Cats and small dogs in the cabin
Only cats and small dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin. We provide you with all the essential information to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
New Entry Regulations for Dogs into the USA
Due to new restrictions imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the entry regulations for dogs into the USA are changing.
New bookings for dogs to the US with a flight date on or after August 1, 2024 will only be accepted for the airports in Washington DC, New York-JFK, Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles and Philadelphia.
Update: with immediate effect, the transport of dogs to Newark (EWR) is possible again, provided that your dog has not been in a high-risk area (rabies) in the last six months before entering the USA.
Only dogs that are at least 6 months old will be accepted for travel to the USA.
Please also complete the CDC Dog Import Form.
You must present the confirmation from the American authorities in digital or printed form when entering and leaving the country.
Animal transports as air freight are still possible. Passengers are requested to contact a pet shipping agent for this.
Already confirmed bookings will be honored after August 1, 2024 provided all CDC requirements can be fulfilled. Full requirement details can be found on the CDC website. It is the passenger's responsibility to comply with all requirements. Failure to present the necessary documents required by the CDC upon check-in will result in Import/Transport refusal.
We continue to offer the following options if a dog's booking was confirmed before July 3, 2024:
- Rebooking to a flight before August 1, 2024
- Rebooking without the dog
- Refund of the ticket
For further inquiries, passengers are requested to contact our service centers.
The transportation of assistance dogs remains possible under the new CDC regulations, provided all CDC requirements can be fulfilled. Full requirement details can be found on the CDC website. It is the passenger's responsibility to comply with all requirements. Failure to present the necessary documents required by the CDC upon check-in will result in Import/Transport refusal.
If passengers already have a confirmed booking for themselves and their assistance dog, we ask that they contact our service center.
How will my pet travel?
Your cat or dog can travel with you during the entire journey. Place your pet inside a kennel upon boarding and keep it under the seat in front of you during the entire flight. You can only release your pet from its kennel in your transit/destination airport.
Which conditions apply for a transport in the cabin?
- Max. 8kg/18lbs (including the pet bag)
- Older than 15 weeks
- Please note: from August 1, 2024, only dogs that are at least 6 months old will be accepted on trips to the USA.
- Clean and healthy
- Calm and well behaved
- Must stay inside the bag or container (including tail and head) during the entire flight
- The pet must not be pregnant
- Leak and smell-proof soft-sided bag, to be stowed completely under the seat in front of you
- Without a stable frame
- Within the size of 118cm / 45 inch (or carry-on dimensions of 55x40x23cm)
- To be provided by you
- Max. 1 bag per passenger is allowed
- 2 adult pets may travel in the same bag provided they are comfortable with each other (total max. weight of 8kg / 18lbs, including the bag)
- 2 small pets (max. 6 months old) may travel in the same bag, only when from the same litter (total max. weight of 8kg / 18lbs, including the bag)
To enable you to take your pet with you into the cabin as carry-on baggage, we need your confirmation that the animal meets the stated requirements. Please present two copies of the completed and signed form at the check-in counter to confirm this.
How much does it cost to bring my pet on board?
How can I book a flight with my pet in the cabin?
Travelling with your pet on board is subject to availability and must be booked in advance online via "My booking" or via our Service Centre. Maximum 4 pet containers per aircraft are allowed.
Good to know
It is the exclusive responsbility of the passenger to comply with the import and export regulations and to provide the correct travel documents. You should inform yourself about the import and export regulations for your pet before booking your flight and this for the countries of departure, transit and destination. This information can be found at the relevant consulates, for example.
Always ask your vet about applicable welfare provisions when you travel with your pet.
You’ll need all travel documentation required for your pet so that nothing stands in the way of your trip. Such documents may include:
- Export, import or transit permits
- Health and/or vaccination certificates
- Pet passport/ID
Brussels Airlines is not responsible if a pet is refused entry into or transit through a country.
If you're travelling to Belgium, more info can be found here.
If you're travelling to another country in the EU, more info can be found here.
When travelling with a pet in the cabin, you must have a window seat and cannot be seated in the following places on the aircraft:
- In the emergency exit rows
- In the first row with bulkhead where there is no possibility to stow the PETC bag under the seat in front
- Near other pets
Pet strollers must be checked in as part of your checked baggage allowance. They may not be used in the airport or transported on board as hand baggage. If your pet stroller exceeds the free baggage allowance, excess baggage fees will apply.
If you are unable to travel together with your cat or dog, another person may accompany your pet for you upon presentation of a written permission. You must be reunited with your pet within 5 days of its relocation.
Pets are not accepted on Brussels Airlines flights to the United Kingdom. They can only be transported as cargo.
You are welcome to take your four-legged friend with you into our lounges, but your pet should not wander around freely and should await its journey in the transport container or pet carrier.
