Large Dog on Board - Traveling with Your Dog in the Passenger Cabin
by Katharina Muhr
Starting in August 2026, pets traveling with ITA Airways will no longer have to travel in the cargo hold but will be allowed to fly in the passenger cabin. For now, this policy applies only to select domestic flights; it is not yet known whether the policy will be extended to international routes. The apf took this change as an opportunity to compare the policies for traveling with dogs across various airlines.
Before Departure
Flights with a dog should be booked well in advance of the departure date. The booking should be made directly with the airline, as the airline must confirm the dog’s transport registration—something that is not always guaranteed when booking through travel agencies or online portals. For example, ITA Airways allows a maximum of two large dogs per flight (service and assistance dogs have priority).
There are also other important rules for traveling with a dog in the cabin. First, the dog must be at least 6 months old , microchipped, vaccinated, and dewormed . In addition, a veterinary certificate is required that is no more than 20 days old and confirms that the dog’s health and behavior make it fit to fly. A pet passport and pet liability insurance—which is mandatory in Austria anyway—are also required for booking.
When traveling with a dog, there may be restrictions on online check-in, as certain checks must be performed before boarding—for example, to verify that the dog is wearing a crash-tested, approved harness.
During the trip
Throughout the entire flight, the dog must remain in its assigned space on the floor; it is not allowed on the seat. In addition, the dog must wear a muzzle, be on a leash, and be secured to the seat belt using the required harness.
Cost
Dogs weighing less than 10 kilograms may travel in the passenger cabin in a suitable carrier (carry-on). Transporting larger animals may incur higher fees, which are broken down in the table below.
Comparison of Airlines for Traveling with a Dog
The following table outlines how pet transport works for Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, Turkish Airlines, ITA Airways, and Ryanair:
|
Airline |
ITA Airways |
Austrian Airlines |
Eurowings |
Turkish Airlines |
Ryanair |
|
Transport in the Cabin |
Yes, for dogs weighing up to 30 kg without a carrier, up to 8 kg on international flights, and up to 12 kg on domestic flights when placed in a carrier |
Yes, for dogs weighing up to 8 kg (including the carrier) |
Yes, for dogs weighing up to 8 kg (including the carrier) |
Yes, for dogs weighing up to 8 kg (including the carrier) |
Only guide dogs and service dogs are allowed on certain routes |
|
Costs |
2 tickets + 95 euros shipping fee, starting at 73 euros in the shipping bag |
From 65 euros (domestic flights) to 125 euros (intercontinental long-haul flights) |
Starting at 60 euros |
75 euros (for flights departing from or arriving in Turkey) |
/ |
|
Other Rules |
A maximum of 2 dogs per flight; service dogs have priority |
The carrying case must fit under the front seat |
The carrying case must fit under the front seat |
The carrying case must fit under the front seat |
/ |
Dogs weighing more than eight kilograms must be transported in the cargo hold; here, too, regulations and fees vary by airline. Ryanair does not transport any pets except for guide dogs and service dogs, and Eurowings also does not allow pets to be transported in the cargo hold. On ITA Airways, Austrian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines, pets may travel in the cargo hold in sturdy containers made of fiberglass or solid plastic.
|
Airline |
ITA Airways |
Austrian Airlines |
Eurowings |
Turkish Airlines |
Ryanair |
|
Transport in the cargo hold |
Pets weighing up to 75 kg (including the carrier) |
A maximum of 2 pets per carrier, each weighing no more than 14 kg |
no |
Pets weighing up to 50 kg (including carrier) |
no |
|
Costs |
From 83 euros (domestic flights) to 300 euros (Intercontinental Long-Haul) |
From 80 euros (domestic flights) to 380 euros (intercontinental long-haul flights) |
/ |
150 USD |
/ |
|
Other Rules |
The maximum allowable size of the transport crate varies depending on the aircraft type |
Small hard-shell shipping box: maximum 60 x 45 x 40 cm; large boxes exceeding these dimensions fall into the next cost tier (double the cost) |
/ |
Hard-Shell Transport Box |
/ |
The following applies to all trips with a dog: Have a veterinarian certify the dog’s health before the trip, be prepared to present all necessary documents and paperwork, and confirm the availability of the service with the airline in advance.
The apf wishes you a relaxing summer!