# Can I travel with pet on Icelandair? You can travel with pets on Icelandair in cabin or cargo following guidelines; confirm arrangements or call at 1-888-760-1051 customer service. For many travelers, the decision to take a trip is often paired with a difficult choice about what to do with their pets. Some people prefer to leave them with friends, family, or boarding facilities, but for others the thought of being separated from their furry companion is too stressful. That is why understanding whether a particular airline allows pets and under what conditions is so important. If you are planning to fly with Icelandair, you will be happy to know that the airline does allow pet travel. However, like every airline, Icelandair has detailed rules and guidelines that passengers must follow when flying with pets. This guide will cover Icelandair pet travel policies in detail, including whether pets can travel in the cabin, in the hold, or as cargo, what restrictions apply, and tips for making the journey easier. By the end, you will have a clear picture of whether you can travel with your pet on Icelandair and how to prepare properly. --- ## Understanding Icelandair Pet Policy Icelandair is an international airline that operates flights between Iceland, Europe, and North America. Because of the wide range of destinations, including long haul routes, the airline has structured its pet policy carefully to balance passenger comfort, animal safety, and international regulations. The good news is that Icelandair does allow pets, but there are restrictions on the types of animals, how they travel, and which flights they can board. Unlike some airlines that only allow pets in the cabin, Icelandair provides options for both in cabin travel and transport in the hold, though rules differ depending on the route. --- ## Can Pets Travel in the Cabin on Icelandair Yes, pets are allowed in the cabin on Icelandair, but only under certain conditions. Small domestic animals such as cats and small dogs can travel with their owners in the cabin if they meet the airline’s size and weight requirements. The pet must remain in an airline approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of the passenger. The carrier must be leak proof, well ventilated, and large enough for the animal to turn around and lie down comfortably. Both soft sided and hard sided carriers are permitted, but soft sided carriers tend to be more flexible in fitting under seats. The total weight of the pet and the carrier together must not exceed the airline’s limits. Passengers should always check these limits when booking, as they may vary slightly depending on aircraft type. --- ## Pets in the Cargo Hold For pets that are too large to travel in the cabin, Icelandair offers transport in the aircraft hold. This area is temperature controlled and pressurized, making it safe for animals. Many medium and large dogs that cannot fit under the seat in a carrier must travel in this way. Pets traveling in the hold must be placed in a sturdy, International Air Transport Association approved kennel. The kennel must be large enough for the animal to stand, turn, and lie down, and it must be escape proof and secure. Water containers should be attached inside the kennel. This service is particularly useful for larger breeds or passengers traveling long distances with animals that cannot be accommodated in the cabin. --- ## Pets as Cargo In addition to pets traveling with passengers, Icelandair also provides a cargo service for animals. This option is often used by breeders, pet relocation companies, or travelers shipping animals without accompanying them on the same flight. Cargo travel follows international animal transport standards, and the airline works with specialized teams to ensure animal safety. --- ## Which Pets Are Allowed Icelandair allows only certain types of animals on its flights. Cats and dogs are the primary pets permitted. Other small animals such as birds, rodents, reptiles, or rabbits are not accepted. This simplifies the process and ensures that the airline can provide consistent safety measures for pets. --- ## Restrictions by Destination It is important to understand that not all Icelandair routes accept pets. Certain countries have strict regulations about animals entering or leaving, which may prevent pets from traveling on those routes. For example, some destinations in Europe and North America may have quarantine rules or require special documentation. Passengers should check restrictions for both departure and arrival destinations before booking a pet reservation. Failure to comply with these rules may result in pets being denied boarding or delayed at customs. --- ## Booking a Pet Reservation When planning to travel with a pet on Icelandair, it is essential to book the pet’s place in advance. The airline has a limited number of spots for animals on each flight, both in the cabin and in the hold. Once that limit is reached, no additional pets will be accepted. During the booking process, passengers must indicate they are traveling with a pet and pay the applicable pet fee. If you already have a booking, you can usually add a pet reservation later by contacting Icelandair directly. However, waiting until the last minute is risky as space may not be available. --- ## Pet Fees Traveling with pets on Icelandair involves a fee, which varies depending on whether the pet is in the cabin, in the hold, or shipped as cargo. The fee is charged per flight segment and is non refundable. The cost is generally higher for larger animals traveling in the hold compared to small pets in the cabin. --- ## Number of Pets Allowed Each passenger is allowed to bring one pet carrier in the cabin. The carrier may hold