If you’re based in Europe and want to fly with your dog in the cabin, you’ve got plenty of options. Most European airlines allow pets on board — far more than in the US, actually — and the process is generally straightforward. That said, policies vary wildly from airline to airline, and getting the details wrong can cost you your flight.
Here’s a practical overview of the major European airlines that allow dogs in the cabin, based on our experience flying with Sami and the research we do before every trip. I’ll focus on what actually matters: weight limits, fees, carrier requirements, and the quirks you should know about.
The Big Picture
The majority of European flag carriers and major airlines allow small dogs in the cabin. Budget airlines are more hit or miss — some allow pets, some don’t, and their policies change more frequently. The key things that vary between airlines are the maximum weight limit, the carrier size requirements, the pet fee, and the number of pets allowed per flight.
One thing that’s consistent across European airlines: they almost always weigh your dog at check-in. This is different from the US, where they mostly check carrier fit. In Europe, that number on the scale matters. We manage Sami’s weight carefully before every flight — he needs to stay under the airline’s limit including the carrier bag.
Airlines We’ve Personally Flown With
TAP Air Portugal — This is our home airline. We fly TAP more than any other carrier. They allow dogs up to 8 kg (including carrier) in the cabin. The pet fee within Europe is around €60 each way. We’ve always had a great experience with TAP — the staff is pet-friendly, check-in is smooth, and they’ve never given us any issues with Sami. You need to call them to reserve a spot for your pet after booking your ticket.
Delta Air Lines (for Europe-US routes) — Technically an American airline, but relevant for transatlantic flights from Europe. The pet fee is $200 each way for international flights. In the US, they don’t weigh the dog — they check carrier fit instead. We flew Delta from Lisbon to New York and it went smoothly. You must call to reserve a pet spot; you can’t do it online.
Major European Airlines That Allow Dogs in Cabin
Lufthansa — Allows dogs up to 8 kg (including carrier) in the cabin. Maximum carrier dimensions are 55 x 40 x 23 cm. The pet fee varies by route but typically ranges from €50-70 within Europe. Lufthansa is one of the more pet-friendly major carriers.
Air France — Allows dogs up to 8 kg (including carrier). Maximum carrier size is 46 x 28 x 24 cm — notably smaller than some other airlines. Pet fee is around €70 within Europe, €200 for long-haul.
KLM — Same group as Air France, similar policies. Dogs up to 8 kg including carrier. Check their website for the most current fees and carrier dimensions as they update these periodically.
Iberia — Allows pets up to 8 kg (including carrier) in cabin. Carrier dimensions max 45 x 35 x 25 cm. Pet fee within Europe starts around €50.
Alitalia / ITA Airways — Allows dogs up to 10 kg (including carrier) — one of the more generous weight limits in Europe. This extra 2 kg makes a real difference for breeds like Westies that sit right at the 8 kg line.
Swiss International — Same group as Lufthansa, similar pet policies. Dogs up to 8 kg including carrier.
SAS Scandinavian Airlines — Allows pets in cabin on most routes. Weight limit is 8 kg including carrier.
Aegean Airlines — Allows dogs up to 8 kg in cabin. We considered Aegean for our Greece trips and they have a good reputation for pet travel.
Finnair — Allows dogs in cabin, 8 kg limit. Note: if you’re flying to Finland, your dog needs tapeworm treatment before arrival.
Flying with your dog for the first time?
Choosing the airline is step one. Our free 8-day email course covers documents, carrier bags, weight limits, the airport, and in-flight tips. All from 20+ real flights with Sami.
Budget Airlines
Vueling — Allows pets in cabin, up to 10 kg including carrier. One of the more generous budget options.
Transavia — Allows dogs up to 10 kg in cabin. Maximum carrier size 47 x 30 x 27 cm.
Volotea — Allows small pets in cabin. Weight limit typically 8-10 kg.
Ryanair — Does NOT allow pets in the cabin (except certified assistance dogs). This is the big one that catches people off guard. If you’re booking a budget flight in Europe and you have a dog, Ryanair is off the table.
easyJet — Also does NOT allow pets in the cabin (except assistance dogs). Same situation as Ryanair.
Wizz Air — Does NOT allow pets in cabin.
Important Things to Know
Always verify before booking. Airline pet policies change. Fees change. Weight limits change. The information above was accurate at the time of writing, but you should always check the airline’s website directly before booking a flight. Look for “traveling with pets” or “carry-on pets” in their help section.
Call to reserve immediately. After booking your ticket, call the airline to reserve a spot for your dog. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight — some allow as few as 4-6 in the cabin. Don’t wait. We call the same day we book, even if the flight is weeks away.
You can’t check in online. With most European airlines, if you’re traveling with a pet, you have to check in at the counter. Arrive at least 3 hours before your flight. The check-in process includes document verification, weighing your dog, and paying the pet fee. See our airport guide for the full walkthrough.
Documents matter. For flights within the EU, you need a valid EU pet passport with a current rabies vaccine. For our complete documents checklist, see the linked guide.
Carrier requirements are strict in theory. Every airline publishes maximum carrier dimensions. In practice, with a soft-sided carrier, you have some flexibility because the bag compresses under the seat. But don’t push it too far — a bag that’s wildly oversized will get flagged.
My Process for Every Flight
Before I book any flight with Sami, I check the airline’s pet policy page. I confirm the weight limit, the carrier dimensions, the fee, and whether they allow pets on that specific route (some airlines restrict pets on certain aircraft types). Then I book. Then I immediately call to reserve a spot for the dog. And then, about a week before the flight, I call again to confirm everything is still in order.
It sounds like overkill. It’s not. It’s the reason we’ve never been turned away at check-in across 20+ flights. For more on the full cost breakdown across different airlines, see our guide on how much it costs to fly with your dog.
Want the complete system for flying with your dog?
Our free 8-day email course covers airlines, documents, carrier selection, security, and in-flight tips. Built from 20+ real flights across Europe and to the US.
Europe is one of the most dog-friendly regions for air travel. The options are there — just do your homework before you book, confirm with a phone call, and you’ll be fine.
