Traveling with animals
You can bring your pet with you on SAS flights. Depending on the breed, size, weight and age, your pet can travel with you as extra carry-on baggage in the cabin or as excess baggage in the cargo hold. It is also possible to ship a pet as cargo. We also welcome service animals and have special conditions for traveling with them.
To bring a pet, you need to add it to your booking and pay a fee per container or pet carrier.
Good to know
SAS limits the number of animals allowed on each flight.
Make a request within 24 hours of booking and up to 24 hours before departure at the latest (please note that space is subject to availability).
Allow extra time at the airport. We recommend arriving at least 2 hours before departure, or even earlier to check in and clear security.
We follow regulations and guidelines to keep your pet safe and healthy during the flight.
Restrictions on some dog breeds
On January 1, 2024, SAS implemented restrictions for transporting brachycephalic dogs (bulldogs, pugs, Pekingese and crossbreeds of these breeds). Find out more under Pets traveling in cargo hold.
Puppies and kittens
We cannot transport dogs or cats under 8 weeks, animals that are still nursing or nursing dogs or cats. All pets under 14 weeks must also have a veterinary certificate stating the animal is fit for transport.
Country regulations
Make sure your animal has all the necessary documents for air travel. Regulations regarding transporting pets and the required documents, vaccinations and quarantine periods vary by country. We recommend checking with embassies in your departure, transit and destination countries in good time before booking.
You can find more information about traveling with animals within the EU in Regulation (EU) No 576/2013. When you travel to or via certain countries, you may only transport pets as cargo, for example China, the UK and the UAE.
Small cats and dogs may travel in the cabin. Other animals must be transported as cargo.
Each traveler may bring 1 pet container/carrier containing up to 2 healthy pets of the same species.
The pet must travel in a pet container/carrier that fits under the seat in front of you and remain inside the closed pet container/carrier during the entire flight.
The pet and container count as carry-on baggage. In addition to the pet and container, you may bring one personal item (40 x 30 x 15 cm).
Animals are not permitted in SAS Business or on SAS charter flights.
Pet carriers
We only accept pet containers/carriers specifically designed for transporting animals. We recommend a Sherpa Bag or similar, a soft type of bag approved for dogs and cats and made of flexible materials (available at most pet stores). Keep in mind that the bag must be entirely closeable, well ventilated and made of strong leak and bite-proof material.
Size and weight limits
Max size: 40 x 25 x 23 cm (length x width x height)
Max weight: 8 kg (pet + transport bag)
Pets traveling in the cabin must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably in the carrier. If these requirements are not fulfilled, your pet may be denied boarding.
How to book a pet in cabin
You can request and pay for your pet in cabin under My Bookings after you’ve completed booking your trip. If the pet is confirmed, you’ll receive a receipt for the payment. If the pet quota for your flight is full, the option to book a pet in cabin won’t be shown under My bookings.
You can also make your request by contacting SAS Customer Service.
If your pet doesn’t meet the criteria for traveling in the cabin, it will need to be transported in the cargo hold. Contact SAS Customer Service to check availability and book.
Only cats and dogs may be transported in the cargo hold. All other animals must be transported as cargo.
Please note that the hold cannot be accessed during the flight.
Transport containers/cages
You must provide your own appropriate containers for transporting animals.
The container must be escape-proof.
Please check IATA regulations for transportation containers. If the container does not meet IATA’s criteria, we reserve the right to refuse the pet at check-in.
Size and weight limits
Max size: depends on aircraft type.
Max weight: 50 kg (animal + container).
Maximum 2 adult animals of comparable size up to 14 kg each may be transported in the same container/cage if they are used to being together.
Maximum 3 animals of up to 6 months from the same litter may be transported in the same container/cage.
Animals weighing more than 14 kg must travel in separate containers/cages.
How to book a pet in cargo hold
Please contact SAS Customer Service to check availability and book.
Make sure you have the measurements and weight of the container/cage on hand when contacting us.
Make a request within 24 hours of booking and up to 24 hours before departure at the latest (please note that space is subject to availability).
If your animal is confirmed, you’ll need to fill in the Certificate for transportation of Animals (DOC, 113KB), and provide 2 copies of the completed certificate to show when you check in at the airport (except on domestic flights in Denmark, Norway and Sweden).
If your request is denied within 24 hours of booking and you rebook, we’ll waive the rebooking fee (but you’ll need to pay any difference in price).
Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs
For brachycephalic dogs, air travel involves an increased risk of respiratory problems and overheating due to the stress of flying. For this reason, we do not allow certain brachycephalic breeds in the cargo hold. This applies to bulldogs, pugs and Pekingese as well as crossbreeds of these breeds.
If your pet meets the pet in cabin requirements and weighs no more than 8 kg including the container/pet carrier, you may bring it with you in the cabin.
Other snub-nosed dogs may be transported in the cargo hold. Choose a container one size larger than what is normally required, that is well ventilated and has a door with open bars from top to bottom. You may not transport the animal in a container that has ventilation only in the lower part of the container.
How to book a pet as cargo
If your pet does not meet the criteria for traveling in the cargo hold, if your pet is traveling alone or if you’re traveling to or via countries where animals must travel as cargo, you can book your pet as cargo using a freight forwarder such as SAS Cargo.
All fees are per one way of travel. Fees vary according to the route/destination and refunds are according to ticket rules.
Service animals always travel free in the cabin when on duty.
Service animals and small cats and dogs are welcome in SAS Lounges as long as they remain in their carriers and with their owners at all times.
To ensure the comfort and safety of all of our guests, you will need to follow these rules:
The animal must remain in the carrier, which must be placed in the designated area in the lounge.
Animals must be able to behave properly in public and obey their owner.
Animals must be clean and properly groomed.
Animals may not eat or drink from SAS Lounge service ware.
Animals may not engage in disruptive behavior (e.g. barking, growling or biting).
Cats and dogs are not allowed in lounges in Norway due to local regulations.