Finding a European airline that allows dogs in the cabin is complicated enough. Finding one that accepts an 11kg French bulldog? That took considerably more research and a few anxious phone calls to airline pet departments.
As an American expat living in Germany, I’ve been navigating European skies with Helga (my semi-neurotic French bulldog) for years. We’ve flown Volotea from Lille France to Fuerteventura Canary Islands, and from Strasbourg to Palermo Sicily twice, and I can tell you from experience that flying in-cabin with a larger dog in Europe is absolutely possible. It just requires knowing exactly which airlines will actually let you board.
This is the guide I wish I’d had when I started. It covers more than 40 European airlines that allow dogs in cabin, organized by weight limit, with fees, carrier dimensions, and the details that actually matter, including which airlines accept dogs over 8kg and which ones welcome flat-faced breeds like French bulldogs and pugs.
For everything you need to know about traveling through Europe with your dog, my complete guide to European dog travel is a great place to start.
The Most Important Thing to Know Before You Start Searching for Dog-friendly Flights
Most European airlines cap the combined weight of dog plus carrier at 8kg (17.6 lbs). If your dog weighs 6kg and your carrier weighs 3kg, you’re already over the limit on most airlines before you’ve even boarded.
For larger dogs or heavier carriers, your options narrow significantly, but they do exist. I’ve organized this guide so you can find your options immediately based on your dog’s weight.
Quick Answer:
- Dogs up to 8kg including carrier: 31 airlines listed below
- Dogs up to 10kg including carrier: 8 airlines listed below
- No weight limit: 3 private charter options listed below
Before You Book: Essential Checklist
These are non-negotiable steps I follow every single time we fly with Helga:
- Satisfy all medical, vaccine, and paperwork requirements for your destination. Requirements vary significantly between countries and change frequently
- Inform the airline when purchasing your ticket that you will be traveling with a dog because only a limited number of pets are allowed per flight
- Book as early as possible to secure one of the available pet reservations
- Give your dog a bath before flying. Some airlines specifically prohibit dogs with strong odors, and you’ll reduce dander for fellow passengers who may have allergies
- Re-confirm your pet reservation between booking and your flight. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and make sure nothing disappeared.
- Read my full guide to flying with your dog in cabin for tips, tricks, and everything I’ve learned the hard way
A Note on Brachycephalic Breeds
If you’re traveling with a flat-faced breed like French bulldogs, pugs, English bulldogs, Boston terriers, shih tzus, and similar, pay close attention to breed restrictions. Many airlines have banned or restricted brachycephalic breeds, particularly in cargo.
The good news is that most of the airlines on this list do allow brachycephalic breeds in cabin. However policies change and I always recommend calling the airline directly to confirm before booking. I’ve flown Helga on Volotea multiple times without issue, but I confirm her reservation and breed acceptance every single time.
For a complete guide to flying with a French bulldog and snub-nosed breeds specifically, read my post: Can French Bulldogs Fly? Your Ultimate Guide to Safe Frenchie Travel →
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Before we get to the airline list, here’s what actually makes our flights work. These are the items I use on every single flight. These aren’t “nice to haves” but genuine essentials:
Helga’s Gear 🐾
✅ Sherpa Airline-approved Pet Carrier – Helga has two sizes of this Sherpa Airline Approved pet carrier. The medium-sized one works for smaller European airlines and short flights. The large-sized one we use for long haul flights or Atlantic crossings. It’s worth it for use to have both.
🌟 The Mr. Peanut Pet Trolley was life changing! Put the carrier on top, and glide through the airport with ease. When you get to your seat, just fold it and stick it in the overhead bin. This single purchase saved my shoulders on every trip since.
🚗 Car Seat Belt Clip – For rental cars on the other end of your trip, we use this device that clips right in to the seat belt. For rental cars on the other end. It satisfies safety requirements in most countries, and packs down to almost nothing.
🧊 Cooling mat – Essential for summer travel. The larger size lets your dog stretch out; the smaller fits inside the carrier. I also pack a small battery-operated fan for hot airports and planes.
🚨 Charcoal Pee Pads – Even if your dog doesn’t use them at home, line the bottom of their carrier or kennel before flying in case of accidents. And a loose one is handy to quickly clean up an accident. We use these pads because of the padding and odor control.
