Pets in Cabin.
Rules, Rights, and Flight Preparation

The new regulation

Starting in 2025, thanks to an ENAC decree, passengers are allowed to bring their pets into the cabin, provided they meet specific size and transport requirements.

This decision has been welcomed enthusiastically by many travelers who prefer not to be separated from their four-legged companions.

Situations that may prevent boarding

Despite the new rules, certain situations may still lead to a passenger being denied boarding because of their dog. Common reasons include:

• Lack of documentation: If you do not have the required documents (such as a health certificate or a pet passport), boarding may be denied.
• Carrier size issues: If the pet carrier does not meet the airline’s size requirements, staff may refuse boarding.
• Pet behavior: If the pet shows signs of aggression or extreme anxiety, it may be deemed unfit to travel in the cabin. In this case, the airline may not be held responsible for the missed flight.

Passenger rights and compensation

If you are denied boarding with your dog, you may be entitled to request compensation for the missed flight, but only under certain circumstances.

• Preparation and documentation: If your pet has been certified fit to fly and you have followed all required procedures, you may have grounds to request compensation. Document every interaction with airline staff and keep all receipts and communications.
• Complaints: If you believe the airline unjustifiably refused to allow your pet to board, you can file a complaint with the airline. However, the outcome will depend on the specific circumstances.

Practical tips to prepare for the trip

To ensure smooth travel with your pet, follow these suggestions:

• Check airline policies: Each airline has different rules for transporting pets. Check carrier size limits, fees, and required documentation in advance.
• Visit the veterinarian: Make sure your pet is healthy and obtain a health certificate if needed—especially for international travel.
• Get your pet used to the carrier: Let your pet explore and become comfortable inside the carrier before the trip to reduce stress during the flight.
• Plan food and water: Bring food and water for the journey, along with a foldable bowl for breaks.
• Arrive early at the airport: Arriving ahead of time helps you handle any unexpected issues and complete boarding procedures calmly.

Bringing your pet into the cabin can make your travels much more enjoyable, but it’s crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities. Be well-prepared and follow the regulations to avoid complications.

In case of problems, remember that you may be entitled to compensation if you are not allowed to board with your dog—but only if you have complied with all necessary procedures.

How can I get my compensation?

Here's how to do it in 3 simple steps:

Airlines that do not allow pets in the cabin

Some airlines, especially low-cost carriers, may not allow pets in the cabin and restrict pet transport to cargo only. It is important to check each airline’s specific policies.

• Ryanair: Does not accept pets (only guide/assistance dogs)
• EasyJet: Does not accept pets in cabin or hold (only guide dogs)
• Wizz Air: Does not accept pets (only guide dogs)
• AirAsia: Does not accept pets
• Jetstar: Does not accept pets (only assistance animals)
• Scoot: Does not accept pets
• Cebu Pacific: Does not accept pets
• Norwegian Air: Restrictive policy, generally does not accept pets
• Vueling: Does not accept pets in the cabin (only in the hold on certain routes)

It is always recommended to check the official airline website before booking.

Before booking a flight, always check the airline’s pet policies. Rules can vary not only between airlines but also between routes and service classes.

If the airline allows pets in the cabin, it is advisable to reserve a spot for your pet as early as possible, as there is often a limit to the number of pets allowed on board.

It is essential to be well informed about the airline’s rules for transporting pets in the cabin. If you are planning to travel with your pet, make sure to choose an airline with pet-friendly policies and follow all required procedures to ensure a safe and stress-free journey.

Airlines that allow pets in the cabin

• Air France: Allows pets in the cabin up to 8 kg, including the carrier. You must reserve a spot for your pet in advance.
  The official Air France page dedicated to pet transport can be found at: Traveling with pets on Air France
  Here you will find information on the requirements for traveling with pets, including weight limits (up to 8 kg including the carrier), allowed dimensions, and required documentation. Air France allows one pet per passenger, and only in Economy Class. Pets must be at least 10 weeks old.
• Lufthansa: The airline allows small dogs and cats in the cabin, as long as the total weight of the pet and its carrier does not exceed 8 kg. You must register your pet at least 72 hours before departure.
  Lufthansa provides detailed information on traveling with pets in the cabin on these pages:
  Transporting animals on board
  Registering a pet for cabin transport
• KLM: With KLM, you can bring a cat or a dog in the cabin if you are traveling in Economy Class or Business Class on flights within Europe. The animal must be able to sit comfortably inside the carrier and must meet the size and weight requirements set by the airline.
  KLM provides complete information on pet transport on the following pages:
  Pet reservation
  Traveling with pets
• British Airways: It allows animals in the cabin only for guide dogs. For other animals, it is necessary to use the cargo transport service. You must contact the reservations department before the trip to arrange the transport of assistance animals.
  British Airways provides information on traveling with pets on the page: Traveling with pets
• Delta Air Lines: It allows pets in the cabin, but you must follow the required booking procedures. Animals must be transported in an approved carrier. Delta applies a “first come, first served” policy for pets in the cabin, with a limit on the total number allowed on each flight.
  Delta Air Lines offers complete information on pet travel on the page: Pet Travel on Delta
  The airline accepts dogs, cats, and household birds for in-cabin travel on certain routes, subject to a fixed fee collected at check-in.
  On aircraft with a single-class cabin, a maximum of 4 pet carriers is allowed per aircraft.
• American Airlines: The airline accepts only small cats and dogs that meet the airline’s age, size, and destination requirements. Animals must remain in an approved carrier that fits under the seat for the entire flight.
  American Airlines provides full details on the official page: Carry on or transport your pet
  American Airlines accepts pets only at the check-in counter, not online.
  Carriers must be large enough to allow the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• United Airlines: It allows animals in the cabin, but passengers must follow the airline’s specific guidelines. Animals must be transported in an approved carrier.
  United Airlines allows passengers to bring up to 2 pets per person on most flights, but it is necessary to purchase 2 seats if traveling with 2 animals.
  United Airlines provides detailed information on traveling with pets on the page:Traveling with pets
  The second seat must be adjacent to the assigned seat.
  For domestic flights, dogs must be at least 4 months old, while for international flights they must be at least 6 months old.
  Pets in the cabin must remain in their carriers with the door closed for the entire flight.
• ITA Airways (formerly Alitalia): ITA Airways has recently launched a new offer called “Bring it with you”, which has increased the maximum weight for pets in the cabin to 10 kg (plus 2 kg for the carrier), with new dimensions: 30 cm wide and 24 cm high. Pets can travel as hand luggage or in the hold, with specific requirements for the carrier, and must be booked at least 48 hours before departure.
  Animals under 3 months of age are not allowed to travel.
  The airline applies specific fees for transporting pets in the cabin (up to 12 kg, including the carrier and food).
  Trained assistance dogs can travel in the cabin free of charge on ITA Airways flights, but for connecting flights it is necessary to check the regulations of the airline operating the connecting segment.
  You can find all the information about transporting pets on the official ITA Airways website on the page: Applicable fares for transporting pets

Final tips for making the most of your trip

• Advance booking: It is always advisable to book a spot for your pet as early as possible, since there is often a limit on the number of animals allowed in the cabin.
• Required documentation: Check whether specific documents are needed, such as a health certificate or a pet passport.
• Carrier dimensions: Make sure the carrier meets the size and specifications required by the airline.

When planning a trip with your pet, always check the specific policies of the airline you choose. Rules may vary, and there may be additional requirements depending on the destination. Make sure you are well prepared to ensure a safe and stress-free journey for you and your pet.