Buying your own ticket takes five minutes. Booking a ticket with a dog—that’s a different story. Pet travel rules vary not only between airlines, but also by route, aircraft type, your dog’s size and the country you’re flying to. Miss one small detail and you and your dog could be denied boarding.
Below we’ve compiled an overview of airlines you’ll most often encounter when flying with a dog—whether you’re departing from Europe, connecting, or heading long‑haul. The information is current at the time of writing (last updated 27 June 2026), but policies can change, so always confirm the latest rules with the specific airline before you book.
Table of Contents
When a dog can fly in the cabin and when it must go in the baggage hold
Dog’s weight and size
Many European airlines use a threshold of about 8 kg (dog plus carrier) for cabin travel. This isn’t an international rule or an IATA standard—it’s each carrier’s internal policy, driven mainly by the space under the seat and safety requirements.
If your dog exceeds the permitted limit, it flies in the baggage hold or as cargo if the airline requires it.
Dog carrier dimensions for air travel
For both the cabin and the baggage hold, the carrier must meet basic IATA construction requirements—waterproof base, adequate ventilation, secure fastenings, and enough space for the animal to stand and turn around. Cabin dimensions vary by airline—for example, Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Austrian, SWISS) accepts up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm, KLM and Air France 46 × 28 × 24 cm, Turkish Airlines 40 × 30 × 23 cm. Always check your airline’s specific measurements before buying a carrier. For the baggage hold, requirements are stricter—IATA defines specific crate types (such as CR82 or CR83) with exact construction, materials and locks.
Aircraft type and number of animals per flight
Every flight has a cap on animals in the cabin and in the baggage hold. Some aircraft types don’t permit animals in the hold at all.
Route and destination-country rules
Some destinations require transport strictly as cargo. The destination’s veterinary requirements and import rules are also crucial.
Brachycephalic breeds and flight restrictions
Brachycephalic (short‑nosed) breeds—for example, pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Shih Tzus or chow chows—are banned from the baggage hold with most airlines due to a higher risk of breathing complications. They can travel in the cabin if they meet the weight and size limits. Always confirm this policy with each airline.
Transporting a dog in the baggage hold vs. cargo: what’s the difference
When planning your flight, it’s important to understand the difference between transporting a dog in the baggage hold as “checked baggage” and shipping it as cargo.
Transporting a dog in the baggage hold
In this scenario, the dog is linked to your booking. You check it in with you and, on arrival, pick it up as oversized baggage. It travels in a climate‑controlled, pressurised section of the aircraft designed for live animals.
The paperwork is simpler: you pay the fee directly to the airline and handle the trip like any regular passenger traveling with a dog.
Transporting a dog as cargo
With cargo, your dog doesn’t travel as your baggage but as a separate freight shipment. Formalities go through the airline’s cargo department or a specialist pet shipper. Check‑in often takes place at a dedicated cargo terminal.
This process tends to be more paperwork‑heavy, more expensive, and more common for large dogs, intercontinental routes, or countries that require official animal imports as freight.
Technically, the dog travels in the same type of climate‑controlled, pressurised hold—the difference is mainly the process and paperwork.
Are you planning a trip abroad with your dog? Check the entry requirements for various countries directly in BorderCooler®.
Which airlines allow dogs in the cabin or the baggage hold
Airlines are listed alphabetically. For each carrier we assume that if a dog doesn’t qualify for the cabin, it can be transported in the baggage hold, provided the airline offers that option.
Air Europa
Air Europa is a Spanish network carrier based in Madrid, with a strong presence on routes between Europe and Latin America. You must have the pet reservation confirmed in advance, as the number of animals on board is limited.
Cabin rules: Dogs and cats can travel in the cabin. According to Air Europa’s official policy, the animal itself may weigh up to 8 kg and the total weight of the animal plus carrier must not exceed 10 kg. A soft carrier may be no larger than 40 × 30 × 30 cm and must fit under the seat in front of the passenger.
Brachycephalic breeds: Air Europa states that brachycephalic breeds may travel only in the cabin if within the permitted limit. If they exceed it, they aren’t accepted in the baggage hold as pets.
