Finnair Pet TravelAY

What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?

Cats and dogs are permitted in the cabin from EU and non-EU countries. On Finnair-operated flights, small cats, dogs, pet rabbits, tortoises and hedgehogs are also allowed (rabbits, tortoises and hedgehogs only from EU countries). On Jettime-operated flights, only cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin. On DAT-operated flights, cats, dogs and rabbits are allowed in the cabin.

What is the maximum weight allowed for a pet in the cabin?

The total combined weight of the pet and its carrier must not exceed 8 kg (17.6 lb).

What are the carrier size requirements for in-cabin pet travel?

For Finnair-operated flights: soft carriers max 55 x 40 x 23 cm; hard carriers max 35 x 30 x 20 cm. For Norra-operated flights: soft carriers max 55 x 40 x 20 cm; hard carriers max 35 x 30 x 20 cm. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. IATA-approved carriers with solid bottom and appropriate ventilation are required. Soft carriers must be waterproof with breathable mesh.

Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?

Yes. Bigger dogs and ferrets can travel in the hold on the same flight as the owner if the combined weight of pet and container does not exceed 75 kg on Finnair-operated flights or 50 kg on Norra-operated flights. Container must comply with IATA regulations and be large enough for the pet to stand, sit, turn around and lie comfortably. Maximum container dimensions vary by aircraft type (A330/350 and A319/320/321: 122 x 81 x 89 cm; E90 Norra: 101 x 68 x 76 cm; ATR Norra: 81 x 57 x 53 cm). Flight must be booked at least 7 days in advance with pet notified to Finnair via chat within 24h. Minimum 3-hour transfer time required for connecting flights.

What are the fees for traveling with a pet?

Pet in cabin (per journey): €60 or 7,800 Avios (booked 7+ days before departure) or €65 or 8,500 Avios (booked 6 days or less before departure) for flights within Europe; €120/$130 or 15,800 Avios (7+ days) or €130/$140 or 17,100 Avios (6 days or less) for intercontinental flights including Middle East. Pet in hold (per one-way journey): €140 or 18,500 Avios for flights within Europe; €650/$700 or 86,500 Avios for intercontinental flights. Pet as cargo: pricing varies — contact a forwarding company or see Finnair Cargo website. Local taxes apply when departing from India.

Is there a limit on the number of pets per passenger or per flight?

Maximum one pet carrier per passenger in the cabin. In one carrier, up to two pets are allowed provided total weight does not exceed 8 kg. Usually two customers with pets are accepted per flight in the cabin, and two pets in the hold on Finnair-operated flights (one on Norra-operated flights). Aircraft type, weather at destination, or allergic passengers may reduce these limits.

Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?

Finnair's general policy does not list specific restricted breeds, but notes that some countries may have entry limitations for certain breeds. Passengers are advised to check destination-country regulations. Some countries may also restrict transporting more than one pet per container.

What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?

A pet passport is mandatory for cats and dogs travelling between EU countries. Depending on the destination, export/import/transfer permits, health certificates and vaccination certificates may also be required. All required documents are checked at the airport check-in desk. Passengers are responsible for ensuring their pet meets all destination country entry requirements.

How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?

For pets in the cabin, you can add a pet when booking online or via Manage Booking. For Business Class (short-haul), Premium Economy (long-haul), or Jettime-operated flights, contact customer service. For pets in the hold, book your flight online at least 7 days before departure and then notify Finnair via chat within 24 hours with container dimensions and pet weight. Online check-in is not available when travelling with a pet; you must check in at the airport check-in desk.

Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?

Yes. Requirements vary by country and include pet passports (for EU travel), vaccinations, health certificates, and import/export permits. When travelling to or via Great Britain, Hong Kong, UAE, Australia, or South Africa, pets must travel as cargo rather than as baggage. Passengers are responsible for confirming all destination-country requirements with the relevant consulate or embassy. Note that changes to US dog importation rules took effect on 1 August 2024.

Are there temperature-related restrictions for pets traveling in the cargo hold?

The hold is air-conditioned and heated, always maintained above +10°C. The temperature at the start of the flight matches the boarding temperature at the departure airport and takes approximately one hour to reach the set temperature after departure. There is no explicit seasonal temperature embargo stated, but extreme weather at the destination may affect pet acceptance.

What is the airline's policy on sedating pets during travel?

IATA discourages the use of sedatives and tranquillisers for animals during transport. Sedated animals cannot react normally to their environment and may become aggressive or injure themselves. If a veterinarian directs sedation for a sensitive animal, the container and transport documents must include the medicine name, time and method of dosage, dosage level, and estimated time of effect.

Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?

For pets in the hold, contact Finnair via the chat service after booking. For assistance dogs, use the special assistance form at least 48 hours before departure or call +358 9 818 0800. For cargo shipments, contact a forwarding company such as Travelcargo–PetExpress. For general pet inquiries on Jettime or DAT-operated flights, contact Finnair customer service.

Source: Official pet policy page ↗