Unlike elsewhere in Europe, most airlines in the United Kingdom don’t allow pet dogs and cats to fly in the cabin or even as check-in baggage. While most European airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin, this is not allowed on most UK airlines, due to government regulations. So, what are the rules when it comes to flying with dogs and other pets in UK, both in the cabin and as cargo?
Do Any UK Airlines Allow Pets in the Cabin?
Unfortunately, no UK airline allows pets to fly in the passenger cabin (at least any commercial flight that flies in and out of commercial airports). The only animals that are permitted to fly in the cabin are registered assistance dogs.
The rules and processes are slightly different for each airline, but check out these guidelines from British Airways for an example. Assistance dogs may still not be allowed on all routes (for example, only on international routes flying to approved airports).
Additionally, emotional service dogs are specifically excluded by at least British Airways and Wizz Air UK.
This restriction also applies to airlines from other countries flying into the UK. The pet travel rules state that pet dogs and cats are not permitted to fly in the cabin on any flight into the UK, or even as checked baggage.
However, there are a small handful of airlines that allow dogs to fly in the cabin or as checked baggage when leaving the UK. (Many airlines simply don’t allow pets in both directions.) I’ve listed them in this post, but make alternative plans for the return journey.
Note: Some small airlines that can only fly less than 20 passengers, that I didn’t include in this article, may allow pets to travel in the cabin. An example is the Skybus to the Isles of Scilly, off Cornwall, England. Click here for more details. Chartered jets are another exception.
Do Any UK Airlines Allow Pets as Checked Baggage?
The regional Scottish airline Loganair allows pets to travel as checked baggage on most of its domestic flights, that operate within the common travel area of the UK, including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, and the Republic of Ireland. Only dogs and cats are permitted, with a weight limit of 32kg including their crate.
The advantage of flying with a pet as checked baggage is that you can simply drop off and pick up your pet at the passenger terminal, rather than at the separate cargo facilities. Pets still fly in the hold of the aircraft.
Which UK Airlines Accept Pets as Cargo?
Out of the remaining UK airlines, less than half allow pets to travel as manifest cargo, both on domestic flights and international flights in and out of the country. This includes: Aer Lingus UK, BA CityFlyer, BA EuroFlyer, British Airways and TUI Airways. (Virgin Atlantic previously flew pets as cargo, but this is temporarily unavailable.)
In contrast, all pets except for assistance dogs, are not permitted on flights operated by these un-pet-friendly airlines: Eastern Airways, EasyJet, Jet2.com, Norse Atlantic UK, Ryanair UK, Virgin Atlantic and Wizz Air UK.
Note that if you are transporting your pet as cargo on a plane, usually you will need to book separately for your pet through the cargo company that handles the airline’s cargo.
Plus, you will need to drop off and pick up your pet at the cargo terminal, which is usually not adjacent to the passenger terminal. Allow extra time and be aware of the procedures.
Flying with a Dog on UK Airlines
Aer Lingus UK
Pets Allowed Onboard? Cargo only
Aer Lingus UK is a subsidiary of Aer Lingus, the Irish flag-carrier, headquartered in Belfast and with operations based at Manchester Airport. It launched in October 2021 and currently operates flights to the USA and seasonal flights to Barbados.
Like parent airline Aer Lingus, pets are not allowed in the cabin, only trained service dogs, subject to requirements. Pets are only accepted for travel in the hold as cargo, with bookings through IAG Cargo.
Click here for the full pet policy of Aer Lingus.
British Airways (including BA CityFlyer and BA EuroFlyer)
Pets Allowed Onboard? Cargo only
The British flag-carrier airline, British Airways flies to a long list of both domestic and international destinations, reaching every part of the globe. They also operate two subsidiary airlines, the regional airline BA CityFlyer that operates out of London City Airport and BA EuroFlyer that operates out of London Gatwick Airport.
Unfortunately, British Airways, including BA CityFlyer and BA EuroFlyer, doesn’t allow pets to travel in the cabin or as checked baggage. Only recognised assistance dogs are allowed to fly in the cabin, for no charge.
All other pets, including emotional support animals, need to travel in the climate-controlled hold of their planes as cargo. This can be booked through PetAirUK for pets departing the UK and IAG Cargo for pets flying to the UK.
