✈️🐶 Pet-Friendly Airlines in Europe 2026: Every Airline That Allows Dogs in Cabin

Planning to fly with your dog across Europe? Not every airline lets pets in the cabin — and among those that do, the rules vary wildly. Weight limits range from 6 kg to 10 kg, fees swing from free to over €150, and several major budget carriers refuse pets entirely. This is the definitive 2026 guide to every European airline's in-cabin pet policy, based on data we track continuously at Pawgo across 100+ carriers.

1. How European Cabin Pet Policies Work

Unlike the US, where most major airlines converge on similar cabin pet rules, European airlines operate under a patchwork of national aviation regulations and individual corporate policies. There is no EU-wide law mandating that airlines accept pets in cabin — it is entirely at each carrier's discretion.

That said, most full-service European airlines do allow small dogs and cats in cabin, subject to these common constraints:

• Weight limit: The combined weight of your pet plus its carrier must fall under the airline's maximum — typically 8 kg, though it ranges from 6 kg to 10 kg depending on the carrier.
• Carrier dimensions: The soft-sided carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Maximum dimensions hover around 40–55 cm long, 20–40 cm wide, and 20–25 cm high.
• Pets per flight: Most airlines cap the number of cabin pets at 2–6 per flight, sometimes 1 per cabin section. Booking early is critical.
• Booking method: The majority of European airlines still require a phone call to add a pet to your booking. Only a few allow online pet booking.
• Species: Dogs and cats are universally accepted where cabin pets are allowed. Ferrets, rabbits, and small birds are accepted by a handful of carriers (notably Turkish Airlines and TAP).

The table below compares every major European airline side by side. For airline-specific deep dives, see our full airline policy database.

2. European Airline Cabin Pet Comparison Table

This table covers 19 European airlines and their cabin pet policies as of April 2026. Click any airline name to see its full policy page on Pawgo.

Airline	Cabin?	Max Weight	Cabin Fee	Brachy Allowed?
Air France	Yes	8 kg (pet + carrier)	€70–200	Cabin only
Lufthansa	Yes	8 kg (pet + carrier)	€70–110	Cabin only
KLM	Yes	8 kg (pet + carrier)	€70–500	Cabin only
Iberia	Yes	8 kg (pet + carrier)	€50–150	Cabin only
TAP Air Portugal	Yes	8 kg (pet + carrier)	€60–175	Cabin only
Turkish Airlines	Yes	8 kg (pet + carrier)	€50–100	Cabin only
SAS	Yes	8 kg (pet + carrier)	€50–90	Cabin only
Finnair	Yes	8 kg (pet + carrier)	€50–70	Cabin only
Austrian Airlines	Yes	8 kg (pet + carrier)	€70–110	Cabin only
Swiss	Yes	8 kg (pet + carrier)	€70–110	Cabin only
Vueling	Yes	10 kg (pet + carrier)	€45–70	Yes
Aegean Airlines	Yes	8 kg (pet + carrier)	€40–60	Cabin only
Air Europa	Yes	8 kg (pet + carrier)	€50–150	Cabin only
Norwegian	Yes	8 kg (pet + carrier)	€50–80	Cabin only
LOT Polish Airlines	Yes	8 kg (pet + carrier)	€40–70	Cabin only
Air Serbia	Yes	8 kg (pet + carrier)	€40–60	Cabin only
Wizz Air	No	—	—	—
Ryanair	No	—	—	—
EasyJet	No	—	—	—

Note: Fees vary by route length (domestic, European, intercontinental). Weight limits include the carrier. "Cabin only" under brachy means brachycephalic breeds are allowed in cabin but banned from cargo. Data sourced from each airline's official pet policy and verified by Pawgo as of April 2026.

3. Airlines That Do NOT Allow Pets

Three of Europe's largest budget carriers refuse to transport pets entirely (except registered assistance dogs):

• Ryanair: Europe's largest airline by passenger count does not allow any pets — not in cabin, not in cargo, not as checked baggage. Only registered assistance dogs are permitted. This is Ryanair's longest-standing pet policy and there are no signs of change.
• EasyJet: Same policy as Ryanair. No pets in any compartment. Assistance dogs only. EasyJet has stated this is unlikely to change due to the fast turnaround times their business model requires.
• Wizz Air: No pets permitted. Assistance dogs are the sole exception. This applies to all Wizz Air subsidiaries including Wizz Air UK and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi.

