Black Labrador ready to travel in her vintage travelling trunk, along with her favourite toys. ©MontBlancPhotography

With the summer holidays fast approaching, many of us are thinking ahead and what to do with our cats or dogs while we travel. While in some instances it will be perfectly good to leave your animal with a pet sitter for a week or so, what if you need to travel for longer, or if you just want to take your animal with you…then it’s good to know that there are a fair few airlines that will allow you to travel with your cat or dog in the cabin of the plane, instead of the hold.

We’ve all heard horror stories of animals being killed as a result of travelling in the hold of the plane, so it’s most definitely worth trying to get them in the cabin if at all possible. And it should be said, that most animals do survive travelling in the airplane hold just fine, but it can be massively traumatizing, so best avoided if possible. Our English setter was adopted from a shelter in Greece and had to fly in the hold from Zante to Munich, where we drove to pick her up. I have to admit I was very nervous about her flight, but in the end she was fine. She arrived very stressed out, but after a day of TLC she came around and was visibly more relaxed.

For the first section here, I concentrate on the major airlines that allow dogs and cats to travel in the cabin, where the combined weight of the animal and the carrier doesn’t exceed 8kg, where I concentrate on flights from Geneve and Zurich airports. And then for the second section, I’ll list those that allow you to travel with animals greater than 8kg.

Airlines Allowing Dogs in the Cabin – limited to those that are 8kg or less, including the carrier.

1. SWISS International Air Lines

Cabin Policy: Dogs and cats up to 8 kg (including carrier) are allowed in the cabin. The carrier must be soft-sided, leak-proof, and fit under the seat in front.
Carrier Requirements: Maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm; the carrier must be soft-sided, leak-proof, and allow the pet to stand, lie down, and turn around comfortably.
Restrictions: Brachycephalic breeds are only accepted in the cabin due to health risks in the hold. Each passenger may bring a maximum of two animals.
Booking: Advance registration is required, and a confirmation form must be presented at check-in.
Fees: Additional fees apply, varying by route.

2. Edelweiss Air

Cabin Policy: Similar to SWISS, allowing pets up to 8 kg (including carrier) in the cabin. The carrier must be waterproof and adequately ventilated.
Carrier Requirements: Maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm; the carrier must be waterproof and allow adequate ventilation.
Booking: Reservations must be made at least 4 days before departure.
Restrictions: Only trained service dogs are accepted in the cabin; emotional support animals are not.

3. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Cabin Policy: One cat or dog per passenger is allowed in the cabin, provided the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 8 kg. The carrier must fit under the seat in front.
Carrier Requirements: Maximum dimensions of 46 x 28 x 24 cm; combined weight of pet and carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
Booking: Reservations should be made as early as possible, no later than 48 hours before departure.
Fees: Vary between EUR 75 to EUR 400 per one-way, depending on the route.

4. Finnair

Cabin Policy: Pets up to 8 kg (including carrier) are allowed in the cabin. The carrier must be IATA-approved and fit under the seat.

· Carrier Requirements: Maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm for soft carriers; the pet must be able to stand and lie down comfortably.

Booking: Advance booking is necessary.
Restrictions: The pet must remain in the carrier throughout the flight.

5. Chair Airlines

Cabin Policy: Allows small dogs and cats in the cabin if the combined weight with their carrier does not exceed 6 kg.
Carrier Requirements: Maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm; the carrier must be watertight with air holes and a viewing window.
Booking: Registration must be completed up to 48 hours before departure.
Fees: CHF 90 per journey.
Restrictions: Brachycephalic breeds are not accepted due to health risks.

6. Lufthansa

Cabin Policy: Permits small dogs and cats in the cabin if the combined weight with their carrier does not exceed 8 kg.
Carrier Requirements: The carrier must be leak-proof and allow the pet to stand, lie down, and turn around comfortably. 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm, totaling 118 cm.
Booking: Recommended to book at least 72 hours before departure.
Restrictions: Larger dogs must be transported in the cargo hold.

