Last Updated on 04/24/2021
When I moved to Italy, of course I brought my dog Alfie. I flew Delta and had a great experience (even if it did cost $125). The flight was from the US to Italy, so we had to have all of Alfie’s health documents prepared before we left. Depending on the destination and airline, there are other requirements such as your pet must be micro-chipped. Not just any old micro-chip. It has to be a 15-digit international one.
*Before we go any further please keep in mind that this post is intended to be a general overview. Please consult the airline’s specific pet policy for details. This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support!
I use this carrier and also have this backpack carrier that I love. I cart Alfie around in it all the time, not just on a long distance flight. The right carrier depends on your dog’s size and the airline, so always check their requirements.
Once I arrived in Italy, I had to get her an EU Pet Passport. This little blue passport allows her to easily travel with me. Proper documentation including an EU pet passport issued by a veterinarian is usually required when traveling throughout the European Union.
We are currently planning a few upcoming trips which is forcing me to do some research on which European airline has the best deal. This handy guide has the costs and pet policies of major airlines throughout Europe, listed alphabetically. The fees listed below are quoted in 2016, per one-way journey. In cabin weight maximums are for the total weight of the pet and its carrier.
Air France
In cabin weight maximum: 8kg (17 lb.)
In cabin: €20 domestically within France. €55 within Europe.
Hold/Cargo: €40 domestically within France. €75 within Europe. €200 Intercontinental (ouch…).
Pet policy
Alitailia
In cabin weight maximum: 10kg (22 lb.)
In cabin and cargo: €40 domestically throughout Italy. €75 within Europe
Pet Policy and fee table. One of the few that allows ferrets!
British Airways
Recognized assistance dogs are free of charge and are allowed with the passenger in cabin.
Pet policy
Easy Jet
Only registered Guide or Assistance dogs are allowed on certain flights. Free!
Pet Policy.
Iberia
In cabin weight maximum: 8kg (17 lb.)
In cabin:€25 domestically within Spain. €50 within Europe
Hold/cargo: €120
Pet Policy
KLM
In cabin weight maximum: 8kg (17 lb.)
In cabin: €55 within Europe
Hold/Cargo: €75
KLM doesn’t have a clear chart for fees on their website. You have to go through the Special Baggage Calculator.
Note: If you have a layover longer than two hours through Amsterdam, they’ll charge you an additional €150 for the “animal hotel.” €150!?! Does that come with two double beds and a minibar? No. It does not. However, they will feed and walk your pet. That’s one expensive dog-sitter.
Pet Policy.
Lufthansa
In cabin weight maximum: 8kg (17 lb.)
In cabin: €50 within Europe. €70 Intercontinental
Hold/cargo: €100 within Europe. €150 Intercontinental
Pet Policy.
Meridiana
In cabin weight maximum: 10kg (22 lb.)
In cabin: €40 domestically within Italy, €50 within Europe. €70 Intercontinental
Hold/cargo: €60 domestically within Italy, €90 within Europe. €100 Intercontinental
Pet Policy under Transportation of Domestic Animals.
Ryan Air
Only registered Guide or Assistance dogs are allowed on certain flights. Free!
Pet Policy.
Transavia
In cabin weight maximum: 10kg (22 lb.)
In cabin: €40
Hold/cargo: €60
Pet Policy.
Volotea
In cabin weight maximum: 8kg (17 lb.)
In cabin: €39
Pet Policy “Homemade containers are not allowed.” LOL! I’d love to know the story behind this specification.
Their Service Fee Table did not specify fees by destination, so I’d assume it’s €39 for all over Europe.
Vueling
In cabin weight maximum: 8kg (17 lb.)
In cabin: €25 domestically throughout Spain. €40 internationally
Pet Policy
I *love* that you can add the pet fee online! Some airlines make you call. The check out process is very intuitive and user friendly.
This is my no means an exhaustive list and I’d absolutely recommend double checking with your particular airline. Check in early and don’t forget to bring food and water. All of the sites recommend feeding your pet about 4 hours before departure.
Also take into consideration the length of the flight. These pet policies also recommend not fully sedating your dog because it affects their ability to adjust their body temperature. Be sure to talk to your vet about what they recommend.
The UK, Ireland, Malta and Sweden have special conditions and usually require a tapeworm and/or rabies blood test within a certain amount of days prior to entry. Depending on the airline and destination, sometimes they only allow the pet to be transferred as freight and not in cabin.
The number of pets in cabin is limited to two to four depending on the airline and flight. Try to book as far out in advance as possible to make sure there is room for your furry travel companion.
Special requirements are noted for certain breeds. As Lufthansa puts it, “fighting dogs,” may require a special carrier. Pit Bulls are not allowed in Germany at all. Since there’s also temperature restrictions for pug dogs on most airlines, keep in mind the season if you have a short snouted dog.
I hope this post was helpful. Have you ever flown with a pet? I’d love to hear your experience!
Thanks for this really useful post. Can I just ask, how tall is Alfie? I am moving abroad and taking my beloved cat, but she is about 27cm tall and all airlines I have checked out demand a carrier no higher than 23cm in which a pet can stand up comfortably in a normal position. There is just no way I am letting them put her in the hold, she is an anxious cat and unusually for a cat, hates being left alone… I really don’t know what to do but to me it looks like Alfie is poking out the top of the carrier too when she is upright…?
Hi Maj, I can totally understand why you’d be nervous. Alfie’s head is above her body and she like to poke out her head just slightly, but if her spine/neck are horizontal she fits fine (if that makes sense). She usually lays down in it most of the time. I think a normal size cat would be fine. Good luck on your move!
This post is great! I’ve been looking for a summary of the weight limit of each airline. It really helps since our dogs + container is slightly above 8kgs so looking for an airline that could accommodate them has been exhausting. Thanks for this and please keep updating!
Thank you, Karen. I understand it’s so time consuming trying to find information. Pettravel.com also has some great resources! They give a nice summary of the requirements by country as well. Have a safe trip!