The one exception is on flights operated within Europe by SUN-AIR under the British Airways brand. One small pet in a very small carrier up to 6kg is allowed in the cabin, except for on flights to the UK.
Click here for full details of the British Airways pet policy.
Eastern Airways
Pets Allowed Onboard? No
A small airline headquartered at Humberside Airport in North Lincolnshire, Eastern Airways operates a range of routes across the British Isles, France and Denmark, plus seasonal flights to and from Jersey.
Eastern Airways does not permit any pets on board their flights, other than guide dogs for passengers for disabilities.
For further details on their baggage policy, click here.
EasyJet
Pets Allowed Onboard? No
The largest airline in the UK based on passenger numbers, the low-cost airline Easyjet services over 900 routes to over 150 airports in 34 countries.
Unfortunately, you can’t take your pet along on their discounted flights, with no animals allowed apart from recognised registered guide and assistance dogs.
Click here for their policy.
Jet2.com
Pets Allowed Onboard? No
Jet2.com is the third-largest scheduled airline in the UK. A low-cost leisure airline based out of Leeds Bradford Airport, it flies from 10 airports across the UK to over 60 popular destinations across Europe.
While Jet2.com used to permit pets on-board, this airline no longer allows any pets to fly on their flights. Only registered assistance dogs are permitted on all UK domestic flights and international flights where permitted, booked through their Assistance Team.
Click here for further information on their policy.
Loganair
Pets Allowed Onboard? Checked baggage
A Scottish regional airline servicing destinations in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, the Republic of Ireland, Denmark and Norway, Loganair is the most pet-friendly airline in the UK.
Loganair is the only UK airline that permits pets to travel as checked baggage. This applies on nearly all of their “domestic flights”, where domestic flights are defined as those operating within the common travel area of the UK, including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, and the Republic of Ireland.
There are a small number of domestic flights where pets are not carried. Pets are not accepted on the routes to Barra, Tiree and Campbeltown, where the flights are flown by small Twin Otter aircraft. Pets are also not accepted on routes to and from London City Airport.
Additionally, Loganair does not fly pets on any of its international routes – basically its routes to and from Denmark and Norway. This is not surprising given that pets can only fly into the UK as cargo, not as checked baggage.
Only dogs and cats are accepted, with a minimum age of 12 weeks and some snort-nosed breeds excluded. Bookings are subject to available space – only a single crate is accepted per flight, with a maximum weight of 32kg. However, in some cases two pets from the same family can travel in the same crate.
There is also an embargo on pet carriage on most flights over the festive period, roughly between the 17th December and 3rd January inclusive, due to the higher amounts of luggage typically carried.
To fly with your dog or cat as checked baggage on Loganair, there is a charge of £50 one-way. They need to fly in a suitable, leakproof container and you will also need to complete a form at the airport.
Note that assistance dogs accompanying disabled passengers can travel in the cabin, on both domestic and international flights, as long as it legal for them to arrive at your destination.
For the complete Loganair pet policy, click here. Further details are also listed in the Carriage Conditions.
Norse Atlantic UK
Pets Allowed Onboard? No
Norse Atlantic UK is a subsidiary of Norse Atlantic Airways, a low-cost long-haul Norwegian carrier. Based at Gatwick Airport, it commenced flights in March 2023, primarily to destinations in the United States plus in the Caribbean.
Initially, they had no policy for flying with pets, but now they have a clear policy stating no pets are allowed, in the cabin or in the cargo hold. Only trained served dogs are permitted to fly in the cabin free of charge on all flights.
Click here for their policy.
Ryanair UK
Pets Allowed Onboard? No
Ryanair UK is a subsidiary of Ryanair, the Irish low-cost carrier, based at Stansted Airport.
Like parent airline Ryanair, pets are not allowed on any Ryanair UK flights. Only guide and assistance dogs are allowed on the majority of their routes.
Click here for their policy.
TUI Airways
Pets Allowed Onboard? Cargo only
Formerly known as Thomson Airways, TUI Airways is the largest charter airline in Europe, mainly operating flights on behalf of tour operators.
