European airlines that allow pets (in the cabin) are, thankfully, not uncommon. But what happens if your cat, or more likely, your dog is too large to travel with you? Do European airlines allow pets as cargo? The answer is yes. We have compiled a list of the top 5 most pet-friendly airlines in Europe for those who don't want to leave their furry friend at home.

• We have reviewed the pet policy of the 15 largest airlines in the EU/EEA:
  Aegean Airlines, Finnair, Iberia, Lufthansa, KLM, SAS, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Air France, TAP Air Portugal, Volotea, Vueling, Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT Polish Airlines and Air Europa.
• The result showed that only two airlines do not allow pets in the cabin.
• Three airlines do not allow pets as cargo or checked baggage.
• Five airlines explicitly offer pet access in their airport lounges.

To qualify as one of the most pet-friendly airlines in Europe, the airline must answer three key questions with a yes:

• Are pets allowed in the cabin?
• Can pets be transported as luggage or in the cargo hold?
• Does your pet come with you into the airline's lounges?
• We asked these questions in our larger survey on the best European airlines, and here are the top pet-friendly options (in alphabetical order):

Aegean Airlines 

The Greek national airline Aegean meets all the criteria for travelling with a cat or dog in Europe. Each passenger is allowed to bring one small cat or dog into the cabin up to 8 kg, including both the animal and the carrier.

If your pet exceeds this weight limit, there are two options: the luggage compartment or the cargo hold. The luggage compartment has a weight limit of 25 kg, while the cargo hold is intended for pets weighing more than 25 kg. Both limits include the weight of the carrier.

When it comes to prices, Aegean charges 400 SEK (€35) for domestic flights and 700 SEK (€65) for international flights. Checking in pets in the hold or cargo compartment costs between 550 SEK (€50) and 2,000 SEK (€190), depending on the destination and whether the flight is direct or not.

If you plan to use  Aegean Airlines airport lounge during your trip, you don’t need to compromise on comfort because of your pet. Just remember the pet passport and ensure vaccinations are up to date.

When flying with pets and your flight is delayed, stress can increase. Reduce the pressure by applying for compensation from the airline today.Check your flight

KLM

KLM, based in the Netherlands, is one of the European airlines that permits dogs in the cabin (and cats too). Just as with all our top 5 pet-friendly airlines, KLM limits the combined weight of pets and their carrier to 8kg and only one pet per passenger is permitted. For check-in in the hold, this is also possible, with a maximum limit of 75kg.

The price for travelling with your pet on a KLM flight varies depending on the departure and arrival locations. Typically, the cost ranges between SEK 800 (€70) and SEK 5,500 (€500) per single trip. Bookings for flights with pets must be made at least 48 hours before departure, so plan in advance.

For cabin travel, the animal's transport bag must not exceed 46 x 28 x 24 cm, as it, like with other pet-friendly European airlines, must fit under the seat in front of you.

Lufthansa

National airlines often have the most generous pet policies and Lufthansa, Germany's largest airline, is no exception. Here, pets are allowed in the cabin, the hold, and even in the lounges. In the cabin, Lufthansa accepts small dogs and cats up to 8 kg (including the travel carrier), which is standard.

It is advisable to book a space for your pet at least 72 hours before departure. The maximum dimensions for the carrier are 55 x 40 x 23 cm, which differs from KLM's rules. One carrier per passenger is permitted in the cabin, but if the animals are small enough, two may travel in the same carrier.

If your cat or dog weighs over 8kg, they must be checked into the air-conditioned, climate-controlled hold. A maximum of two pets per journey are permitted in the hold.

In the cabin, the price varies between 550 kr (€50) and 1,200 kr (€110) one-way depending on the distance, while the cost in the cargo hold is between 900 kr (€80) and 4,200 kr (€380), depending on both distance and the size of the animal.

SAS Scandinavian Airlines

SAS, the well-known airline in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, also offers a flexible pet policy. In the cabin, the carrying case must not exceed 40 x 25 x 23 cm, and the standard weight limit of 8 kg applies. Up to two animals of the same species can travel in a single carrier, as long as they do not exceed the weight limit. For all pets in the cabin, booking must be made at least 24 hours before departure.

