How to Fly to Spain With Your Small Dog or Cat in the Cabin
The question of travelling to Spain with a pet comes up a lot in online forums, and one of the most common questions is: can I take my small dog or cat in the cabin with me on a flight?
Getting a straight answer can be a nightmare. Airline websites are often vague, rules change, and to make it worse, the airline you book with isn't always the one you fly with. A great example is Iberia. They allow pets in the cabin, but many of their flights from Dublin are operated by Aer Lingus, who have a strict no-pets policy. It's a minefield.
This exact situation led me to do some deep-dive research for a trip with my own dog, Ollie the Chorkie*. This is what I found.
Note: All information here was confirmed directly with the companies via email or phone in February 2024. Rules can change, so always double-check before you book.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Airline & Flight
After a lot of digging, one airline stood out as the most reliable option for this route: Iberia. They have a clear pet-friendly policy and a huge network of flights across Spain.
I was focused on the Dublin to Malaga route. While there's no direct flight, Iberia offers several flights a day from Dublin to Madrid. From there, it's a stunning 3-hour high-speed train ride to Malaga.
Here are Iberia's rules for carrying a small pet (dog, cat, fish, or tortoise!) in the cabin:
- Carrier: Must be an approved, waterproof-bottomed carrier no larger than 45x35x25 cm.
- Weight: The combined weight of your pet and the carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
- Breed Restrictions: "Snub-nosed" breeds (like pugs or bulldogs) and certain "dangerous" breeds are not permitted.
- Paperwork: Your pet must have a valid pet passport with all the required vaccinations.
- Onboard Rules: Your pet must remain in its carrier for the entire flight, and you cannot sit in an emergency exit row.
How to Book
You can't add a pet to your booking online. The process is:
- Book your own seat online first.
- Call the Iberia customer service team immediately afterwards to add your pet to your booking.
The cost to add a pet is typically around €60 each way.
The most important rule is to book a flight that is operated by Iberia. When searching for flights, it will clearly state "Operated by Iberia Express" or "Operated by Aer Lingus." If it's not Iberia, their pet policy may not apply. To be safe, always choose an Iberia-operated flight.
Step 2: The Onward Journey by Train
Spain's national train service is called Renfe, and it's fantastic—fast, reliable, clean, and affordable.
There are around 12 high-speed trains a day from Madrid to Malaga, with the journey taking about 2 hours and 45 minutes. A ticket costs roughly €40 per person.
Renfe allows small pets on board with similar conditions to Iberia (under 10kg, in a carrier). Adding a pet typically costs an extra €10. It's always advised to pre-book, and you should be able to add your pet during the online booking process, much like booking an extra piece of luggage.
The buses in Spain are also generally excellent. My local operator, Alsa, has a great app where you can book a seat for yourself and add a pet at the same time. I'd assume Renfe's system is just as straightforward.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. While you might not be able to fly directly to your final destination, the Iberia network makes it very likely you can get to a major Spanish hub. From there, the excellent train network can get you the rest of the way.
You can check out flights on the Iberia website and trains on the Renfe website.
Good luck, and enjoy taking your furry friend to Spain on your next trip!
*Chorkie: A Yorkshire Terrier Chihuahua cross.