10 Tips for flying with dogs ✔️

Here are 10 tips for flying with a dog, cat, or any other animal. We have collected for you tips that we at the Pet Abroad team follow and that help us every time we fly with our pets.

1. Know the airline rules – and what your destination requires

… rules are rules….

Every airline has different requirements same as every country has its own rules. Inside EU the pet travel si definitely easier, but there can be some differences that need to be taken into account.

So before booking your flight, visit your airline’s official website where they have information about their pet policy. And the same thing goes for your destination country – check the official government or embassy websites for pet entry rules.

Before booking, you should also check in with your vet – to make sure vaccinations are valid, ask about any health concerns or questions in general you may have + get the paperwork you need for travel.

Need specific airline info?

Here are some of the most up-to-date airline pet policies we’ve covered on our website. Click to learn about prices, cabin rules, booking steps, and pet size limits:

All pet travel policies here

2. Book early

… to secure your pet’s spot on board.

We recommend booking a seat for your pet as soon as possible, preferably with your flight ticket if possible. Many airlines have limits on the number of pets per flight, so the rule of thumb here is: “the sooner the better” – doubly so!

3. Always get a confirmation for your pet reservation

… and have it ready with you.

Since each airline has different rules and booking procedures for your pet, make sure that the dog’s flight ticket is confirmed!

Some airline companies confirm the animal manually and therefore you will receive the confirmation later. Keep this in mind to avoid extra stress.

4. Get a soft side carrier

… if you travel more often, invest in a higher quality one

One of the best tips for flying with a dog in cabin especially is to choose soft sided dog carriers. They are more comfy not just for your dog or cat, but also for you to carry around.

Another big benefit is a fact, that because these bags are made of fabric, they are more flexible and easy to handle. You will appreciate this especially on board, where you need to put the bag with your pet under the seat (at least for take off and landing).

TOP 5 soft sided carriers

5. Get your pet used to the bag

… as it can create a safe space for it

Whether your dog travels in the cabin, in the hold, or as cargo, it is important that he is familiar with the bag or crate in which he will travel.

We definitely recommend that you place his blankets, toys, and maybe even a t-shirt with your scent inside, which can calm him down – this applies especially to those dogs that will be in hold or cargo.

6. Find pet relief areas before your flight

… even the unofficial ones 😉

Pet relief areas are your best friend, and that includes your dog. More and more airports have official pet relief areas and it is good to know where exactly they are so you can plan the breaks accordingly.

Some pet relief zones are before security check, some after, which is the better case, as it shortens the time between when your dog can relieve himself. That of course applies only for the pets traveling in cabin.

Even though traveling with dogs is more common, some airports still don’t understand the importance of pet relief zones and don’t have any. In these cases, it’s a good idea to find a bit of green space around the airport or at least take a walk outside the terminal.

If you know that your dog will not be able to relieve himself after the security check, try to shorten that waiting time – go through security a bit later (within reason of couse), so your dog has one last chance to go outside before the flight.

🐾 — Pet relief areas at European airports —

7. Keep weather in mind

… especially for dogs in hold or cargo.

If possible, it’s good to think about the weather – especially if your dog travels in hold or cargo. In summer, the heat on the tarmac can make it dangerous for pets in the hold, and in winter there is an opposite problem with freezing temperatures.

Dog travel vaccinations made simple: What every pet parent should know

So if you can, try to book morning or evening flights in summer, and avoid very early or late flights in winter.

Your airline may also have some restrictions regarding weather and pet travel – you can usually find the info on their website or if you are not sure, the best way is to contact them.

8. Bring a chew for takeoff and landing

… to help with ear pressure

One of the best dog airline travel tips is to have a chewy treat or toy that can help your dog relieve pressure in their ears and also keep them entertained during takeoff and landing.

But be careful and make sure the treats are not too big so they don’t get stuck in their throat.

9. Arrive early – check-in with pets can take longer

… as most airlines doesn’t allow you to check in online.

Upon arrival at the airport, it is important to to set aside more time compare to traveling without a pet. As airlines usually do not allow online check-in because they want to see pet travel documents and often check the pet carrier – they will usually weigh your dog, so it may take a little longer.

It is also important to consider visiting the pet relief area, which we talked about in tip number 6.

🐾 — ICAO pet safety news 2025 — ✈️

10. Stay calm

… as your pet picks up on your energy

The tip of all the tips for flying with dog is for yourself to keep calm. If you will stay calm, your pet will feel it and it will help them (and you!) to enjoy a calm flight.

And if you’ve read this far and been inspired by our tips, we believe that it will really be a relaxing journey.