Pets can be carried on most TUI flights in the cargo hold, except for snub-nosed and dangerous breeds, including cross-breads. The cargo hold is temperature and pressure controlled. Bookings should be made through their Cargo Department run by ECS Group.
Additionally, assistance dogs can travel in the cabin free of charge, presuming all the requirements of TUI Airways have been met.
For more information, click here.
Note that TUI Airways in the UK is not the same as TUI fly in Europe, that does allow animals up to 10kg to be carried in the cabin and larger animals to fly in the hold as checked baggage.
Virgin Atlantic
Pets Allowed Onboard? No
Virgin Atlantic is a full-service airline flying to destinations scattered around the globe, although diminished in size since the events of 2020.
Up until 2020, while Virgin Atlantic didn’t permit pets to fly in the cabin or as checked baggage, it did transport pets as cargo, even operating a Flying Paws scheme. Bookings were organised through Virgin Atlantic Cargo, with pets transported in a secured, heated and air-conditioned compartment.
Bookings were only permitted to and from selected destinations, with some restrictions on time of the week from some destinations (e.g. no pet transport on flights leaving the UK on a Saturday or Sunday). Some destinations also required the use of an agent, and certain breeds were excluded.
However, as of late 2023, the pet product of Virgin Atlantic Cargo remains unavailable, although it states this is still only temporary. Only assistance animals can fly on Virgin Atlantic planes, in the cabin on all routes.
Click here and here for their latest pet policy.
Wizz Air UK
Pets Allowed Onboard? No
Wizz Air UK is a subsidiary of the Hungarian budget airline, Wizz Air. Headquartered at London Luton Airport, it also operates from Gatwick Airport in the UK, in conjunction with its parent company.
Just like its parent company, pets are not permitted on Wizz Air UK flights. The only exception is for guide dogs accompanied by the required documentation. Emotional support animals are also explicitly excluded.
Click here for more details.
You May Also Like
- Flying Out of the UK with a Dog
- How to Travel with a Dog Between the UK and Europe
- How to Travel with a Dog to the UK from Outside Europe
- Taking a Dog to the USA from the UK
About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.
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Thanks for sharing your blog post! I regularly travel for business and sometimes feel bad that I’ve had to leave my pooch at home. Although our pets aren’t allowed to fly with us it’s interesting to read a blog that is written for both travellers and pet-lovers! Willow at GSE Solutions.
Great to hear! Thanks Willow
Hi I have just moved across to America florida and really want to bring mu small toy poodle out with us but he suffers from. Anxiety and would be really anxious going in the hold, isthere any chance at all that he can fly in the cabin from the uk internationally to Florida, ihave read that it is not possible has anyone had any experience with this? Thanks
Firstly, it depends on the size of your dog. European airlines generally have a weight restriction of 8kg, including the carrier, although there are some differences. Two of the best options from the UK is to fly with a European airline via the continent to the US, or alternatively fly with Air Canada, firstly to Canada then the US. Another option is to take a taxi in the Chunnel across to Paris, then fly with La Compagnie that have a higher weight limit. I’ve detailed these options in: https://www.travelnuity.com/taking-a-dog-to-usa-from-uk/
Thanks for this list. I’ll be sure to share it my friend’s website. He offers exactly this type of information for U.S. airlines. https://www.dogsonplanes.com/airlines/
Thanks!
Hi, looking to travel from Scotland to Gran Canaria with 3 small / medium dogs, any ideas if this can be achievable?
Kind regards
Sharon
Iberia Express flies to Edinburgh and Gran Canaria, and transports dogs in both the cabin and hold when leaving the UK (although keep in mind you’ll need to find another route if you return to the UK). I would call up and double check, in case the information on their website is out of date.
However, you may have an issue due to number of pets you have. There is a restriction on 2 pets in the hold. Hopefully at least one of your dogs can travel in the cabin, or else if there’s two of you, then fly on separate flights. Here’s their full pet policy: https://www.iberiaexpress.com/en/general-info/passenger-information/before-you-go/travelling-with-pets.
How can I travel from Amsterdam to Belfast with my malteser?
Sorry for the delay in replying Lisa – this is a tricky one!
Firstly, dogs can’t fly in the cabin flying into the UK, they can only fly as cargo. Additionally, for dogs travelling to Belfast, ideally they travel first to the rest of the UK or to the Republic of Ireland, otherwise you need to apply for an Import Authorisation (see the final section in http://www.travelnuity.com/taking-a-dog-to-northern-ireland/).
