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On ITA Airways flights, small dogs and cats can travel in the cabin when placed in a suitable carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. For domestic flights within Italy, the total weight of your pet plus the carrier and food may be up to 12 kg, giving a bit more breathing room than the usual 8 kg limit many airlines enforce.
Once you have landed, the on-the-ground rules matter just as much, which is why I put together a complete guide to traveling in France with a dog.
On international flights the maximum combined weight for pet and carrier is 8 kg. The carrier must be properly ventilated, waterproof and sized so your pet can sit, turn around and lie down comfortably; common allowable dimensions are 55 x 40 x 23 cm (max total of about 118 cm) placed under the seat.
Only cats and dogs at least 3 months old are permitted in the cabin, and pets must stay in the carrier for the full flight. ITA allows up to two pets in one carrier if the combined weight doesn’t exceed the limits. Because the number of cabin spots for animals is limited, you’ll want to add your pet to the booking at least 48 hours before departure, ideally as soon as your ticket is issued.
Vueling
Vueling is a Spanish low-cost airline based in Barcelona with a big network across Europe and North Africa. It’s a popular choice for short haul trips like Barcelona to Rome, Paris, Lisbon and beyond, especially if you want an affordable option that still lets your small dog or cat fly with you.
To bring your pet in the cabin on Vueling, your dog or cat and the carrier must have a combined weight of no more than 10 kg (about 22 lb). The carrier itself needs to be soft sided and fit under the seat in front of you with maximum dimensions of 45 cm long × 39 cm wide × 21 cm high. Pets must stay inside their carrier for the entire flight, and the carrier counts as your carry-on allowance, so plan your luggage around that.
Vueling requires you to book your pet’s spot in advance because there are a limited number of animals allowed in the cabin on each flight. There’s a fee for bringing your pet, and it’s usually charged per segment when you add the service to your reservation. Vueling’s policies are focused on short-haul services, so this setup works well for city-to-city hops across Europe.
Because Vueling flies mainly shorter routes, it’s a good fit for pet parents who want simple, budget-friendly travel within the EU. Just make sure your pet is comfortable in the carrier and that you’ve handled any destination health paperwork like vaccinations or microchips before you head to the airport.
Volotea
Volotea is a Spanish airline that focuses on connecting small and mid-sized cities across Europe, especially through short haul flights between Italy, France, Spain and Greece. It’s a great choice if you’re planning a regional trip and want to bring a small dog or cat along without the hassle of cargo transport.
On Volotea flights you can bring your pet in the cabin as long as the combined weight of your pet and carrier does not exceed 10 kg (22 lb). The carrier must be soft sided, leak-proof and ventilated, and fit under the seat in front of you with maximum dimensions of 50 cm long × 40 cm wide × 20 cm high. Your pet must stay inside the carrier for the entire flight, and the carrier counts as your allowed carry-on item, so make sure the rest of your luggage fits the airline’s cabin baggage rules.
You’ll need to request pet travel at the time of booking or ahead of departure, as Volotea limits how many animals fly in the cabin on each aircraft. There’s a fee per segment, which is usually charged when you add the service to your reservation. Because Volotea focuses on short flights across Europe, this setup works well for quick city breaks or island adventures with your companion.
Plus Ultra
Plus Ultra is a Spanish long-haul airline based in Madrid that connects Europe with cities in Latin America and the Caribbean. It’s not as widespread as some bigger European carriers, but for pet parents flying transatlantic it can be worth considering because pets are allowed to travel in the cabin when they meet the airline’s conditions.
On Plus Ultra flights small dogs and cats can fly in the cabin as long as the combined weight of the animal and its carrier does not exceed 10 kg (about 22 lb) and the carrier fits under the seat in front of you. The carrier must be secure, ventilated, and comfortable, and the dimensions should generally stay within about 40 cm high, 55 cm long and 20 cm wide so it can be stowed under the seat without blocking aisles or exit rows. Pets must stay inside the carrier throughout the flight and are counted as your carry-on item.
Plus Ultra requires you to contact their call center at least 48 hours ahead of departure to request pet travel and confirm availability, since only a limited number of pets are allowed in the cabin per flight. The airline does not accept cabin pets in business or executive class seats, and animals must not disturb other passengers or crew. Any pet exceeding the 10 kg limit must travel in the aircraft hold with an approved crate, and additional fees apply for either option.
Because Plus Ultra serves long-haul routes from Spain to cities in the Americas, it’s especially useful for travellers who want a direct pet-friendly option across the Atlantic.
Cyprus Airways
Cyprus Airways is the national carrier of Cyprus, operating mainly out of Larnaca with routes across Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. It’s commonly used for travel between Cyprus, Greece, Central Europe, and parts of Western Europe, making it a useful option if you’re heading to or from the Mediterranean with a small pet.
Cyprus Airways allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin as long as the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 10 kg. The carrier must fit fully under the seat in front of you and cannot be larger than 45 x 35 x 20 cm. Pets must remain inside the carrier for the entire flight and be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
You must request pet travel in advance, as Cyprus Airways limits the number of animals allowed in the cabin on each flight. Approval is subject to availability, so it’s best to add your pet as soon as your ticket is booked. There is a fee for in cabin pet travel, which varies by route.
If you’re flying to or from Cyprus, this airline can be a straightforward option for short haul pet friendly travel, as long as you meet both airline rules and Cyprus entry requirements.
