Flying With a Dog From Ireland: Airlines, Airports, Routes & Your Options

Flying abroad with your dog from Ireland can open up far more travel possibilities than many people realise.

You might be taking your dog on holiday, travelling to an international agility competition or dog show, attending a training seminar, relocating overseas, visiting a breeder or flying out to collect a puppy.

But finding a suitable flight with a dog is very different from finding one for yourself.

The cheapest airline might not carry pets at all.

The most convenient direct flight might accept assistance dogs but not ordinary pet dogs.

One airline might accept a small dog in the cabin, another might carry larger dogs in the hold, while another requires animals to travel through its cargo operation.

And if you live in the North of Ireland, there's another question:

Do you fly from Belfast, or is it worth travelling to Dublin first?

The good news is that it is possible to fly with an ordinary pet dog from Belfast, including using Loganair on eligible services from Belfast City Airport. Belfast also has a direct KLM connection to Amsterdam, potentially opening further international possibilities.

In this guide, we'll look at the different options for flying with dogs from:

• Belfast City Airport
• Belfast International Airport
• Dublin Airport
• Cork Airport
• Shannon Airport

We'll also cover cabin travel, dogs travelling in the aircraft hold, cargo, connecting flights and how to choose the most sensible route for your individual dog.

The biggest piece of advice?

Plan the dog's journey before you book your own.

Can You Fly With a Dog From Ireland?

Yes.

Depending on the airline, route, destination and size of your dog, there are several ways they may be able to travel.

In the Aircraft Cabin

Small dogs may be able to travel with you in the passenger cabin inside an appropriate soft-sided airline carrier.

The carrier normally needs to fit beneath the seat in front of you and airlines impose their own limits on:

• Carrier dimensions
• Combined dog and carrier weight
• Number of pets permitted on each flight
• Routes on which animals are accepted
• Aircraft and seating restrictions

There is no universal cabin-pet size or weight limit.

For example, KLM currently allows an eligible dog or cat in the cabin where the animal and carrier together weigh no more than 8 kg.

Vueling currently permits eligible pets in a non-rigid carrier measuring up to 45 × 39 × 21 cm, with a maximum combined pet-and-carrier weight of 10 kg. Vueling carries these pets in the cabin and not in the aircraft hold.

Iberia currently permits eligible cabin pets weighing up to 8 kg including the carrier.

At Pet Connection, our Trixie soft airline carriers provide practical options for small dogs and cats travelling in the cabin where permitted.

Always check the carrier dimensions against the exact airline and flight you plan to use before ordering.

In the Aircraft Hold

If your dog is too large to travel in the cabin, they may be able to travel in an appropriate rigid aviation crate in the aircraft hold.

Depending on the airline, this can be arranged as accompanied baggage or through another pet-transport arrangement.

For example, Loganair allows dogs and cats to travel as accompanied baggage on eligible services. The pet checks in with the passenger at the terminal and is reunited with them at the baggage hall after arrival.

Air France also carries eligible dogs in the hold on applicable services. Its current general policy states that dogs and cats weighing more than 8 kg and up to 75 kg including their transport container travel in the hold, subject to route, aircraft and availability.

As Air Cargo

Some dogs need to travel as manifested cargo instead.

That may be because:

• The airline doesn't accept dogs as accompanied baggage
• The dog is travelling without their owner
• The particular route requires cargo arrangements
• The dog is being imported or exported under rules that require a different type of movement
• The airline requires a specialist pet transport agent
• The dog's size exceeds the airline's passenger-baggage limits

Cargo doesn't simply mean "the dog goes underneath the plane".

It's primarily about how the animal is booked and processed.

A dog travelling as accompanied baggage and a dog travelling as manifested cargo might physically travel in a similar part of an aircraft, but their:

• Check-in
• Documentation
• Handling
• Customs procedures
• Collection point
• Pricing

can be completely different.

Cabin, Hold and Cargo: What's the Difference?

These terms are often used interchangeably online, but they don't mean exactly the same thing.

Cabin

Your dog travels in the passenger cabin, normally inside a soft carrier underneath the seat in front.

Hold

Your dog travels inside an appropriate rigid aviation crate in a suitable compartment beneath the passenger cabin.

Cargo

Your dog is booked through an airline's freight/cargo system rather than simply travelling as passenger baggage.

