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Icelandair Pet Travel: What's Changed in 2024
I need to be direct with you: if you're planning to fly with Cooper or any pet on Icelandair, the landscape has shifted significantly. As of November 2024, Icelandair no longer accepts pets in the cabin or hold on passenger flights. This was a major change from their previous policy, and I learned about it the hard way when planning my second international move.
Here's what you need to know: Icelandair now operates cargo-only freighter flights for pet transportation. This is actually more specialized than traditional airline pet travel, and it comes with both advantages and important considerations.
Who Can Fly on Icelandair (And How)
Service Animals: The Exception
If you have a certified service dog, you're in luck. Service animals—including guide dogs, hearing dogs, diabetic alert dogs, mobility assistance dogs, and autism service dogs—travel free of charge in the cabin. These are the only animals permitted on passenger flights. You'll need to pre-arrange this, but it's a straightforward process.
Pet Dogs and Cats: Cargo Freighter Only
For regular pets—whether your Golden Retriever, tabby cat, or any other companion animal—Icelandair operates dedicated cargo freighter aircraft. This is different from checked baggage pet travel you might have experienced with other airlines. The good news? These flights are specifically designed for animal transport with proper climate control and handling. The catch? You need to understand the specific requirements.
Maximum capacity: Icelandair accepts a maximum of 4 pet carriers per cargo flight, and each pet plus crate cannot exceed 40 kg combined weight. Cooper at 28 kg fits comfortably within this limit, but larger dogs or multiple pets require careful planning.
Key Numbers at a Glance
- Cabin pets: Not allowed (except service dogs)
- Cargo pets: Allowed on freighter flights only
- Maximum pets per flight: 4 carriers
- Weight limit: 40 kg (pet + crate combined)
- Minimum age: 10 weeks old, fully weaned
- Crate type: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant only
- Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
- Cargo fees (one-way): Zone 1 (Europe) $126 | Zone 2 (Iceland-North America) $148 | Zone 3 (Europe-North America) $174
- Temperature limits: Cannot ship below -6.7°C (20°F) or above 29.4°C (85°F)
Cargo Crate Requirements: Non-Negotiable Details
When I shipped Cooper internationally, I learned that cargo crate specifications aren't suggestions—they're absolute requirements. Icelandair follows IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR), which are international standards for pet air transport.
What Your Crate Must Have
- Hard-sided construction: Soft-sided carriers are not accepted for cargo. You need a rigid plastic or wooden crate that meets IATA specifications.
- Ventilation on at least three sides: Your pet needs adequate airflow. This isn't optional—IATA requires it, and Icelandair enforces it.
- Attached water bowl: The bowl must be accessible from outside the crate so handlers can refill it without opening the door. This is critical for longer flights.
- Absorbent liner: Place an absorbent mat or pad inside to manage accidents during transport. This protects your pet's comfort and the crate's condition.
- "Live Animals" labels: Your crate must display official "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on at least two sides. These tell handlers how to position the crate.
Pro tip: Order your crate well in advance. IATA-compliant cargo crates aren't available at every pet store—I had to special-order Cooper's crate from a specialized supplier, which took three weeks.
Health Documentation: Your Most Important Checklist Item
This is where most people slip up, and I've seen it happen. You must have a vet-issued health certificate. Here's the timeline:
- Get it within 10 days of your departure date (some destinations require 7 days—check your destination country's import rules)
- Schedule your vet appointment at least 2 weeks before departure to ensure availability
- Bring the original certificate to the airport—copies won't work
- Verify your destination's import requirements separately. The health certificate is just the start; some countries require import permits, rabies titers, or microchip documentation
When I flew Cooper to the United States, the health certificate was just one of five documents required. Don't assume Icelandair's requirements cover everything—they don't.
Breed Restrictions: Check If Your Pet Qualifies
Icelandair, like most airlines, restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during air travel. The restricted list includes:
- Bulldogs (all types: English, French, American)
- Pugs (all types)
- Boxers
- Boston Terriers
- Shih Tzus
- Pekingese
- Chow Chows
- Mastiffs (all types)
- Shar Peis
- Japanese Chins
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- And several others
If your pet is on this list, contact Icelandair directly before booking. Some airlines make exceptions with vet documentation, but you need to confirm first.