What to do if your only route option is a no-pet airline:

• Check if a pet-friendly airline flies a nearby route (e.g., Vueling often covers the same Spanish routes as Ryanair)
• Consider a connecting flight through a hub served by a pet-friendly carrier (e.g., Frankfurt via Lufthansa, Paris CDG via Air France, Istanbul via Turkish Airlines)
• For large dogs, look into dedicated pet cargo services like IAG Cargo (British Airways' parent) or Lufthansa Cargo, which operate independently of passenger bookings

Use Pawgo to find alternative pet-friendly routes for your exact itinerary.

4. Understanding Weight Limits

The single most common reason pets are denied at the gate in Europe is exceeding the weight limit. Here is what you need to know:

• The limit includes the carrier. When an airline says "8 kg maximum," they mean your pet plus the carrier it is sitting in, combined. A soft-sided carrier typically weighs 1.5–2.5 kg, so your dog can realistically weigh up to about 5.5–6.5 kg to fly in cabin.
• 8 kg is the European standard. The vast majority of European airlines set the cabin limit at 8 kg total. Vueling is a notable exception at 10 kg, making it one of the most generous options for slightly larger small dogs.
• Weighing happens at check-in. Airline staff will weigh your pet in the carrier at the check-in counter. If you are over the limit, you will be denied boarding for the pet — there is no appeal process at the gate.
• Breeds that typically fit: Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Maltese, Toy Poodles, Miniature Dachshunds, Papillons, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (on the upper edge).
• Breeds that are borderline: French Bulldogs (7–13 kg), Beagles (9–11 kg), Cocker Spaniels (12–15 kg). These breeds often exceed the 8 kg cabin limit even before adding carrier weight.

Pro tip: Weigh your dog in the actual carrier you will use, on a home scale, at least a week before departure. If you are within 500 g of the limit, you are at risk.

5. Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breed Restrictions

Brachycephalic breeds — dogs with shortened skulls and compressed airways — face specific flight restrictions across Europe. The concern is genuine: these breeds are at elevated risk of respiratory distress in pressurized, low-humidity environments, especially in temperature-variable cargo holds.

European airlines' brachy policies fall into three categories:

• Cabin allowed, cargo banned: This is the most common European policy. Airlines like Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, Turkish Airlines, SAS, and Finnair will accept brachy breeds in the climate-controlled cabin but prohibit them from cargo. This is the safest option.
• Fully allowed (cabin and cargo): A small number of airlines, including Vueling, impose no breed-specific restrictions. Your brachy dog can fly in either cabin or cargo, subject to standard size limits.
• Fully banned: Some airlines ban brachy breeds from all compartments. This is more common among non-European carriers but check each airline's policy individually.

Breeds typically affected: French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (by some carriers), Boxers, and Mastiffs (cargo only).

For the full breakdown of which airlines accept which brachy breeds, see our brachycephalic breeds flying guide.

6. Cargo Options for Larger Dogs

If your dog exceeds the cabin weight limit, cargo is the primary alternative for European travel. Not all airlines offer cargo pet transport, and quality varies significantly:

• Lufthansa Cargo: One of the most experienced pet cargo handlers in Europe. Operates out of Frankfurt (FRA) with dedicated animal handling facilities. Accepts dogs of all sizes in IATA-compliant crates. Brachy breeds are restricted from cargo.
• Air France Cargo: Available on most long-haul routes through Paris CDG. Competitive pricing (€200–400 depending on crate size and route). Brachy breeds restricted from cargo.
• KLM Cargo: Operates through Amsterdam Schiphol, one of Europe's largest cargo hubs. Pets travel in a climate-controlled, pressurized hold. Fees range from €200 to €500.
• Turkish Airlines Cargo: Generous acceptance policy, competitive pricing, strong handling through Istanbul's new airport.
• IAG Cargo (British Airways): Since BA does not allow cabin pets, all pet transport goes through IAG Cargo. Professional service but more expensive (£100–350+) and less personal than passenger-ticket cargo.

Cargo requirements: IATA-compliant hard crate with bolted corners, ventilation on 3+ sides, attached water bowl, absorbent bedding, and "Live Animal" stickers. The crate must be large enough for your dog to stand without touching the top, turn around, and lie down fully extended.

