When transporting a pet by a commercial airline, it is extremely important to understand their pet policy. These policies vary between airlines. Some allow small pets to fly in the cabin and others don’t. It is important to know the answers to all your questions before making your decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. Can my pet fly in the cabin on SAS? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on SAS? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for SAS? All your answers related to SAS pet policy are answered below.
Note: It is important to mention that the pet policy of the airline that operates your pet’s route will preside over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is important to note because if the operating airline changes during your trip, then you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet on the next airline. This will cause you to clear customs and enter the layover country. You will need time and extra documentation to accommodate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.
Classes of service offered to pets by commercial airlines
- In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant
carrier stowed under the seat. - Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
- Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.
Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? Yes
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? Yes
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes
Where is SAS based?
SAS, otherwise known as Scandinavian Airlines [IATA:SK], is the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. It is also known as SAS. Its hubs are Copenhagen Airport, Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Oslo Airport.
What countries does SAS fly to?
SAS offers service to pets to the following countries: Belgium, China, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States.
*Regulations for dogs flying to the United States have changed. Find new regulations to import a dog to the United States here.
SAS Pet Policy – In Cabin
If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in SAS’ pet policy to fly in the cabin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog who is trained to assist you in a task required to address a physical or medical disability.
Pets flown by SAS in the cabin
Small dogs and cats are permitted to fly in the cabin on SAS flights. Pets must be clean, healthy, harmless and mannerly. No pets are allowed on Business or charter flights.
Reservations
Reservations must be made more than 24 hours prior to departure by contacting Booking or SAS Customer Service.
Age requirements
All dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks of age and weaned from their mother to fly in the cabin. Note that this minimum may change depending on pet import requirements of the destination country.
Pet carrier requirements
Your pet’s carrier must:
- Have adequate ventilation on at least three sides (domestic) or four sides (international)
- Be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
- Be able to accommodate your entire pet. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier
- Be able to fit under the seat in front of you
- Have a waterproof bottom and absorbent pet pad
- Have secure fasteners (heavy duty zippers are recommended)
- Soft-sided carriers are recommended
Your pet and its carrier will be counted as a carry-on bag. The maximum dimensions for pet carriers flown in the cabin are 15.7″L x 9.8″W x 9″H (40L x 25W x 23H cm). One pet is permitted per carrier; however, 2 pets of the same species and known to each other may share a carrier if the maximum weight limit of 17 lbs. (8 kg) is not exceeded.
Exit row or bulkhead seats cannot be reserved when flying with a pet. Pets must remain in carriers for the duration of the flight.
Related: Selecting a pet carrier that is airline compliant
Forms required
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Route restrictions
Check in
Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier at least 2 hours (or more) prior to departure.
Related: How to clear airport security with a pet
Pet fee
- Domestic: 420 DKK, 550 NOK, 550 SEK, 55 EUR, 60 USD
- Scandinavia, Europe and Middle East: 550 DKK, 750 NOK, 750 SEK, 75 EUR, 80 USD
- Asia, Canada and US: 740 DKK 740, 990 NOK, 990 SEK, 99 EUR, 105 USD
- China: 1100 DKK, 1540 NOK, 1540 SEK, 149 EUR, 159 USD-
Service dog pet policy
All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. They must be trained by an organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a disability. Notice must be provided to the airline at least 48 hours prior to departure online at Bookings.
Service dogs must be suitably marked, harnessed and leashed. They must fit in the space provided at their passenger’s feet without intruding on cabin operations or other passengers. They will not be seated in exit rows. They must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew.
If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation form and a Relief Attestation Form must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure.
For other flights, this notification must be provided. Additionally, a Certificate for the Transportation of Animals (see IN-CABIN / FORMS) must be completed and 2 copies presented at check in. Passengers flying with a service dog must have a letter of need from a medical professional, current health certificate and evidence of training from a professional organization.
All service dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally. All required documentation required for the destination country must be provided at check in.
SAS Pet Policy – Checked Baggage
If the size of your pet is too large to fit in an airline-compliant pet carrier, or it is a pet other than a cat or dog, it will be transported as checked baggage on Scandinavian Airlines if it is flying with an adult passenger. This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin.
Live animals are checked in by reservation employees and are checked in at the airport terminal. The airline will move your pet between aircraft in their fleet during layovers if the layover is not over about 3 hours in length.
