Can You Fly with Pets on Transavia?

Yes, Transavia allows dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on most flights. However, there are strict rules about carrier size, breed restrictions, and advance booking. This guide covers everything you need to know before booking your pet's flight.

Transavia operates two distinct pet policies depending on the flight type:

  • HV flights (Transavia mainline): €50 per pet, one-way
  • TO flights (codeshare/partner): €60–€180 per pet, one-way

Only one pet per passenger is allowed, and your pet must remain in a closed carrier under your seat for the entire flight.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 40cm (L) × 30cm (W) × 24cm (H)
  • Maximum pet weight (with carrier): 8 kg
  • Cabin fee (HV flights): €50 per pet, one-way
  • Minimum age: 15 weeks (cabin), 10 weeks (checked/cargo)
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Pets per passenger: 1 maximum
  • Carrier type: Soft-sided only (no hard plastic kennels)

Cabin Travel: Carrier Requirements

Your pet travels with you in the cabin, not in the hold. This is the safest and most comfortable option for most pets.

Carrier Specifications

Transavia requires a flexible, soft-sided carrier only. Hard plastic kennels are prohibited. Your carrier must meet these exact dimensions:

  • Length: Maximum 40 cm
  • Width: Maximum 30 cm
  • Height: Maximum 24 cm
  • Combined weight (pet + carrier): Maximum 8 kg

The carrier must be fully closable with ventilation holes and plastic windows so your pet can breathe and see out. An absorbent mat or liner inside is essential to manage any accidents during the flight.

Practical tip: Measure your carrier before booking. Many standard pet carriers exceed these dimensions. Look for airline-approved soft carriers specifically designed for cabin travel.

During the Flight

Your pet must remain in the closed carrier for the entire flight and must be placed under the seat in front of you. Multiple pets cannot sit in the same row, even if they belong to different passengers. This is a safety and comfort rule enforced by cabin crew.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Dogs & Cats

Transavia bans certain breeds due to respiratory risks during air travel. These restrictions apply to both cabin and cargo travel.

Banned Dog Breeds

The following breeds are not permitted on Transavia flights:

  • All Bulldog varieties (English, French, American, Old English, Shorty)
  • All Pug varieties (including Dutch and Japanese Pugs)
  • All Boxer breeds
  • All Mastiff varieties (including Cane Corso, Dogue de Bordeaux, Presa Canario)
  • All Bull Terrier varieties (including American Pit Bull, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier)
  • All Bully breeds (American Bully)
  • Boston Terrier
  • Shih Tzu
  • Pekingese
  • Shar Pei (Chinese Shar-Pei)
  • Chow Chow
  • Affenpinscher
  • Brussels Griffon (Petite Brabancon)
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Japanese Chin (Japanese Spaniel)
  • King Charles Spaniel (Cavalier King Charles)
  • English Toy Spaniel (Prince Charles Spaniel)
  • Tibetan Spaniel
  • Alano Español (Spanish Bulldog)

Banned Cat Breeds

Persian cats are banned from Transavia flights due to respiratory concerns.

Important: If your dog or cat is a mixed breed with brachycephalic characteristics, contact Transavia directly before booking. Breed restrictions are strictly enforced at check-in.

Age & Health Requirements

Minimum Age

Your pet must be at least 15 weeks old to travel in the cabin. For checked baggage or cargo, the minimum is 10 weeks, but the pet must be fully weaned.

Health Certificate (Mandatory)

A veterinary health certificate is required for all pet travel on Transavia. This is non-negotiable and will be checked at the airport.

  • Issued within: 10 days of your departure date
  • Issued by: A licensed veterinarian
  • Must confirm: Your pet is fit to fly and free from contagious diseases

Practical tip: Schedule your vet appointment at least 2 weeks before travel. Some vets have limited availability, and you want the certificate dated as close to departure as possible to avoid any disputes at the airport.

Pregnant & Heat Animals

Visibly pregnant animals are not accepted for air travel due to health risks during flight. Animals in heat are also typically restricted. If your pet is pregnant or in heat, contact Transavia directly — do not attempt to travel without explicit approval.

Sedation: Not Allowed

Do not sedate your pet before flying on Transavia. IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide.