Temperature embargoes: Most European airlines will not transport pets in cargo when ground temperatures exceed 29°C (84°F) or drop below 7°C (45°F) at any point in the journey. Summer travel through southern Europe (Spain, Greece, Italy) is particularly affected.

7. Booking Tips for European Airlines

Securing a pet spot on a European flight requires more planning than you might expect. Here is what works:

• Book your own ticket first, then call immediately to add the pet. Most European airlines do not allow online pet booking — you must call the airline directly. Cabin pet spots are limited (often 2–4 per flight) and fill up fast on popular routes.
• Call, don't email. Pet reservations are almost always handled by phone. Email requests may take days and spots may sell out in the meantime.
• Book at least 2–4 weeks ahead for cabin. For cargo, 7–14 days minimum, though 3–4 weeks is safer for international routes.
• Get written confirmation. After the phone call, ask the agent to send you email confirmation of the pet booking with the fee amount. Prices quoted over the phone are sometimes incorrect.
• Confirm 48 hours before departure. Call the airline again 48 hours before your flight to reconfirm the pet reservation. Overbooking and system errors happen.
• Arrive 3 hours early for international flights. Pet check-in at European airports is done at the counter, not the kiosk, and document verification adds 15–30 minutes.
• Have your documents printed. European airline staff expect printed originals of the EU Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate, rabies certificate, and microchip registration. Digital copies on your phone are not accepted at most European check-in desks.

8. The EU Pet Passport Requirement

For any flight within or into the EU, your pet needs one of two documents:

• EU Pet Passport: Issued to EU residents by authorized EU veterinarians. This blue booklet contains your pet's microchip number, rabies vaccination history, and owner details. It is valid for the life of the pet as long as vaccinations remain current. As of April 2026, EU pet passports are only issued to EU residents with proof of EU address. Read about the 2026 rule changes.
• Animal Health Certificate (AHC): For non-EU residents (including UK and US travelers), this government-endorsed health certificate replaces the pet passport. It must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by your national veterinary authority (USDA APHIS in the US, APHA in the UK). Valid for 10 days for entry and 4 months for onward EU travel.

In addition to the passport or AHC, you always need:

• ISO 11784/11785 microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccination
• Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel (for primary vaccination)
• Tapeworm treatment 1–5 days before arrival if traveling to Finland, Ireland, Norway, or Malta

For the complete EU entry requirements, see our EU pet travel rules guide. For country-specific extras, check your destination.

9. Country-Specific Airline Rules to Watch

Even within Europe, some countries have airline or airport rules that catch travelers off guard:

• UK (post-Brexit): British Airways does not allow cabin pets. If flying into the UK, you will need an Animal Health Certificate and tapeworm treatment. Assistance dogs are the only exception on most UK-based carriers.
• France: Air France is one of the most pet-friendly airlines, but France bans certain "category 1" dog breeds (Pit Bull types) from flights entirely. Category 2 breeds must be muzzled. See France rules.
• Germany: Breed restrictions vary by German state, but Lufthansa applies a uniform national policy. Brachy breeds are cabin-only. Large restricted breeds may require additional documentation.
• Spain: Vueling and Iberia both allow cabin pets, with Vueling offering a generous 10 kg limit. Spain requires a "dangerous dog" (PPP) license for certain breeds. See Spain rules.
• Scandinavia: SAS, Finnair, and Norwegian all allow cabin pets. Flights to Finland require tapeworm treatment. Norway requires tapeworm treatment for dogs entering from outside the Nordics.
• Greece: Aegean Airlines is pet-friendly with competitive fees. Greece follows standard EU rules with no additional breed restrictions.
• Turkey: Turkish Airlines is among the most generous European carriers for pets. Turkey has its own import rules separate from the EU — check Turkey requirements.

10. Plan Your European Pet Flight

The right airline depends on your dog's size, breed, your route, and your budget. A French Bulldog owner flying Paris to Barcelona has different options than a Labrador owner flying London to Istanbul.

Use Pawgo to find the best pet-friendly airline for your exact route. Enter your pet's breed, weight, and travel dates, and Pawgo checks every airline's policy against your specific situation — including carrier dimensions, breed restrictions, fees, and required documents.

Related guides: How to fly with a dog · Snub-nosed breed guide · EU pet travel rules · Documents checklist · EU Pet Passport 2026 changes · All airline policies