KM Malta Airlines
KM Malta Airlines is the new flag carrier of Malta, stepping in after Air Malta and operating a growing network of short and medium haul routes across Europe from hubs in Malta. The airline’s pet policy makes it possible to bring small dogs and cats in the cabin on many of these flights.
On KM Malta Airlines flights you can bring a small dog or cat in the cabin as long as the combined weight of the animal and its carrier does not exceed 10 kg. The carrier must be a soft-sided, leak-proof bag that fits comfortably under the seat in front of you with dimensions no larger than 40 cm long × 34 cm wide × 18 cm high. Pets must stay inside the carrier for the entire flight and be able to move around a bit inside it.
You need to book your pet at the same time as your ticket or contact KM Malta’s customer support before departure to confirm space, as only a limited number of cabin pets are allowed per flight. Only adult passengers can carry a pet in the cabin, and unaccompanied minors cannot bring pets. Pets must generally be at least 15 weeks old and weaned for at least five days before travel.
There is a fee (about €85 each way per carrier) for the pet in cabin service, and routes to the United Kingdom may have restrictions: pets are not accepted from Malta to the UK but are allowed from London Heathrow to Malta under this policy. KM Malta also offers options for larger animals as checked baggage or cargo if your pet does not meet the cabin criteria.
Alternatives to flying with your dog in Europe
If your dog doesn’t meet cabin requirements or flying feels too restrictive, there are several practical alternatives to flying with a dog in Europe. In many cases, overland or sea travel is easier, more flexible, and far less stressful for both you and your dog.
Trains are one of the best alternatives. Many European rail companies allow dogs on board, often with fewer limitations than airlines. Small dogs usually travel for free or in a carrier, while larger dogs may need a leash, muzzle, and a discounted pet ticket. High speed routes in countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland make it possible to cross borders quickly without dealing with airline weight limits or carrier restrictions.
Ferries are another great option, especially if you’re traveling between islands or crossing seas. Many European ferry companies allow dogs on board and offer a range of setups, from pet friendly cabins to kennel areas or designated outdoor decks. Ferries between mainland Europe and places like the UK, Ireland, Greece, Italy, and Spain are often far more accommodating for dogs than airlines, and they eliminate the stress of in cabin size limits entirely.
Driving is also a popular choice, particularly for longer stays or multi country trips. Renting a car, van, or camper gives you control over your schedule and allows for frequent breaks. Europe’s roads make cross border travel relatively easy, and pet friendly hotels and rentals are widely available.
Flying is not the only way to travel with a dog in Europe. Depending on your route and your dog’s needs, trains, ferries, or road trips can be easier, more comfortable, and more dog friendly than navigating strict airline cabin rules.
European Airlines and Dogs: FAQ
Planning the Rest of Your Dog’s European Trip
Once you have your flight sorted, the rest of the trip comes together fast. Start with the paperwork in my guide to getting an EU pet passport, then run through my tips for flying with your dog and my dog travel packing list before you go. If you are still deciding where to land, my guides to dog friendly Barcelona and dog friendly Italy are great starting points, and the dog friendly hotels in Italy roundup shows what to look for in a pet friendly stay. For the bigger picture, see my guide to traveling with a dog internationally and my full list of airlines that allow dogs in cabin. Thinking about a longer stay? My post on how to move to Portugal covers relocating with a pet in tow.
Flying in Europe with your dog? Grab my Cabin Guide
I put everything I learned flying with Puglo across 19 countries into one guide, the carriers, measurements, and airline tricks that actually get a dog into the cabin. Pair it with my airline pet policy database so you never guess an airline’s rules again.
Which European airlines allow dogs in the cabin?
KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, Swiss, Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, Eurowings, ITA Airways, Vueling and several others allow small dogs in the cabin. The pet plus carrier usually must weigh 8 kg or less and fit under the seat in front of you.
How much does it cost to fly with a dog in the cabin in Europe?
In-cabin pet fees on European airlines typically run between about 50 and 150 euros each way, depending on the airline and whether the route is domestic, within Europe, or long-haul. Always confirm the current fee when booking.
What is the weight limit for a dog in the cabin?
Most European airlines cap in-cabin pets at 8 kg (about 17.6 lbs) including the carrier. Dogs above that limit generally must travel in the hold or cargo, or fly with an airline that has a higher cabin allowance.
Can I buy a seat for my dog on a European airline?
No. European airlines require in-cabin dogs to stay inside a carrier under the seat for the whole flight, so you cannot buy your dog its own seat. Larger dogs must travel in the hold or as cargo instead.
Final thoughts: Airlines that allow pets in cabin in Europe
Flying with a dog in Europe is absolutely possible, but it requires more planning than many travelers expect. Most European airlines that allow dogs in cabin enforce strict weight and carrier limits, usually capped at 8 kg combined, and those rules are not flexible.
The key is choosing the right airline for your specific situation. Some carriers allow slightly higher weight limits, others are better for short haul routes, and a few are more practical for transatlantic flights. Weigh your dog inside the carrier, measure it carefully, and confirm pet availability with the airline as early as possible.
From personal experience, the smoothest trips happen when expectations are realistic and everything is planned in advance. European airlines tend to be consistent but strict, so preparation matters more than luck.
If your dog doesn’t fit cabin requirements, remember that flying isn’t your only option. Trains, ferries, and road travel across Europe can be excellent alternatives and are often more comfortable for dogs.
With the right planning and the right airline, traveling Europe with your dog can be manageable, rewarding, and well worth the effort.
