Planning to take a furry friend along on your next trip to Europe? U.K.-based pet food company Years says that KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, Vueling, Aegean Airlines, Iberia, Air Canada, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways top the list of most pet-friendly airlines serving Europe.
The primary factor in the rankings is airlines’ willingness to allow dogs to travel with owners in the cabin of the aircraft. However, the policy doesn’t extend to every pet.
According to Travel + Leisure, Europe-bound airlines generally require canine travelers to weigh 17.5 pounds or less—including the weight of the carrier—and must fit under the passenger’s seat and remain stowed for the whole flight.
Book in Advance When Traveling with Fido
Travelers also must book passage for their pets in advance. Most U.S. airlines have similar policies for pets to travel on domestic flights, Travel + Leisure noted.
Making more accommodations for customers traveling with pets has become a mini trend in recent years. In 2024, Bark Air launched as a boutique airline for dog owners, including a Canine Concierge service that helps travelers deal with the extra protocols for traveling internationally with animals.
Just this month, the private aviation company Fly Alliance opened the Jet Paw Lounge at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, billing it as the world’s first “Dog FBO,” or private terminal designed specifically for dogs. The facility serves both domestic and international flights.
The lounge features 100-square-foot soundproof pet suites to “provide quiet, low-stimulation spaces designed to reduce anxiety.” For departure, pets and owners walk directly from the lounge to the aircraft.
“Jet Paw Lounge is a natural evolution of what private aviation should be,” said Fly Alliance President Christopher Tasca. “Our clients don’t travel without their dogs, so we built an experience that reflects that reality. This isn’t about accommodating pets—it’s about designing the journey around them.”
Even if you can’t afford to fly your dog on a private jet, there are ways to keep jet-setting pets calm on a flight.
“Flying is unfamiliar for dogs; changes in pressure, temperature and routine can all affect digestion,” a spokesperson for Years said, suggesting small, easily digestible preflight meals that include Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and probiotic supplements. Feeding time should be several hours before boarding.
“Calm digestion often equals a calmer dog,” the spokesperson said. “A settled stomach reduces discomfort, restlessness, and excessive panting during flights.”