🍵 Collapsible Silicone Bowls – food grade, lightweight, pack flat, and come with carabiners so you can clip them on to a carrier or leash. Essential for keeping your dog hydrated in hot airports
My Personal Experience: Why I Fly Volotea
Of all the European airlines on this list, Volotea is the one I know best and trust most for flying with Helga. We’ve flown Lille to Fuerteventura and Strasbourg to Palermo twice, and the experience has been consistently smooth.
Volotea accepts dogs up to 10kg including carrier, which makes it one of the few European budget airlines accessible to larger small dogs. The staff have been warm and professional with Helga on every flight, and the booking process for pet travel is straightforward.
✈️ European Airlines That Allow Dogs in Cabin up to 8kg (17.6 pounds) Including Carrier
All these airlines require that dogs remain completely in the carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire time they are on the plane. Most also require leak-proof soft-sided carriers with ventilation on all sides. Fees are for travel one way. Links go to airline pet policies.
1) KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Netherlands)
Policy: One cat or dog per passenger permitted in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Combined weight of the pet and carrier can’t exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum 46 x 28 x 24 cm (18 x 11 x 9 inches).
Fee: €50–€125 depending on route.
2) Air France (France)
Policy: Cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Carrier must fit under the seat in front; typical dimensions are 46 x 28 x 24 cm (18 x 11 x 9 inches).
Fee: €50 for shorter flights within Europe. €125 for long-haul flights to or from destinations like the U.S., Asia, and other international routes.
Please Note: Pets cannot fly in the cabin on certain international routes. Check with the airline.
3) Brussels Airlines (Belgium)
Policy: Small pets are allowed in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size of 118 cm/46.5 inches (length + width + height); must fit under the seat in front.
Fee: €50–€110. Service dogs fly free.
4) Air Baltic (Latvia)
Policy: Small pets are allowed in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size of 55 x 40 x 23 cm (22 x 16 x 9 inches).
Special Notes: Pets are not allowed in Business Class seats
5) Lufthansa (Germany)
Policy: Allows small dogs and cats in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier. Lufthansa is notorious for weighing very precisely!
Carrier Dimensions: Soft-sided carrier of maximum 55 x 40 x 23 cm (22 x 16 x 9 inches)
Fee: €55–€110
6) Iberia (Spain)
Policy: Pets allowed in the cabin on most flights.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum dimensions of 45 x 35 x 25 cm (18 x 14 x 10 inches).
Please Note: Pets are not allowed in the cabin on flights to/from the UK.
Fee: €35–€150
7) Austrian Airlines (Austria)
Policy: Allows small cats and dogs in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size of 55 x 40 x 23 cm (22 x 16 x 9 inches).
Fee: €55–€110
Please Note: Two pets per passenger are allowed in the cabin, depending on availability.
8) Finnair (Finland)
Policy: Pets are allowed in the cabin on most short-haul and select long-haul flights.
Weight Limit: Maximum of 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Soft-sided carrier with dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm. (22 x 16 x 9 inches)
Fee: €40–€75
Please Note: Pets cannot be carried on flights to/from Hong Kong and Australia.
9) Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) (Denmark)
Policy: Allows pets in the cabin on most flights.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Carrier must fit under the seat in front of you, and exact dimensions depend on the aircraft, so check with the airline first.
Fee: €70–€80
10) Condor Airlines (Germany)
Policy: Allows small cats and dogs in the cabin.
Weight Limit: The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
Carrier Dimensions: maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 inches).
Fee: €49 per flight within Europe, and €100 per flight for other international destinations.
11) LOT Polish Airlines (Poland)
Policy: Small pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) are allowed in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size of 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 inches).
Fee: €60 for flights within Europe. €120 for international flights (outside Europe).
12) Eurowings (Germany)
Policy: Small pets (cats and dogs only) are allowed in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Soft-sided carrier of maximum 40 x 40 x 25.5 cm (16 x 16 x 10 inches).
Fee: €40 for domestic flights within Germany, and €75 for international flights.
Please Note: No pets are allowed on flights to/from the UK or Ireland.
13) TAP Air Portugal (Portugal)
Policy: Allows pets in the cabin on most flights.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size of 40 x 33 x 17 cm (16 x 13 x 7 inches)
Fee: €70–€200
14) Swiss Air
Policy: Small pets are allowed in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Combined weight of pet and carrier must not exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size of 118 cm/46 inches (length + width + height).
Fee: €62–€114
15) Aegean Air (Greece)
Policy: Small pets allowed in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Must fit under the seat in front. Dimensions vary by aircraft type, so call the airline first to be sure your carrier will fit.
