European Pet-Friendly Airlines Comparison

How to fly with a pet in Europe

Choosing the right airline is one of the most important decisions when traveling with a pet. Policies vary depending on size, route, aircraft type, and season.

At PETsTourism.com, we help pet owners select airlines that are genuinely practical and predictable for pet-friendly travel across Europe.

Most European airlines offer three transport options.

1. In the Cabin - Small Dogs and Cats

The standard European weight limit is 8 kg including the carrier, with a few exceptions. Your pet must:

• Stay inside a closed, ventilated carrier
• Remain under the seat in front of you
• Travel in a soft-sided bag (usually max 45 x 30 x 24 cm)

Recommended Cabin Airlines (2026)

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

• 8 kg limit
• Very reliable procedures
• Strong international network

Lufthansa

• 8 kg limit
• Excellent infrastructure
• Strong reputation for animal handling

Air France

• 8 kg limit
• Extensive European network

Transavia

• 8 kg limit
• Budget-friendly
• Soft carriers only

Vueling

• 10 kg limit
• One of the best options for dogs just above 8 kg

airBaltic

• 12 kg limit
• Highest cabin allowance in Europe

2. In the Hold - Larger Dogs

Pets above 8 to 10 kg must travel in a temperature-controlled and pressurized hold.

Requirements:

• IATA-approved hard crate
• Metal bolts (plastic clips increasingly rejected)
• Enough space to stand, turn, and lie down

Strong Hold Options

KLM and Air France

• Consistent standards
• Accept pets up to approx. 75 kg including crate

Lufthansa

• Specialized Animal Lounge in Frankfurt
• Very structured compliance process

TAP Air Portugal

• 8 kg cabin limit
• Reliable direct routes to Lisbon, Porto, and Faro
• Practical option for travelers whose final destination is Portugal
• IATA crate required for hold transport

TAP is commonly used for direct travel into Portugal, reducing transfer stress for medium and large dogs.

3. Cargo Transport

Very large animals or pets traveling separately must fly as cargo. This requires advance coordination and additional paperwork.

European Airlines That Do Not Accept Pets

Ryanair
EasyJet
Wizz Air

These airlines do not transport pets, except certified assistance dogs.

Special Consideration - United Kingdom and Ireland

Flights to the UK and Ireland almost never allow pets in the cabin due to import regulations. Pets typically must travel as cargo.

Many travelers:

• Fly to Amsterdam or Paris
• Continue by car
• Cross via ferry or Eurotunnel

This allows pets to remain with their owners.

Breed Restrictions (2026)

Short-nosed breeds such as Pugs or Bulldogs face increasing restrictions in hold travel due to respiratory risks.

Always verify breed-specific policies before booking.

Required Documentation for EU Pet Travel

For travel to or from Portugal:

• EU Pet Passport
• Microchip identification
• Rabies vaccination (minimum 21 days old)
• Airline-specific transport declaration for hold travel

The 21-Day Rule

The 21-day rabies waiting period starts the day after vaccination. Traveling on day 22 or later is recommended to avoid refusal.

Important Booking Advice



• Reserve your pet immediately after booking your ticket
• Most flights allow only 2 to 4 pets in cabin
• Confirm carrier dimensions carefully
• Avoid peak summer heat when possible
• Never sedate without veterinary advice

Airline rules can vary by aircraft type, weather conditions, and route. Always confirm directly with the airline before departure.

For additional support on pet-friendly accommodation, veterinary clinics, and travel preparation in Portugal, visit PETsTourism.com.

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City, State, Zipcode

This is a paragraph. Writing in paragraphs lets visitors find what they are looking for quickly and easily