As a growing number of pet owners plan trips with their four-legged friends, nutrition experts break down the dos and don’ts of travelling with dogs on planes – along with what they should and shouldn’t eat before take-off.
Specialists at Years, a fresh dog food subscription service, analysed pet policies across several airlines around the world and determined which carriers allow dogs in the cabin and highlighted the strict rules pet owners must follow onboard.
They also offer guidance on the types of food dogs should eat – and avoid – to help ease anxiety, reduce bloating and calm their gut before flying.
While UK-based airlines typically do not allow animals in the cabin, there are exceptions for registered assistance dogs.
On the other hand, several European and international airlines allow small dogs to fly in their cabins, including: KLM, Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, Vueling Airlines, Aegean Airlines, Iberia, Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways.
However, it’s worth noting that there are a number of strict requirements pet owners must follow in order for their dogs to fly.
Dogs must travel in an approved soft carrier, usually weigh around 8kg or less (including their carrier), remain under the seat for the duration of the flight and be booked in advance as spaces are limited.
Policies can vary by route and aircraft, so it’s best to check the rules for individual airlines well in advance.
Specialists at Years, a fresh dog food subscription service, have outlined the dos and don’ts of travelling with dogs on planes
The nutrition experts have also offered guidance on the types of food dogs should eat – and avoid – to ensure they’re comfortable on flights
According to UK Government guidance, pet owners travelling to an EU country must meet several health and documentation requirements to ensure their dogs are fit for transport.
All cats, ferrets and dogs – including assistance dogs – must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.
A minimum 21-day wait is required after the first full course of vaccinations, for example after the second shot in a puppy series, with day one being the day after the vaccination.
If your pet receives a booster before their old vaccine expires (breaks in coverage), you can travel immediately.
For travellers headed to an EU country, the third step is to get a pet animal health certificate from your vet, which is valid after the date of issue for 10 days for entry into the EU, 4 months for onward travel within the EU after you enter, and 4 months for re-entry to Great Britain.
It’s worth noting that some countries may require for your dog to be treated against tapeworms before arrival.
In addition, pet owners are prohibited from bringing more than five dogs with them to an EU country, unless they can provide documented proof that you are attending or training for an event, or exporting for commercial purpose.
According to the experts, diet plays a major role in how dogs cope when flying, so it’s important to avoid feeding them fatty foods and human leftovers prior to take-off
Diet plays a major role in how dogs cope when flying, especially when it comes to motion sensitivity, digestion and anxiety.
A spokesperson for Years said: ‘Flying is unfamiliar for dogs, changes in pressure, temperature and routine can all affect digestion. The goal is to keep the gut calm, stable and predictable before travel.
‘A settled stomach reduces discomfort, restlessness and excessive panting during flights.’
There are a range of foods dogs can eat to help regulate stress responses, balance the gut and reduce discomfort, but this begins with small, light and easily digestible meals.
Foods made up of lean proteins, simple carbohydrates, omega-3 fatty acids, and pre and probiotics are especially helpful.
However, there are certain foods pet owners should steer clear of feeding their pooches before flights.
This includes large, rich and fatty meals that contain dairy products, high-fibre vegetables (such as beans and lentils), new or unfamiliar treats and human leftovers, which can ferment in the gut at altitude.
The spokesperson added: ‘Gas expands at altitude. Foods that might seem harmless at home can become very uncomfortable in the air, leading to whining, restlessness or distress.
‘Airlines are setting clear boundaries around size, weight and behaviour. For owners, preparation is everything, from booking early to feeding correctly. When done right, flying with a dog can be calm, safe and surprisingly straightforward.’
In October 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that pets on flights can be classified as baggage.
This means airlines are not required to pay higher compensation if the animal is lost.
The decision comes from a case in which a dog escaped from its pet carrier while being transported to the plane at Buenos Aires airport in October 2019 and was never recovered.