Baggage hold: Yes. Air Europa accepts dogs and cats in an IATA‑compliant crate, with a combined weight of dog and crate not exceeding 50 kg. We list a fee of €350 per segment as verified on our 2025 flight.
We used their services on our flight from Madrid to Asunción in Paraguay and on the return from Viru Viru in Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia, when Ibo flew with us.
Air France
As part of the Air France–KLM group, Air France allows pets in the cabin and in the baggage hold. They emphasise complete veterinary paperwork and adding the animal to the booking in good time.
Cabin rules: Small dogs and cats may travel in the cabin if the combined weight of the animal and carrier does not exceed 8 kg.
Brachycephalic breeds: Air France has a dedicated section on prohibited or restricted animals. For brachycephalic breeds, check the current rules for your specific route and reservation.
Baggage hold: Yes. If the dog with crate weighs more than 8 kg and up to 75 kg, it travels in the baggage hold. You must add the animal to the booking at least 24 hours before departure.
American Airlines
American Airlines is one of the largest U.S. carriers with an extensive transatlantic network.
Cabin rules: Small dogs and cats may travel in the cabin if they fit in a carrier under the seat in front. The fee is USD 150 one way. On transatlantic flights cabin pet travel is available; on transpacific flights it is not.
Brachycephalic breeds: Not allowed in the baggage hold.
Important change: Like Delta, American Airlines no longer offers pet transport in the baggage hold to the general public as of 2025–2026. This option is reserved exclusively for members of the U.S. military and the U.S. State Department on permanent change of station. Larger dogs must be shipped via American Airlines Cargo or through IPATA‑certified pet shippers.
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines is Austria’s flag carrier with a strong base in Vienna and a member of the Lufthansa Group.
Cabin rules: Dogs and cats up to 8 kg including carrier (max 55 × 40 × 23 cm). Minimum age is 12 weeks (16 weeks for flights to the USA). Cabin fee: €65 on shorter flights up to €125 on long‑haul intercontinental flights.
Brachycephalic breeds: Not allowed in the baggage hold; may travel in the cabin if they meet the weight limit. Dangerous or fighting breeds (Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino and others) only in cargo in special crates.
Baggage hold: Yes; IATA‑compliant crate required. Fee: €80 to €380 depending on size and route. Transport to the United Kingdom, Iceland and South Africa in the baggage hold is not possible—cargo is mandatory.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is one of the largest U.S. airlines.
Cabin rules: Delta officially focuses on in‑cabin travel for small dogs and cats that fit in a carrier under the seat. The fee is USD 150 one way.
Brachycephalic breeds: Check directly for your specific route and transport type.
Baggage hold: Delta does not offer it to the general public on its main pet‑travel page. It separately lists Military Pet Travel for active U.S. military members and U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers with transfer orders. For larger dogs you will typically need an alternative solution via a specialist pet shipper.
Emirates
Emirates is a global carrier based in Dubai.
Cabin rules: Regular pet dogs are not permitted in the cabin, except for assistance dogs.
Baggage hold: Dogs travel via Emirates SkyCargo as freight. This is a dedicated cargo service with climate‑controlled facilities and trained staff for live animals.
EVA Air
EVA Air is a Taiwanese airline with a strong long‑haul network.
Cabin rules: EVA Air generally does not allow dogs in the cabin on international flights. The exception is assistance dogs.
Brachycephalic breeds: EVA Air applies a strict embargo. In the Northern Hemisphere they are not accepted from April to November, and in the Southern Hemisphere from October to March. For flights to, from or via Southeast Asia the ban applies year‑round.
Baggage hold: Yes, but only as checked baggage in the cargo hold and only on selected routes and aircraft types. EVA Air officially states that dogs, cats and rabbits are accepted as checked baggage in the cargo hold, not in the cabin. On A321 aircraft pets as checked baggage are not accepted at all, and on B787s they are not accepted on long‑haul flights including Europe, North America and Oceania.
Finnair
The Finnish carrier Finnair allows pets in the cabin and in the baggage hold depending on aircraft type.
Cabin rules: Small dogs within the airline’s weight limit, carrier under the seat.
Brachycephalic breeds: Not allowed in the baggage hold.
Baggage hold: Yes, if the aircraft’s technical conditions allow it.
