Can You Fly with Pets on Brussels Airlines?

Yes, Brussels Airlines allows dogs and cats to travel with you. You have three options: cabin travel (your pet stays with you), checked baggage (hold of the aircraft), or cargo service (dedicated pet transport). Each option has different rules, costs, and requirements.

The good news: Brussels Airlines has a clear pet policy. The important part: you must book your pet in advance and meet specific health, age, and carrier requirements. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin fee: €100 one-way per pet
  • Cabin carrier max dimensions: 55cm (L) × 40cm (W) × 23cm (H)
  • Cabin carrier max weight: 8kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Minimum age for cabin: 16 weeks
  • Minimum age for checked baggage/cargo: 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Advance booking required: 48 hours minimum
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) — no travel above this temperature
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) — no travel below this temperature
  • Max pets per passenger (cabin): 1

Cabin Travel: Your Pet Travels with You

This is the safest and most comfortable option for most pets. Your dog or cat stays in the cabin with you during the flight.

Who Can Travel in the Cabin?

  • Dogs and cats only
  • Minimum age: 16 weeks old
  • Maximum combined weight (pet + carrier): 8kg
  • One pet per passenger maximum
  • Must be booked at least 48 hours before departure

Breed Restrictions

Brussels Airlines bans brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds from cabin travel due to respiratory risks during flight. Banned breeds include:

  • Bulldogs (English, French, American)
  • Pugs
  • Persian cats

If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, you may still be able to use cargo or checked baggage services — contact Brussels Airlines directly to confirm.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin

Your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Brussels Airlines specifies:

  • Maximum dimensions: 55cm long × 40cm wide × 23cm high
  • Maximum weight (pet + carrier): 8kg
  • Type: Soft-sided carriers are preferred (they compress to fit under seats)
  • Ventilation: Mesh panels on at least two sides for airflow
  • Interior: Absorbent mat or liner to manage accidents

Practical tip: Measure your carrier before booking. A soft-sided pet carrier (like those used for car travel) is ideal. Test it at home to ensure your pet is comfortable for 2–3 hours.

Health Certificate

You must have a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure. This certificate confirms your pet is fit to fly and free from contagious diseases. Book your vet appointment early — many vets require 2–3 weeks' notice for international travel certificates.

Cost

€100 one-way per pet. This is in addition to your own ticket. Round-trip travel costs €200 per pet.

Checked Baggage: Your Pet Travels in the Hold

Your pet travels in a pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo hold separate from the cabin. This is not recommended for most pets unless cargo service is unavailable, as it can be stressful. However, it is an option.

Who Can Travel in Checked Baggage?

  • Dogs and cats only
  • Minimum age: 10 weeks old (must be fully weaned)
  • Must be booked in advance
  • Not visibly pregnant

Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage

Carriers for checked baggage must be more robust than cabin carriers:

  • Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides (per IATA standards)
  • Attached water bowl: Must be accessible from outside the crate
  • Absorbent liner: Required to manage accidents during transport
  • Live Animals label: Must display "Live Animals" stickers with orientation arrows

Practical tip: Checked baggage carriers are larger and heavier than cabin carriers. Factor in the extra luggage space and weight when packing.

Temperature Restrictions

Brussels Airlines will not transport pets in checked baggage if temperatures exceed:

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) at origin or destination

If you're traveling to a hot destination in summer, your flight may be cancelled. Check the forecast and contact the airline to confirm availability.

Health Certificate & Documentation

Same as cabin travel: veterinary health certificate within 10 days of departure.

Cost

We're still verifying the exact fee for checked baggage — contact Brussels Airlines directly for pricing.

Cargo Service: Professional Pet Transport

Cargo is the most expensive option but offers dedicated handling and monitoring. Your pet travels in a specialized climate-controlled container with professional care.

Who Can Travel via Cargo?