Understanding the difference makes airline policies considerably easier to interpret.

Flying With a Dog From Belfast

One of the biggest misconceptions around pet air travel in the North of Ireland is:

"You can't fly with a dog from Belfast."

That's not correct.

Options are certainly more limited than they are from some larger airports, but ordinary pet dogs can travel from Belfast on certain airlines and routes.

And one airline is particularly useful.

Loganair From Belfast City Airport

Loganair accepts pet dogs and cats as accompanied baggage on eligible flights.

Your dog travels in a suitable container in the aircraft hold rather than in the passenger cabin. Loganair states that the pet checks in with you at the passenger terminal and rejoins you in the baggage hall at your destination.

The current fee is £50 each way, and puppies must be at least 12 weeks old.

This creates a genuine flying option for NI dog owners rather than automatically having to travel via Dublin or take a ferry.

Where Does Loganair Fly From Belfast?

Belfast City Airport currently lists Loganair among its operating airlines. Loganair has historically provided important links between Belfast and Scotland, including Aberdeen and Inverness; because schedules can change, check Belfast City's current route listing and Loganair's booking system for the dates you intend to travel.

These routes can be particularly useful for people travelling with dogs for sports or otherwise:

• Agility
• Obedience
• Rally Obedience
• Dog shows
• Working trials
• Scentwork
• Gundog events
• Training seminars
• Breed club events
• Holidays
• Visiting breeders
• Specialist veterinary appointments

For the right destination, flying from Belfast City can save a substantial amount of driving and ferry travel.

Does Loganair Allow Dogs in the Cabin?

Ordinary pet dogs do not travel in the passenger cabin with Loganair.

Qualifying assistance dogs have separate arrangements, but ordinary dogs and cats travel in an appropriate container in the aircraft hold.

Are Pets Accepted on Every Loganair Flight?

No.

This is an important distinction.

Loganair states that pets are welcome on most suitable flights, but aircraft limitations apply. For example, pets aren't carried on its Twin Otter services to Barra, Tiree and Campbeltown, while carriage on certain Embraer 145 services depends on hold capacity. Loganair also states that it does not carry live animals as cargo.

So don't simply ask:

"Does Loganair carry dogs?"

Ask:

"Can my dog travel on this particular Loganair flight?"

KLM From Belfast City to Amsterdam

There's another potentially very interesting option from Belfast City.

KLM operates directly between Belfast City and Amsterdam Schiphol. Belfast City currently lists Amsterdam as its KLM route.

KLM has a substantial pet travel programme and generally permits eligible dogs and cats in either the cabin or aircraft hold, subject to its conditions, aircraft and route restrictions.

Amsterdam is a major international hub, potentially providing onward connections throughout Europe and much further afield.

This can make Belfast considerably more interesting for international dog travellers than it initially appears.

However, never assume that the complete itinerary accepts your dog simply because the first flight does.

Confirm every sector directly with KLM before booking.

The Return Journey Matters Just as Much

When travelling internationally with a dog, don't research only:

Belfast → Destination

or:

Dublin → Destination

Research:

Departure → Destination → Home again.

Airline policies, destination-country rules and arrangements for pets can differ depending on the direction of travel.

You may find a perfectly workable outward journey but discover that a different arrangement is required on the way home.

This matters particularly when travelling between the UK and mainland Europe.

Never commit to the outward flight until you understand the return journey.

Belfast International Airport

Belfast International has a broad range of leisure routes, but many of its major passenger airlines don't accept ordinary pet dogs.

That means finding a direct Belfast International flight to somewhere like Spain doesn't necessarily mean your dog can travel on it.

The airline matters just as much as the airport.

Low-cost carriers in particular often transport recognised assistance dogs but not ordinary pets.

So always check an airline's animal policy before choosing the flight.

Belfast City or Belfast International?

For ordinary pet travel, Belfast City currently offers some particularly useful possibilities because of Loganair and KLM.

Belfast International may have more holiday destinations, but a direct flight is useless for your purposes if the airline operating it doesn't carry ordinary pets.

When travelling with a dog, think:

Airline first. Route second. Price third.

Should NI Dog Owners Drive to Dublin Instead?

Sometimes.

But not automatically.

If you're travelling somewhere served conveniently by an eligible Loganair route, Belfast City may be considerably easier.

