Top 10 Pet-Friendly Airlines in Europe for 2024
Traveling with pets in Europe has never been easier, thanks to a growing number of pet-friendly airlines. Whether you’re planning a vacation or relocating, it’s essential to choose airlines that prioritize your pet’s comfort and safety. This guide highlights the best pet-friendly airlines in Europe for 2024 and provides tips on using IATA-approved pet carriers and luggage for a smooth journey.
Pet Travel Basics in Europe
To fly with your cat or dog in Europe, you’ll need:
- A microchip for your pet.
- Proof of rabies vaccination.
- A Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
- Airline-approved pet carriers
Most airlines in Europe allow pets weighing up to 8kg (including the carrier) to travel in the cabin. However, some airlines, such as Vueling and Air Europa, permit pets up to 10kg. For larger pets, options like checked baggage or cargo are available.
Top 10 Pet-Friendly Airlines in Europe
Here’s a list of the top 10 pet-friendly airlines in Europe that prioritize your pet’s safety and comfort.
Air Europa
Known for accommodating various pets, including cats, dogs, and small animals like rabbits, hamsters, and birds. They accept pets in both cargo and cabin using the approved Air Europa approved pet carrier under the seat. Air Europa is headquartered in Madrid, Spain. Its primary hub is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), which operates both internal and international flights, including routes to Europe and the Americas.
Pet travel fees vary by route: €9 for flights within the Balearic and Canary Islands, €25 within Spain and Europe, and up to €150 for long-haul flights. It’s recommended to reserve early because space is limited.
Air Europa allows in-cabin pet carriers with maximum dimensions of 40 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm (15.7 in x 11.8 in x 11.8 in). The carrier must be soft, flexible, ventilated, and waterproof, especially in the area where the pet lies down. Additionally, the combined weight of the pet and carrier cannot exceed 10 kg (22 lbs)
Vueling Airlines
Allows cats and dogs up to 10 kg in the cabin. They also accept turtles, fish, and small birds (excluding birds of prey). The allowed Vueling airlines pet carrier is less than 8 kg and the size requirements are 50 x 40 x 20 cm that fit well under the seat. Vueling is headquartered in Barcelona, Spain. Its main hub is Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), but it also has substantial bases in Madrid-Barajas and Seville. Vueling is a low-cost airline that serves Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It is owned by the International Airlines Group (IAG).
Vueling allows in-cabin pet carriers with maximum dimensions of 45 cm x 39 cm x 21 cm (17.7 in x 15.3 in x 8.3 in). The Vueling approved carrier must be non-rigid and weigh no more than 8 kg (17.6 lbs) with the pet inside.
Air France
Offers seamless travel for pets in the cabin provided it is less than 8 kg (17 lbs) and the allowed Air France pet carrier must fit under the seat. Air France is headquartered in Tremblay-en-France, near Paris, France. Its primary hub is Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), with an additional hub at Orly Airport (ORY).
Air France is the flagship carrier of France. Air France allows in-cabin pet carriers with maximum dimensions of 46 cm x 28 cm x 24 cm (18 in x 11 in x 9.5 in)
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Known for their comprehensive pet policies and partnerships with pet relocation services, they allow small dogs and cats in cabins of economy and business class. The weight of the pet including its KLM pet carrier is 8 kg. The pets are required to remain in the KLM approved pet carriers beneath the seat for the duration of the flight. KLM is based in the Netherlands, with its main hub at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS).
KLM permits in-cabin pet carriers with maximum dimensions of 46 cm x 28 cm x 24 cm (18 in x 11 in x 9 in). The airline enforces strict guidelines regarding carrier size and has been known to deny boarding if the pet carrier exceeds these limits.
ibiyaya Adventure pet carrier has been tested with KLM and Turkish Airlines when @Oliverthecat and @pamirthecat used it on their holiday vacation travel.
Lufthansa Airlines
A popular choice among pet owners for their safety-first approach and acceptance of airline-approved pet luggage. Lufthansa is a pet-friendly airline. It allows pets to travel either in the cabin or the air-conditioned cargo hold depending on their size and weight.
The Lufthansa approved pet carrier in the cabin under the seat is a soft-sided type and must not be more than 8 kg with a size less than 55 x 40 x 33 cm or 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 ( inches).
