Which Airlines Allow Dogs? A Worldwide Airline Comparison
Travelling with a dog by plane is possible with many airlines, but finding the right one can be surprisingly complicated. Some airlines welcome small dogs in the cabin, others only transport pets in the aircraft hold, and some don't accept pets at all.
The rules can also be very different depending on where you're flying. An airline might accept your dog on a flight within Europe but not on a flight to the UK, for example.
To make planning easier, I've put together a worldwide comparison of airlines that accept dogs, including cabin weight limits, transport options, fees, and important restrictions.
Important: Airline policies can change, and pet spaces are limited. Always confirm your dog's acceptance for your exact route and aircraft before purchasing a non-refundable ticket! This article was written in October 2026, please double-check before booking anything. I have linked all the airlines to their pet policies.
Can You Take a Dog on a Plane?
Yes, many airlines allow dogs to fly, but there are three main ways they can travel.
In the cabin: Small dogs can travel with their owners in an approved carrier, usually placed underneath the seat in front. Many European airlines have a combined dog-and-carrier weight limit of 8 kg, although other airlines have different rules.
In the aircraft hold: Some airlines allow larger dogs to travel in a designated, temperature-controlled section of the aircraft hold. Your dog travels in a suitable transport crate rather than in the passenger cabin.
As cargo: Certain airlines or routes require dogs to be transported through a cargo service. This involves separate booking procedures and may have different collection points, paperwork, and fees.
One important thing to understand is that the same airline can have different pet policies depending on the route, aircraft, and destination!
European Airlines That Allow Dogs
Europe has several major airlines that accept small dogs in the passenger cabin. However, not all European airlines are dog-friendly, particularly some low-cost carriers.
Airline | Dogs in cabin? | Cabin weight limit | Dogs in hold? |
Yes | 8 kg | Yes | |
Yes | 8 kg | Yes | |
Yes | 8 kg | Yes | |
Yes | 8 kg | Yes | |
Yes | 8 kg | Yes | |
Yes | 8 kg | Yes | |
Yes | 8 kg | Yes | |
Yes | 8 kg | Yes | |
Yes | 10 kg | No | |
Yes | 8 kg | Yes | |
Ryanair | No | — | No |
easyJet | No | — | No |
Wizz Air | No | — | No |
Weight limits include the dog and carrier together. Hold acceptance depends on route, aircraft, and other restrictions. Assistance dogs follow separate rules.
Important things to know about European airlines
Lufthansa: Small dogs can travel in the cabin up to 8 kg including their carrier. The airline specifies a maximum soft-carrier size of 55 × 40 × 23 cm. Larger dogs may be accepted in the hold, subject to restrictions.
Iberia: Accepts dogs up to 8 kg including their carrier, with maximum carrier dimensions of 45 × 35 × 25 cm. Since March 2026, customers can add eligible cabin pets directly during online booking.
Vueling: One of the European options worth checking if your dog is slightly heavier, as its published cabin limit is 10 kg including the carrier. Dogs are not transported in the hold.
Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air: These airlines do not accept ordinary pet dogs, regardless of how small they are. Eligible assistance dogs are treated separately.
For anyone travelling with a small dog, I would compare the cabin weight limit, carrier dimensions, and available routes before comparing ticket prices.
Airlines in the United States and Canada That Allow Dogs
North American airlines generally offer several options for travelling with small dogs in the cabin, particularly on domestic flights. Unlike many European airlines, some North American carriers focus on whether the dog fits comfortably inside an under-seat carrier rather than applying a fixed weight limit.
Airline | Dogs in cabin? | Main cabin restriction | Dogs in hold? |
Yes | Carrier and combined weight rules | Limited exceptions | |
Yes | Must fit in an under-seat carrier | Limited eligibility | |
Yes | No general weight limit; carrier must fit | No general checked-pet service | |
Yes | Under-seat carrier | No | |
Yes | Combined weight limit of 20 lb (9.1 kg) | No | |
Yes | Carrier and cabin restrictions | Yes | |
Yes | Carrier size and pet restrictions | Yes | |
Yes | Carrier size and pet restrictions | Yes |
These are general policies for ordinary pet dogs, not service animals. International destinations, aircraft types, and booking conditions may change eligibility.