If you're travelling to mainland Europe, Dublin may provide a larger selection of airlines that accept ordinary pets.

The important comparison isn't:

Which airport is closest to my house?

It's:

Which complete journey is best for my dog?

Imagine two possibilities.

Option A

Drive 40 minutes to Belfast.

Take a suitable direct flight or straightforward connection with an airline that accepts your dog.

Option B

Drive approximately two hours to Dublin.

Take a direct flight with an airline that accepts the dog in the cabin.

Either could be the better choice depending on the destination, dog's size and airline.

Flying With a Dog From Dublin

Dublin's much larger international network gives dog owners access to several airlines with established pet travel programmes.

Potential options include airlines such as:

• KLM
• Air France
• Iberia
• Vueling
• Aer Lingus through its applicable pet-travel arrangements

However, every airline has different rules, and even within one airline pet acceptance can vary by:

• Route
• Aircraft
• Dog size
• Dog breed
• Travel class
• Connection
• Destination

Never assume the airline's general pet policy automatically means your exact flight accepts your dog.

KLM From Dublin

KLM has a well-developed pet travel programme.

Eligible small dogs and cats can travel in the cabin provided they fit in a closed carrier beneath the seat in front.

KLM's current maximum combined weight for a cabin pet and carrier is 8 kg.

Larger dogs may be accepted in the aircraft hold on appropriate routes and aircraft, subject to KLM's restrictions and prior approval.

For passengers travelling internationally, the attraction of KLM is its Amsterdam hub and the enormous number of onward destinations available.

But with a dog, every flight sector needs to work.

Air France From Dublin

Air France is another major airline with an established pet programme.

Eligible small dogs may travel in the cabin, while larger dogs can travel in the hold on appropriate services.

Air France currently states that dogs and cats weighing more than 8 kg and up to 75 kg including their carrier must travel in the hold when that service is available. Pet acceptance is subject to availability and airline conditions.

Paris Charles de Gaulle provides onward connections throughout Europe and worldwide.

For journeys involving multiple airlines, Air France specifically advises passengers travelling with cabin pets to check the animal-transport rules of each airline involved.

That's excellent advice regardless of which airline you choose.

Iberia From Dublin

Iberia can be particularly useful for travellers heading towards Spain or connecting onwards through Madrid.

Its current cabin-pet policy allows eligible dogs and cats weighing up to 8 kg including their carrier.

Iberia also specifically notes that pets in the cabin are permitted on applicable flights from Dublin.

Again, check the exact route and operating airline before booking.

Vueling From Dublin

Vueling is particularly interesting for owners of slightly larger small dogs because its current cabin allowance is more generous by weight than several other European airlines.

Pets can travel in a non-rigid carrier measuring up to 45 × 39 × 21 cm, with a maximum combined pet-and-carrier weight of 10 kg.

Vueling carries pets in the passenger cabin only and does not transport them in the aircraft hold.

Vueling currently specifically advertises pet-in-cabin travel on routes including Dublin to Barcelona.

For someone whose dog is, for example, too heavy for an 8 kg combined limit but comfortably within 10 kg including the carrier, this can make Vueling particularly worth investigating.

Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus has its own arrangements for ordinary pet travel.

Ordinary pet dogs don't travel in the passenger cabin; Aer Lingus states that only eligible service dogs are accepted there.

Aer Lingus does transport domestic cats and dogs through its applicable pet-travel arrangements, but its current policy should be checked for your particular destination and booking requirements.

One particularly important detail for people looking at flights from Belfast is that pets aren't permitted on Aer Lingus Regional services operated by Emerald Airlines.

This is a perfect example of why the words:

"Operated by…"

matter when travelling with a dog.

What About Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2?

These airlines are enormously useful for human travellers from Ireland and the North of Ireland.

For somebody travelling with an ordinary pet dog, however, they're generally not the airlines to build your itinerary around.

Their animal carriage is primarily limited to eligible guide or assistance dogs rather than ordinary pet dogs.

That's one reason a flight comparison website isn't necessarily very helpful when planning dog travel.

The cheapest passenger flight might simply be irrelevant.

Flying With a Dog From Cork

Cork can be a convenient starting point for owners in the south of Ireland.

As with every airport, the important question is not simply:

"Can dogs fly from Cork?"

