Can You Fly with Pets on SAS Scandinavian Airlines?

Yes. SAS Scandinavian Airlines allows both dogs and cats to travel with you, with three transport options: in the cabin with you, in checked baggage (hold), or via cargo. Each option has different rules, costs, and carrier requirements. The good news is that SAS has a clear pet policy — the challenge is getting all the details right before you arrive at the airport.

This guide covers everything you need to know based on SAS's official transport conditions, including what fits in the cabin, which breeds are restricted, required documentation, and how much you'll pay.

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet Beside You

If your pet is small enough, flying in the cabin is the most comfortable option for both of you. Your pet stays with you throughout the flight instead of traveling in the hold.

Carrier Size and Weight Limits

Your pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. SAS specifies these maximum dimensions:

  • Length: 55 cm (21.6 inches)
  • Width: 40 cm (15.7 inches)
  • Height: 20 cm (7.9 inches)
  • Combined pet + carrier weight: 8 kg (17.6 lbs)

Measure your pet and carrier carefully — if it doesn't fit under the seat, it won't be allowed in the cabin. Soft-sided carriers are preferred because they compress slightly and fit more easily in tight spaces.

Carrier Requirements

Your carrier must have:

  • Adequate ventilation — mesh panels on at least two sides so your pet can breathe
  • An absorbent liner or mat — to handle accidents during the flight
  • Soft sides — hard-sided carriers are difficult to fit under airplane seats

Bring a small water bowl or collapsible dish you can offer your pet during the flight if it's a longer journey.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breeds Banned

SAS does not allow the following breeds in the cabin:

  • Bulldogs (all types)
  • Pugs
  • Persian cats

These breeds have shortened airways and are at higher risk of respiratory distress during flight. If you have a brachycephalic breed, see the brachycephalic breed flying guide for alternatives.

Age Requirements

Your pet must be at least 16 weeks old to fly in the cabin. Younger animals are not permitted.

Health and Documentation

You must provide:

  • A health certificate issued by a veterinarian — we're still verifying the exact validity period, but 10 days before departure is the industry standard. Get it as close to your flight as possible.
  • Proof of rabies vaccination — mandatory for most routes
  • EU Pet Passport (if traveling within the EU) — this replaces some documentation requirements for intra-EU flights

Check your destination country's specific import requirements, as some countries have additional rules.

Booking and Fees

  • Advance booking required: You must book your pet at least 48 hours before departure
  • Maximum one pet per passenger in the cabin
  • Cost: €100 (EUR) per one-way flight

You cannot simply show up at the airport with a pet. Contact SAS in advance to arrange your pet's travel.

Important Restrictions

  • No sedation allowed. IATA regulations prohibit sedating pets during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. Do not sedate your pet unless explicitly instructed by both your veterinarian and the airline.
  • Pregnant animals not accepted. If your pet is visibly pregnant, contact SAS directly to confirm whether travel is possible.
  • Your pet must stay in the carrier throughout the entire flight, including takeoff and landing.

Checked Baggage (Hold) Travel

If your pet is too large for the cabin, checked baggage travel is an option — though it's more stressful for your animal. Your pet travels in the pressurized hold of the aircraft.

What You Need to Know

  • Minimum age: 10 weeks old (younger than cabin travel)
  • Brachycephalic breeds banned — same restrictions as cabin travel
  • Advance booking required — book before arrival at the airport
  • Health certificate required — valid for 10 days before departure
  • Temperature embargoes apply: Pets cannot fly if temperatures exceed 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination, or fall below -6.7°C (20°F). Vet-issued acclimation certificates may allow travel in colder conditions.

Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage

Checked baggage carriers have stricter requirements than cabin carriers:

  • Hard-sided or soft-sided crate — must be sturdy
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides
  • Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • Absorbent liner or mat inside
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the outside

Cargo Travel

For larger pets or long-distance international moves, SAS offers dedicated cargo service. This is a professional pet transport option with specific requirements.

Cargo Carrier Requirements

  • Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate only — soft-sided carriers are not accepted
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides
  • Attached water bowl or trough
  • Absorbent liner
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows
  • IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) compliance — your crate must meet international standards

Cargo Restrictions

  • Minimum age: 10 weeks
  • Brachycephalic breeds banned
  • Health certificate required — valid for 10 days
  • Temperature embargoes: 29.4°C (85°F) maximum, -6.7°C (20°F) minimum
  • Advance booking required
  • No sedation allowed
  • Pregnant animals not accepted

Assistance Animals (Service Dogs)

SAS has a separate policy for assistance animals (service dogs). Documentation is required. We're still verifying the specific requirements — contact SAS directly if you travel with a service animal to confirm what paperwork you need.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pet fee: €100 per one-way flight
  • Cabin carrier max dimensions: 55 × 40 × 20 cm
  • Cabin carrier max weight: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Minimum age (cabin): 16 weeks
  • Minimum age (checked/cargo): 10 weeks
  • Advance booking required: 48 hours before departure
  • Max pets per passenger (cabin): 1
  • Temperature embargo (checked/cargo): 29.4°C max, -6.7°C min
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure

What You Need to Do

At least 2–3 weeks before your flight:

  • Check your destination country's pet import requirements (varies by country)
  • Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate
  • Verify your pet's rabies vaccination is current
  • If traveling within the EU, apply for or renew your pet's EU Pet Passport
  • Measure your pet and any carrier to confirm it meets SAS size limits
  • If your pet is brachycephalic, explore alternative travel options

At least 48 hours before your flight:

  • Contact SAS to book your pet's travel
  • Confirm all documentation requirements with the airline
  • Obtain your health certificate from your vet (as close to departure as possible, within 10 days)

Before arriving at the airport:

  • Pack your pet's health certificate, vaccination records, and any import permits
  • Ensure your carrier has an absorbent liner and is properly ventilated
  • Bring a collapsible water bowl for your pet
  • Attach "Live Animals" labels if traveling via checked baggage or cargo
  • Do not sedate your pet

Additional Resources

For more detailed guidance, see our flying with a dog guide, pet travel documents checklist, and pet travel costs guide.

If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, read our brachycephalic breed flying guide for alternatives and safety information.

Need Help Planning Your Pet's Journey?

Get your free personalized travel plan from PawGo — we'll help you navigate SAS's requirements and prepare all necessary documentation.

Important Note

This guide is based on SAS Scandinavian Airlines' official transport conditions, last verified on April 9, 2026. Pet policies can change, and destination countries have their own import rules. Always confirm directly with SAS and your destination country's authorities before booking. Contact SAS at their official website (sas.se) or customer service for the most current information.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 09, 2026