one animal, or in some cases two very small animals of the same species if they fit comfortably together. The airline also sets a maximum number of total pet carriers per flight, which is why booking early is so important. For pets traveling in the hold, multiple kennels may be accepted depending on space, but advance approval is always necessary. --- ## Age and Health Requirements Pets must be at least eight weeks old to fly on Icelandair. They should be healthy enough for air travel, and animals that appear sick, aggressive, or otherwise unfit may be denied boarding. Some destinations may require a veterinary health certificate, vaccination records, or proof of microchipping. These requirements are usually based on government rules rather than the airline itself, so passengers should research them thoroughly. --- ## Service Animals Icelandair accepts trained service animals free of charge when traveling with passengers who have disabilities. Service animals are not restricted by carrier size limits and may remain with their owners in the cabin. However, they must remain leashed or harnessed and behave appropriately during the flight. Emotional support animals are no longer classified as service animals under current regulations. Icelandair treats them as regular pets, meaning they must travel in carriers and follow the same rules as other cats and dogs. --- ## Check In with Pets Passengers traveling with pets cannot use online check in or airport self service kiosks. They must check in at the ticket counter where staff will verify the carrier or kennel, confirm documents if required, and process the pet fee. It is strongly recommended to arrive earlier than usual, as the check in process with pets often takes longer than standard passenger check in. --- ## Security Screening At the airport security checkpoint, pets must be removed from their carriers while the carrier is placed on the x ray machine. The pet will not go through the x ray machine. Instead, the passenger will hold the pet or walk it through the metal detector. Once cleared, the pet must be placed back in its carrier before entering the boarding area. --- ## Onboard Rules for Pets When flying in the cabin, the pet must remain inside its carrier at all times. The carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of the passenger and cannot be placed on laps, in the overhead compartment, or on the floor outside of designated areas. Passengers may not sit in exit rows or bulkhead seats when traveling with pets, as these seats do not allow carriers to be stored properly. --- ## Preparing Your Pet for Travel Flying can be stressful for pets, especially if they are not accustomed to being in carriers or around large crowds. Proper preparation can make the experience smoother. * Get your pet comfortable with the carrier before the trip * Place familiar items like a toy or blanket in the carrier * Feed your pet lightly before travel to avoid motion sickness * Provide water before the flight but limit it to prevent discomfort * Take your pet for a walk or allow playtime before boarding --- ## After Landing Once the flight arrives, pets traveling in the cabin can leave the aircraft with their owners immediately. For pets traveling in the hold, they are usually delivered in a designated area near baggage claim. Passengers should allow extra time after landing to collect pets and clear any required inspections. --- ## Advantages of Icelandair Pet Policy * Offers both cabin and hold options for pets * Accepts service animals without additional fees * Provides international pet transport services via cargo * Clear carrier and kennel requirements help ensure safety --- ## Limitations of the Policy * Only cats and dogs are allowed as pets * No reptiles, rodents, birds, or exotic animals permitted * Space is limited both in the cabin and in the hold * Fees can be high depending on destination and size of pet * Some routes or countries may not accept pets at all --- ## Tips for a Smooth Journey with Pets on Icelandair 1. Book early to secure your pet’s spot on the flight 2. Measure your carrier or kennel to meet airline standards 3. Carry all required health and vaccination documents 4. Prepare your pet ahead of time to reduce stress 5. Arrive at the airport earlier than usual for check in 6. Bring wipes and pads in case of accidents during the trip 7. Keep calm and reassure your pet throughout the journey --- ## Why Icelandair Stands Out Many airlines have restrictive pet policies, with some not allowing animals at all or limiting them only to domestic flights. Icelandair stands out by offering multiple options including cabin, hold, and cargo services across international routes. While there are restrictions, the flexibility allows passengers with both small and large pets to travel. --- ## Final Thoughts Yes, you can travel with a pet on Icelandair, but it requires planning and adherence to the airline’s policies. Small cats and dogs may travel in the cabin if they fit in an approved carrier under the seat. Larger pets can travel in the hold in IATA approved kennels, and Icelandair also offers cargo options for unaccompanied animals. Travelers must book pet reservations early, pay the applicable fees, and follow carrier requirements carefully. Health and documentation rules depend on the destination, so passengers should check entry regulations in advance. Service animals are accepted without charge, though emotional support animals are treated as regular pets. Flying with pets on Icelandair is entirely possible and can be a safe and manageable experience if you plan ahead. With proper preparation, you and your furry friend can share the journey together, whether across the Atlantic or within Europe.