When travelling with larger dogs on this European airline, they will be placed in the hold, which is standard procedure. The combined weight of the cage and animal can be up to 150 kg. Requirements vary depending on the aircraft size, so always check that you meet the minimum requirements. Otherwise, you risk being denied boarding, which would be a great disappointment – both for you and your four-legged friend.

The price of travelling with a cat or dog on SAS varies by route. For domestic travel in the cabin, the fee is SEK 600 (€55) one-way, and it rises to SEK 1,000 (€90) in the cargo hold. In the cabin to Canada and the USA, the fee is SEK 1,100 (€99) one-way, while the highest cost applies to the cargo hold on flights to China – SEK 8,000 (€725) one-way.

Finnair

Finnair This concludes our top 5 list of pet-friendly airlines in Europe, as it meets all the criteria. Pets in the cabin and lounges? Yes. Pets in the hold or cargo hold? Yes. Furthermore, you can relax with your pet in certain lounges.

Cats and dogs are permitted both in the cabin and as cargo from all countries. Finnair also accepts hedgehogs, tortoises and rabbits from all EU countries. Ferrets are permitted to travel from both EU and non-EU countries, but must then be placed in the cargo hold.

Soft transport bags may be 55 x 40 x 23 cm, while hard crates are limited to 35 x 30 x 20 cm. To travel with pets on Finnair, booking is required at least 7 days in advance. Additionally, passengers must notify the airline within 24 hours of purchasing their ticket that they are travelling with a pet.

Pets between 8 kg and 75 kg can be transported in the hold, while those over 75 kg must be flown as cargo.

Fees vary depending on the journey, destination and booking time. For bookings made at least 7 days in advance, the cost is 650 – 1,300 kr (€60 – €120) and for last-minute bookings 700 – 1,400 kr (€65 – €130). Transport in the cargo hold costs 1,300 kr (€120) for European flights and 6,600 kr (€600) for intercontinental ones.

Other factors to consider

Some airlines have additional exceptions to their pet regulations, such as:

• Some breeds, for example, dogs with snub noses such as bulldogs and pugs.
• Destinations. Several airlines require pets to be transported as cargo to countries like the UK, Australia, and Hong Kong.
• Limited number. In addition to the usual number of pets (or sometimes a travel carrier) per person, a flight may limit the total number of pets in the cabin or hold.
• Documentation requirements varies depending on whether you are travelling within the EU or to international destinations. Carefully check that you meet all the requirements of the destination country before booking.
• Connections. It is not uncommon for airlines to prohibit pets if you have a long layover, while some (like Finnair) require a minimum connection time of 3 hours to transport pets safely.Animal Ages. Pets younger than 12 weeks are not usually permitted onboard.
• Your flight class. Certain airlines do not allow pets in Premium or Business Class seats, so be aware of that!
• Codeshare-flyvninger. Pets are often not permitted when flying on a codeshare flight (shared with another airline). The same applies to connections with different airlines.

European airlines to avoid when travelling with pets

Two airlines do not allow pets at all: Ryanair or Wizz Air. Whether you want to travel with a pet in the cabin or in the hold, you're out of luck. These low-cost airlines are not so generous with extra services, so it's probably not that surprising.

Summary of the top 5 pet-friendly airlines in Europe

Airline	Pets in the cabin	Transport trolley dimensions and weight	Pet transport (freight)	Average cost	Are pets allowed in the lounges?
Aegean Airlines	Yes – 1 per person	Not specified, 8 kg	Yes	400 – 2,200 kr (€35 – €190)	Yes
KLM	Yes – 1 per person	46 x 28 x 24 cm, 8kg	Yes	£800 – £5,500 (€70 – €500)	Yes
Lufthansa	Yes – 2 per person (same carrier)	55 x 40 x 23 cm, 8kg	Yes	550 – 4,200 kr (€50 – €550)	Yes
SAS	Yes – 2 per person (same carrier)	40 x 25 x 23 cm, 8kg	Yes	600 – 8,000 kr (€55 – €725)	Yes (except in Norway)
Finnair	Yes – 1 per person	55 x 40 x 23 cm, 8kg	Yes	650 – 6,600 kr (€60 – €600)	Yes

Source: AirAdvisor