Onur Air Pet Travel Policy

Hey, I'm Marco — Here's What I Learned Flying Mochi on Onur Air

I've flown my 6kg French Bulldog, Mochi, across Europe more times than I can count. And here's what nobody tells you: every airline has quirks, and Onur Air (8Q) is no exception. I wish someone had given me a straight answer before my first flight, so I'm doing that for you now. This guide covers everything — cabin travel, cargo options, carrier specs, fees, and the gotchas that'll save you from showing up at the airport unprepared.

Can You Fly with Pets on Onur Air?

Yes, both cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin. But here's the catch: you need to book in advance, meet strict carrier requirements, and if your pet is a brachycephalic breed (snub-nosed), you might hit a wall. Let me break this down.

Cabin Travel: The Good News

Onur Air allows cats and dogs in the cabin with you. This is huge — it means Mochi travels with me, not in some cargo hold. The fee is €50 one-way per pet, which is reasonable compared to other European carriers.

But you must book your pet at least 24 hours in advance. I learned this the hard way when I tried to add Mochi to a last-minute booking. The agent said no — pets need pre-booking. So plan ahead.

Carrier Dimensions & Weight Limits

Here's where most people mess up. Your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you, and there are strict limits:

• Maximum length: 46 cm (18 inches)
• Maximum width: 30 cm (12 inches)
• Maximum height: 25 cm (10 inches)
• Maximum combined weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg

This is the critical part: the 8 kg limit includes the carrier itself. Mochi weighs 6 kg, so my soft-sided carrier can only weigh 2 kg. I wish someone had told me this before I bought a heavy hard-sided crate. Soft-sided carriers are what you need — they're lighter, they compress slightly to fit under the seat, and airlines prefer them.

Pro tip: Measure your carrier before you buy it. Bring a measuring tape to the pet store. I've seen people show up with carriers that are technically too long, and it becomes a negotiation at check-in.

Carrier Requirements: The Non-Negotiables

Your carrier must have:

• Soft sides (not hard plastic) — this is standard for cabin travel
• Mesh ventilation on the sides — your pet needs to breathe and see out
• An absorbent liner or mat inside — accidents happen, and airlines require this for liability

I use a washable pee pad inside Mochi's carrier. It's saved me more than once.

The Brachycephalic Breed Restriction — Yes, This Applies to You

Here's the part that hit me hardest: Onur Air restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds. French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and many others are on the banned list. I found out Mochi might not be allowed, and I panicked.

The industry-standard restricted breeds include:

• French Bulldog (yes, Mochi)
• Pug (all breeds)
• Bulldog (all breeds)
• Boston Terrier
• Boxer
• Shih Tzu
• Pekingese
• Chow Chow
• Japanese Chin
• Lhasa Apso
• Mastiff (all breeds)
• Shar Pei
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• American Bully
• Cane Corso
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• Presa Canario

Before you book, call Onur Air directly and confirm your breed is allowed. Some airlines have exceptions or workarounds. Don't assume — I've heard stories of people being denied boarding at the gate.

Why the restriction? Brachycephalic breeds have respiratory issues. The cabin pressure and temperature changes can stress them. It's a safety thing, not discrimination.

Health Certificate: Non-Negotiable

You need a vet-issued health certificate. This is required by virtually every airline, even if it's not mentioned on their website. I learned this when an agent told me at check-in that I'd need one — thankfully my vet was nearby.

Key details:

• Get it issued within 10 days of departure (some routes require 7 days — check your destination)
• It must be signed by a licensed vet
• It confirms your pet is healthy and vaccinated (especially rabies)
• Cost varies, but expect €30–€60

Pro tip: Get it as close to your departure date as possible. If you're flying in 10 days, wait until day 1 to get the cert. This gives you the maximum validity window.

Checked Baggage & Cargo Options

If your pet doesn't fit cabin requirements or you prefer cargo travel, Onur Air allows both checked baggage and cargo transport. But the rules are stricter:

• Minimum age: 10 weeks (vs. 8 weeks for cabin)
• Carrier type: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate only (no soft carriers)
• Water bowl: Must have an attached, external water bowl
• Ventilation: Required on at least three sides
• Absorbent liner: Required inside the crate
• Live Animals label: Required on the crate with orientation arrows
• Temperature restrictions: No travel if tarmac temps exceed 29.4°C (85°F) or drop below -6.7°C (20°F) — unless you have an acclimation certificate from your vet

Cargo travel is more stressful for pets and more expensive. I've never used it for Mochi because cabin travel works for us, but it's an option if your pet is larger or your breed is restricted from cabin.

Sedation: Don't Even Think About It

Here's a hard rule: IATA (International Air Transport Association) prohibits sedating pets during air travel. A sedated animal can't maintain balance or respond to emergencies. Don't do it, even if you think it'll help your anxious pet. Airlines will refuse boarding if they suspect sedation.

If your pet has anxiety, talk to your vet about calming supplements or training techniques before the flight.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Cabin pet fee: €50 one-way
• Advance booking required: 24 hours minimum
• Max combined weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg
• Carrier length: 46 cm max
• Carrier width: 30 cm max
• Carrier height: 25 cm max
• Health certificate validity: 10 days
• Minimum age (cabin): 8 weeks
• Minimum age (cargo/checked): 10 weeks
• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
• Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)

What You Need to Do: Your Pre-Flight Checklist

• Check your breed: If your pet is brachycephalic, call Onur Air to confirm it's allowed before booking
• Book your pet at least 24 hours in advance: Don't assume you can add it at check-in
• Get a health certificate: Schedule a vet appointment 10 days before departure
• Measure and weigh your carrier: Make sure it meets the 46×30×25 cm and 8 kg combined limits
• Buy a soft-sided carrier: Hard-sided crates are too heavy for cabin travel
• Add an absorbent liner: Washable pee pads work great
• Confirm temperature conditions: If traveling in extreme heat or cold, check tarmac temps at your destination
• Bring your health certificate to the airport: Have it ready at check-in
• Arrive early: Pet check-in takes extra time

Practical Tips from Flying Mochi

Acclimate your pet to the carrier before the flight. Mochi spent two weeks sleeping in her carrier at home before our first flight. She was calm at the airport because it felt familiar.

Pack a small water bowl and treats. Onur Air allows you to give your pet water during the flight. I bring a collapsible bowl and some of Mochi's favorite treats to keep her calm.

Exercise your pet before boarding. A tired pet is a calm pet. I take Mochi for a long walk before heading to the airport.

Don't sedate your pet. I know I said this already, but it's worth repeating. Mochi gets anxious, but we manage it with training and comfort items, not drugs.

Still Have Questions?

We're still verifying some details about Onur Air's specific policies — things like exact cargo fees, maximum pets per flight, and whether service animals are exempt from carrier requirements. Contact Onur Air directly before booking to confirm any details that matter for your trip.

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

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — it'll walk you through every step for your specific route and pet.

Data auto-verified from official Onur Air sources. Last updated: January 2025. Always confirm current policies directly with the airline before booking.

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