Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026
Finnair (and Norra) makes pet travel surprisingly high-tech. You can often book your pet’s “seat” at the same time you buy your own ticket online.
In the Cabin: The “Tiny Traveler” Club
If your pet is small enough to fit under a seat, they get to enjoy the cabin vibe.
- Who’s Invited? Cats, small dogs, and (on flights within the EU only) domestic rabbits, tortoises, and hedgehogs. The Weight Limit: Your pet + their carrier must not exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
- The Cost: Within Europe: ~€60 – €65.
- Intercontinental: ~€120 – €130.
- Pro-Tip: Business Class on long-haul flights is a no-pet zone because of the lie-flat seats (no under-seat storage). However, short-haul Business Class within Europe usually allows pets!
Approved Carrier Sizes (2026 Specifics)
Finnair and Norra have slightly different “headroom” rules for soft carriers:
- Finnair-Operated: Soft (55 x 40 x 23 cm) | Hard (35 x 30 x 20 cm).
- Norra-Operated: Soft (55 x 40 x 20 cm) | Hard (35 x 30 x 20 cm).
- Expert Note: Soft carriers are highly recommended because they can “squish” slightly to fit under the seat while still giving your pet room to turn around.
In the Hold: For the Big Vikings
For larger pets, the temperature-controlled baggage hold is their designated travel suite.
- Weight Limits: Finnair flights: Up to 75 kg (165 lbs) total.
- Norra flights: Up to 50 kg (110 lbs) total.
- The Cost: Within Europe: ~€120 – €140.
- Intercontinental: ~€600 – €650.
- Species Rule: Ferrets are allowed on Finnair, but they must travel in the hold—no cabin naps for the slinky ones!
The Paperwork & Booking “Hack”
Don’t wait until you’re at the airport! Finnair is strict about their “24-hour” notification rule.
- Book Online: Look for the “Pets in the Cabin” option under “Additional Services” during checkout.
- The 24-Hour Rule: If you’ve already booked, use the Finnair Chat service within 24 hours of booking to add your pet. It’s faster than calling!
- Vaccination Check: Beyond the standard EU Pet Passport and Rabies shots, Finland requires a tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment for dogs administered 24–120 hours before arrival.
🛑 Restrictions & “No-Fly” Zones
- The “Two-Pet” Cap: Finnair usually only allows two pets per flight in the cabin. It’s first-come, first-served, so book early!
- Breed Restrictions: While Finnair doesn’t have an outright ban on “snub-nosed” breeds (like Pugs), they strongly advise against putting them in the hold due to respiratory risks.
- UK/Australia/HK: If you are flying to these countries, your pet must travel via Finnair Cargo, not as checked baggage.
💡 Expert Tips for 2026:
The Litter Rule: If traveling with a cat or rabbit, line the carrier with an absorbent puppy pad. Most pets fall asleep to the hum of the engine!
Avios for Animals: Did you know you can pay for your pet’s fee using Finnair Avios? It usually costs between 7,800 and 15,800 Avios depending on the route.
Check-In: You cannot check in online or at a kiosk when traveling with a pet. Head straight to the “Special Baggage” or assisted check-in counter.
Official requirements of Finnair airline for transportation of pets


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