Temperature Embargoes: Timing Matters
Icelandair will not transport pets when temperatures are:
- Below -6.7°C (20°F) at origin or destination
- Above 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination
This is critical if you're traveling to or from Iceland during winter, or to warm destinations in summer. I learned this the hard way—my original travel date to Iceland was blocked due to cold temperatures. We rescheduled for spring.
If you have a vet's acclimation certificate (proving your pet is accustomed to colder conditions), you may be able to travel in temperatures below the embargo. Get this from your vet if you're planning winter travel.
Age and Health Requirements
- Minimum age: 10 weeks old (must be fully weaned)
- Pregnant animals: Not accepted. If your pet is visibly pregnant, contact Icelandair directly—they may refuse transport.
- Animals in heat: We're still verifying this—contact Icelandair directly
- Sedation: Absolutely prohibited. IATA regulations forbid sedating pets during air travel because a sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. Do not sedate your pet, even if you think it will help.
What You Need to Do: Step-by-Step Checklist
12 weeks before departure:
- Confirm your pet meets Icelandair's requirements (age, breed, health status)
- Contact Icelandair cargo department to pre-book your pet's flight
- Order an IATA-compliant hard-sided cargo crate
- Research your destination country's import requirements (separate from Icelandair's rules)
4 weeks before departure:
- Schedule a vet appointment for health certificate and any required vaccinations
- Confirm your crate has arrived and meets all specifications
- Prepare absorbent liners and water bowl for the crate
2 weeks before departure:
- Attend your vet appointment and obtain the health certificate
- Verify the certificate is dated within 10 days of your departure
- Obtain any import permits or additional documentation required by your destination
- Confirm your cargo flight booking with Icelandair
1 week before departure:
- Pack your pet's travel essentials (food, medications, comfort items)
- Prepare the cargo crate with absorbent liner and water bowl
- Gather all documentation in one folder (health certificate, import permits, booking confirmation)
- Arrange ground transportation for your pet to/from the airport
Day of departure:
- Arrive at the airport early (check with Icelandair for specific timing)
- Present all documentation at the cargo desk
- Confirm your pet's flight details and arrival information
- Arrange for pickup at your destination airport
Costs: What to Budget
Icelandair's cargo pet fees are zone-based:
- Zone 1 (Europe to Europe): $126 one-way
- Zone 2 (Iceland to/from North America): $148 one-way
- Zone 3 (Europe to/from North America): $174 one-way
These are the airline fees only. Budget additionally for:
- IATA-compliant cargo crate ($150–$400 depending on size)
- Health certificate ($50–$150)
- Import permits (varies by destination)
- Ground transportation to/from airport
- Pet travel insurance (optional but recommended)
For my three international moves with Cooper, total pet transport costs ranged from $800–$1,500 per move, including all documentation and logistics.
Service Animals: Different Rules
If you have a certified service dog, the process is completely different. Service animals travel free of charge in the cabin on passenger flights. You'll need to pre-arrange this and provide documentation of your dog's training and certification, but it's a straightforward accommodation.
Important: Contact Icelandair Directly
Icelandair's pet policies are specific and detailed. Before you book anything, contact their cargo department directly. They can confirm:
- Current availability on your specific route and date
- Exact crate specifications for your pet's size
- Any additional requirements for your destination country
- Booking procedures and payment methods
Don't rely on general information—pet transport logistics are route-specific and change frequently.
Next Steps
Flying with pets on Icelandair requires careful planning, but it's absolutely doable. The cargo freighter system is actually quite reliable—I've used it twice, and both times Cooper arrived safe and sound.
Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to organize all your pet travel documents and requirements in one place.
For more detailed guidance, check out our pet travel documents checklist, pet travel costs guide, and flying with a dog guide.
Data last verified: April 17, 2024. This information is auto-verified from official Icelandair sources. Policies change—always confirm directly with the airline before booking.
Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 21, 2026