Icelandair Pet Policy

Icelandair takes pride in ensuring that all animals travel safely and comfortably. Whether you’re bringing your pet to Iceland or traveling internationally, don’t worry.

Icelandair’s pet policy covers everything from in-cabin travel to cargo services, pet travel regulations, fees, and additional guidelines to help you prepare for a secure journey with your pet.

Does Icelandair allow pets in the cabin?

Icelandair allows travelers to bring pets (small dogs and cats) for all domestic flights in the cargo hold, but not in the cabin. The pet carrier must be IATA-approved.

However, the total weight of the pet(s) and the container must not exceed 88 lbs (40 kg), and the carrier dimensions should not exceed 36″ L x 25″ W x 28″ H (91 cm x 63 cm x 71 cm).

NOTE: Starting November 1, 2024, Icelandair will no longer be allowing animal transportation in the hold due to some changes in its fleet.

Icelandair Pets in Cargo

Icelandair ensures a safe and comfortable journey for pets traveling in the cargo hold with dedicated climate-controlled conditions.

• Icelandair provides a designated area for transporting larger pets or those not suited to cabin travel. You can book a reservation for cats and dogs to be transported in this special area as long as you meet all the requirements.
• The following dog breeds are not accepted on Icelandair flights: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, and Dogo Argentino.
• A maximum of 4 animal crates can be carried in the hold of each aircraft. However, 2 animals can share a crate if both are small and of the same species.
• The animal crate must be made of hard plastic with a waterproof bottom and conform to IATA guidelines. Collapsible metal crates or folding fabric crates are not acceptable.
• The crate should be large enough to allow the animal to stand, turn, and lie down naturally.
• If the animal’s welfare is not ensured, Icelandair staff may refuse to transport the animal.
• To book the service, contact Icelandair’s service center and provide the exact dimensions and weight of the crate (including the weight of the animal inside).

NOTE: For more clarity on baggage weight, check out Icelandair Baggage Policy.

International Travel Considerations in Icelandair 

When traveling internationally with Icelandair, it’s essential to be aware of specific regulations and requirements for pets and service animals according to the country you’re traveling to.

• Animals in transit cannot be in contact with other animals or passengers. Icelandair provides a secluded area for service animals during layovers. Facilities are available for animals to relieve themselves during transit, as they are not allowed outside the airport.
• Many countries require a mandatory animal quarantine period upon entry. It is the passenger’s responsibility to determine the destination country’s requirements. Contact the destination country’s embassy to verify if traveling with an animal is permitted before booking. For UK/Ireland travel, animals must be transported with Icelandair Cargo.
• Passengers must possess all necessary documents required by the country of transit and/or destination authorities. Icelandair will not be held responsible if entry into or passage through any country is denied.
• The pet owner assumes all risk of the animal’s injury, sickness, or death of the service or normal animal during transportation. He/she will also be responsible for any damages caused by service or normal animals.
• All animals traveling to the United Kingdom or Ireland will be transported via Icelandair Cargo. Please contact Icelandair Cargo for further information on the transport of animals to these destinations.
• Icelandair allows cats and dogs to be booked for transport in the hold, provided they meet specific requirements.

Icelandair Pet Fees

Icelandair pet fee for transporting an animal in the hold is 75 CAD per pet. This fee is non-refundable and may vary based on the airport currency.

Here is the list of zone-specific pet fees applied when traveling with Icelandair:

• Zone 1 (Within Europe): 168 CAD per cage.
• Zone 2 (Between Iceland and North America): 197 CAD per cage.
• Zone 3 (Between Europe and North America): 231 CAD per cage.
• Zone 4 (Between Keflavík Airport and Faroe Islands): 126 USD per cage

Booking Icelandair Pet Travel in Icelandair 

To book the carriage of an animal in the hold, please contact Icelandair Reservations at (00) 1-800-223-5500. Provide the exact dimensions and weight of the crate (including the weight of the animal inside).

For service animal booking, after purchasing your flight ticket, submit all required documents and forms via Icelandair’s “Drop us a line form” under “Medical and disability assistance” at least two business days in advance.

NOTE: Dogs and cats are the only animals allowed in the hold on Icelandair flights. Cats are not allowed in the cabin.

Icelandair Emotional Support Pet Policy

Icelandair’s Emotional Support Pet Policy outlines the guidelines for traveling with emotional support animals. Below are those:

• Only certified service dogs are allowed in the cabin free of charge with Icelandair.
• Emotional Support pets are not recognized as service animals and must travel in the cargo hold.
• Certain documents are required for transporting these animals, which must be submitted at least two business days before travel.

Traveling with Service Animals on Icelandair

Traveling with a service animal on Icelandair ensures safe and regulated travel on its flights, providing essential support and comfort for passengers with disabilities during their journey.

Trained and Certified Service Animals

Icelandair accepts service dogs that are individually trained to perform tasks for passengers with disabilities, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities. Types of service dogs include:

• Guide dogs
• Hearing dogs
• Diabetic alert dogs
• Mobility assistance dogs
• Autism service dogs

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional support animals, therapy animals, comfort animals, and service animals under training are not considered service animals as per Icelandair’s policy. Hence, they are not permitted to travel in the cabin.

Icelandair Service Animal Important Guidelines

Here’s important information for passengers traveling with service animals on Icelandair.

• The service dog must fit safely in the lap or foot space in front of the passenger.
• A maximum layover time of 3 hours at Keflavik Airport is allowed for passengers with service animals.
• Icelandair Stopovers are not possible for travelers with service animals due to Iceland’s quarantine requirements.
• Passengers with disabilities are allowed to travel with up to two service animals.
• Passengers must have all required documents for their service animals as per the authorities of the transit and destination countries, including:
  • MAST approval is required for transit at Keflavik Airport.
  • DOT forms are needed for flights involving the US.
  • UK flights require a certificate confirming service dog training by an accredited organization recognized by UK authorities.
  • To transport service animals, you need to submit an Icelandair service animal transportation form if the Flights fly between Canada and Europe via Iceland, or Europe and Iceland, or flights to the UK.
  • For domestic flights in Iceland, no documentation is required, but space for the service animal must be reserved through Icelandair’s service center.

Icelandair Pre-Departure Preparation for Pets

It is advisable to give your pet a sedative before departure. However, please consult with a veterinarian first. Animals that are distressed or make excessive noise will not be allowed on board.

• Check-In Timing:
  • Passengers traveling with animals should ensure timely check-in.
  • If an animal is sent as cargo, it must arrive at the airport no later than one hour before departure.
• Responsibility:
  • Live animals are the responsibility of the sender throughout the transport process.

Consequently, Icelandair offers a range of options to ensure the safe and comfortable transportation of pets. By adhering to its pet travel policies, you can ensure a safe journey for your furry companion, whether they are traveling in-cabin or in the cargo hold. Be sure to review the specific requirements, fees, and regulations to ensure a safe experience.

Frequently Asked Questions