The service animals or emotional support dogs can travel in the cabin free of charge. Lufthansa is headquartered in Germany. Its headquarters are located in Cologne, and its primary hub is Frankfurt Airport (FRA), with another significant hub at Munich Airport (MUC).
Eurowings GmbH
A German value airline based in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, and a completely owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Group. Eurowings is a pet-friendly airline in certain circumstances. They allow small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin, as long as the pet and carrier weigh no more than 8 kilograms. The acceptable pet carrier for Eurowings is soft-sided, waterproof, and bite-proof, with a maximum size of 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Pets should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally inside the pet luggage.
Swiss International Airlines (SWISS):
Welcomes small pets in the cabin if they are in a pet carrier backpack airline-approved. Swiss International Air Lines is based in Switzerland and the airline’s headquarters are located in Zurich, and its main hub is Zurich Airport (ZRH). SWISS is a member of the Lufthansa Group. Swiss Airlines allows small pet carriers in the cabin and lounges as long as they’re under 8 kg, secured, ventilated, and spacious.
SWISS approved pet carriers must not exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm. This ensures the pet travel luggage fits comfortably under the seat in front of you. For additional guidance, refer to SWISS’s official pet policy page.
Aegean Airlines
A pet-friendly option in Greece, accommodating small cats and dogs in the cabin. The allowed Aegean Airlines pet carreir has a maximum dimension of 55 x 40 x 20 cm and the fee for cabin pets is €30 on domestic flights and €60 on international flights.Aegean Airlines is based in Greece, with its main hub at Athens International Airport (ATH). It is the largest Greek airline, operating domestic and international flights to Europe, the Middle East.
Editor’s note: Contact Aegean Airlines about your pet in advance and submit any relevant paperwork, such as a pet passport for overseas flights. Additionally, pets are not permitted on flights to and from Düsseldorf and London Gatwick.
Air Malta
Permits a variety of pets traveling in the cabin, including hares, cats, birds, ferrets, dogs, and rabbits, in approved Air Malta pet carriers. Two pets of the same species can be transported in the same pet bag as long as they stay within the weight restriction. The small pet carrier for Air Malta should not exceed 10 kg and must fit comfortably under the seat, with maximum dimensions of 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm.
Air Malta is situated in Malta, a small Mediterranean island republic. The airline’s headquarters are in Luqa, close to Malta International Airport (MLA), which acts as its main hub.
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
Based in Sweden, with its main hubs in Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Oslo, serving Sweden, Denmark, Norway, London, Paris, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Shanghai, Tokyo, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. SAS is highly regarded for its pet-friendly policies, making it a top choice for travelers with pets in Europe.
SAS pet carrier in-cabin requirements are soft-sided material, not more than 8 kg, 40 x 30 x 23 cm in size. SAS does not allow pets in the cabin.
Honorable mentions
AirBaltic
AirBaltic allows in-cabin pet carriers with maximum dimensions of 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm (21.7 in x 15.7 in x 9 in). The AirBalic approved pet carrier must be soft-sided, well-ventilated, and securely closable, ensuring your pet can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The combined weight of the pet and carrier cannot exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines allows passengers to travel with pets either in the cabin or as checked baggage, provided they meet specific requirements and fees. Only small cats and dogs are permitted in the cabin. The approved pet carrier must be soft-sided, bite-proof, leak-proof, odor-insulated, and properly ventilated, with maximum dimensions of 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm (21.6 in x 15.7 in x 9 in). Additionally, pet registration must be completed at least 48 hours before departure.
Iberia, EasyJet, TIU Airlines, FinnAir, Ryanair, TAP Air Portugal, (Poland) Wizzair, and Norwegian Air Shuttle are all accepting small dogs and cats in their cabin provide your pet is inside your airlines approved pet carrier. Each airiness have specific pet crate guidelines and an advance inquiry is required.
Choosing the Right Pet Carrier
When traveling by air, it’s crucial to select a IATA-approved pet carrier that meets International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. These carriers ensure adequate ventilation, durability, and safety for your pet. Additionally, airline-approved pet luggage helps you comply with specific airline requirements for cabin or cargo transport.
Some recommended IATA-approved carriers include JetPaw Dog and Cat Carrier with optional stroller, Adventure Cat Carrier, and the Panorama small pet travel backpack with optional trolley, which are designed to fit under most airline seats.