Key Carrier Specifications

Soft-Sided Carriers: Most airlines require soft-sided carriers to allow flexibility in fitting under the seat.
Ventilation: Carriers must have adequate ventilation, typically on at least three sides, to ensure airflow.
Size Compliance: Carriers must fit under the seat in front of you; exceeding the specified dimensions may result in denial of in-cabin transport.
Pet Comfort: The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Enforcement and Flexibility

While the official policies are strict, enforcement can vary

Check-In Procedures: Airlines may weigh the pet and carrier at check-in to ensure compliance with weight limits.

Carrier Inspection: Staff may inspect the carrier to verify size and ventilation requirements.
Discretionary Enforcement: Some travelers have reported leniency in enforcement, but this is not guaranteed and should not be relied upon.

Recommendations Before Traveling

Measure and Weigh: Before booking, measure your carrier and weigh your pet inside it to ensure compliance with airline policies.
Contact the Airline: If your pet is close to the weight or size limits, contact the airline in advance to discuss your options.
Choose the Right Carrier: Invest in a high-quality, airline-approved carrier that meets all specifications for size, ventilation, and comfort.
Prepare Documentation: Ensure you have all necessary health certificates and documentation required by the airline and destination country.

Large Maine Coon cat posing on a vintage travel trunk, ready
for some adventures. ©MontBlancPhotography

Traveling with Dogs or Cats Over 8 kg

Most airlines restrict in-cabin pet travel to animals under 8kg. However, there are exceptions:

Assistance Dogs

SWISS: No weight restrictions for trained assistance dogs; they can travel freely in the cabin but must not occupy a seat.

Edelweiss Air: Accepts only trained service dogs in the cabin, regardless of weight.

Options for Dogs & Cats Over 8 kg

For dogs exceeding the standard cabin weight limit, options are limited:

SWISS International Air Lines: Dogs over 8 kg must travel in the cargo hold as excess baggage, provided they are not brachycephalic breeds.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Allows dogs over 8 kg in the cargo hold, with specific kennel requirements and weight limits.
Lufthansa: Larger dogs must be transported in the cargo hold, adhering to their specific guidelines.

Note: Currently, no major commercial airlines operating from Geneva or Zurich allow dogs over 8 kg in the cabin apart from Air Europa (see below).

However there are some private airlines who allow animals greater than 8kg in the cabin. I’ll go over these below.

There is only 1 commercial airline who allows animals up to 10kg to travel in the cabin, and that is Air Europa.

Air Europa: Allows pets in the cabin with a combined weight of up to 10 kg (pet plus the carrier). The carrier must be soft, flexible, and ventilated, with maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 30 cm. This policy applies to flights operated by Air Europa, including those departing from Geneva and Zurich.

Destinations: Only to Madrid from Geneva or Zurich, however, from Madrid there are connecting flights to: a wide range of destinations across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East.

Private Air Travel Options for Animals Over 8kg

SUMMARY TABLE: Private airlines who allow animals over 8kg to travel in the cabin.

Here are more details of the flights that allow animals above 8kg to travel privately on their airlines.

Private Charter Services Allowing Dogs & Cats of All Sizes in the Cabin

1. K9 Jets

K9 Jets offers a unique pay-per-seat private jet service dedicated to pet owners. Operating from various locations, including Geneva, Paris, Frankfurt, and London, they allow dogs of all sizes to travel in the cabin alongside their owners.private-jet.aero+6k9jets.com+6k9jets.com+6

Pet Policy: No crates or size restrictions; dogs can sit on your lap or by your side.
Booking: One seat purchase allows for one pet over 51 lbs or two pets under 50 lbs each.
Destinations: Routes include Geneva, Frankfurt, Paris, London, New York, Dubai, Lisbon.
Pricing: Fares start from approximately $9,925 from Geneva. k9jets.com Golden Retriever Life+1k9jets.com+1 k9jets.com

2. PrivateFly

PrivateFly provides bespoke private jet charters that accommodate pets in the cabin. They ensure that pets, regardless of size, can travel comfortably with their owners.PrivateFly