One alternative may be to firstly fly to Dublin then take the train to Belfast. The Republic of Ireland doesn’t ban dogs from flying in the cabin, but many airlines still don’t permit it, the same as flying to the UK. I couldn’t find any airlines that clearly specify online they allow dogs in the cabin on flights to Ireland, but I would try talking to KLM – they didn’t mention either way and they’re usually pretty dog-friendly. Once in Dublin, the Irish Rail service from Dublin to Belfast allows small dogs to travel for free.
The final (and slow) option if you want to avoid flying cargo, would be to take the overland route to Belfast. A ferry to England (either the DFDS Ferry from Amsterdam to Newcastle, with dog-friendly cabins, or the Stena Line Ferry from Hook of Holland to Harwich, with kennels), then trains in England (dogs are allowed for free), then a ferry to Northern Ireland (I cover all the ferries in this post: http://www.travelnuity.com/taking-a-dog-to-northern-ireland/). Or after taking a ferry to England, Aer Lingus will accept pets within the UK and Ireland as checked baggage, rather than cargo, if you’re happy with this option.
Hope this helps!
Also – don’t forget that your dog will need a worming treatment between 24 hours and 5 days of arriving in the UK/Ireland, recorded in your pet passport.
Thank you, your information is great. We travel a lot between uk and Switzerland and always drive because of our dogs. I see that Swiss air take dogs and I guess this should be ok on the way out. However, this silly uk ruling that does not allow dogs into the uk is rather annoying. Do you know the procedure for getting them back? Do you have to book them on separately as cargo and where would I drop off? Thanks
Susan – To return to the UK with a dog, you would need to book them as cargo. Sometimes this is an internal division of the airline, sometimes it’s a separate cargo company. Check with the actual airline, they should have the details on their pet transport page. Generally this involves dropping them off at a separate freight facility, somewhere else at the airport. Ideally you still have a rental car at this point, as often this is not close to public transport, although Switzerland might be better than other countries. Often you’ll need to drop your pet off about 3 hours before the flight (you’ll be informed the exact time when booking), and there’s a delay of an hour or so before you can pick them up after the flight. Hope this helps!
Hi, I’ve moved from the UK to southern Spain and want to visit my family over Christmas back in the UK and wondered if I could fly with my small dog instead of a 3 day drive through Spain and France and using the ‘chunnell’?
Unfortunately it’s not possible to fly with a dog into the UK unless the dog is in cargo, with the extra costs and hassles that that entails. Returning from the UK, there are a few airlines that allow dogs to fly in the cabin, although not many. And how do you get there in the first place!
One alternative option is to fly to Amsterdam with your dog in the cabin, then take the overnight Stena Line ferry from Hook of Holland to Harwich, which then connects to the UK rail network. The ferry has kennels for dogs, which are accessible during the journey plus you can watch the “security cameras” on a TV channel in your cabin.
I’ve covered more of these options here: http://www.travelnuity.com/travelling-with-a-dog-from-the-uk-to-spain/. I would have also recommended Brittany Ferries with your car, but they don’t usually operate in November/December.
Hi we flew from LAX to Paris with our small dog in the cabin Then the train to Calais then a U.K. Taxi company brought us to U.K. Very easy
Great to hear Martin! But it would also be great if we could fly directly to the UK, without the extra legs along the way.
How do I get a train to Calais from Paris airport with dog
There are trains from Gare du Nord to Calais, with a change in Lille-Flandres. If you Google the route, there are multiple sites selling tickets. You’ll also need to buy a ticket for your dog at the station.
Thank you for this, it has only made my life more complicated!! lol! We are relocating to Turkey in May, to actually help our friends who have lived there for 16 years to run the cat sanctuary they have set up (Turunc Cats) Our cat is ready to go by May, but finding an airline that flies to Dalaman and allow a cat to fly is proving difficult. Any ideas? Thanks Simon
Simon – Have you also looked at airlines that fly indirectly to Dalaman, such as via Istanbul? I’m not familiar with Dalaman, but I do believe Turkish Airlines and Pegasus allow small pets to fly in the cabin (and larger ones in the hold). The other option is to travel overland to Dalaman from another airport in Turkey.