It's:

"Which airline operating my required route accepts my dog, and how will they travel?"

Check the current pet policy for the exact operating airline before booking.

Sometimes a connection through a major European hub can provide far more pet-friendly options than simply choosing the cheapest direct passenger route.

Flying With a Dog From Shannon

Shannon can likewise be a useful departure point, particularly for owners in the west of Ireland and for certain transatlantic journeys.

Again, investigate:

• Airline
• Route
• Aircraft
• Cabin eligibility
• Hold arrangements
• Cargo requirements
• Destination-country entry rules

before booking your own ticket.

Which Irish Airport Is Best for Flying With a Dog?

There isn't one answer.

Belfast City may be particularly useful if:

• You're travelling on an eligible Loganair route
• You're heading to Scotland
• KLM via Amsterdam works for your complete itinerary
• You live in the North of Ireland and can avoid unnecessary driving

Dublin may be particularly useful if:

• You want a greater selection of international airlines
• Your small dog can travel in the cabin
• You're heading directly into mainland Europe
• Amsterdam, Paris or Madrid provides a useful onward connection

Cork may suit:

• Owners in southern Ireland
• Routes served by an airline accepting the individual dog

Shannon may suit:

• Owners in western Ireland
• Certain long-haul or transatlantic journeys

The best airport is the one that produces the best complete itinerary for your dog.

Connecting Flights With Dogs

Connections require more planning with a dog than with an ordinary suitcase.

For every individual flight, confirm:

• Does this airline accept my dog?
• Does this aircraft accept pets?
• Can my dog's crate physically be accommodated?
• Does the connecting airport permit the transfer?
• Does the dog remain checked through?
• Do I have to collect and re-check them?
• Is there a minimum connection time?
• Is there a maximum connection time?
• What happens during delays?
• Is the temperature suitable?

Don't assume that because an airline sells you:

Dublin → Amsterdam → Los Angeles

your dog is automatically approved on both flights.

Pet acceptance needs to be confirmed separately.

Codeshare Flights Can Catch You Out

You might book your ticket through one airline but discover the aircraft is actually operated by another.

Look for:

OPERATED BY

on the itinerary.

The operating airline may determine whether the dog is accepted.

Aer Lingus Regional/Emerald Airlines is a particularly useful local example: an itinerary may carry Aer Lingus branding while Emerald Airlines actually operates the aircraft, and Aer Lingus currently states that pets aren't permitted on Emerald-operated flights.

Check the Aircraft Too

Even within the same airline, not every aircraft can necessarily transport the same dog.

Hold size, ventilation systems and crate-door dimensions can all matter.

This is particularly important for large dogs using substantial aviation crates.

Tell the airline:

• Your dog's breed
• Weight
• Aviation-crate model
• External dimensions
• Total dog-and-crate weight

and obtain confirmation for the specific journey.

Book Your Dog Before You Commit to the Flight

Airlines limit the number of pets accepted on individual flights.

Your flight having available passenger seats doesn't mean there's still capacity for another dog.

A sensible order is:

1. Decide where you're going.
2. Find airlines that carry dogs.
3. Identify a suitable route.
4. Check the operating airline.
5. Check how your dog would travel.
6. Check your carrier or crate.
7. Confirm pet availability.
8. Check the return journey.
9. Then finalise your own booking.

It can save an expensive mistake.

Choosing Between Cabin and Hold Travel

For a sufficiently small dog, cabin travel can be an attractive option.

But don't assume it is automatically the "better" option for every dog.

An in-cabin dog may experience:

• Busy passenger terminals
• Large crowds
• Other dogs
• Security procedures
• Constant movement
• Noise inside the passenger cabin

A well crate-trained larger dog travelling in an appropriate aircraft hold may experience a darker, quieter environment.

The important thing is choosing an appropriate arrangement for your individual dog and journey.

Choosing an In-Cabin Carrier

If your dog is eligible to travel in the passenger cabin, check:

• Airline's maximum carrier length
• Width
• Height
• Combined pet/carrier weight
• Whether soft carriers are required
• Ventilation requirements
• Under-seat restrictions

At Pet Connection, our soft airline carriers provide practical options for eligible dogs and cats travelling in the passenger cabin.

Don't buy based on the phrase "airline carrier" alone.

