Although Vueling is a low-cost airline, it is considered one of the most pet-friendly carriers in Europe. In this guide you’ll find everything you need to know – from booking your pet and cabin requirements to costs, documents and practical tips from other travellers.
Vueling pet policy – Complete guide to flying with dogs
Vueling may be a low-cost airline, but it has earned a reputation as one of the most pet-friendly carriers in Europe. Pets are allowed in the cabin, booking is quick online, and up to five pets can travel on the same flight.
On board, your furry friend stays in a soft carrier under the seat – and to make things nicer, Vueling even offers dog snacks as part of its menu. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, from booking rules to travel tips.
- Summary ›
- Pet in cabin ›
- Pet in hold/cargo ›
- How to book + VIDEO ›
- Required documents ›
- Recommended travel gear ›
- Tips ›
- Pros & Cons ›
- FAQ ›
1. Overview of Vueling Airline’s pet policy
- Accepted Vueling airline pet policy options:
- ✅ In cabin: small dogs, cats, birds (except birds of prey), and turtles/tortoises are allowed
- ❌ Checked baggage: No pets are accepted in the hold
- ❌ Cargo: No pets are accepted as cargo
- Cabin weight limit: Max 8 kg (incl. soft carrier or crate)
- Carrier size (in-cabin):
- Soft carrier: up to 45 × 39 × 21 cm
- Maximum pets per flight: 5 (and only 1 per passenger). Two animals of the same litter can travel together in one carrier, if they fit within the size and weight limits.
- Minimum age: Not officially stated by Vueling; in general, young pets should be at least 8 weeks old
- Main transit hub: Barcelona – El Prat, Spain
- Booking deadline: Not specified by Vueling. Space for pets is limited, so it’s best to book at the same time as your own ticket.
- Link to the Vueling website
2. Vueling pet in cabin
Vueling lets you bring pets only in the cabin, so forget about checking them into the hold — it’s simply not an option with this airline. Small dogs, cats, birds (except birds of prey) and even turtles are accepted, as long as they’re healthy, clean and not aggressive. Each traveller can bring one pet, and there’s a cap of five pets per flight. Sometimes two animals of the same species and from the same litter can share a carrier, but only if they fit the weight and size limits.
The carrier has to be soft-sided and no bigger than 45 × 39 × 21 cm. With your pet inside, the combined weight can’t go over 8 kg. Throughout the flight the animal must stay completely inside, so no little noses or paws sticking out.
On board, the carrier goes under the seat in front of you, or simply on the floor. You won’t be seated in the first row or by the emergency exits if you’re flying with a pet. And just a note — if your pet is smelly, in poor health or behaves aggressively, Vueling can refuse boarding.
The price for a flight ticket for your dog on most European flights is 60 EUR.
3. Vueling airlines dogs in hold or cargo
Vueling does not offer the option to transport pets in the hold or as cargo. If you are travelling with this airline, the only way to take your dog or cat is in the cabin. This can be a limitation for owners of larger breeds, as the maximum weight allowed in cabin is just 8 kg including the carrier.
For anyone with medium or big dogs, this means Vueling is not a practical choice and you should look at other airlines that provide checked baggage or cargo services for pets.
4. How to book flight for pets with Vueling + VIDEO
Booking a flight for your pet is actually very easy with Vueling! You can do it during buiyng your own flight ticket as “Extras”. However even though it is pretty convenient, there is a little bug doing that.
In general, when you travel with a pet, you usually can’t reserve a seat in advance — and Vueling also follows this rule. The airline only allows you to add a pet if no seat has been selected yet.
You can find here a process of booking step by step with important screenshots as well as an actual video of booking the ticket.
Book the Vueling flight step by step
- Start by selecting our own flight.
- After selecting destination, dates, choose bundle “Fly light”.
- When you reach the seat selection page, click on “Continue without selecting seats”.
- In Travel extras section add your pet to your booking.
- Do not forget to buy luggage if necessary as Fly light bundle does not cover that.
- Complete the booking and payment.
- Voila, that’s it — your pet is now included on the reservation.