Hello Simon,
We live in both Istanbul and London. We have a small dog, as long as the wight matches the rules you can use Turkish Airlines from UK to any airport in Turkey in cabin. The problem is coming from Turkey to UK.
Hello Cemil,
Have you ever taken your dog to UK from Turkey, and if you’ve done it by plane, I believe they need to travel as hold, how was it from Istanbul to London?
We’ve just gotten a pomeranian that is 5 months old, rabies vaccine done but not blood tested yet, next week, seems like we won’t be taking her to Turkey for summer holidays if our option coming back to te UK is as cargo and expensive.
Such a hussle!
Thank you
willow-Im looking to see i can bring my tortoise with me to china? via KLM?
Airlines vary in their rules for whether they allow other breeds of animals to fly, other than cats and dogs, especially in their cabins. Unfortunately, looking at the KLM pet policy, https://www.klm.com/travel/us_en/prepare_for_travel/travel_planning/pets/index.htm, I cannot see any mention of allowing animals other than cats and dogs. You can also contact the airline directly to double check. They may perhaps transport tortoises as cargo, instead.
Hi, I understand that the regulation is to not allow pets into the UK in the cabin, but what about flying from the UK to the EU? Any advice on how to travel with my pet rabbit from Manchester to Vienna? We are relocating and therefore the rabbit needs to come with us. I’m really struggling to find a way to do it. Thanks!!
Some non-UK airlines will fly pets in the cabin when leaving the UK. For instance, when checking the pet policy for Austrian Airlines, https://www.austrian.com/Info/Flying/TransportationAnimals.aspx?sc_lang=en&cc=US, they only mention not flying pets in the cabin on the way into the UK. However, they don’t mention allowing rabbits. I would contact them directly to double check their rules in this case, especially with the current situation. There are some European airlines that should do this, but I don’t know which ones and a stopover might be necessary. The other alternative is flying your rabbit in cargo, but I know I always try to find a in-cabin option first.
Hello, I am relocating to the UK and looking for options how I can bring my chug (pug/chiwawa) to the UK. The problem is that due to her breathing difficulties she cannot travel in the hold of the plane so I am looking for any possible alternatives.
Check out my post on all the transport options to the UK. I recommend flying to Paris or Amsterdam, then taking a ferry or taxi across.
Thank you for this post. It is super helpful and equally frustrating. It makes zero sense to not allow small animals on board especially for short flights….and especially with Brexit. My husband and I are wanting to buy a house in Italy and would need to take our cat…with the new visa restrictions that may make it impossible if we have to return for a specific amount of time to UK throughout the year. 🙁 Are there any government petitions or actions in play to get this stupid restriction changed? I would definitely sign up for that fight. I refuse to traumatize my pet in cargo or being shipped with a pet shipper.
I haven’t heard of any plans to have this changed. A while ago there was a petition to change the rules on the Eurostar (that doesn’t allow pets onboard), but that ended up going nowhere. I’m not hopeful of any changes in the next few years, but maybe in a couple of years time once things settle down…?
What is the reason behind these restrictions in the UK? It makes no sense that so many other countries treat the matter very differently. Exactly with Brexit some people will need to travel a bit more frequently. Brexit on itself it’s already a pain! Makes the case to leave the UK even stronger…
Gabriella – I think it dates back to when the UK has stricter rules for importing pets, requiring quarantine, so people were less likely to fly with their pets. Although I also think there’s a cultural element. I live in Australia, and both Australia and New Zealand have similar prohibitions. It would be great for this to change!
IWe plan to move to Cyprus to live within the next 12 months. We need to get our 62kg Bullmastiff over there. Its my one big concern. I have looked into traveling with a Transport company through Europe by road, but dont seem to be able to get from Italy to Cyprus. Or anywhere else in Europe to Cyprus by boat.There is a freight carrier that does take some passangers but not animals
I am stuck for any other way, other than fly. He will have to go Cargo due to his size. I have looked at Cruises etc. Any suggestions anyone, would be great. Thanks. We have had various flight prices of £1800, £2000 and £3600.