There is no single carrier size accepted by every airline.

Choosing an Aviation Crate

For dogs travelling in the aircraft hold or as cargo, you'll need an appropriate rigid aviation crate.

At Pet Connection, our Petmode Aviation Carriers are available from L50 through to L120, giving options for puppies and small dogs through to many large breeds.

Don't choose an aviation crate by saying:

"My dog is Labrador-sized."

Measure the actual dog.

They need sufficient space to:

• Stand naturally
• Sit erect
• Turn around normally
• Lie in a natural position

Our separate How to Choose the Correct Size Aviation Crate for Your Dog guide explains how to take the relevant IATA measurements and calculate the minimum internal space required.

Prepare the Crate Well Before Flying

Don't introduce your dog to their aviation crate on the morning of the flight.

Use it beforehand.

Feed meals inside it.

Encourage your dog to sleep in it.

Take appropriate car journeys using it.

Practise settling with the door closed.

Gradually extend the duration.

For many dogs, particularly sports dogs already accustomed to crates, the goal is simple:

The aviation crate should just become another familiar place to sleep.

Air Travel Essentials

Once the big things are organised – flights, paperwork and crate – there are lots of smaller items that are easily forgotten.

Our Pet Connection Air Travel Essentials Kit includes useful accessories such as:

• Live Animal labels
• Directional labels
• Pet details label
• Cable ties for additional door security
• Small blunt-ended scissors for removing the ties after arrival
• Additional clip-on bowl
• Lightweight 6 ft emergency slip lead
• Food storage bag
• 500 ml water bottle
• 2.5 litre travel storage bag
• Double-sided adhesive pads

It's designed to pair particularly well with our Petmode Aviation Carriers.

Don't Forget Your Dog's Documents

What you need depends on where you're going.

Possible requirements include:

• Microchip
• Rabies vaccination
• Pet passport
• Animal Health Certificate
• Export Health Certificate
• Rabies titre test
• Tapeworm treatment
• Import permit
• Veterinary certificate
• Commercial movement paperwork
• Additional disease testing

Airline approval and legal entry are two separate things.

The airline is answering:

"Will we carry this dog?"

The destination country's authorities are answering:

"Can this dog legally enter?"

You need both.

Flying for Dog Sports & Shows

Air travel can be particularly valuable for people involved in:

• Agility
• Competitive obedience
• Rally Obedience
• Hoopers
• Scentwork
• Working trials
• IGP
• Mondioring
• Other protection sports
• Herding
• Flyball
• Canicross
• Dog showing
• Breed-specific working events
• International seminars and training camps

A flight can turn a journey involving a ferry and ten hours of driving into something much more manageable.

If you're travelling with sporting equipment as well as your dog, check your airline's baggage restrictions separately.

And give your dog adequate time to recover from the journey before expecting peak athletic performance.

Flying to Collect a Puppy

People also regularly fly internationally to collect puppies.

Depending on the puppy's size and airline, they may potentially travel:

• In the cabin
• In an aviation crate in the hold
• With a flight nanny
• As cargo

If ownership is being transferred, don't automatically assume ordinary non-commercial pet travel rules apply.

Responsible breeders importing and exporting puppies should establish the correct legal movement category before organising the flight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flying With Dogs From Ireland

Can I fly with my dog from Ireland?

Yes. Dogs can travel from Ireland by air on airlines and routes that accept them, either in the cabin, aircraft hold or through cargo arrangements depending on the dog and journey.

Can I fly with my dog from Belfast?

Yes.

Options are more limited than from Dublin, but Belfast is not off-limits for ordinary pet travel.

Loganair is a particularly useful option from Belfast City for eligible journeys, and KLM operates between Belfast City and Amsterdam.

Which airline allows dogs from Belfast?

Loganair accepts pet dogs and cats as accompanied baggage on eligible flights.

The dog travels in an appropriate container in the aircraft hold.

Can my dog fly in the cabin with Loganair?

No, ordinary pet dogs travel in the aircraft hold.

Only qualifying assistance dogs have separate cabin arrangements.

How much does Loganair charge for a dog?

Loganair currently charges £50 each way for a pet on eligible services.

How old does a puppy need to be for Loganair?

Loganair currently requires puppies to be at least 12 weeks old.