16) Turkish Airlines (Turkey)
Policy: Allows small pets in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size of 23 x 30 x 40 cm (9 x 12 x 16 inches)
Fee: €55–€200
17) Vueling (Spain)
Policy: Allows pets in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size of 45 x 39 x 21 cm (18 x 15 x 8 inches).
Fee: €40–€50
18) Air Connect (Romania)
Policy: Allows up to two pets in the cabin per flight.
Weight Limit: Maximum of 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm (16 x 12 x 8 inches); passengers should check in at least two hours before departure.
Fee: €40–€50
19) Air Corsica (France)
Policy: Small pets are allowed in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Combined weight of pet and soft carrier up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum dimensions must total no more than 115 cm/45 inches (length + width + height). Carriers are available for purchase at the check-in desk.
Fee: €50
20) Air Europa (Spain)
Policy: Pets are allowed in the cabin.
Weight Limit: The weight of the pet cannot exceed 8 kg. The overall weight of the carrier and pet cannot exceed 10 kg.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size of 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 10 inches)
Please Note: Up to three animals of the same species can share a carrier if weight and size limits are not exceeded.
21) Aer Lingus (Ireland)
Policy: Allows pets in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Specific weight limits apply but you have to contact the airline to confirm what they are.
Please note: There are lots of rules and regs for this airline, and for flying into the UK. Please read the link above and check out the requirements thoroughly.
22) Bluebird Airways (Greece)
Policy: Allows pets in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size of 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 inches)
Fee: €80
23) Croatia Airlines (Croatia)
Policy: Small pets are allowed in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size of 115 cm/45 inches (length + width + height).
Fee: €28-€70
Please Note: Pets are not permitted on flights to/from the UK.
24) Air Serbia (Serbia)
Policy: Allows small pets in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Must fit under the seat in front (maximum sum of dimensions 94 cm/37 inches).; soft-sided carriers are preferred.
Fees: €50–€160
25) Pegasus Airlines (Turkey)
Policy: Allows pets in the cabin on most routes.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size of 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 inches).
Fee: €20–€120
Please Note: Pets may not travel to or from the UK
26) Norwegian Regional Airlines (Norway)
Policy: Small pets are allowed in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Check with airline for dimensions.
Please Note: Your dog may be in the cabin on flights within Schengen Zone and/or EU, excluding Iceland.
27) TAROM (Romania)
Policy: Small pets are allowed in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size of 42 x 30 x 20 cm (16 x 12 x 8 inches)
Fee: €25–€50
Please Note: TAROM requires you to confirm your pet travel at least 24 hours before departure.
28) Azores Airlines (Portugal)
Policy: Small pets are allowed in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: 40 x 35 cm x 21 cm (16 x 14 x 8.5 inches).
Fee: €70–€150
29) Bulgaria Air (Bulgaria)
Policy: Small pets are allowed in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Must fit under the seat; specific dimensions depend on the aircraft. Contact the airline for more information.
Fee: €50-€90
30) Air Albania (Albania)
Policy: Permits small pets in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size of 40 x 30 x 23 cm (16 x 15 x 9.5 inches)
Fee: €30–€60
31) La Compagnie (France – All Business Class Airline)
Policy: Allows small pets in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8kg (17.6 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier dimensions: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 10 inches)
Fee: €200 for each leg
✈️ European Airlines That Allow Dogs in Cabin Up to 10kg (22pounds) Including Carrier
These are your options if your dog and carrier combined exceed 8kg. This is a short but important list.
All these airlines require that dogs remain completely in the carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire time they are on the plane. Most also require leak-proof soft-sided carriers with ventilation on all sides. Fees are for travel one way. Links are to airline pet policies.
32) Volotea Airlines (Spain)
⭐ Personally Tested
Policy: Small pets allowed in cabin
Weight Limit: 10kg (22 lbs) including carrier
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum 50 x 40 x 20 cm (20 x 16 x 8 inches)
Fee: €40–€65
Jeanne’s note: This is the airline I trust with Helga. We’ve flown Lille to Fuerteventura and Strasbourg to Palermo twice. The staff are professional, the booking process is straightforward, and the experience has been consistently positive. For larger small dogs in Europe, Volotea is where I’d start.
33) AeroItalia (Italy)
Policy: Allows small pets (dogs and cats) in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 10 kg (22 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size 46 x 31 x 25 cm (18 x 12 x 10 inches).
Fee: €50
34) KM Malta Airlines (Malta)
Policy: Small pets are allowed in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 10 kg (22 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size of 55 x 40 x 20 cm (20 x 16 x 8 inches).
