(Content updated in June 2023)
Some airlines let you bring your pet on board: dogs, cats, birds (except birds of prey) or terrapins. Vueling is a pet-friendly airline and makes sure that pets travel as comfortably as possible. But there are some rules, and we tell you about them in this post!
There is an easy solution for those of us who can’t bear to part with our furry friends: we can take them with us when we travel! That way they will also be in all our holiday photos!
Booking your pet's ticket
- How do I buy a plane ticket for my dog or another pet?
To fly with your pet you need to choose the Basic fare and add the service during the booking process. If you have already made a booking and you want to add your pet, please contact the Vueling Customer Services Centre.
Remember, if you're travelling with your pet you won't be able to check in online. Instead, you'll have to report to the check-in desk on the day of the flight to be allocated an appropriate seat.
- How much does a plane ticket cost for my dog or other pet?
The price of the ticket will depend on the airline and where you're travelling to (there are different fares according to whether it's a domestic flight or an international one). Check the price of this service with Vueling.
Animals allowed in the cabin and restrictions
- What animals can travel in the cabin?
Vueling accepts animals that are classed as pets. This category includes dogs, cats, birds (except birds of prey) and tortoises. Some airlines specify the animals that aren't included in this category.
The animals not allowed in the cabin include reptiles, rodents, farm animals like rabbits, ferrets and birds of prey.
- What's the maximum weight for pets allowed in the cabin?
On Vueling flights the maximum weight is 8 kg (pet + carrier). The same applies to flights operated by Iberia.
NB: if you have a booking made before 20 June 2023, the maximum permitted weight for pets on flights operated by Vueling is 10 kg (carrier or transport bag included).
- Can pets travel in the hold?
Vueling doesn't accept pets that weigh more than 8 kg, either in the cabin nor in the hold.
- What type of carrier should the pet travel in?
The carrier must be approved, ventilated and non-rigid. On Vueling flights the maximum size for the pet carrier is 45x39x21cm.
- Can service dogs travel in the cabin?
Assistance dogs, also known as service dogs, are animals that have been individually trained to help people with a special need. To fly with them, you must have an official, hard-copy certificate that states that they have been trained as an assistance or guide dog. The dog must also be at least 3 months old and be duly identified with a tattoo or microchip.
Documents, vaccinations and insurance for pets travelling in the cabin
- What travel documents do pets need?
In addition to all the items you have to take for your pet (food, leads, harnesses, toys and so on), don't forget to check the required travel documents (in Spanish). Dogs and cats must have a passport indicating their vaccination record, which must include a rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before the date of travel. In any case, we recommend that before you travel you check with your vet or visit the government website of the destination you are travelling to for details about the documents you will need.
- Do dogs and cats need to have been chipped to travel on the plane?
Animals travelling between Spain and another EU country must be identified with a microchip. If you are travelling to a country outside the EU, we recommend you check with the relevant embassy. You'll find all the information on the Government of Spain website (in Spanish).
- What does pet insurance cover?
Some airlines offer the option of taking out pet insurance during the booking process. That way, you can ensure the well-being of your pet and travel with greater peace of mind. Veterinary costs while abroad and search expenses if your pet gets lost are usually covered.
Your pet at the airport and on the plane
- How do I go through security with my pet?
You'll find that it's quite easy. All the accessories (carrier, lead, pet food) will go through the scanner while you carry or walk your pet through the metal detector.
- Where will my pet travel on board the plane?
During the flight, you must keep your pet in the carrier, under the seat in front of you. You won't be able to take it out of the carrier until you have disembarked.
If you want to know more, you'll find all the details on Vueling.com: price of the service, possible restrictions, etc.