5. Required documents
When flying with your pet on Vueling, you’ll need to carry the right documents. The most important one in the European Union is the EU Pet Passport – it works as your pet’s travel ID and includes vaccination details.
Rabies vaccination is a must, and it can’t be last minute. It has to be done at least three weeks before the flight. Other standard vaccines may also be checked depending on where you fly.
When it comes to the fit-to-fly certificate, Vueling usually doesn’t ask for it. On most flights you can board without it, but there are exceptions — for example when flying to Malta, Ireland or outside the EU. In those cases, staff might request a note from your vet confirming that your pet is healthy and fit to travel and another requirement is tapeworm treatment.
6. Recommended travel gear for Vueling pet travel
When flying with Vueling, your pet has to travel in a soft carrier that fits the airline’s size rules (45 × 39 × 21 cm). Make sure it’s secure, comfortable and easy to carry, as your dog or cat will have to stay inside for the whole flight. If you are not sure which model to choose, you can check our recommended soft carriers here.
It’s also a good idea to bring a few small accessories that make travelling easier. A travel water bowl or bottle, absorbent pads and some calming aids can help your pet feel more comfortable on board.
Since Vueling does not allow pets in the hold or as cargo, large travel crates are not needed here — the cabin carrier is the only option.
7. Tips from travelers
Vueling staff usually weigh the carrier with the dog inside at check-in. If the total weight is above 8 kg, they can refuse boarding, so it’s good to be prepared and arrive a bit earlier.
On some short routes, people reported that their pets were not weighed at all. That said, you shouldn’t count on it — better assume they will weigh and keep everything within the limit. Just to be sure 😉
A few passengers shared that slightly oversized carriers were still accepted, as long as they could fit under the seat. It depends on the crew on the day, so try to stay flexible and don’t push the limits too far.
🐾 — Check these 10 tips for flying with a dog — ✈️
8. Pros & Cons of choosing Vueling airline for pet travel
Pros
- Clear and simple pet policy — only cabin travel, no confusing hold or cargo rules.
- Affordable fee of €60 per pet, per flight.
- Soft-sided carrier dimensions are slightly more generous than on some other low-cost airlines (45 × 39 × 21 cm).
- Maximum of five pets per flight, which gives a fair chance to secure a spot.
- Pet friendly inflight menu with snacks available for dogs (meat bites and bars).
- If there’s a space on board, you can get seat with extra space.
Cons
- No option for medium or large dogs, as only pets under 8 kg including the carrier are accepted.
- Seat reservation not possible when travelling with a pet — you must continue without selecting seats.
- No pets allowed in the hold or as cargo, which limits travel options for some owners.
9. FAQs about Vueling pet travel
Can I bring a pet on Vueling flights?
Yes — Vueling allows small pets to travel in the cabin (not in the hold or cargo) under its pet policy. Only one pet per passenger is allowed, and there is a cap of five pets per flight.
What are the maximum weight and size limits?
The pet plus its carrier must not exceed 8 kg. The soft-sided carrier should not be larger than 45 × 39 × 21 cm.
Do I need a “fit-to-fly” certificate for Vueling?
In most cases, no — Vueling does not require a fit-to-fly certificate for flights within the EU. But on some routes (e.g. Malta, Ireland or flights outside the EU), staff might ask you for a vet’s note confirming your pet is healthy and fit to travel.
Can I reserve my seat when travelling with a pet on Vueling?
No — if you include a pet, seat selection is disabled. Your seat will be assigned at check-in, usually near the back of the plane.
Are pets allowed on Vueling?
Yes. Vueling allows small pets (dogs, cats, birds except birds of prey, and turtles/tortoises) in the cabin. Pets in the hold or cargo are not accepted, so cabin travel is the only option.
What documents do I need for my pet on Vueling?
An EU Pet Passport is required, with valid rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel. For certain destinations, extra rules may apply, such as tapeworm treatment.
How much does it cost to fly with a pet on Vueling?
The pet fee is 60 EUR per flight, payable when you add your pet to the booking.