Flying with Pets on SkyUp Airlines: What You Actually Need to Know

Look, I've been there. I showed up at the airport with Mochi, my 6kg French Bulldog, thinking everything was sorted—and then got hit with a surprise about brachycephalic breeds. Here's what I wish someone had told me before my first flight with SkyUp Airlines (PQ): pet travel rules are specific, they change, and they matter. This guide covers everything you need to know to avoid my mistakes.

Can You Bring Your Pet in the Cabin?

Yes, cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin on SkyUp Airlines. But here's the catch: your pet must meet strict size, weight, and breed requirements, and you need to book in advance. You can't just show up with your furry friend.

The cabin is the best option if your pet qualifies—they stay with you, not in cargo. But if your pet is a brachycephalic breed (snub-nosed), you might be blocked from cabin travel entirely. More on that below.

Cabin Carrier Dimensions & Weight Limits

Here's what nobody tells you: your carrier has to fit under the seat in front of you. That's the real constraint, not just the airline's stated dimensions.

Maximum cabin carrier dimensions for SkyUp Airlines:

  • Length: 45 cm (18 inches)
  • Width: 30 cm (12 inches)
  • Height: 25 cm (10 inches)

Combined weight limit (pet + carrier): 8 kg

This is where I learned a hard lesson with Mochi. At 6kg, she's right at the edge. Add a soft-sided carrier, and you're pushing it. I had to get a lightweight collapsible carrier—the kind that weighs almost nothing. Measure your pet and carrier together before booking. Don't guess.

Carrier type required: Soft-sided only. Hard-sided carriers won't fit under the seat. Your carrier must have mesh ventilation on the sides so your pet can breathe and see out.

The Brachycephalic Breed Ban (Yes, It's Real)

This is the big one. SkyUp Airlines restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds in the cabin due to respiratory risks during flight. This is an industry-wide standard, but it hits hard if you have one of these breeds.

Restricted breeds include: French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs (all types), Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Chow Chows, Japanese Chins, Lhasa Apsos, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shar Peis, Brussels Griffons, and several others.

Yes, Mochi is on that list. I found out the hard way that I cannot fly her in the cabin on SkyUp. The airline won't budge on this—it's a safety regulation, not a preference. If your breed is on the list, your only option is cargo or checked baggage travel, which comes with its own risks and restrictions.

Before you book, verify your breed directly with SkyUp Airlines. Some breeds have variations (like "Boxer" vs. specific Boxer types), and the airline might have nuances.

Cabin Fees & Booking Requirements

Cabin pet fee: €50 one-way

That's per pet, per flight. If you're flying round-trip, budget €100. It's not cheap, but it's the cost of keeping your pet with you.

You must book your pet at least 24 hours in advance. Do not wait until check-in. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight, and spots fill up. Call or book online as soon as you have your flight confirmed. One pet per passenger is the standard limit.

Health Certificate: Non-Negotiable

Here's what I learned the hard way: you need a vet-issued health certificate, even if SkyUp's website doesn't explicitly mention it. The airline will check it at the airport, and if you don't have it, you won't fly.

Health certificate requirements:

  • Issued by a licensed veterinarian
  • Valid for 10 days from the date of issue
  • Get it as close to your departure date as possible (within the 10-day window)
  • Must confirm your pet is healthy and fit to fly

I schedule my vet appointment 5-7 days before departure. This gives me a buffer and ensures the certificate is fresh. Don't wait until the last minute—vets get busy, and you might not get an appointment in time.

Cargo & Checked Baggage Options

If your pet doesn't qualify for cabin travel (like Mochi), cargo or checked baggage might be an option. Both are allowed on SkyUp Airlines, but they come with serious considerations.

Cargo/checked baggage carrier requirements:

  • Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate only (soft-sided won't work)
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides
  • Attached water bowl that can be filled from outside
  • Absorbent liner inside the crate
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the outside

Temperature restrictions apply: cargo pets cannot fly if the temperature at origin or destination exceeds 29.4°C (85°F) or drops below -6.7°C (20°F). This is a major gotcha in summer or winter. I've had flights cancelled because of heat embargoes. Plan accordingly.

Minimum age for cargo: 10 weeks (vs. 8 weeks for cabin).

I won't sugarcoat this: cargo travel is stressful for pets. They're in a dark hold, separated from you, with temperature and pressure changes. It's safe if done right, but it's not ideal. Only use cargo if cabin travel isn't an option.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

  • Verify your breed: Contact SkyUp Airlines directly to confirm your pet's breed isn't restricted. Don't assume.
  • Book your pet 24+ hours in advance: Call or book online. Confirm the pet fee (€50 one-way) is added to your ticket.
  • Get a health certificate: Schedule a vet appointment 5-7 days before departure. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.
  • Measure your carrier: Ensure it fits under the seat (45cm L × 30cm W × 25cm H) and weighs less than 8kg combined with your pet. Use a soft-sided carrier.
  • Add absorbent liner: Line the carrier with an absorbent mat or pads to manage accidents.
  • Check temperature embargoes: If traveling in summer or winter, confirm the tarmac temperature at both airports won't trigger a cargo embargo.
  • Bring all documents: Health certificate, booking confirmation, and any breed verification forms to the airport.
  • Arrive early: Give yourself extra time at check-in to handle pet paperwork.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pet fee: €50 one-way
  • Max carrier length: 45 cm
  • Max carrier width: 30 cm
  • Max carrier height: 25 cm
  • Max combined weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days
  • Minimum age (cabin): 8 weeks
  • Minimum age (cargo): 10 weeks
  • Advance booking required: 24 hours minimum
  • Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo threshold: -6.7°C (20°F)

Important: What We're Still Verifying

SkyUp Airlines hasn't publicly confirmed details on service animals, ESAs, downloadable forms, or specific cargo fees. Contact SkyUp Airlines directly for these topics. Don't assume your service dog or emotional support animal has automatic cabin access—get written confirmation before booking.

One More Thing: Sedation Is Banned

I know the temptation. Mochi gets anxious, and I wanted to sedate her for the flight. Don't do it. IATA regulations prohibit sedating pets during air travel worldwide. A sedated animal can't maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. Your vet won't approve it, and the airline will refuse to transport your pet if it's sedated. Work with your vet on calming techniques instead—anxiety wraps, pheromone sprays, or training.

Final Thoughts

Flying with a pet on SkyUp Airlines is doable, but it requires planning and honesty about your pet's breed and health. I learned this lesson with Mochi the hard way. Start your prep at least 3-4 weeks before your flight. Verify breed restrictions, book early, get your health certificate, and choose the right carrier. If your pet is brachycephalic like mine, accept that cabin travel might not be an option and explore cargo alternatives carefully.

For more detailed guidance, check out our pet travel documents checklist, brachycephalic breed flying guide, and pet travel costs breakdown.

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

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