Iberia
Spain’s Iberia accepts pets on most of its European and long‑haul routes.
Cabin rules: Small dogs within the airline’s limit (8 kg including carrier), approved carrier under the seat.
Brachycephalic breeds: Not allowed in the baggage hold.
Baggage hold: Yes, for larger dogs.
We used them on our flight from Vienna to Madrid, when Ibo travelled with us.
KLM
The Dutch KLM is known for a systematic and fairly clear approach to pet travel. A strong point is smooth transfers through Amsterdam.
Cabin rules: Small dogs up to 8 kg including carrier, one animal per passenger, carrier under the seat. Reservation is required.
Brachycephalic breeds: Not allowed in the baggage hold. Allowed in the cabin if within the weight limit.
Baggage hold: Yes, up to three animals with a combined weight of up to 75 kg. IATA‑compliant crate required. Note: on flights to the United Kingdom dogs are not accepted in the cabin or the baggage hold—cargo is required.
LOT Polish Airlines
LOT is Poland’s flag carrier with a dense network from Warsaw and Kraków.
Cabin rules: Small dogs up to 8 kg including carrier. One passenger may have one animal in the cabin, or two small animals of the same species in one carrier if they meet the limits. For safety reasons, passengers with a pet cannot be seated in the front rows.
Brachycephalic breeds: Not allowed in the baggage hold.
Baggage hold: Yes, for larger dogs.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa is one of Europe’s largest airlines and is widely seen as a reference standard for animal transport.
Cabin rules: Small dogs and cats up to 8 kg including carrier may travel in the cabin. Lufthansa states a minimum age of 12 weeks, 15 weeks for flights from, to or via Germany, and 6 months for dogs traveling to the USA.
Brachycephalic breeds: Lufthansa has specific rules for short‑nosed breeds and for fighting breeds. Always check the latest conditions for your exact route.
Baggage hold: Yes. Larger dogs and cats can travel in the climate‑controlled, pressurised cargo hold as oversized checked baggage if the airline’s conditions are met. If country or route rules require cargo, Lufthansa refers you to Lufthansa Cargo.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is a major intercontinental carrier.
Cabin rules: Regular pet dogs are not generally accepted in the cabin. Qatar Airways officially lists only falcons and service dogs on regulated routes.
Brachycephalic breeds: Qatar Airways notes restrictions on certain dog and cat breeds. For several brachycephalic breeds, customers are directed to Qatar Airways Cargo.
Baggage hold: Yes. Qatar Airways officially states that domesticated dogs, cats and birds are accepted as checked baggage on most routes if health, paperwork and crate standards are met. On some routes, such as to or from Australia and New Zealand, cargo‑only restrictions apply under local rules.
Ryanair
Ryanair is a low‑cost airline that does not allow standard pet transport.
Cabin rules: No, except for assistance dogs.
Baggage hold: No.
Smartwings
Smartwings is a Czech carrier with a strong focus on holiday and charter flights.
Cabin rules: Possible for small dogs within the airline’s weight limit; advance reservation and confirmation required.
Brachycephalic breeds: Check directly with the carrier.
Baggage hold: Yes, if the specific flight permits it.
SWISS
SWISS is Switzerland’s flag carrier based in Zurich, a member of the Lufthansa Group. The number of animals in the cabin and in the baggage hold is limited on every flight.
Cabin rules: Dogs up to 8 kg including carrier. The carrier must be closable, waterproof, with maximum dimensions of 55 × 40 × 23 cm, and it must fit under the seat. Advance reservation is mandatory.
Brachycephalic breeds: Not allowed in the baggage hold. Allowed in the cabin if within the weight limit.
Baggage hold: Yes, in an IATA‑compliant crate. Availability also depends on aircraft type and destination.
TAP Air Portugal
TAP is Portugal’s network carrier with routes across Europe and to South America.
Cabin rules: Small dogs up to 8 kg including carrier; advance reservation is required.
Brachycephalic breeds: Not allowed in the baggage hold.
Baggage hold: Yes, for larger dogs.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines has an extensive international network and allows pet transport on most of its routes.
