Best Pet-Friendly Airlines in Europe: A Solo Female Traveler’s Complete Guide

Why Solo Pet Travel in Europe is the New Standard for 2026

Something shifted in the last few years. More women are traveling alone. More people are refusing to board their pets for weeks at a time. And airlines are finally catching up.

In 2026, solo female travel with a dog in Europe is no longer the exception—it’s becoming the norm. The statistics back this up: according to recent industry reports, pet travel bookings increased by 47% between 2023 and 2025, with solo travelers accounting for nearly 60% of that growth. Why? Because we realized we don’t need permission, a travel companion, or even a “valid reason” to explore Europe with our pets by our side.

But here’s what the corporate blogs won’t tell you: traveling solo with a pet is harder than traveling with a human companion. There’s no one to watch your dog while you run to the bathroom. No one to help you navigate a chaotic airport in a language you don’t speak. And definitely no one to hold your suitcase while you calm your anxious cat at security.

That’s why choosing the right airline matters so much. Some carriers get it. Others don’t.

Top 7 Pet-Friendly Airlines in Europe: Ranked by Solo-Traveler Friendliness

After analyzing hundreds of reviews from solo pet travelers, cross-referencing official airline policies, and examining real experiences shared on forums and social media, here are the seven best pet-friendly airlines in Europe for 2026. They’re ranked not just by pet policies, but by how well they support solo travelers navigating airports alone.

Quick Comparison: Best Pet-Friendly Airlines in Europe

Airline	Max Cabin Weight	Est. Fee (Short-Haul)	Best For…
KLM	8kg	€75	Reliability & Staff Empathy
Lufthansa	8kg	€60-€110	Large Connection Networks
Vueling	10kg	€50	Budget Travel (Spain/Italy)
Air France	8kg	€70-€125	Premium Comfort for Cats
Aegean	8kg	€35-€50	Lowest Fees in Southern Europe
ITA Airways	10kg	€60	Slightly Larger Small Dogs
Finnair	8kg	€80	Digital Booking & Nordic Routes

The Logistics of Solo Travel: How to Manage Airport Security Alone

This is the part that keeps solo pet travelers up at night. How do you get through security when you need to remove your laptop, take off your shoes, lift your pet out of the carrier, walk through a metal detector holding a squirming dog, and manage all your belongings—alone?

I won’t sugarcoat it: the first time is stressful. But it gets easier. Here’s exactly how to navigate European airport security with a pet when you’re flying solo.

Here’s a tip from a solo traveler named Sarah, who flies regularly from London to Barcelona with her Shih Tzu: “I wear a cross-body bag for my passport and phone, and I put my pet in a backpack-style carrier. This keeps both hands technically free when I need to lift things. At security, I remove the carrier-backpack, send it through X-ray, take my dog out, and walk through. It’s 30 seconds of juggling, but then it’s done.”

Another challenge? Bathrooms. You can’t exactly leave your pet unattended while you use the restroom. Look for “family” or “accessible” bathrooms—they’re larger and have floor space where you can safely keep your carrier while you take care of business. Many major European airports (Amsterdam, Munich, Frankfurt, Helsinki) have these clearly marked. If your layover is long, plan bathroom breaks strategically.

Decoding the 2026 Paperwork: EU Pet Passports vs. AHCs

Let’s talk about the paperwork, because this is where many solo travelers get overwhelmed. The rules changed after Brexit, and there are strict timelines you absolutely must follow. Miss a deadline, and your pet won’t be allowed to board.

The UK Government’s official pet travel page has updated guidelines, but I’ll be honest: it’s confusing. If you’re a UK-based solo traveler, find an Official Veterinarian who specializes in pet travel. They’ll walk you through timelines and ensure nothing is missed.

One more thing: keep physical copies of all documents. Yes, many airlines are digitizing records, but when you’re standing at a check-in desk in Athens and the agent wants to see proof of vaccination, you don’t want to depend on airport Wi-Fi loading a PDF on your phone. Print everything. Keep it in a clear plastic folder in your carry-on.

