Norwegian Air Pet Travel Policy

Emma · with Luna (Tabby cat, 5kg)
“I made a spreadsheet of every airline's pet policy before booking.”
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Flying with Pets on Norwegian Air Shuttle: A Data-Driven Breakdown

When I booked Luna's first flight with Norwegian Air Shuttle, I spent hours cross-referencing their pet policy against industry standards. My 5kg tabby cat needed to fit in a soft-sided carrier measuring exactly 43cm × 31cm × 20cm—and I wanted to know the exact cost before hitting "confirm." This guide covers everything I learned, backed by verified policy data.

Quick Comparison: Norwegian vs. Industry Standards

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Cabin carrier dimensions: 43cm long × 31cm wide × 20cm high (maximum)
• Cabin weight limit: 8kg (pet + carrier combined)
• Cabin fee: €55 one-way online; €60–85 at airport
• Cargo carrier dimensions: 125cm long × 81cm wide × 86cm high (maximum)
• Cargo fee: $150 USD one-way
• Minimum pet age: 8 weeks (cabin), 10 weeks (cargo/checked baggage)
• Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
• Advance booking window: 24 hours minimum
• Max pets per cabin flight: 2 dogs; 3 cats (if very small)

Cabin Travel: The Preferred Option for Small Pets

Norwegian allows cats and dogs in the cabin on Schengen/EU flights only—notably excluding Iceland. This is where Luna traveled, and it's the most comfortable option for small pets.

Carrier Requirements

Your pet must travel in a soft-sided carrier with these exact dimensions:

• Maximum length: 43cm
• Maximum width: 31cm
• Maximum height: 20cm
• Combined weight (pet + carrier): 8kg maximum

Luna's 5kg weight left me only 3kg for the carrier itself—tight, but doable with modern soft-sided designs. The carrier must have adequate ventilation (mesh sides are standard) and an absorbent liner inside to manage accidents. I used a washable puppy pad, which worked perfectly.

Cabin Fees & Booking

Expect to pay €55 per pet, one-way if booked online. Airport bookings cost €60–85. You must book at least 24 hours in advance—no same-day cabin pet bookings. I added Luna to my reservation during the initial booking, which was seamless.

Pet Limits

Norwegian allows a maximum of 2 dogs per cabin flight. For cats, the policy is more flexible: up to 3 very small kittens can share one carrier. If you're traveling with multiple pets, verify availability when booking.

Cargo & Checked Baggage: For Larger Pets

If your pet exceeds 8kg or you're traveling to Iceland, cargo or checked baggage may be your only option. Norwegian offers both on specific routes.

Cargo (Hold) Travel

Cargo applies to Schengen/EU flights (excluding Ireland and Iceland) and connecting flights within Norway via Oslo (OSL), Bergen (BGO), or Trondheim (TRD) with 1–2 hour transfers.

• Carrier type: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate only (soft-sided not allowed)
• Dimensions: 125cm long × 81cm wide × 86cm high (maximum)
• Water bowl: Attached, fillable from outside
• Ventilation: Required on at least three sides
• Absorbent liner: Required inside
• "Live Animals" label: Required on crate with orientation arrows
• Fee: $150 USD one-way (€150 EUR for checked baggage)
• Minimum age: 10 weeks

Checked Baggage (Hold) Travel

Checked baggage is available for domestic Norwegian connecting flights only via OSL, BGO, or TRD, with maximum 14kg per animal. Fees are €150–180 online, €170–200 at the airport. The same carrier requirements apply as cargo.

Temperature Embargoes

Norwegian will not transport pets in cargo or hold if:

• Temperature drops below -6.7°C (20°F) at origin or destination (unless you have a vet-issued acclimation certificate)
• Temperature exceeds 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination

Luna's winter flight was fine, but I checked the forecast beforehand to be safe.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breeds

Norwegian does not ban brachycephalic breeds from cabin travel, but owners must sign a release form acknowledging the respiratory risks. However, these breeds are banned from cargo and checked baggage entirely.

