Taking your dog or cat with you in the aircraft cabin (PETC – Pet in Cabin) is an excellent option, provided you are aware that airlines enforce strict safety and hygiene regulations. If even one requirement is not met at check-in, the airline has the right to refuse to allow your pet to board.
1. Basic EU Health Requirements
To travel with a pet within the European Union or domestically, the following are required under EU legislation:
Electronic Identification (Microchip): Must be implanted before or at the time of rabies vaccination.
European Pet Passport: Issued by an authorised veterinarian and containing the pet’s identification details.
Valid Rabies Vaccination: The animal must be at least 12 weeks old to be vaccinated, and at least 21 days must have passed after the primary vaccination before the flight date.
2. The “Golden Limit” of 8 kg and the Pet Carrier
The vast majority of airlines operating in Greece allow only dogs and cats in the cabin, with a maximum total weight of 8 kg, including the pet carrier. If the animal and carrier weigh even 8.2 kg, the pet will have to be transported in the aircraft’s hold (AVIH) or may be refused altogether.
The carrier or travel bag:
Must be made of soft or semi-rigid material (soft-sided bags are generally preferred because they can be compressed more easily to fit under the seat).
Must be waterproof at the base and adequately ventilated.
Must allow the animal to stand up and turn around comfortably.
Must remain closed and be placed under the seat in front of you throughout the flight.
3. Airline Policies: Dimensions and Fees
Policies and fees vary by airline:
- Aegean Airlines / Olympic Air:
Weight: Up to 8 kg (pet + carrier).
Dimensions: Up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm on Airbus aircraft (A320/A321). On turboprop aircraft (ATR 42/72), up to 40 × 25 × 25 cm.
Fee: €35–€39 per journey for domestic flights | €65–€72 for international flights.
- SKY express:
Weight: Up to 8 kg in total.
Dimensions: Up to 40 × 25 × 25 cm.
Fee: €20–€30 for domestic flights | from €50 for international flights.
- Ryanair & easyJet (Important!):
Do not allow pets in either the cabin or the aircraft hold, regardless of size. The only exception is for certified assistance dogs, including guide dogs.
- Volotea:
Allows dogs and cats in the cabin, with a maximum weight of 10 kg, including the carrier, and maximum dimensions of 50 × 40 × 20 cm.
Fee: €39–€50 per journey.
- Lufthansa / SWISS / Air France / KLM:
Maximum weight of 8 kg in a soft-sided carrier measuring up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm.
Fee: Approximately €50–€70 for flights within Europe.
Special Exception: Flights to the United Kingdom
If you are travelling from Greece to the United Kingdom, pets are not permitted in the cabin, regardless of their weight. Under British regulations, animals can enter the country by air only as cargo through approved procedures at London Heathrow Airport. Certified guide dogs are the only exception.
Your Checklist for Safe Travel
Book as early as possible: Each flight has a strict limit on the number of pets allowed in the cabin, usually 2–4 in total. Do not wait until check-in.
Weigh your pet and carrier together at home: Use a lightweight fabric carrier to keep the total weight down.
Check in at the airport: Passengers travelling with pets must visit the airline’s staffed check-in counter for document checks and weighing.