Pets flown by SAS as checked baggage
Cats and dogs only can be transported as checked baggage on SAS flights.
Reservations
Reservations must be made more than 24 hours prior to departure by contacting Booking or SAS Customer Service.
Age/Weight requirements
All pets must be a minimum of eight weeks old and weaned from their mother. Note that this minimum may change depending on pet import requirements of the destination country. The maximum weight of your pet including its carrier is 110 lbs. (50 kg). One pet per crate is permitted with the following exceptions:
- A maximum of two adult animals of comparable size up to 14 kg each may be transported in the same crate if they are accustomed to being together.
- A maximum of three animals of up to six months from the same litter may be transported in the same crate.
- Pets weighing more than 14 kg must travel in separate crates.
- Only one pet per crate is permitted on flights to the United States.
Pet crate requirements
The maximum size of your pet’s crate will depend on the aircraft that serves the route. All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS below.
Route or aircraft restrictions
Forms Required
A Certificate of Transportation of Animals mut be completed and two copies available at check in on all international flights.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier at least 2 hours prior to departure.
Pet fee
- Domestic: 680 DKK, 950 NOK, 950 SEK, 90 EUR, 100 USD
- Scandinavia, Europe and Middle East: 1250 DKK, 1740 NOK, 1740 SEK, 169 EUR, 195 USD
- Asia, Canada and US: 2500 DKK, 3500 NOK, 3500 SEK, 340 EUR, 370 USD
- China: 5400 DKK, 7600 NOK, 7600 SEK, 725 EUR, 775 USD
SAS Pet Policy – Air Cargo
All live animals flying as air cargo travel under an airline manifest or air waybill and are tracked throughout the entire flight. The airlines are responsible for caring for your pet during layovers as well. Unlike checked baggage, pets are generally checked in and claimed at the airline’s cargo facility. This facility is located on airport grounds; however, not the terminal. Many airlines require that an agent books the transport. If you need a licensed agent to arrange your pet’s transport, send us an email at info@pettraveltransport.com.
Pets flown by SAS as air cargo
Pets, exotics and livestock can be flown by SAS Cargo.
Reservations\
Bookings can be made by contacting sascargo.com.
SAS Pet Crate Requirements
All pet crates must conform to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The container must be large enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down. The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood.
The crate door must have a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. The floor must be waterproof. The crate must not have wheels attached when checking your pet. Metal hardware should be used to fasten the top and bottom halves of your pet crate together. Scandinavian Airlines requires either metal or plastic nuts and bolts threaded with metal inserts to secure both halves of the crate.
All crates must be labeled with LIVE ANIMAL stickers and a Shipping Declaration that includes feeding and watering instructions.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant?
All pets should be acclimated to their crates prior to travel. This may take weeks or even months to accomplish; however, it is the best thing you can do for your pet before flying.
Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier
Temperature Restrictions – Checked Baggage and Air Cargo
When temperatures rise above or drop under certain levels, commercial airlines will prohibit the transport of live animals in the cargo hold. These restrictions are implemented for the safety of your pet. It is important to note that the risk from high or low temperatures is not when your pet is airborne. The risks come during preflight holding, loading on the tarmac and taxiing to the take-off runway.
Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the itinerary. Pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate, however, no pet will be transported at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C).
Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets.
Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions.
Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold
Breeds Banned by SAS
The following breeds and their mixes are not permitted to fly in the cargo hold on SAS flights: bulldogs, pugs and Pekingese. Other snub-nosed dogs and cats will need to fly in crates one size larger than normally required with ventilation on the top half of the crate. Get your pet the biggest water bowl you can find to attach to the door.
Related: Risks for snub-nosed pets flying in the cargo hold
Private Jet Charter
Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or commotion of a commercial airport.
Other Information
The information published here is a guideline for SAS pet policy. For more pet friendly airline pet policies, click the banner below.
Further Reading
How to keep your pet safe when flying in the cargo hold
Tips for airline pet travel
Requirements for a pet transiting a country by air
When do you need a pet transporter?
Routing your pet’s flight
More information on airline pet travel
Have a comment or question about transporting a pet with SAS? Post it below and we will respond. You can also reach out by posting to our Blog, X (Twitter), Facebook, or Email or follow our activities on Instagram and TikTok.
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given airline may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to deny your pet boarding privileges at the time of check in. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following SAS pet policy.
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