Important things to know about North American airlines
United Airlines: Particularly interesting for owners of dogs that exceed the usual European 8 kg limit. United does not apply a general cabin weight limit, but your dog must fit comfortably in an approved carrier under the seat.
Delta Air Lines: Accepts small dogs in the cabin on eligible routes. For tickets issued from April 8, 2025, its published cabin pet fee is $150 each way on eligible US, Canada, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands routes, with different fees for international travel.
Southwest Airlines: Accepts small dogs on eligible flights, but does not transport pets in the aircraft hold.
Air Canada: Offers cabin and hold transport options, although seasonal restrictions and aircraft limitations may apply.
A particularly important consideration is that domestic pet acceptance does not guarantee international pet acceptance. Always check the policy for your specific destination.
Airlines in Central and South America That Allow Dogs
Several major airlines operating across Latin America accept dogs in the cabin and, in some cases, the aircraft hold.
Airline | Dogs in cabin? | Cabin weight limit | Dogs in hold? |
Yes | Route-dependent | Yes | |
Yes | 10 kg | Yes | |
Yes | 10 kg | Limited | |
Yes | 9 kg | Yes | |
Yes | Policy-dependent | Yes | |
Yes | 10 kg | Limited | |
Yes | 10 kg | Restrictions apply |
Policies and maximum weights can vary by operating airline, destination, and service type. Check the airline's current rules before booking.
Important things to know about Latin American airlines
Avianca: Accepts dogs in the cabin weighing up to 10 kg including their carrier. Its published soft-carrier dimensions are 55 × 35 × 25 cm. Eligible larger dogs can travel in the hold, subject to restrictions.
LATAM: Accepts dogs on eligible routes, but requirements vary depending on the country, aircraft, and type of transport.
Copa Airlines: Offers in-cabin pet transport on eligible routes, making it an option to investigate for connections through Panama.
For international flights across Latin America, check both airline restrictions and the veterinary entry requirements of every country involved in your journey.
Airlines in Asia and the Middle East That Allow Dogs
This is where pet travel policies can become particularly restrictive. Some major airlines accept dogs in the aircraft hold but do not allow ordinary pet dogs in the passenger cabin.
Airline | Dogs in cabin? | Dogs in hold or cargo? |
No | Yes, subject to route | |
No | Yes | |
Yes | Other options subject to conditions | |
No | Yes | |
No | Cargo arrangements | |
No | Yes | |
No | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | |
Yes | Yes |
This table refers to ordinary pet dogs. Service dogs may be accepted under separate rules.
Important things to know
Emirates: Ordinary pet dogs cannot travel in the passenger cabin. Depending on the route, dogs may travel as checked baggage in the hold or as cargo.
Qatar Airways: Accepts eligible dogs as checked baggage or cargo, but not as ordinary cabin pets.
Singapore Airlines: Accepts eligible dogs as checked baggage in the hold. Dogs and carriers weighing more than 32 kg combined must generally be arranged through a cargo agent.
Etihad Airways: An exception worth investigating if you want your dog to travel in the cabin on certain Middle Eastern routes. Its pet cabin service has specific eligibility, carrier, and booking requirements.
When travelling to or through Asia or the Middle East, it is especially important to check transit-country rules. Some destinations have strict animal import procedures even when you are only connecting to another flight.
Airlines in Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand have strict biosecurity requirements, which make travelling internationally with a dog more complicated than in many other regions.
Airline | Dogs in cabin? | Dogs in hold or cargo? |
Limited domestic arrangements | Yes | |
Limited eligible domestic services | Yes | |
No ordinary cabin pets | Yes, depending on route | |
No | Generally no ordinary pet transport |
Pet policies in this region are changing, particularly around domestic cabin travel. Check the airline's current route-specific program rather than assuming that cabin travel is available on every flight.
International travel to Australia or New Zealand can also involve import permits, veterinary testing, approved entry arrangements and quarantine requirements.
Which Airlines Don't Allow Dogs?