Lynn – I’ve looked into the ferry situation for Cyprus. I’ve been able to track down a ferry that operates between Turkey and Northern Cyprus. This is their FAQ page confirming they accept pets: (REMOVED BROKEN LINK) (scroll down). They’ve included links about the rules for pets travelling to both Northern Cyprus and Turkey. (On this second ticketing page, https://www.akgunlerbilet.com/online_bilet.php?lang=en, they mention no tickets required for pets, they just need to stay in their cage, and there’s no pet-friendly cabins.)
I’ve also written a post about travelling to Turkey with a pet (http://www.travelnuity.com/dog-friendly-turkey/). The rules are quite variable (and often not enforced), but I strongly recommend getting a rabies titre test for your dog beforehand.
The problem though is that it’s illegal for humans to enter Cyprus via Northern Cyprus (see: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cyprus/safety-and-security), and you can be refused entry and/or fined. The same rules are very unlikely to apply to dogs. I would speak to a pet transport company about whether it’s feasible for them to transport your dog to Northern Cyprus (or at least Turkey), then cross over from Cyprus to be reunited with your dog and bring it back across the border.
Hi I have a small/medium weshi aprox 8.5 kg , all my family live in Canada, how can I fly with our dog, we have our son in a wheelchair and is ours sons and daughter dog, how can we take our dog with us, can he be classified as emotional support dog and if so how do we get certificate to fly with us and which airlines as when I checked most fly with pets, but as I am reading you say we r not allowed, any flights internationally any suggestions as it’s Quebec close to the united states borders of New York or Maine, thanks
Franca – I’m assuming you live in the UK. I believe Air Canada fly dogs in the cabin on flights leaving the UK, but you’ll need to check the maximum size of dogs in the cabin. Alternatively, pets can fly in the hold. For returning to the UK, pets generally need to fly as cargo. For a dog to travel as an emotional support dog, you need a letter from a doctor, which is usually only a USA thing. Even still, most (if not all) UK airlines don’t recognise emotional support dogs. If you still have questions, I recommend heading to my FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogfriendlytravelrtw.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/560549
Sign the Petition and get others to sign too!
Hi. Im traveling from a non-Eu country Albania toManchester int airport this Sunday , with Lufthansa airline,and I was wondering how can I take my 10kg dog to travel with me as an excess baggage in the hold. That because we dont have cargo hold agencies near our country
Sorry, but I believe only cargo is possible to travel to the UK. I recommend contacting Lufthansa to find out your options.
Hi, I relocated from the UK to Germany last year and my cat is still living in the UK with my dad. My husband and I really want to fly her out to Germany to be with us and I read online that Lufthansa allow you to travel with cats in the cabin. Do you know if this applies when leaving the UK and how to book this? She has a passport and will have had all her jabs etc.
It should be possible to do this leaving the UK (but not the reverse direction). Lufthansa say to call their service centre, see this page with information: https://www.lufthansa.com/be/en/reisen-mit-tieren
Hi so im moving from the UK to the US. Is there any way I can get my pet rabbit there with me in cabin. Direct or indirect. Im happy to take him on Eurostar or on a ferry to Dublin but there is nowhere that is clear on how I do this.
Many thanks
Sorry, I’m not as clear about options for flying with a rabbit, rather than a dog. Some airlines allow dogs in the cabin on flights leaving the UK, but there’s hardly any (maybe check with KLM and Lufthansa). The Eurostar doesn’t allow pets at all, but I cover some ferries to get to France or Netherlands in this post: https://www.travelnuity.com/dog-travel-between-uk-europe/
Hi! Thank you for such a useful website! I am relocating back to the UK in March, travelling from Chile. I haven’t been able to find an airline that will take my cat in the hold as luggage to get into the UK. Shipping him via cargo costs as least $4,000. Would an option be to fly to somewhere like Paris and then travel via train perhaps? Thank you!
Yes, I highly recommend this as an alternative. Unfortunately the Eurostar train also doesn’t allow pets on board, but there are a couple of pet-friendly ferries that take foot passengers with pets, or the option to take a taxi on the Eurotunnel. I cover this here: https://www.travelnuity.com/dog-travel-between-uk-europe/
Hi shandos
We have brought a puppy from Portugal 3mths old got everything we need from the breeder to get out of Portugal.
