Flying with a dog: what it costs and how to prepare your dog

Flying with a dog is doable as long as you prepare in advance. Not every airline takes animals, so check that before you buy your ticket, and buy your dog’s ticket online if you can. Your dog’s size decides whether it flies with you in the cabin or in the hold. And don’t forget the microchip and a valid pet passport.

I wrote this article in 2018. Prices, opening hours and connections may have changed since then, so check them before you travel.

Flying with a dog is a nightmare, no doubt about it, for the owner and the dog alike. That’s why I decided to pull together all the key information on flying with a dog. These days animals, dogs included, can travel by plane just like people do.

Flying with a dog: what to check before you book

Before you buy your dog a ticket, read these tips on flying with a dog. Be aware that not all airlines carry animals, so before you book, do your homework and find out which airline will take your furry friend on board.

Well-known airlines that do and don’t accept dogs on board

Which airlines take dogs?

I made a list of the best-known airlines and checked their websites to see whether and how they carry animals in the cabin. That mainly means dogs, cats, ferrets and birds. Most airlines let dogs travel in the cabin, under the seat.

But not having to buy your dog a ticket doesn’t mean you can turn up at the airport and say, ‘Oh, and here’s the dog.’ Your dog needs a reserved place on the plane, so once you’ve bought your own ticket, call the airline and tell them you’re bringing your dog. Don’t skip this step. Each airline sets its own limit on the number of animals in the cabin, so book your dog’s place as early as you can.

The weight limit for a dog is often 8 to 10 kg. Bigger dogs have to go in the hold with the suitcases. That weight includes the bag, too, so a 6 kg dog in a 2 kg bag can come on board. Some airlines only carry animals in the hold, and others (mostly low-cost airlines) don’t allow animals on the plane at all.

Airlines aren’t the only ones that restrict animals on planes; some airports do too. Hong Kong is one example.

The table reflects the airlines’ conditions as of November 2026. Weight limits, fees and whether an animal can travel in the cabin do change, though, so check them on the airline’s website before you buy your ticket.

Milan recommends: watch this video. There used to be an airline just for pets, Pet Airways, but it shut down in 2011. Its slogan was that a dog on a plane isn’t luggage, it’s a passenger.

How to prepare your dog for a flight

1. Check that your dog is the right size. Size decides whether it travels with you under the seat or goes in the hold. If your dog is tiny (a Chihuahua, say) and fits in a carrier under the seat in front of you, it won’t be a problem. But the weight limit for dogs is often the same as for hand luggage. And if your dog is yappy, it won’t be allowed on board.
2. Make sure your dog won’t get cold. We all know planes can be freezing, especially on long flights. The air conditioning is great because it reduces the spread of bacteria, but a blanket comes in handy, for you and your dog alike.
3. Pack everything your dog will need during the flight. That means plenty of food, toys and treats to reward it for keeping quiet and not barking. The only thing worse than a crying baby on a plane is a barking dog. That’s one reason why some airlines, such as Emirates, never let dogs into the cabin.
4. Be prepared to pay extra. A ticket for an animal sometimes costs more than one for a person. Why? So the airlines can make money.
5. Don’t forget your dog’s pet passport. A dog can’t fly without a valid passport. If the airline doesn’t say exactly what the passport must contain, call them to make sure. You don’t want to miss your flight because they won’t let your dog on board.
6. It’s a great idea to take your dog for a really long walk before the flight. A tired dog falls asleep faster and won’t play up on the plane.
7. Give your dog its last drink two hours before departure. There’s nowhere for it to pee on the plane. It may sound harsh, but in the end it makes for a more comfortable flight for both of you.
8. Only use sedatives and calming medication as a last resort. They’re mainly for dogs that get nervous or very frightened. In that case, it’s worth asking yourself whether your dog really needs to fly at all. Sedatives can cause breathing problems and leave your dog thoroughly disoriented.

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How much does it cost to fly with a dog?

The price of a dog’s ticket varies from airline to airline. But you don’t have to buy your dog a ticket. You just buy one for yourself and tell the airline you’re planning to fly with your dog. Emirates, for example, only carries dogs in the hold. In 2018, when I wrote this article, that cost $500 for a dog up to 23 kg and $800 for one over 32 kg.

Not every airline is that expensive, though. In 2018 Finnair charged €40 for a dog in the cabin and €75 for one in the hold. That was for flights within Europe; on long-haul flights to Asia and America it was €300. In 2026 Finnair charges €70 for a dog in the cabin within Europe if you let the airline know at least seven days before departure, and €160 for a dog in the hold.

To sum up, here’s what you’ll need to fly with a dog:

1. Find out whether the airline you’re planning to fly with carries animals.
2. Buy a regular ticket and let the airline know in the booking notes (or by phone) that you’re planning to travel with your dog. A dog’s ticket is sometimes cheaper online than if you add it later at the airport.
3. Make sure your dog is microchipped (a tattoo only counts if it was done before 3 July 2011 and is still legible) and has a valid pet passport.
4. Depending on its size, decide whether your dog will travel with you in the cabin under the seat or in the hold.
5. Read my tips on how to prepare your dog for the flight.

Flying with a dog: frequently asked questions

Which airlines allow dogs in the cabin?

In 2026, airlines that carry dogs in the cabin include Lufthansa, Austrian, KLM, Air France, Finnair and LOT, usually up to 8 kg including the carrier. British Airways and Emirates don’t allow pet dogs in the cabin. A bigger dog travels in the hold, which you need to arrange in advance.

How much is a plane ticket for a dog?

Your dog doesn’t need its own ticket: you pay a pet fee on top of your own ticket. The amount depends on the airline, the route and whether your dog flies in the cabin or in the hold. You’ll find the current price on the airline’s website.

What documents does a dog need to fly within the EU?

Within the EU, a dog needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport. After the first rabies vaccination you have to wait at least 21 days before travelling. For Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway, your dog must also be treated against tapeworm one to five days before the trip.

Can a dog fly with Ryanair or Wizz Air?

No. Neither Ryanair nor Wizz Air takes pets on board, whether in the cabin or in the hold. The exceptions are guide and assistance dogs, which Ryanair carries only on selected routes.

Does Smartwings allow dogs in the cabin?

Yes. In 2026 Smartwings carries dogs in the cabin up to 8 kg, including a carrier of no more than 43 x 30 x 27 cm. You need to tell Smartwings about your dog in advance, no later than 48 hours before departure.