If your vet recommends sedation for anxiety, discuss alternative calming methods (anxiety wraps, pheromone sprays, training) or consult with both your vet and Transavia about exceptions — but expect the answer to be no.

Advance Booking & Fees

You Must Book Your Pet in Advance

Do not show up at the airport with a pet without prior arrangement. Transavia limits the number of pets per flight, and you must pre-book your pet when you book your ticket or as soon as possible afterward.

Booking method: We're still verifying the exact booking process — contact Transavia directly or check their website to add your pet to your reservation.

Pet Travel Fees

  • HV flights (Transavia): €50 per pet, one-way
  • TO flights (codeshare): €60–€180 per pet, one-way
  • Maximum pets per passenger: 1

These fees are in addition to your ticket price and are non-refundable once booked.

Checked Baggage & Cargo Options

Transavia also allows pets in checked baggage (hold) and cargo, though these options are less common for pet owners.

Checked Baggage (Hold)

Pets can travel in the hold in a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate with:

  • Ventilation on at least three sides
  • An attached water bowl accessible from outside
  • An absorbent liner inside
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows

Minimum age: 10 weeks. Same health certificate requirement applies. Brachycephalic breeds are banned.

Temperature Embargoes

Pets cannot travel in checked baggage or cargo if temperatures exceed these thresholds:

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) at origin or destination

If your destination is experiencing extreme heat or cold, your pet may be refused travel. Plan accordingly during summer and winter months.

Cargo Travel

Cargo requires a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate with the same ventilation, water bowl, and labeling requirements as checked baggage. Advance booking is mandatory. Fees and specific dimensions are not publicly listed — contact Transavia's cargo department for a quote.

Assistance Animals (Service Dogs)

Assistance animals (service dogs, emotional support animals) are subject to a separate policy from regular pets. Documentation is required.

Specific requirements: We're still verifying the exact documentation needed and whether pre-approval is required. Contact Transavia directly with your animal's certification and training records.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

  • 6–8 weeks before departure: Confirm your pet meets age and breed requirements. Check if your breed is banned.
  • 4–6 weeks before: Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate. Confirm the certificate will be issued within 10 days of your flight.
  • 4 weeks before: Book your flight and add your pet to the reservation. Confirm the booking method with Transavia.
  • 2–3 weeks before: Purchase or confirm you have a soft-sided cabin carrier that meets the 40×30×24 cm requirement and weighs under 8 kg total with your pet.
  • 1 week before: Collect your health certificate from the vet (dated within 10 days of departure).
  • Day before: Pack your pet's carrier with an absorbent mat, water bowl, and familiar toys. Practice having your pet sit in the carrier.
  • Day of flight: Arrive early. Have your health certificate and booking confirmation ready. Keep your pet calm and hydrated before boarding.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Flight

  • Acclimate your pet to the carrier: Spend 2–3 weeks letting your pet spend time in the carrier at home so it's not a shock on flight day.
  • Exercise before the flight: A tired pet is a calm pet. Take your dog for a long walk or play session before heading to the airport.
  • Avoid feeding right before boarding: A light meal 2–3 hours before departure reduces the risk of motion sickness.
  • Bring familiar items: A blanket or toy with your home's scent can comfort your pet during the flight.
  • Double-check carrier dimensions: Measure twice. Oversized carriers will be rejected at the gate, and you won't be allowed to board.
  • Confirm breed status: If your dog is a mixed breed or you're unsure about breed classification, email Transavia with a photo and breed description before booking.

Related Resources

For more detailed guidance, check out our flying with a dog guide, pet travel documents checklist, and brachycephalic breed flying guide.

If you're comparing airlines, see how Transavia's policy stacks up against Air France, British Airways, and other European carriers.

Still Have Questions?

Contact Transavia directly: Visit Transavia's official pet policy page or call their customer service. They can confirm breed status, booking procedures, and any route-specific restrictions.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll help you organize documents, find pet-friendly accommodations, and prepare for your journey.

Data last verified: April 10, 2026. This guide is based on Transavia's official pet policy as published on their website. Policies can change — always confirm directly with the airline before booking. Information is auto-verified from official airline sources and updated regularly.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 10, 2026