Restricted breeds include:

• Dogs: Pugs, Bulldogs (all types), Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Chow Chows, Lhasa Apsos, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Japanese Chins, Affenpinschers, Brussels Griffons, Bull Terriers, Mastiffs, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bullies, and others
• Cats: Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, Himalayans, British Shorthairs, Burmese, Scottish Folds

If your pet is on this list, cabin-only travel is your option. See our brachycephalic breed flying guide for more details.

Health & Documentation Requirements

This is non-negotiable. You must have:

• Health certificate: Issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of departure. Some destinations require 7 days, so get it as close to your flight as possible.
• Proof of vaccinations: Especially rabies (required for most destinations)
• Import permits: If traveling internationally, check destination country requirements

I got Luna's health certificate 5 days before departure—well within the window. The vet charged €50, and it was checked at the gate. Don't skip this step; you'll be denied boarding without it.

For international travel, consult our pet travel documents checklist to ensure you have everything.

Special Restrictions & Route Limitations

Iceland (IS)

Dogs cannot travel to Iceland in the cabin. Cats are also restricted. If you're flying to Iceland, you'll need to use cargo or checked baggage—but verify current restrictions directly with Norwegian, as these can change.

Svalbard

Dogs traveling to Svalbard require a permit from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. Plan ahead; this isn't a last-minute approval.

Sedation

Norwegian does not allow sedation of pets during air travel. IATA regulations prohibit it because sedated animals cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. Even if your vet recommends it, the airline won't permit it. Work with your vet on calming techniques instead.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

• ✓ Book your pet at least 24 hours in advance — don't wait until check-in
• ✓ Get a health certificate within 10 days of departure — issued by a licensed vet
• ✓ Measure your pet + carrier — ensure it fits within 43×31×20cm (cabin) or 125×81×86cm (cargo)
• ✓ Weigh your pet + carrier — must not exceed 8kg for cabin
• ✓ Choose the right carrier type — soft-sided for cabin, hard-sided IATA-compliant for cargo
• ✓ Add absorbent liner — washable pad or puppy pads inside
• ✓ Ensure ventilation — mesh sides for cabin, three-side ventilation for cargo
• ✓ Attach water bowl — for cargo/checked baggage only
• ✓ Add "Live Animals" label — for cargo/checked baggage with orientation arrows
• ✓ Check temperature forecasts — avoid travel if temps exceed 29.4°C or drop below -6.7°C
• ✓ Verify destination requirements — import permits, quarantine rules, breed restrictions
• ✓ Confirm your pet's age — minimum 8 weeks (cabin) or 10 weeks (cargo)
• ✓ If brachycephalic breed, prepare release form — for cabin travel only

Cost Breakdown: What to Budget

For Luna's one-way cabin flight from Oslo to Paris:

• Cabin pet fee: €55
• Soft-sided carrier (one-time): €40
• Health certificate: €50
• Total: €145 (approximately $160 USD)

For cargo travel, expect $150 USD one-way plus a hard-sided IATA crate ($100–200). See our pet travel cost guide for more detailed breakdowns.

Assistance Animals: Different Rules Apply

Service dogs and emotional support animals have separate policies. Norwegian requires pre-approval and specific documentation. Contact the airline directly if your pet is an assistance animal—standard pet policies don't apply.

Final Thoughts: Norwegian Makes Pet Travel Straightforward

Norwegian's pet policy is clear and reasonably priced compared to other European carriers. The 8kg cabin weight limit and soft-sided carrier requirement are standard, and the €55 fee is competitive. The 24-hour advance booking window is tight but manageable if you plan ahead.

My experience with Luna was smooth: I booked her during my ticket purchase, printed her health certificate, and she traveled comfortably in a compact soft-sided carrier. The key is preparation—get your documentation early, measure twice, and book at least a day in advance.

Ready to book? Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to ensure you've covered every detail for your pet's flight.

Data last verified: April 21, 2026. This guide is based on official Norwegian Air Shuttle pet policy data auto-verified from their website. Policies change—always confirm directly with the airline before booking. For other carriers, see our guides on

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