Can I fly with my dog in the cabin from the UK?

Most major UK airlines (British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2) do NOT allow pets in the cabin, with the exception of registered assistance dogs. Some European airlines (such as Lufthansa, Air France, and KLM) allow small pets in the cabin on certain routes. If flying from the UK, your pet will typically need to travel as cargo or checked baggage.

How much does it cost to fly a dog as cargo?

Flying a dog as cargo from the UK typically costs between £200 and £2,000+ depending on the size of the pet, the destination, and the airline. For a medium-sized dog on a European route, expect to pay £300-800. Long-haul flights can cost £1,000-2,000+. You will also need to pay for an IATA-approved crate (£50-200+) and veterinary health certificates.

Which airlines allow pets to fly from the UK?

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and some other carriers allow pets as cargo (in the hold) on certain routes. easyJet and Ryanair do not carry pets at all (except assistance dogs). For cabin travel, you generally need to fly with European carriers like Lufthansa, Air France, or KLM who allow small pets under the seat.

What health checks does my pet need before flying?

For international flights, your pet needs: a valid microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for EU destinations (within 10 days of travel), and a fitness-to-fly certificate from your vet (usually within 10 days of travel). Some airlines and destinations have additional requirements.

Updated March 2026

Flying with Pets
UK Guide

Which airlines allow pets, cargo vs cabin costs, and everything you need to prepare. The honest truth about flying with pets from the UK.

Important: Most UK-based airlines do NOT allow pets in the cabin. Unlike many European and US airlines, British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2 only permit registered assistance dogs in the cabin. If you want your pet to fly, they will almost certainly travel as cargo.

UK Airline Pet Policies

Airline	Cost (approx)	Notes
British Airways	£200-1,500+	Pets travel via IAG Cargo. No cabin pets except assistance dogs. Must book through cargo separately.
Virgin Atlantic	£300-2,000+	Pets accepted as cargo on select routes via Virgin Atlantic Cargo. No cabin pets.
easyJet	N/A	Does NOT carry pets at all. Assistance dogs only.
Ryanair	N/A	Does NOT carry pets at all. Assistance dogs only.
Jet2	N/A	Does NOT carry pets. Assistance dogs only.
Lufthansa	€70-300+	Small pets (under 8kg inc. carrier) allowed in cabin. Larger pets as cargo.
Air France	€40-200+	Small pets in cabin (under 8kg). Larger pets as checked baggage or cargo.
KLM	€60-300+	Small pets in cabin (under 8kg). Larger pets as cargo. Not all routes.

Policies and prices can change. Always verify directly with the airline before booking. Prices shown exclude vet certificates and health checks.

Cargo vs Cabin: What's the Difference?

Cabin (Under Seat)

Pet stays with you in the cabin
Less stressful for small pets
Cheaper (£40-200)
Small pets only (typically under 8kg including carrier)
Not available on most UK airlines
Limited spaces per flight

Cargo (Hold)

Any size pet can travel
Temperature and pressure controlled hold
Available on most major airlines
More expensive (£200-2,000+)
More stressful for the pet
Requires IATA-approved crate (£50-200+)

Total Cost: Flying a Dog to Europe

Item	Cost
Airline cargo fee	£200–£800
IATA-approved crate	£50–£200
Animal Health Certificate	£100–£250
Rabies vaccination	£50–£80
Fitness-to-fly certificate	£30–£60
Tapeworm treatment (return)	£10–£20
Total (cargo, European)	£440–£1,410

For small pets flying in-cabin with a European airline, total costs can be as low as £200-400.

Required Vet Health Checks

Microchip (ISO compliant)

Rabies vaccination (21+ days before)

Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

Fitness-to-fly certificate

Tapeworm treatment (dogs, for return)

Rabies blood titre test (some destinations)

Additional destination-specific vaccines (some destinations)

Parasite treatment certificate (some destinations)

IATA Crate Requirements

If your pet is travelling as cargo, they must be in an IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) compliant crate. Key requirements:

Pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably
Rigid construction — no soft-sided carriers for cargo
Ventilation on at least three sides
Leak-proof base with absorbent material
Food and water bowls attached to the inside of the door
"Live Animal" stickers and "This Way Up" arrows on the outside

IATA-compliant crates cost £50-200+ depending on size. Buy one well in advance so your pet can get used to it before the journey.

Alternatives to Flying

Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle)

The most popular option for pet travel to Europe. Your pet stays with you in the car throughout the 35-minute crossing.

Cost: £0 additional (included in car fare)

You still need: microchip, rabies vaccination, AHC, and tapeworm treatment (dogs, for return).

Ferry

Several ferry companies accept pets. Pets usually stay in the car or in designated pet-friendly areas on the ship.

Cost: £15-30 per pet per crossing (some ferries free)

Same documentation required as Eurotunnel. Check individual ferry company policies for pet cabin access.

Related Guides

Taking Your Pet Abroad

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Pet Passport vs AHC

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