Not every airline accepts ordinary pet dogs, even when the dog is small enough to fit under an airplane seat.
Some well-known examples include:
Ryanair
easyJet
Wizz Air
Jetstar
Other airlines may accept dogs only in the hold or through cargo services. Remember that a ban on ordinary pets does not necessarily apply to trained assistance dogs, which are covered by separate airline policies and applicable laws.
How Much Does It Cost to Fly With a Dog?
Pet fees vary considerably depending on the airline, route, and whether your dog travels in the cabin, hold, or as cargo.
For example:
Airline | Example published pet fee |
Delta Air Lines | From $150 one way on eligible US/Canada-region itineraries for newer tickets |
Avianca | From $170 on certain routes between North America, Central America and the Caribbean |
Avianca | From €220 when departing Europe on eligible routes |
Emirates | From $500 for certain eligible checked-pet weight and crate-size categories |
These are examples, not universal prices. Fees can vary by country, currency, booking date, and travel direction.
In many cases, pet transport is charged separately from your own baggage allowance. Some airlines also charge additional fees for connecting flights. Always confirm the full pet transport cost before finalizing your booking.
Important Things to Check Before Booking a Flight With Your Dog
Even after finding an airline that accepts dogs, there are several things worth checking.
1. Your dog's weight and carrier size
Cabin weight limits generally include both your dog and the carrier. A dog weighing 7.5 kg might exceed an 8 kg limit once the carrier is included.
2. Whether your exact flight accepts pets
Some aircraft have limited space for pet carriers, and airlines often restrict the number of animals travelling in the cabin.
3. Your destination's entry requirements
An airline accepting your dog does not mean your destination country will allow entry without additional paperwork.
4. Connecting flights
If your journey includes another airline, each operating carrier may have different rules. You may also need to comply with transit-country requirements.
5. Breed and age restrictions
Some airlines restrict short-nosed breeds, very young puppies or certain dogs travelling in the hold.
6. Booking deadlines
Pet transport often requires advance reservation. Don't assume you can arrive at the airport with your dog and purchase a pet ticket on the day.
Flying with a dog is becoming more accessible on many routes, but airline policies are far from universal. For small dogs, the most important things to compare are cabin weight limits, carrier dimensions and route restrictions. For larger dogs, you'll need to investigate which airlines offer suitable hold or cargo transport.
My biggest recommendation is to choose your airline based on your dog's needs first, rather than simply booking the cheapest flight and checking the pet policy afterwards. With the right airline, correct documents and a little preparation, travelling together can become much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines allow dogs in the cabin?
Many airlines accept small dogs in the passenger cabin, including Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, Air Canada and Avianca. Acceptance depends on the dog's size, carrier, route and available pet spaces.
Can I buy an airplane seat for my dog?
Most airlines require ordinary pet dogs to remain inside a carrier under the seat rather than occupying a passenger seat. A few airlines offer special arrangements, but purchasing an extra seat does not automatically mean your dog can sit on it.
Which airlines allow dogs over 8 kg in the cabin?
Some airlines, including Vueling and Avianca, have published 10 kg combined limits. United Airlines does not have a general cabin pet weight limit, but dogs must fit comfortably in an under-seat carrier. Always check dimensions as well as weight.
Can large dogs fly on commercial airlines?
Yes, some airlines transport larger dogs in the aircraft hold or through cargo services. Availability depends on the airline, aircraft, breed, destination and crate requirements.
Can dogs fly internationally?
Yes, provided the airline accepts them on the route and they meet the destination's entry requirements. These may include a microchip, rabies vaccination, veterinary certificate, import permit or additional testing.
Can I take my dog out of its carrier during the flight?
Ordinary pet dogs generally must remain inside their carriers throughout the flight. Airline rules for trained assistance dogs are different.
Are emotional support dogs allowed to fly for free?
Emotional support animals are not automatically treated as trained service dogs. Rules vary by airline and country, and many airlines transport emotional support dogs under their ordinary pet policies.
Do I need to book my dog's flight in advance?
Yes. Airlines typically limit the number of pets allowed on each flight, so it is important to reserve your dog's place in advance and receive confirmation.