Separate veterinary or destination-country rules may result in a higher practical minimum age for some journeys.

Does Loganair carry dogs as cargo?

No. Loganair currently states that it does not transport live animals as cargo.

Can I fly from Belfast City to Amsterdam with my dog?

KLM currently operates the Belfast City–Amsterdam route and KLM has a pet travel programme accepting eligible dogs and cats in the cabin or hold on suitable flights. Pet carriage requires the airline's prior acceptance, so confirm your exact itinerary directly with KLM before booking.

Is Dublin better than Belfast for flying with a dog?

It depends on your journey.

Dublin provides access to a larger range of international airlines with pet programmes, while Belfast City can be extremely convenient for particular routes through Loganair or potentially KLM.

Compare the complete journey, not simply the airport.

Can dogs fly in the cabin from Dublin?

Yes, on airlines and routes that accept cabin pets.

KLM, Iberia and Vueling are examples of airlines with cabin-pet programmes, while Air France also carries eligible pets under its own conditions.

Which airline allows the heaviest dog in the cabin?

Among the examples discussed here, Vueling currently permits a maximum 10 kg combined pet-and-carrier weight, while KLM and Iberia use an 8 kg combined limit.

Carrier dimensions and route restrictions also matter, so weight alone isn't enough.

Can dogs travel in the cabin with Aer Lingus?

Ordinary pets don't travel in the Aer Lingus passenger cabin. Aer Lingus states that only eligible service dogs are accepted in the cabin.

Can dogs travel on Aer Lingus Regional?

Aer Lingus currently states that pets aren't permitted on services operated by Emerald Airlines.

Can a large dog fly from Ireland?

Yes, potentially.

A larger dog will generally need an appropriate aviation crate and will travel in an aircraft hold or through cargo arrangements, depending on the airline and route.

Can dogs fly with Ryanair, easyJet or Jet2?

Ordinary pet travel is generally not offered by these airlines; their animal policies primarily concern recognised assistance dogs.

Always check the current airline policy before booking.

Is hold travel the same as cargo?

No.

A dog travelling as accompanied baggage can physically travel in the aircraft hold without being booked as cargo.

Cargo describes a different booking and handling process.

What size airline crate does my dog need?

Don't choose solely by weight or breed.

Measure your individual dog and calculate the required internal length, width and height before comparing aviation crates.

Should I book my flight before booking my dog's place?

Where possible, confirm that your dog can travel on the exact flight before committing to a non-refundable booking.

Pet spaces and suitable hold capacity can be limited.

Can I drive from the North of Ireland to Dublin and fly from there?

Yes.

This can significantly expand your airline options, particularly for mainland Europe.

Remember to ensure your dog has the correct documentation for the complete journey.

Can I use a connecting flight with my dog?

Potentially, but every individual flight and airline needs to accept the dog.

Don't assume a passenger itinerary sold as one ticket automatically means the animal is accepted throughout.

Is it easier to fly or take the ferry with a large dog?

It depends on the destination and individual dog.

For some journeys, flying can save many hours of travel.

For others – particularly multiple large dogs, large aviation crates or destinations accessible by road – ferry and road travel may be simpler.

Compare the complete journey rather than assuming one method is always best.

Flying From Ireland With a Dog Is More Possible Than It First Appears

When you first start searching, it can look as though almost nobody flies dogs from Ireland.

That's largely because many of the airlines we use for cheap holidays aren't pet airlines.

Search differently and more possibilities appear.

If you're in the North of Ireland, don't automatically write Belfast off.

Loganair provides a genuine option for ordinary dogs on eligible services from Belfast City, while KLM's Amsterdam connection may open up further international possibilities.

For mainland Europe and wider international travel, Dublin gives you access to airlines including KLM, Air France, Iberia and Vueling, each with different ways of transporting pets.

Sometimes Belfast will be best.

Sometimes Dublin.

Sometimes Cork or Shannon.

And sometimes the ferry will still make more sense.

The important thing is to plan around the dog:

Find the airline.
Check the exact route.
Check the operating carrier.
Choose the correct carrier or aviation crate.
Confirm your dog's place.
Check the paperwork.
Check the return journey.
Then book.

For Petmode Aviation Carriers, Trixie soft in-cabin airline carriers and our Air Travel Essentials Kit, explore the airline travel range at Pet Connection.