Pet Policy: Pets of all sizes are welcome in the cabin, provided all documentation is in order.
Destinations: Customizable based on client needs; popular destinations include Paris, London, Nice, and Ibiza.
Services: Assistance with pet travel documentation and arrangements.
Availability: Flights can be arranged from various European airports, including Geneva and Zurich.k9jets.com PrivateFly

3. VistaJet's VistaPet Program

VistaJet offers the VistaPet program, designed in collaboration with veterinary experts to cater to pets' needs during flights. While they primarily offer whole aircraft charters, their services are tailored for pet comfort.VistaJet

Pet Policy: Accommodates pets of all sizes in the cabin.

· Operations from Geneva: Yes.

· Operations from Zurich: Yes.

· Destinations: Global coverage, including Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa.

Features: Customized pet amenities and access to pet-friendly destinations.
Note: Ideal for those seeking a comprehensive pet travel experience.

4. Cielo Aviation

Cielo Aviation specializes in private jet charters that allow pets to travel in the cabin. They focus on ensuring a pleasant journey for both pets and their owners.cielo-aviation.com

Pet Policy: Pets of all sizes can accompany their owners in the cabin.

· Operations from Geneva: Yes.

· Operations from Zurich: Yes.

· Destinations: Customizable based on client needs.

Services: Assistance with necessary pet travel documentation and pre-flight preparations.
Booking: Flights can be arranged from various European locations.

5. Volanteus

Volanteus offers exclusive private jet charters tailored for pet travel. They provide entire aircraft charters, ensuring maximum comfort and privacy.volanteus.com

Pet Policy: Pets of all sizes are welcome in the cabin.

· Operations from Geneva: Yes.

· Operations from Zurich: Yes.

· Destinations: Customizable based on client needs.

· Services: Customized flight experiences to cater to specific pet needs.

Note: Ideal for those seeking a private and personalized travel experience.

General Requirements and Restrictions

Health and Vaccination: A valid health certificate and up-to-date vaccinations are mandatory.
Age: Pets must be at least 12 weeks old (15 weeks for travel to/from Germany).
Carrier Specifications: Must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and spacious enough for the pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
Behaviour: Pets should be clean, healthy, and not pose a threat or nuisance to other passengers.
Booking: Advance reservation is crucial due to limited space for pets in the cabin.

Regulations for animal transport depending on the type of travel

1. Domestic (within the same country)

Vet check: Usually not required within 24–48 hours.
Deworming: Not typically required.
What you need: Proof of vaccinations (especially rabies), pet passport (if applicable), and compliance with airline rules.

2. Intra-EU Travel (e.g., Switzerland → France or Germany)

Vet check: Not required within 24–48 hours if:

Pet has an EU Pet Passport
Pet has valid rabies vaccination
Pet is microchipped

Deworming:

Only required for entry into specific countries like Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and Northern Ireland (against Echinococcus multilocularis). Must be given by a vet 1–5 days before travel, with official documentation.

3. International Travel (e.g., to the U.S., UK, UAE, etc.)

Vet check: Often required within 24–72 hours before travel, depending on the destination country.
Deworming: Varies by country; e.g.:

UK: Requires tapeworm treatment for dogs 24–120 hours before entry.
UAE, Japan, Australia, New Zealand: Very strict entry protocols including specific treatments and documentation.

Other requirements: Rabies titre test, import permit, specific health certificate formats.

General Airline Requirements

Most airlines do not require a vet check in the 24–48 hours before travel for short-haul flights. However, they do typically require:

Valid rabies certificate
Pet passport or third-country health certificate
Fit-to-fly certificate (sometimes optional but highly recommended)

Recommendations

Always check both the airline’s pet travel policy and the destination country’s import requirements.
Schedule a vet visit 1–2 weeks before travel to:

Check overall health
Ensure vaccinations and microchip are up to date
Discuss any specific destination requirements (e.g., deworming, rabies titer)

And finally, if you think I’ve missed out any airlines here, please drop me a line and let me know. Enjoy your vacations with your animals on tow.