For many Europeans, a holiday isn't complete without the family cat or dog. But arranging travel for a four-legged companion involves more than just booking a seat — it means navigating a patchwork of airline rules on cabin sizes, weight limits, and whether pets can join you in the lounge.
A new analysis by AirAdvisor, a flight compensation service, compared the pet policies of 22 European airlines. The findings highlight which carriers are most accommodating, and where owners of larger animals may hit turbulence.
Cabin rules and weight limits
Most European airlines allow small cats and dogs in the cabin, typically with a combined weight limit (pet plus carrier) of 8kg. That's the case at Aegean Airlines, Air France, KLM, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Finnair, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, and SAS. Fees vary widely: Aegean charges from €35 on domestic Greek flights to €65 on intercontinental routes, while Air France asks between €70 and €250 for cabin travel.
For heavier animals, the hold is the only option. Air France accepts pets up to 75kg in the hold, with fees from €100 to €750. Finnair charges €140 for hold travel within Europe and up to €650 for intercontinental. Lufthansa's hold fees range from €80 to €380, depending on route and animal size.
Some carriers are more restrictive. Brussels Airlines, for example, only allows cats and dogs in the cabin; rabbits, birds, and rodents must go as cargo. And certain breeds — notably bulldogs and pugs — may face extra scrutiny due to respiratory risks.
Lounge access and other perks
Several airlines extend their hospitality to pets in branded lounges, provided they stay in their carriers. Aegean, Air France, KLM, Austrian, Finnair, Lufthansa, and SAS all welcome pets in their lounges. LOT Polish Airlines goes a step further, allowing pets to roam under their owner's supervision.
Not all cabins are pet-friendly. Premium and business class seats are often off-limits, and codeshare flights — where a partner airline operates the plane — can complicate matters. Connections involving different carriers may also require separate bookings for your pet.
Destination matters
AirAdvisor warns that some destinations, including the UK, USA, Australia, and Hong Kong, only permit pets to travel as freight. That means even if your airline allows in-cabin pets on European routes, you may need to arrange cargo transport for long-haul legs.
Age restrictions also apply. Most airlines require pets to be at least 12 weeks old, though Air France allows pets from 8 weeks on domestic French routes and to some overseas territories. SAS requires a vet's certificate for animals under 14 weeks.
For frequent flyers, the cost of pet travel can add up. Booking in advance often helps — Finnair, for instance, offers lower fees if you reserve at least seven days before departure.
As European carriers compete for passengers, pet-friendly policies are becoming a differentiator. Whether you're flying from Athens to Paris or Stockholm to Beijing, it pays to check the fine print before you book. For more on airline trends, see our analysis of Europe's airlines lagging in global rankings.
And if you're planning a trip with your pet, remember that rules can change. Always confirm with the airline directly, and consider why travellers sometimes bend the rules abroad — but for your pet's sake, it's best to stay compliant.
