizations Assistance Dogs Europe Assistance Dogs International We accept certificates from training organisations that are accredited members of the following associations: Assistance Dogs International (ADI) Assistance Dogs Europe (ADEu) An official guide dog card issued by the… verified 2026-07-14 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedThe following animals are allowed on board: Cats and dogs can be carried either in the cabin or the aircraft hold. Only very small cats and dogs that can stand straight, sit, turn around and lie down in a closed carrier… verified 2026-07-14 One-way fee 60 Eur Pet in the cabin (Flights within Europe) — €60 or 7,800 Avios (7 days or more before departure) €65 or 8,500 Avios (6 days or less before departure) verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking required ✓ YesPlease make your flight booking online at least 7 days before the flight and then inform us about your pet without any delay (within 24h) via our chat service verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per passenger 1 The maximum number of pet carriers per customer is one. verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per flight 2 One pet is permitted per passenger and two pets are permitted per flight One pet is permitted per passenger and two pets are permitted per flight verified 2026-07-20 Booking method contact our customer service Please contact our customer service to inquire about reservations for pets in cabin on Jettime-operated flights verified 2026-07-20 Sedation allowed ✗ NoIATA discourages the use of sedatives and tranquillisers for animals during transport verified 2026-07-20 Under seat required ✓ YesThe carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and the pet must stay in the closed carrier throughout the flight The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and the pet must stay in the closed carrier… verified 2026-06-03 Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesTranquillisers and sedatives also often cause nausea. If the owner, under the direction of a veterinarian, wants to sedate a very sensitive animal for the duration of transport, the container and transport documents… verified 2026-07-14 Carrier size 23 × 40 × 23 cm (length x width x height) Flights operated by Finnair Flights operated by Norra Soft pet carriers 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in) 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in) Hard pet carriers 35 x 30 x 20 cm… verified 2026-07-20 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg …can travel with you in the cabin on our flights if the total weight of the pet and the pet carrier is: Max. 8 kg (17.6 lb). verified 2026-07-20 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier (length x width x height) Flights operated by Finnair Flights operated by Norra Soft pet carriers 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in) 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in) Hard pet carriers 35 x 30 x 20 cm… verified 2026-07-20 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedThe following animals are allowed on board: Cats and dogs can be carried either in the cabin or the aircraft hold verified 2026-07-14 Hold: One-way fee 90 EUR The fees for transporting pets as checked baggage also vary depending on the destination, with charges of 90 EUR for short haul flights and 300 EUR for long haul flights verified 2026-07-09 Hold: Minimum age 8 weeks …the consignee Other important points to consider Finnair does not carry cats or dogs that are younger than 8 weeks of age Minimum age is 8 weeks of age verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours …an official mission and would like to take your dog to the cabin, you must inform us about the dog at least 48 hours before your flight departure via our special assistance form . verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesPets travelling in the hold of the aircraft Booking flights for pet in hold We recommend booking your journey well in advance. Please make your flight booking online at least 7 days before the flight and then inform us… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoIATA discourages the use of sedatives and tranquillisers for animals during transport verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesTranquillisers and sedatives also often cause nausea. If the owner, under the direction of a veterinarian, wants to sedate a very sensitive animal for the duration of transport, the container and transport documents… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 75 kg …travel in the hold on the same flight with you, if the total weight of the pet and its container is: Max. 75kg (165lb) on Finnair-operated flights Max. 50kg (110lb) on Norra-operated flights. The maximum allowed size… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Book flights Add a pet to your booking Pet carrier instructions and sizes Please choose an IATA-approved pet carrier or box with a solid bottom and appropriate ventilation. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedCats and dogs can be transported in the cabin or in the hold of the aircraft from EU countries and non-EU countries. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks ts to consider Finnair does not carry cats or dogs that are younger than 8 weeks of age. However, the import and vaccination regulations in place in other countries may require an… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Advance booking notice 48 hours …an official mission and would like to take your dog to the cabin, you must inform us about the dog at least 48 hours before your flight departure via our special assistance form . verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesBooking Space must be booked in advance for live animals. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Max pets per passenger 2 For a pet travelling in the hold on flights to or from the USA, we aim to confirm the booking at the latest 2 weeks before your departure. If we cannot accept your pet for the flights requested, you can get a refund of… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoIATA discourages the use of sedatives and tranquillisers for animals during transport verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoGeneral requirements for animal containers Safe for the animal and the personnel handling the container Strong construction Sufficient number of ventilation openings Correct size for the animal in question Doors cannot… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesTranquillisers and sedatives also often cause nausea. If the owner, under the direction of a veterinarian, wants to sedate a very sensitive animal for the duration of transport, the container and transport documents… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Carrier size 35 cm However, rodents must always be transported in a hard case, with maximum dimensions of 14" x 12" x 8" (35 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm) For more detailed information, including flight check-in, baggage policies, corporate… verified 2026-07-04 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 75 kg …17,100 Avios (6 days or less before departure) Pet in the hold, maximum combined weight with the container 75 kg (Finnair) or 50kg (Norra) per one-way journey €140 or 18,500 Avios €650/$700 or 86,500 Avios Pet as cargo… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier However, rodents must always be transported in a hard case, with maximum dimensions of 14" x 12" x 8" (35 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm) For more detailed information, including flight check-in, baggage policies, corporate… verified 2026-07-04 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesFor all flights to or within the European Union, an EU Pet Passport (resident dogs, cats or ferrets) or EU Health Certificate (non-resident dogs, cats or ferrets) must be available documenting proof of microchip and… verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate validity 10 days For other animals, an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a licensed veterinarian must be available. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Validity days 6 days pe Intercontinental flights* Pet in the cabin per journey €60 or 7,800 Avios (7 days or more before departure) €65 or 8,500 Avios (6 days or less before departure)… verified 2026-06-04 Other rules Minimum age 8 weeks If you are travelling with a puppy, it needs to be at least eight weeks old, weaned from its mother and able to eat on its own. verified 2026-07-20 Finnair sets a hard deadline: a working dog headed for the cabin must be declared at least 48 hours before departure. Miss that window and the cabin request collapses into a hold booking. Contact Finnair directly the moment the flight is confirmed, get the 48-hour notice acknowledged in writing, and keep that confirmation reachable at the check-in desk.
Finnair draws a temperature floor at minus 6.6 degrees Celsius: below that, no pet moves, cabin or hold. Between roughly minus 6.6 and 7 degrees, an acclimation certificate becomes the entry ticket. Check the forecast at departure and arrival airports before flying, secure that acclimation certificate from a vet in advance, and rebook if the mercury threatens the floor.
Frequently asked
How many pets can I bring on Finnair? Finnair allows 2 in the cabin, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier. What is the cabin weight limit on Finnair? In the cabin, your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 8 kg. Heavier pets (up to 14 kg) travel in the hold. How much does it cost to fly a pet on Finnair? On flights within Metropolitan France, Finnair charges from 60 Eur in the hold, one way per pet. Longer routes cost more — price your exact itinerary. How far in advance must I book my pet on Finnair? Add your pet to the booking at least 48 hours before departure — do it when you book the ticket, not at the airport. 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.
So Finnair works, as long as you respect the deadlines and the cold floor. Don't wing it the way I once did at the SGN customs window. Build a personalized plan for your exact route, breed, and dates, and let Pawgo's plan-builder line up the microchip, the notice window, and the weight limit before you pay for anything. Your future self at the gate will thank you.
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.
