🐕 5 main questions about transporting dogs on an airplane

One of the easiest ways to travel around Europe is by flying. This also applies when you travel with a dog. And for many owners the question is quite relevant: is it possible to take a dog to the salon? Especially if we are talking about a small pet..

So, most European airlines allow small dogs to fly in cabins, although there are notable exceptions. For example , not all routes may be accessible for travelers with dogs. So what questions should you ask when choosing air carriers and your upcoming flight? The answers were collected with the support of Trip.com.

What do you need to take with you when flying with a dog?

If you decide to travel with a dog, the very first thing you should think about is documents. And not only for the pet, but also for the owner. If you need a visa, be sure to contact the visa center and make an appointment for a visa.

About a month or even earlier , you will need to get a veterinary passport with a microchipping stamp and a rabies vaccination, which will be valid for at least a month at the time of departure. It is also important to ensure that the vaccine from a European manufacturer is used.

You'll also have to get a carrier. For animals traveling on the seat, it should be firm. It is best to opt for an IATA (International Air Transport Association) certified carrier. If you are going to the USA with an animal, then you will have a separate quest. We studied the issue in more detail in this text.

You shouldn’t buy a huge carrier, just like a very small one. It is better to opt for medium sizes so that it is comfortable for you and comfortable for the animal. It is also recommended to get a spill-proof drinking bowl. This is one of the mandatory requirements for many airlines. When the documents are ready and the carrier has been purchased, you can choose a carrier. It is also worth choosing travel tours in advance.

Do low-cost European airlines allow pets in the cabin?

The vast majority of budget and low-cost European airlines allow pets in the cabin. But there are also those who cannot be called pet-friendly. We are talking about the following companies: easyJet and its subsidiaries, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Level, Corendon Airlines and its subsidiaries.

Do European airlines have a weight limit for animals?

Almost all airlines have a weight limit for pets. To transport your pet in the cabin, the total weight, including the carrier bag, must not exceed 8 kg.

Air Europa and Cyprus Airways also have a weight limit of 8 kg. They should be highlighted separately. Because the peculiarity of these companies is that they only take into account the weight of the animal. Whereas with carrying, the total weight can be even more.

Also, some carriers adhere to a 10 kg limit for dogs flying in the cabin. We are talking about the following companies:

• Air Malta
• Albawings
• Neos Air
• Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas
• S7 Airlines
• TUI fly
• Ukraine International Airlines
• Volotea
• Vueling (except flights operated by Iberia).

One of the friendliest companies for travelers with pets is airBaltic. The airline recently increased the allowed weight of dogs in the cabin from 8 kg to 12 kg, including the carrier bag.

But the most loyal to pet owners is the French airline La Compagnie, although it flies only business class between France, Italy and the USA. It has a generous weight limit for pets of 15kg, including carrying them.

We also note that Transavia has removed the 10 kg weight limit for transporting animals.

Do European airlines have a lower weight limit?

It would seem that this is an extremely strange question. But there really are such airlines in Europe. If you are transporting a very small pet, it is best to ensure that you meet the airline's minimum requirements. Here is a list of them with restrictions:

• AnadoluJet – limit 6 kg;
• Blue Air – 6 kg limit;
• British Airways – 6 kg limit on SUN-AIR flights within Europe;
• Bulgaria Air – 6 kg limit on selected flights to and from Paris operated by Air France;
• Chair Airlines – 6 kg limit;
• Corsair – 7 kg limit;
• Helvetic Airways – 7kg limit;
• Twin Jet – 6 kg limit.

Do European airlines allow pet reservations?

Most European airlines do not provide this service. In any case, this is what is written in their rules for transporting animals. But for example, the Russian S7 Airlines allows you to reserve a seat for pets. Including those whose weight with carrying will be up to 23 kg.

You can find out about the service and use it by calling the call center or using chat on the airline’s website. More information about all companies has been collected in our article.

Rules for flying with a dog in the cabin in Europe

To prevent your first flight with a dog from turning into a nightmare, you need to familiarize yourself with the general rules of flight. Their list is compiled below.

• Dogs are not allowed to fly in the cabin when entering the UK and Iceland, no matter which airline you fly with.
• Dogs are not allowed in the cabin on flights to the UK on any airline.
• It's best to double-check the size and weight restrictions as they vary slightly between pet airlines.
• Pets are often not allowed to travel in business class due to the seat design. If you prefer to fly business class, it's worth checking out your airline's pet policy.
• Some companies do not require advance notice when transporting animals. However, usually only a certain number of dogs are allowed per flight. Therefore, warning about your plus one is a good idea.
• Usually the cost of a ticket is cheaper if you pre -book a ticket than buying it at the airport. However, this rule only works for companies that provide booking services for pets.
• It's always worth checking the airline's pet policy before booking, and it's also a good idea to double-check it before you fly.