The only thing we struggling with is which airline to contact/book to get her back to the uk at Heathrow in the cargo area.
British Airways is one of the options that flies pets as cargo into Heathrow. TAP probably also does.
Alternatively, contact a pet transport company in Portugal who can organise it for you. They might also offer the option of road transport to the UK, some in Spain do. Perhaps ask the breeder?
Hi I have a guide dog and three cats. Would I be able to travel from the UK to Aberdeen with them?
Your guide dog will be able to fly in the cabin, you’ll need to supply the paperwork requested by your airline. With your three cats, they would need to fly in the hold, either as cargo or checked baggage, depending on the airline.
Hi there, thank you very much for this useful post. I am planning to fly with my small dog from Newcastle to Frankfurt (Lufthansa) and come back with the ferry. I’ve confirmed my pet ticket with Lufthansa but I am a bit anxious about just arriving at Newcastle airport without any further confirmation from the airport (it is impossible to contact them). Do you know of anyone that has flown out of Newcastle, is it definitely allowed from that airport? Thank you in advance.
Sorry, but I haven’t personally flown out of Newcastle, and I only know of people who’ve flown out of London airports with their dogs. Have you tried this contact options? https://www.newcastleairport.com/contact/contact-information/ If you cannot contact them, I recommend asking Lufthansa for confirmation and asking for any special preparation for flying with a dog. At a minimum, keep your dog in their carrier at all times in the airport.
Hi Jonathan! I came across your comment and was wondering did your travel went as planned and there was no issues with Lufthansa/ taking your pet into a cabin? I’m in a similar situation- planning of flying Lufthansa from London LHR to Frankfurt (Lufthansa confirmed several times pets are allowed into cabin if they are up to 8kg including carrier, but LHR airport does not provide any clarity re flying with dogs in cabin..).
Also Shandos many thanks for a great post!
Hi,
I will fly from JFK(New York) to DLM Airport. (Dalaman, MUGLA, TURKEY)
And I have pet (Chihuahua/ 8 pounds) I wanna bring him with me.
The flight is JFK to LHR and than LHR to DLM.
The flight from JFK to LHR operating by American Airlines.
I checked with American airlines, they said, they are allowing pets in cabin with some fee($125). But, can I fly from LHR to DLM with British Airways operated flight and with my dog??
And than I will fly back from DLM to EWR(Newark) via from LHR.
Thank you,
Unfortunately, I don’t think this is possible via LHR. Dogs are not allowed in the cabin on flights into LHR, including transits. Did you check this specific flight with AA? Meanwhile, British Airways doesn’t allow pets in the cabin. It’s better to fly direct or via an airport on the continent.
Hi Shandos
How can I fly with my miniature Shih tzu to Rhodes from Manchester ?
And the how would I get her home ? Going for 8 weeks in the winter
Many Thanks
Jilly .
I recommend contacting Aegean Airlines to see if they allow dogs in the cabin on flights out of the UK to Greece. I’m not sure however if they would fly out of Manchester, plus it’s worthwhile checking with the airport to see if dogs are allowed in the terminal. As it won’t be possible to take a domestic flight to one of the London airports, instead consider taking the train.
When it comes to returning to the UK, Aegean Airlines like other airlines doesn’t allow dogs in the cabin, only as cargo, and only to Heathrow. Instead, I recommend flying to Amsterdam and taking a ferry across. Or fly to Paris and then get a taxi across the Channel. From there, it’s possible to get to Manchester by train.
It’s such a hassle that these alternatives are required! Hope you enjoy your winter stay in Greece.
Hi Shandos
We are going to stay in Greece (Poros)next year for 2 months (April/May). We intend to take our labrador and drive from Edinburgh (Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry), taking a week to get there and a week to get back. My concern is transiting through non-EU countries (Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia and North Macedonia). I know I have to have her treated for tapeworm before we come back to the UK but will that also apply on the transit route when leaving the EU and then re-entering at Greece and then vice versa on our return.
Other options would be to come down through Italy and get ferry to Greece or take the long way round by road through Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.
Do you know of anyone who has experienced this type of journey?
