Pet in the cabin: who carriers allow and what to bring

A pet in the aircraft cabin does not fly automatically, but only with the carrier's permission. Some airlines allow a cat or small dog under the seat, others take only guide dogs, and still others are completely closed to animals.

The situation is made worse by outdated roundups on the internet. Some carriers from those lists no longer operate flights, while veterinary requirements in the EU remain strict (EU portal, checked on 09/13/2026).

Below is a summary of European airlines and their rules. You will find who is allowed in the cabin, who is sent to the baggage hold, and what needs to be booked in advance.

Ad: this article contains affiliate links, we earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.

What to prepare before the flight

💡 In short:

• Check whether your chosen carrier takes animals in the cabin: with some companies, a pet flies only in the baggage hold.
• Book a spot for your animal together with your ticket: cabin spots are limited, and some carriers take a pet on board only after confirmation.
• Prepare your pet's documents in advance: without them, you will not be allowed on the flight.

A dog or cat is allowed in the cabin only with documents. You need a pet passport, a microchip, and a valid rabies vaccination given well in advance. After vaccination, several weeks must pass before departure, so do not leave it until the last day.

In the cabin, a pet travels in a soft carrier under the seat in front. Taking the animal out of the carrier during the flight is not allowed. Most carriers have the same weight limit including the carrier, and carrier dimensions are checked at the check-in desk.

Spots for animals on a flight are limited. Notify the carrier in advance: with some companies this is done at booking, with others a day or more before departure. If you buy a ticket on the website, look for a separate item about an animal, not a general comment on the order.

At the airport, arrive with extra time and keep your pet's documents at hand. Until boarding, the carrier stays closed. Ask your veterinarian about sedatives in advance: some medications act differently at altitude.

Summary table: who allows a pet in the cabin

A quick summary will help you filter out unsuitable flights before reading the details. If "no" appears next to an airline, the pet flies in the baggage hold or stays home.

There are always fewer cabin spots for animals than people who want them. If your dates are already chosen, take the flight together with a spot for your pet right away: find a ticket with an animal on Kiwi.com.

Blue Air (Romania): flights stopped

Romanian Blue Air once took dogs in the cabin, except on flights to the UK and Cologne. The company suspended flights in autumn 2022 and filed for insolvency in March 2023 (Blue Air history). You can no longer buy tickets for its flights, so the old rules from roundups are no longer relevant.

Braathens Regional Airlines (Sweden): domestic only

Braathens Regional Airlines, or BRA, flies mainly within Sweden. Cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin only on domestic flights, and a spot for the animal is booked together with your own ticket. The pet's weight including the carrier is limited to 8 kg, and the carrier must be soft and no larger than 45 x 35 x 25 cm (BRA rules). Guide dogs fly free, and the weight limit does not apply to them.

© MarcelX42 · CC BY-SAPhoto: MarcelX42, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

British Airways (UK): animals in the hold

British Airways does not allow pets in the cabin; only service dogs fly there. Cats, dogs, and emotional support animals travel in the temperature-controlled cargo hold. There is one exception: SUN-AIR flights under the British Airways brand within Europe, where an animal weighing up to 6 kg in a 20 x 30 x 20 cm carrier is taken in the cabin, but only not to the UK (British Airways rules). One animal per flight is allowed on board, so booking is mandatory for you.

© Steve Lynes from Sandshurst, United Kingdom · CC BYPhoto: Steve Lynes from Sandshurst, United Kingdom, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Bulgaria Air (Bulgaria): cabin and baggage hold

Bulgaria Air carries cats and dogs both in the cabin and in the baggage hold. The weight of the pet with the carrier is limited to 8 kg, and on flights to and from Paris operated by Air France, the limit is lower. You need to notify the airline about the pet in advance by calling the call center or by email. The cabin fee depends on the route and amounts to several tens of euros, and if you pay at the airport, the amount is higher: the exact figure is given by the call center (Bulgaria Air fares).

© Matti Blume · CC BY-SAPhoto: Matti Blume, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Buta Airways (Azerbaijan): brand closed

Buta Airways was an Azerbaijani low-cost carrier from Baku and allowed one small dog in the cabin. In fall 2023, the brand was merged into Azerbaijan Airlines, and the separate airline no longer exists (Buta Airways status). You now buy tickets from Azerbaijan Airlines, so check its website for pet rules.

© Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia · CC BY-SAPhoto: Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Corendon Airlines (Turkey): no animals accepted

Corendon Airlines, together with its subsidiaries in Malta and the Netherlands, does not carry pets at all. Neither in the cabin nor in the baggage hold (Corendon data). If you were planning to fly with a cat or dog, look for another carrier. The rule is the same for all three brands in the group.

© MarcelX42 · CC BY-SAPhoto: MarcelX42, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Croatia Airlines (Croatia): fee depends on the route

Croatia Airlines accepts animals both in the cabin and in the baggage hold. No more than two cats or dogs are allowed per flight, and the weight with the carrier is limited to 8 kg. The fee depends on the route: within Croatia it is the lowest, within Europe it is higher, and on long-haul routes it is the highest (Croatia Airlines fees). Cabin transport on a ticket purchased on the day of departure incurs a separate surcharge, so check the amount when booking.

© Julian Herzog ( Website ) · CC BYPhoto: Julian Herzog ( Website ), CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Czech Airlines (Czech Republic): flights discontinued

Czech Airlines was the oldest carrier in the Czech Republic: it operated its first flight in 1923. Two carriers were allowed in economy class and one in business class, and the weight of the pet with the carrier did not exceed 8 kg (Czech Airlines history). The company operated its last scheduled flight in October 2024, and it is now a holding company rather than an airline. You should check the pet rules of the carrier whose flight you purchased.

Cyprus Airways (Cyprus): cabin and hold

Cyprus Airways, the flag carrier of Cyprus, operates mostly seasonal flights to and from the island. Cats and dogs are accepted both in the cabin and in the hold. In the cabin, the animal may weigh up to 8 kg, or up to 10 kg including the carrier, with carrier dimensions up to 45 x 35 x 20 cm (Cyprus Airways rules). A spot for your pet must be booked in advance, the number of animals on board is limited, and the fee is confirmed when your booking is confirmed.

© Aeroprints.com · CC BY-SAPhoto: Aeroprints.com, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

DAT (Denmark): soft bag and paid reservation

The Danish carrier DAT, formerly Danish Air Transport, allows cats and dogs to travel in the cabin and in the hold. For the cabin, a soft bag is required, and the combined weight of the animal and bag is limited to 8 kg. Advance reservation is mandatory and paid, with the amount confirmed at booking (DAT conditions). Without a reservation, you and your pet will not be allowed on the flight, so make it right after purchasing your ticket.

© MarcelX42 · CC BY-SAPhoto: MarcelX42, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Eastern Airways (UK): guide dogs only

The small British airline Eastern Airways does not accept pets on board. An exception is made for guide dogs: they travel free of charge (Eastern Airways rules). You must notify the airline in advance about traveling with a trained dog. For travel with a cat or dog, you will need a different carrier.

© Ronnie Robertson · CC BY-SAPhoto: Ronnie Robertson, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

EasyJet: pets are not allowed on board

easyJet, easyJet Europe, and easyJet Switzerland do not accept pets. Only registered guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed on board (easyJet rules). Even for an additional fee, your pet will not be allowed in the cabin. If you need to fly with a cat or dog, choose a carrier from the table above.

© MarcelX42 · CC BY-SAPhoto: MarcelX42, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Austrian Airlines (Austria): fee depends on route

Austrian Airlines allows small cats and dogs weighing up to 8 kg in the cabin, while larger dogs travel in the hold. The fee depends on the route: €65 on domestic flights within Austria, €80 within Europe, and from €105 to €125 on intercontinental flights (as of 09/2026, Austrian Airlines conditions). Contact the airline in advance: they will confirm the conditions and availability of space for your animal. Without confirmation, your pet will not be accepted on the flight.

© Acroterion · CC BY-SAPhoto: Acroterion, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Edelweiss Air (Switzerland): book four days ahead

Edelweiss only carries cats and dogs and asks you to book a spot in advance, no later than four days before departure. The combined weight of the animal and carrier is limited to 8 kg. The fee depends on the flight duration, and payment is made at booking (Edelweiss conditions). Since 2023, the carrier requires documents confirming the animal is fit to fly and is older than two months.

© Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia · CC BY-SAPhoto: Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Chair Airlines (Switzerland): cats, dogs, turtles

The small Swiss carrier Chair Airlines accepts cats, dogs, and even turtles both in the cabin and in the baggage hold. In the cabin, the combined weight of the animal and carrier is limited to 6 kg (Chair Airlines conditions). A spot for your pet must be booked in advance, and the carrier may refuse certain breeds, so check with the call center. Payment for cabin transport is made at airport check-in.

© Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia · CC BY-SAPhoto: Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Eurowings (Germany): short and medium-haul flights

Eurowings, Eurowings Discover, and Eurowings Europe allow animals in the cabin on short and medium-haul flights. Pets are not accepted on long-haul flights or on flights to the UK and Ireland. The combined weight of the animal and carrier is limited to 8 kg, a spot must be booked in advance, and transport costs start at €60 (as of 09/2026, Eurowings rules). For a long-haul flight with an animal, you will need a different carrier.

© MarcelX42 · CC BY-SAPhoto: MarcelX42, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Finnair and Norra (Finland): cabin and hold

Finnair and its regional subsidiary Norra carry cats and dogs in the cabin and in the baggage hold. In the cabin, the combined weight of the pet and carrier is limited to 8 kg, and carrier dimensions vary slightly depending on who operates the flight. The fee is €60 on flights within Europe and €120 outside Europe, and it is higher if booked less than a week before departure (as of 09/2026, Finnair fares). A spot for the animal must be booked in advance, and long-haul restrictions were lifted in 2023.

© MiskaVout · CC BY-SAPhoto: MiskaVout, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

FlyOne (Moldova): cabin only

Moldovan low-cost carrier FlyOne only takes small animals in the cabin and does not transport them in the baggage hold. The combined weight of the pet and carrier is limited to 8 kg, the spot must be booked in advance, and the transport fee should be confirmed with support at the time of booking (FlyOne conditions). Animals that are too young are not accepted for transport, so check your pet's age with the carrier's support team.

© Mitchul Hope · CC BY-SAPhoto: Mitchul Hope, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to take a pet in the cabin?

There is no single rate. The amount depends on the carrier, route, and flight distance, and in our list fees start from a few dozen euros one way. The exact amount is given to you at booking, so confirm it before buying your ticket.

What documents do I need to fly with a cat or dog?

Within the EU you need a pet passport, a microchip, and a valid rabies vaccination given in advance (EU pet requirements). Documents are checked at check-in and at boarding, so keep them handy. Without the full set, you and your pet will not be allowed on the flight.

What if my pet exceeds the cabin weight limit?

Such a pet will most likely be sent to the baggage hold. Whether animals are accepted there depends on the carrier: British Airways and Croatia Airlines transport them in the hold, while Corendon and easyJet do not take them at all. Check this in advance, before paying for your ticket.

Who can fly for free?

Guide dogs and service dogs are allowed on board free of charge and without weight restrictions by most carriers. Braathens Regional Airlines and Eastern Airways, for example, do this. You need to notify the airline about such a dog in advance and bring the animal's documents with you.

Can I take a pet in the cabin on a flight to the UK?

Usually not. British Airways, easyJet, and Eurowings do not allow pets in the cabin on UK flights. If you are flying to London or Edinburgh, plan for transport in the baggage hold or choose other routes with your pet.

Is Czech Airlines still operating?

No. The carrier operated its last scheduled flight in October 2024 and now operates as a holding company rather than an airline (why Czech Airlines shut down). Check the pet rules with the company whose flight you actually booked.

In short: what to book

The bottom line is simple. If your pet fits within the cabin weight limit, choose a carrier that allows animals under the seat: Bulgaria Air, Cyprus Airways, Croatia Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Finnair, and FlyOne all offer this as a standard service. For a larger pet, British Airways is a good fit, with the animal flying in the baggage hold. If a carrier does not take animals at all, you will need to build your itinerary around a different airline.

What to book: arrange your pet's spot together with your ticket, and compare ticket dates in advance: find a flight with a pet on Kiwi.com. Prepare your pet's documents a few weeks before the trip, and check-in will go smoothly.