Dogs on airplanes: rules and updated list of companies, who accepts them in the cabin and who doesn’t

Important news for those traveling with their dogs: after the new ENAC guidelines, more airlines are opening their cabin doors to pets as well. Not all, however, are adapting in the same way: some accept only small dogs, while others continue to ban them from boarding (except for assistance dogs) remaining the ideal choice for those who do not wish to have dogs on the plane.

In this guide you will find the list updated to September 24, 2025, with the rules and limits applied by the major airlines for the presence of dogs in the cabin. A useful compass to orient yourself, remembering that policies can change at any time and that it is essential to always check official information before flying.

Dogs on airplanes: the updated list (September 24, 2025) – which companies accept them in the cabin (and which refuse them) + the new ENAC rules

The Civil Aviation Authority has updated national guidelines (May 2025) that allow – under specific conditions – medium/large dogs to be carried in the cabin. But the final rules always depend on the individual company: some have adapted policies, others maintain prohibitions (except service dogs). Here you will find the practical list, the main rules for each carrier and what to check before booking. (Verified on official sources and company releases on 24/09/2025). Here is the full ENAC statement.

The normative premise (the decisive point)

On May 12, 2025, ENAC’s Board of Directors approved a resolution and subsequent guidelines that update the criteria for transporting dogs in aircraft within the cabin, providing the possibility – subject to animal safety and welfare requirements – to carry animals beyond the previous limit of ~8-10 kg in the cabin. The guidelines specify anchorages, types of carriers allowed, health documentation and operational limits (number of animals per flight, exclusions for emergency seats, etc.). Airlines must incorporate the guidelines and publish their own conditions.

Airlines that accept dogs in the cabin (if conditions are met)

Here we list the main companies often used by readers that accept dogs on airplanes and the key rule you should always check (weight/cargo, reservation required, limited seats).

• ITA Airways (Italy) – accepts dogs in the cabin; for domestic flights the official limit listed on the website is 10 kg (animal weight + carrier excluded or with specific variants), with booking procedures and transport in hold/cargo for larger animals when necessary. Since the ENAC resolution many domestic routes have updated options. Always check the pet reservation procedure. ITA Airways
• KLM – allows dogs and cats in the cabin (1 animal per passenger) if total weight (animal + carrier) is within the limit – typically ≤ 8 kg – and the carrier can be stowed under the seat. Reservation required. KLM Italy
• Air France – allows dogs in the cabin up to a combined weight (animal + carrier) of about 8 kg; for heavier weights the cargo hold (or cargo) is used with specific rules and limits. Reservation and health documents required. Air France
• Lufthansa – allows small dogs in cabin (typically up to 8 kg including carrier) on many routes; larger animals allowed in hold/cargo. Advance registration required. Lufthansa
• Turkish Airlines – allows dogs and cats in the cabin if the total weight (animal+carrier) stays within the stated limits (usually ~8 kg) and the carrier meets the prescribed size; there are class/route limitations. Turkish Airlines
• Iberia – accepts small dogs in cabin (typical limit 8 kg including carrier); for some routes and aircraft there are limitations on number of pets in cabin. Reservation via booking office. Iberia.com
• Vueling – allows dogs and cats in the cabin (non-rigid carrier, standard size and weight: max 45×39×21 cm and ≈8 kg), with maximum of animals per flight; does not transport animals in the cargo hold. Vueling
• United / Delta / American (U.S., major legacy carriers) – allow small dogs and cats in cabin on many domestic and several international routes, with pet carrier size/weight limits and per-flight quotas; pet seat reservation and fare required. Conditions vary for international routes and restrictions to/from/through certain countries (e.g., Australia/Hawaii). United Airlines – Delta
• Other European “pet-friendly” companies (e.g., Aegean, some subsidiaries of national companies): generally allow accompanying dogs if weight + carrier is within strict limits and after reservation. Always check the official page. Stasher

Airlines that do not accept dogs in the cabin (except service dogs)

These companies do not transport dogs on airplanes (other than verified guide/assistance dogs):

• Ryanair – does not allow animals in the cabin or in the cargo hold, except properly certified guide/assistance dogs. PetTravel
• easyJet – does not accept animals in cabin except for recognized assistance dogs; firm policy for most routes. EasyJet
• Wizz Air – does not allow animals in cabin or as checked baggage: exception for guide/assist dogs. PetTravel
• Some low-cost and regional carriers maintain similar restrictive policies (examples: some subsidiaries of European low-cost carriers), so check the official policy before booking. Travelnuity
• Emirates – does not allow dogs and cats in the cabin (with very rare exceptions such as hawks on certain routes and, of course, service dogs); transportation is via cargo or authorized partners. PetTravel
• British Airways – generally does not allow animals in the cabin (except service dogs) and uses dedicated services (PetAir / IAG Cargo) for transport. British Airways

What has changed with ENAC (and what it does NOT mean)

• What’s Changing: ENAC has introduced guidelines (Resolution No. 25/2025) that authorize-under conditions of safety and welfare-the possibility that dogs over 8-10 kg may be assessed for transport in the cabin (carrier attachment to seat, maximums per flight, exclusions for unsuitable seats). The guidelines have been operational since May 2025 and updated thereafter (last published updates).
• What it does NOT mean: it is not an “automatic green light”: the resolution establishes general criteria; individual companies remain free to adopt, adapt or restrict the service (some have extended it, others maintain bans for operational or insurance reasons). In addition, international rules (destination countries) may impose additional restrictions. Lexology

Rules of practice and policy (quick checklist)

1. Reserve a seat for the pet: reservations are always required, and seats for dogs in the cabin are always limited for each flight.
2. Weight & size: common limit ~8 kg (animal + carrier), but some European/ ITA/ENAC companies make exceptions; check maximum carrier size.
3. Type of carrier: soft and ventilated that fits under the seat (for flights that require this); for larger animals, anchoring systems required by ENAC guidelines are needed.
4. Health documents: EU pet passport or health certificate required for international flights; up-to-date vaccinations.
5. Exclusions: some brachycephalic or very large breeds may be refused for safety/welfare reasons; also, on some routes or on specific aircraft even “pet friendly” airlines may not accept animals in the cabin, so it is important to check flight conditions in advance.

Practical example (how to behave before buying the ticket)

1. Go to the company’s official website and look for the “Travelling with pets / Pets” section.
2. Call the call center to confirm that the flight you choose still has pet seats (many policies are first-come, first-served).
3. Check the documentation required by the destination country (pet passport, dog breeds restrictions) and request any certificates from the veterinarian.
4. Assess the dog’s health (particularly for long flights or breeds with respiratory problems) by seeking veterinary advice. (ENAC guidelines give guidance on wellness and anchorage, but do not replace veterinary medical advice).

Dogs on airplanes: airline policies always apply

The ENAC breakthrough (May 2025) paves the way for even larger dogs to be carried in the cabin than before, but it does not erase company policies: some European and international airlines have already updated their conditions (especially scheduled carriers), others (especially low-cost) maintain structural bans. Before leaving , check the company’s official page, reserve your pet’s seat, and prepare health documents.