Many thanks
Alastair
If you end up taking the driving route through these countries, make sure you have a rabies titre test done first, before leaving. A rabies titre test is required to re-enter the EU from Albania, Montenegro, Serbia.
There are also requirements to enter some of these countries, but they can be hard to track down. I know a few people who have taken this route, that have said papers for pets are often not checked, and travelling with a pet passport and rabies titre test result is sufficient.
One person I recommend contacting is Jackie from https://worldwidewalkies.blog/, who recently visited Albania.
Hi Shandos,
We’re looking to travel from the UAE to the UK during the summer and would like to bring our miniature schnauzer. I think I can fly with her in the cabin on Etihad if I purchase an extra seat.
Just wondering which you think would be the best option to get her into the UK? im wondering if i should fly Amsterdam and get a connecting ferry, or France and travel on the EuroStar or if there even a viable option to get her direct to the UK?
In addition, are you aware if i can fly direct out of the UK with her in the cabin on Etihad or if i will have to travel back to a neighboring country to have her in the cabin.
many thanks
Luke
Amsterdam and the ferry is an option, as is Paris and then the train and ferry, or else a taxi. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the Eurostar. Check out: https://www.travelnuity.com/dog-travel-between-uk-europe/ The best option partially depends on where you are heading in the UK. Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure that Etihad doesn’t allow dogs in the cabin leaving the UK.
This whole blog makes me feel very anxious about travelling by air. I am allergic to cats and dogs and I manage this by avoiding them or leaving an environment where they are present. Medication makes me drowsy. What ever do I do if I arrive on my plane and there is a dog or cat?
I’m very sorry to hear this Julia. As it is, not all airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin (although service animals are allowed). You could stick to airlines that don’t allow pets in the cabin, such as British Airways. Alternatively, speak to the airline call centre and let them know of your allergy in advance. Different airlines have different procedures, but at a minimum they can ensure you are not seated near any dogs or cats.
thank you, your website has been really useful in trying to get a dog back from France to the UK – basically the options are limited! Your links have also been very helpful.
Glad that I could help Deborah, I wish it was easier!
Hi there,
Just want to say I appreciate this post so much. I’m looking to emigrate from the UK to Dubai. I’m terrified of putting my two dogs (5 month old retriever and 27kg Labrador) in Cargo. Is there anyway I can get them there with me as much as possible in cabin/other modes of transport?
Thank you!
There are a number of chartered flights that fly pets in the cabin. K9 Jets and Sky Pets are two companies that have recently organised flights. There are also transport companies in Europe that transport pets by road, but I doubt that there are any road transport options all the way to Dubai.
Thank you for this! I booked my flight successfully for my toy poodle to travel with me in cabin from Heathrow to Toronto with Air Canada.
When I arrive at the airport, can the dog clear custom in the same way as me? I read somewhere that Heathrow have a no-pet policy, making all animals go through the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre.
Thank you!
Animals arriving at Heathrow have to go through the Animal Reception Centre, but I’m pretty sure this doesn’t apply when departing from Heathrow. However, keep your dog in a carrier bag when inside the airport.
I would like to take small dog lasa apso from Edinburgh to Bournemouth is it possible to have her in cabin the flight is about 13\4 hour can any body help me
Unfortunately there isn’t the option to fly with a dog in the cabin on domestic flight sin the UK. The best alternatives are to drive or to take the train, which is dog-friendly.
Hi,
I would like to bring a small chihuahua from Slovakia to the UK. He can’t stay in a cargo underneath the plane. What options do I have? Alternatively what airlines or which airports I can go to?
Thank you
I recommend one of two options: either travelling overland by road/train/ferry to the UK. Or flying to Paris or Amsterdam, then taking the train and a ferry that allows foot passengers to bring pets to the UK. For more details, see: https://www.travelnuity.com/dog-travel-between-uk-europe/ Unfortunately there are no airlines/airports where it is allowed to fly dogs in the cabin into the UK.
We can try to change this.
There is a petition to change this rule and allow pets to travel with their owners (with all papers and vaccinations in order) in aircraft cabins instead of in the hold with luggage. The deadline is 9 May 2024.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/650194#:~:text=Petition%20Let%20airlines%20allow%20pets,in%20the%20hold%20with%20luggage.
Thanks for sharing! It would be great if this can be changed.