Fee: €70
35) Alitalia/ITA Airways (Italy)
Policy: Permits small pets in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) on international flights; up to 10 kg (22 lbs) on domestic flights within Italy, including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size of 24 x 40 x 20 cm (9.5 x 16 x 8 inches) The carrier can hold up to five pets of the same species, provided the total weight does not exceed the specified limit.
Fee: €70–€125
36) Neos Air (Italy)
Policy: Allows small pets in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 10 kg (22 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum size of 48 x 35 x 29 cm (19 x 14 x 11.5 inches)
Fee: €50–€120
Important note for brachycephalic breed owners: Neos Air does not permit French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, or other snub-nosed breeds, even in the cabin.
37) Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas (Spain)
Policy: Allows small pets in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 10 kg (22 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: Maximum dimensions are 40 x 55 x 20 cm (16 x 22 x 8 inches)
Fee: €150
38) World2Fly (Spain)
Policy: Allows small pets in the cabin.
Weight Limit: Up to 10 kg (22 lbs), including the carrier.
Carrier Dimensions: No larger than 45 x 39 x 21 cm (18 x 15 x 8.5 inches), provided that the sum of these three dimensions does not exceed 105 cm/41.5 inches.
Fees: €150
Private Charters That Allow Dogs in Cabin With No Weight Limit
For travelers who want a completely stress-free experience with no weight restrictions or breed limitations, private charter is worth knowing about.
39) Villiers
Policy: Pets are free to roam about the cabin as you like. No breed restrictions.
Weight Limit: None
Carrier Dimensions: No carrier necessary
Fees: No additional fees
Please Note: Route map is limited, and you will pay considerably more than for a commercial airline.
40) Bark Air
Bark Air is a private charter airline specifically designed for pet owners who prioritize the comfort of their pets during flights. Flights are shared with other people and pets.
Policy: Pets travel comfortably in the cabin and sit with you.
Weight Limit: There is no weight limit for your dog.
Carrier Dimensions: Pets are not required to stay in carriers.
Fees: There are no additional pet fees.
Please Note: Destinations are limited. Price of tickets includes human and dog. Tickets sell out well in advance depending on the time of year and popularity of the route.
41) K9 Jets
K9 Jets is another private jet charter service designed for dog travelers. It offers shared private flights between select destinations in the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean.
Policy: Pets travel comfortably in the cabin and sit with you.
Weight Limit: There is no weight limit for your dog.
Carrier Dimensions: Pets are not required to stay in carriers.
Fees: There are no additional pet fees.
Please Note: Destinations are limited. Tickets sell out well in advance depending on the time of year and popularity of the route.
🚨 One More Thing Before You Book
If your flight has a connection, make absolutely sure the airline you book with operates all legs of your journey. If your main carrier uses a partner airline for any leg, verify that the partner has the same pet policy — weight limits, breed acceptance, and in-cabin permission. This is not a small detail.
For example: United Airlines sometimes pairs with Lufthansa for transatlantic flights. United’s in-cabin pet weight limit is not the same as Lufthansa’s. I’ve seen travelers caught out by exactly this situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which European airlines allow dogs over 8kg in cabin? Very few – Volotea (10kg), AeroItalia (10kg), KM Malta Airlines (10kg), Alitalia/ITA Airways (10kg on domestic Italian flights), Neos Air (10kg), Plus Ultra (10kg), and World2Fly (10kg). If your dog plus carrier exceeds 8kg, Volotea is my personal recommendation based on direct experience.
Can French Bulldogs fly in cabin on European airlines? Yes, most European airlines that allow dogs in cabin do permit brachycephalic breeds, but policies vary and change frequently. Always call the airline directly to confirm breed acceptance before booking. I’ve flown Helga on Volotea multiple times without issue.
Which European airlines allow dogs in cabin on long-haul flights? Most European airlines restrict in-cabin pets to shorter routes. Air France and Finnair are among the few that allow pets in cabin on select long-haul routes, though restrictions apply. Always confirm directly with the airline.
What is the standard weight limit for dogs in cabin on European flights? The standard limit is 8kg combined weight of dog and carrier. A small number of airlines allow up to 10kg. Private charter options have no weight limit.
Do I need a special carrier for European flights? Most European airlines require a soft-sided, leak-proof carrier with ventilation on multiple sides that fits under the seat in front of you. Carrier dimensions vary by airline — always check the specific requirements before purchasing a carrier.
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