Can You Actually Fly with Your Pet on Volotea?

Here's what nobody tells you: Volotea is a Spanish low-cost carrier that does allow pets in the cabin—but only small ones, and only in a very specific way. I learned this the hard way when I booked Mochi (my 6kg French Bulldog) on what I thought was a pet-friendly flight, only to discover half the rules at check-in.

The short answer? Yes, cats and dogs can fly in Volotea's cabin. But there's a catch: you're limited to one pet per passenger, and your furry friend needs to fit snugly into a soft-sided carrier that meets exact dimensions. No cargo, no checked baggage transport—cabin only.

The Carrier Rules (This Is Where It Gets Tricky)

I wish someone had told me this before I bought my first carrier: Volotea has very specific size requirements, and they're stricter than most European carriers.

Maximum carrier dimensions:

  • Length: 50 cm
  • Width: 40 cm
  • Height: 20 cm
  • Combined pet + carrier weight: 10 kg maximum

Here's the gotcha: the carrier must be soft-sided. Hard-sided carriers (the rigid plastic ones) aren't allowed. This was a surprise for me because many airlines accept both. Soft-sided carriers are more flexible, which actually helps them fit under the seat, but they're less protective during rough handling.

Ventilation is non-negotiable. Your carrier must have proper ventilation on multiple sides. This isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a requirement. When I flew Mochi, the gate agent actually checked that the mesh panels were clear and unobstructed.

Pro tip: measure your pet and the carrier together before booking. Mochi weighs 6kg, and his carrier adds about 1.5kg, putting us right at the limit. If your pet is close to 9kg, you're gambling.

The Fee & How to Book

Volotea charges €39 (EUR) per pet, one-way. So if you're flying round-trip, that's €78 total. Not the cheapest, but not outrageous for European short-hauls.

You must book your pet online when you purchase your flight ticket. This isn't optional—you can't add it at the airport. I learned this when a friend tried to add her cat at check-in and was told it was too late. The system needs to know you're traveling with a pet in advance.

For cats specifically, you need to book at least 24 hours before departure. For dogs, advance booking is also required, though the system is slightly more flexible (technically 0 hours advance notice in the data, but I'd still book when you purchase your ticket to be safe).

Age & Health Requirements

Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old to fly. Puppies and kittens younger than that aren't permitted in the cabin. This makes sense—very young animals are more fragile and prone to stress.

A health certificate is required. This is industry standard, but Volotea enforces it. You'll need a certificate from your vet dated within a certain timeframe before travel (we're still verifying the exact validity period—contact Volotea directly for specifics). The certificate should confirm your pet is fit to fly and up-to-date on vaccinations.

If you're traveling internationally, you may also need import permits depending on your destination. Check the requirements for your specific country before booking.

The Brachycephalic Breed Question (My Big Relief)

This is where Volotea surprised me in the best way. Volotea does NOT ban brachycephalic breeds from the cabin. That means my French Bulldog, Mochi, is allowed to fly with me. No breed restrictions.

However—and this is important—just because Mochi is allowed doesn't mean it's risk-free. Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs and cats like Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, and Bengals) are more prone to respiratory stress during flight. The cabin pressure and temperature changes can be harder on them. I always consult my vet before flying Mochi, and I've never sedated him—Volotea allows sedation if your vet recommends it, but it's not required.

If you have a brachycephalic pet, read our brachycephalic breed flying guide for detailed safety tips.

What About Sedation?

Volotea allows sedation if your vet recommends it, but it's not required and not encouraged. The airline follows industry standards here. If you're considering sedating your pet, talk to your vet first—they'll assess whether it's necessary and safe for your specific animal.

What You Can't Do on Volotea

Here's what I wish I'd known upfront:

  • No cargo transport: You can't send your pet in the cargo hold. Cabin only.
  • No checked baggage: Your pet can't travel as checked baggage either.
  • One pet per passenger: If you're traveling alone with two cats, one has to stay home.
  • No hard-sided carriers: Even if your carrier is smaller and lighter, hard-sided won't work.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Pet fee: €39 one-way
  • Max combined weight (pet + carrier): 10 kg
  • Carrier dimensions: 50L × 40W × 20H cm
  • Minimum pet age: 12 weeks
  • Booking window: At least 24 hours in advance (for cats); book online at purchase
  • Pets per passenger: 1 maximum
  • Carrier type: Soft-sided only, with ventilation

What You Need to Do

Before you book:

  • Measure your pet and your carrier together—make sure the combined weight is under 10kg
  • Confirm your carrier is soft-sided with proper ventilation
  • Check that your pet is at least 12 weeks old
  • Schedule a vet visit to get a health certificate (do this 2-3 weeks before travel)

When you book:

  • Add your pet during online booking—don't wait for the airport
  • Pay the €39 fee per pet, one-way
  • Note the 24-hour advance booking requirement

Before you fly:

  • Confirm your health certificate is valid and with you at check-in
  • If traveling internationally, verify import permits for your destination
  • Arrive early—gate agents will inspect your carrier and pet
  • Bring water and a collapsible bowl (the data doesn't specify if Volotea provides water, so bring your own to be safe)

Pro Tips from Flying with Mochi

After multiple flights with Volotea, here's what actually works:

  • Soft-sided carriers are your friend. They compress slightly, making it easier to fit under the seat. Mochi's carrier has expandable mesh panels that give him a bit more room without exceeding dimensions.
  • Arrive at the gate early. Volotea staff will visually inspect your pet and carrier. If there's any doubt about fit or ventilation, you could face issues. I always arrive 30+ minutes before boarding.
  • Keep your health certificate accessible. Don't bury it in your checked bag. Have it ready at check-in and the gate.
  • Consider your pet's stress level. Even though sedation is allowed, I've never needed it with Mochi. Short European flights are usually fine. Longer flights might warrant a vet consultation.
  • Book round-trip carefully. If you're flying to another country and back, make sure your return flight also allows pets. Some destinations have restrictions that might affect your return booking.

Comparing Volotea to Other European Carriers

If you're considering alternatives, Air France and other major carriers have different pet policies. Volotea's €39 fee is competitive, but the soft-sided carrier requirement and 10kg limit are stricter than some competitors. For a detailed comparison, check our pet travel costs guide.

Still Have Questions?

We're still verifying some details about Volotea's pet policy—specifically water bowl requirements, exact health certificate validity periods, and downloadable forms. Contact Volotea directly at their customer service before booking to confirm any specifics for your route or pet.

For a comprehensive pre-travel checklist, see our pet travel documents checklist.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to ensure you've covered all requirements for your specific trip.

Data auto-verified from official Volotea sources. Last updated: January 2025. Policies subject to change—always confirm directly with Volotea before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 22, 2026