  • Dogs and cats only
  • Minimum age: 10 weeks old (must be fully weaned)
  • Must be booked well in advance
  • Not visibly pregnant

Carrier Requirements for Cargo

Cargo carriers must meet strict IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR):

  • Hard-sided crate only (soft-sided carriers are not accepted)
  • IATA-compliant: Must meet all IATA LAR container specifications
  • Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides
  • Attached water bowl: Accessible from outside
  • Absorbent liner: Required
  • Live Animals labels: Required with orientation arrows

Practical tip: IATA-compliant crates are expensive (€150–€400+). If you're using cargo, budget for this upfront. Many cargo handlers can provide or recommend approved crates.

Temperature Restrictions

Same as checked baggage:

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)

Health Certificate

Required. We're still verifying the exact validity window — contact Brussels Airlines for details.

Cost

We're still verifying cargo fees — contact Brussels Airlines directly. Cargo is typically the most expensive option.

Important Health & Safety Rules

No Sedation Allowed

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. If your vet or the airline suggests sedation, get a second opinion.

Pregnant Animals

Brussels Airlines does not accept visibly pregnant animals for any travel method (cabin, checked baggage, or cargo). Pregnancy poses health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, postpone travel or contact the airline to discuss options.

Animals in Heat

We're still verifying Brussels Airlines' specific policy on animals in heat — contact them directly.

What You Need to Do: Step-by-Step Checklist

4–6 Weeks Before Travel

  • Decide on cabin, checked baggage, or cargo travel
  • Measure your pet and confirm they meet weight/size limits
  • If using cabin: order or purchase a soft-sided carrier (55cm × 40cm × 23cm max)
  • If using checked baggage or cargo: research IATA-compliant crates
  • Check weather forecasts for heat/cold embargoes at your destination

3 Weeks Before Travel

  • Book your pet with Brussels Airlines (minimum 48 hours required, but earlier is safer)
  • Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate
  • Confirm your vet can issue an international health certificate

10 Days Before Travel

  • Visit your vet and obtain the health certificate (valid for 10 days)
  • Confirm all carrier requirements are met (ventilation, absorbent liner, water bowl for checked/cargo)
  • Practice with your pet in the carrier at home

48 Hours Before Travel

  • Reconfirm your pet booking with Brussels Airlines
  • Prepare your pet's travel documents (health certificate, ID, vaccination records)
  • Pack food, water, bowls, and comfort items

Day of Travel

  • Arrive early (3 hours for international flights)
  • Have your health certificate and booking confirmation ready
  • Keep your pet calm and hydrated before boarding

Assistance Animals & Service Dogs

Assistance animals (service dogs, emotional support animals) have a separate policy from regular pets. Documentation is required. We're still verifying the full details of Brussels Airlines' assistance animal policy — contact them directly with proof of your animal's certification.

Practical Tips for Flying with Your Pet

  • Book early: Pet spaces are limited. Don't wait until 48 hours before departure.
  • Visit the vet twice: Once for a pre-travel health check, and again for the official health certificate (some vets require separate appointments).
  • Acclimate your pet: Practice short car rides and time in the carrier weeks before your flight.
  • Avoid peak travel times: Fly on quieter routes if possible — less stress for your pet.
  • Bring familiar items: A blanket or toy with your scent can comfort your pet during travel.
  • Check destination rules: Some countries have import restrictions or quarantine requirements. Verify before booking.

Need Help Planning?

Pet travel involves multiple steps and rules. Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll verify all requirements for your specific route and pet.

For detailed guidance on specific topics, see our guides on flying with a dog, pet travel documents, and traveling with brachycephalic breeds.

Contact Brussels Airlines

For questions not covered here, contact Brussels Airlines directly. Policies can change, and some details (like exact cargo fees and checked baggage pricing) are still being verified.

Data last verified: April 10, 2026. This information is auto-verified from official Brussels Airlines sources. Always confirm directly with the airline before booking, as policies may change.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 10, 2026