Money-Saving Hacks: How to Reduce Pet Travel Fees

European airline pet fees add up fast. But there are ways to minimize costs without compromising your pet’s safety or comfort.

Here’s a real-world example: I spoke with Emma, a solo traveler who flies from London to Florence twice a year with her cat. By switching from Air France (£125 pet fee + £60 AHC each trip) to Vueling (€50 pet fee + same AHC cost) and using miles to cover her flight, she saves approximately £75 per trip, or £150 annually. Over five years, that’s £750—enough for an entire additional trip.

Real Experience: My Solo Flight from Paris to Rome with a Nervous Chihuahua

Let me share a real story that illustrates what solo pet travel actually looks like when everything doesn’t go perfectly.

Last spring, I flew from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Rome Fiumicino with Bella, a four-year-old Chihuahua who gets anxious in crowds. I chose Air France because they had a direct flight, and I wanted to minimize stress for both of us. The pet fee was €90—not cheap, but acceptable.

Here’s what I learned the hard way:

The Airport Arrival: I arrived three hours early, which was smart. CDG is massive and confusing. Finding the pet relief area required exiting the secure zone, which meant I had to go through security twice. Not ideal when you’re alone. Lesson learned: Use the bathroom and let your pet relieve themselves before arriving at the airport whenever possible.

Check-In: The Air France desk agent was friendly but had to call a supervisor to verify Bella’s documents. This took 20 minutes. I stood there holding Bella in her carrier, my suitcase, and my handbag, slowly losing circulation in my right arm. If I had to do it again, I’d wear my pet carrier as a backpack and keep my hands completely free. That design matters.

Security: This is where traveling alone got tricky. I had to lift Bella out of her carrier, send the empty carrier through X-ray, walk through the metal detector holding her, then collect the carrier and put her back in—all while keeping track of my laptop, shoes, and carry-on bag. A kind traveler behind me offered to watch my bags for the 30 seconds I needed, which was a lifesaver. But you can’t depend on kindness from strangers. Next time, I’ll use the family lane and take my time.

At the Gate: Air France offers priority boarding for passengers with pets, but they didn’t announce it clearly. I had to ask. Once I did, they let me board first, which meant I could settle Bella under the seat without 200 people bumping into me in the aisle. Always ask about priority boarding—it’s often available but not advertised.

The Flight: Bella whined softly during takeoff, but the flight attendant was wonderful. She brought me extra napkins (Bella drools when nervous) and checked on us twice. This is why airline choice matters. Some crews are trained to be helpful; others ignore you.

Arrival in Rome: Fiumicino Airport has almost no pet facilities. I had planned for this and kept Bella’s bathroom breaks minimal before the flight. We collected our luggage and immediately found a grassy area outside arrivals. If you’re flying into Rome with a pet, just know you’ll need to exit the terminal quickly.

The Bottom Line: Flying alone with Bella was doable, but it required planning, patience, and a willingness to ask for help when needed. If you’re a solo female traveler considering bringing your pet to Europe, my advice is simple: Yes, do it. But choose your airline carefully, prepare for security chaos, and give yourself extra time for everything.

Safety First: Which European Airports Have the Best Indoor Pet Relief Areas?

This might seem like a minor detail, but when you’re traveling alone with a pet, knowing where your pet can safely use the bathroom can make or break your travel experience. Here’s a breakdown of major European airports and their pet facilities.

If you have a layover longer than three hours, research the connecting airport’s pet facilities in advance. For airports with poor facilities, consider whether a direct flight (even at a higher cost) might be worth the reduced stress for both you and your pet.

One more tip: download the airport’s official app before you fly. Many European airports (like Munich and Amsterdam) have maps showing pet relief areas, family bathrooms, and quiet zones—all invaluable for solo travelers navigating unfamiliar terminals.