Cabin rules: Small dogs up to 8 kg including carrier, carrier under the seat. Dogs are not allowed in the cabin on flights to Bahrain, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
Brachycephalic breeds: Not allowed in the baggage hold. Allowed in the cabin if within the weight limit. Important note: Turkish Airlines applies temperature limits—it prohibits transport in the baggage hold if the temperature anywhere along the route exceeds 29 °C or drops below 7 °C. In practice this creates an embargo for many routes in the summer months (May to September). Dangerous or fighting breeds (Rottweiler, Doberman, American Bulldog, Tosa Inu, Caucasian Shepherd and others) are not allowed in the cabin; cargo depends on the route.
Baggage hold: Yes, subject to aircraft type, route and temperature conditions.
United Airlines
United Airlines is one of the largest U.S. carriers with a broad international network.
Cabin rules: Dogs and cats may travel in the cabin if they fit in a carrier under the seat. United Airlines has no weight or breed limit—only the carrier size matters. Hard‑sided carrier: maximum 22 × 44 × 30 cm. Soft‑sided carrier: maximum 27 × 45 × 27 cm. The fee is USD 150 one way. On certain aircraft types (A319, A320, A321neo, 737-800/8, 737-900/9) only one dog per passenger is allowed. You can usually travel with two dogs, but you must purchase a second adjacent seat. Dogs are not permitted in the cabin on flights to Hawaii or to the United Kingdom.
Brachycephalic breeds: A summer temperature embargo for cargo applies from June to September; since cargo is not available to the public, in practice this only affects potential cabin travel.
Important change: United Airlines has discontinued the PetSafe program for the general public. Transport in the baggage hold and as cargo is offered exclusively to members of the U.S. military and the U.S. State Department on official orders. Civilian owners of larger dogs must use licensed pet shippers.
Wizz Air
Wizz Air is a low‑cost carrier operating in Central and Eastern Europe.
Cabin rules: No, except for assistance dogs.
Baggage hold: No.
How to choose an airline for a small, large or brachycephalic dog
If you have a small dog that meets the cabin limits (most often around 8 kg including the carrier), you’ll have the best odds with classic network carriers such as Lufthansa, Austrian, SWISS, KLM, Air France, Turkish Airlines or Iberia.
If you have a brachycephalic breed, expect the baggage hold to be off‑limits with most airlines. The cabin is the only safe, permitted option—but only if your dog meets the weight limit.
If you have a larger dog, plan on the baggage hold or cargo. Be aware the choice of airline is narrower than it used to be. Several major U.S. carriers—especially Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines—no longer offer the baggage hold to the general public, so in practice European and some Middle Eastern airlines, or cargo via specialist companies, are more workable for big dogs. When using the baggage hold, it’s sensible to minimise connections, avoid extreme temperatures, and confirm the rules for the entire itinerary before you book.
Low‑cost carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air aren’t suitable for standard pet travel.
Conclusion
Pet‑travel policies can change depending on your exact route, aircraft type and the destination country’s current regulations. When planning to fly with a dog, always contact the airline in advance to confirm current rules, pet space availability, and all veterinary and documentation requirements.
Sources
Each airline’s policy was verified using the following sources:
- Austrian Airlines – austrian.com/travelling-with-animals
- Lufthansa – lufthansa.com/travelling-with-animals
- SWISS – swiss.com/travelling-with-pets
- LOT Polish Airlines – lot.com/travelling-with-animals
- KLM – klm.com/travelling-with-pets
- Air France – airfrance.us/traveling-with-pets
- Turkish Airlines – turkishairlines.com/travelling-with-pets
- Qatar Airways – qatarairways.com/animals
- Emirates – emirates.com/travelling-with-animals
- Delta Air Lines – delta.com/pet-travel
- EVA Air – evaair.com/travelling-with-pets
- Iberia – iberia.com/animals + personal experience (2025)
- TAP Air Portugal – flytap.com/travelling-with-animals
- Finnair – finnair.com/travelling-with-pets
- American Airlines – aa.com/travelling-with-pets
- Air Europa – aireuropa.com/pets + personal experience (2025 and 2026)
- Smartwings – smartwings.com/travelling-with-animals
- United Airlines – united.com/travelling-with-pets