Air Europa ESA and Service Dog Policy

Traveling with pets and service dogs can be a complex process, especially when flying internationally.

Whether you are traveling with a pet / companion animal or relying on a service dog for assistance, it is essential to understand the airline's specific guidelines so you can prepare for a stress-free trip.

Air Europa is one of Spain’s leading airlines that offers options for passengers who wish to bring their pets or service animals onboard.

In today’s article, we will explore Air Europa's policies on flying with pets and service dogs, and help you prepare for a stress-free trip!

Key Takeaways

Does Air Europa Accept Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

The airline transports species other than dogs, including emotional support animals, comfort animals, companionship animals, and service animals in training, as pets. These animals must comply with the airline's carriage policy and are subject to fees.

Does Air Europa Accept Service Dogs?

Yes, Air Europa accept service dogs upon submission of accreditation verifying their status and proof of the necessity for their presence.

Do Service Dogs Fly for Free?

Service dogs that meet Air Europa’s requirements fly at no additional cost.

How to Get a Service Dog?

The dog must be trained to perform specific tasks related to your disability. If you already have a pet dog, our team at Service Dog Training School can assist you in training them.

How to Qualify for a Service Dog?

To qualify for a service dog, you must have a diagnosed disability that limits one or more major life activities.

How to Get Started?

Get started by taking the simple SDTSI online training assessment to see if you qualify, and enroll in the training program that best suits your needs.

Emotional Support Animals on Air Europa

When traveling with an Emotional Support Animal on Air Europa, you must follow the airline's standard procedures for pet travel, which include using an approved pet carrier and submitting the required documentation.

Emotional Support Animals are treated as pets, therefore they are subject to fees that can range from EUR 35 / USD 36 for domestic flights to EUR 175 / USD 181 for international journeys if they are in the cabin. For pets transported in the hold, fees can be between EUR 90 / USD 93 for domestic flights and EUR 350 / USD 361 for international ones.

Additionally, they must conform to the airline's size and breed limitations, which vary depending on whether the animal is in the cabin or in cargo.

If you rely on an Emotional Support Animal but would benefit from them performing specific tasks for you, you might consult a health professional regarding the possibility of training your animal as a psychiatric service dog. This will not only help ensure your dog is properly trained to do specific work for you but would enable you to travel with them as a service dog and not pet.

Traveling with Pets/ESAs on Air Europa- General Guidelines

Pets are required to be accompanied either by their owners or authorized representatives. Passengers are advised to arrive at the departure airport early enough to complete the required procedures.

Pet owners must be aware of the regulations and possess all the necessary documentation to travel with their pets. Pets who do not adhere to the airline’s policy or local regulations in the countries of departure and arrival may be denied boarding.

Air Europa has the right to refuse to transport your pet if you do not adhere to the regulations set by the airline or the requirements of the departure and/or destination countries.

The airline will not cover any costs that may result from a refusal of departure or entry into the country.

How Many Pets/ESAs Can You Travel With?

Passengers are allowed to travel with a maximum of five pets (hosted between the cabin and the hold).

Passengers who intend to travel with more than five pets need to contact the airline’s cargo department at 934 90 40 38 for further assistance.

Flying with Pets/ESAs in the Cabin

The airline differentiates between its policy for flying with pets/ESAs, based on the duration of the flight.

On short/medium-haul flights, Air Europa accepts only cats and dogs. However, there is an exception for flying Business class operated by Boeing 787 where pet carriers do not fit the leg space in front of the passenger’s seat.

On long haul flights such as between Spain and Brazil, dogs and cats will be accepted in the cabin, except in Business class. Animals are not allowed in Business class cabins. 

Pet Carriers- Requirements

Dimensions

The size of the pet carriers must not exceed the following dimensions: 40cm L x 30cm H x 30cm W.

Design

Pet carriers must be made of a soft, flexible material and be well ventilated. The traveling pet must feel comfortable and have enough space to sit, stand up, turn around while standing up and lie comfortably. 

Maximum Weight

Pets must weigh no more than 8 kg. The total weight of the pet and the carrier must not exceed 10 kg.

Location of the Carrier in the Cabin   

•  Pets in the cabin cannot be transported in an emergency or XL seat.

•  Pets in the cabin will be subject to an additional fee, depending on the destination.

•  Companion animals (dogs and cats) must have all necessary vaccinations.

•  Pets must be at least 3 months old to fly.

•  This is a non-refundable service.

•  Prices may be subject to additional tax surcharges in some countries.

•  For private inquiries, passenger need to reach out to the airline’s customer service team.

•  Hard plastic carriers are not permitted.

Maximum Number of Animals Per Container

The maximum number of animals permitted in the same container is three, provided they are of the same species, and the dimensions/weight limits set by the airline are not exceeded.

Fees for Traveling with Pets in the Cabin

Domestic Spain and Balearic Islands

EUR 35

USD 36

GBP 30

CHF 35

Canary Islands, Europe, Africa and Intra-America

EUR 50

USD 52

GBP 43

CHF 49

Long-Haul (Miami, Santo Domingo, New York, Punta Cana, San José)

EUR 150

USD 155

GBP 130

CHF 148

Long-Haul (Other Routes)

EUR 175

USD 181

GBP 152

CHF 173

Breed Restrictions for Flying with Pets/ ESAs in the Cabin

Transporting specific short-muzzled breeds, known as brachycephalic breeds, can significantly increase the risk of respiratory issues and overheating due to the stress of flying.

As a result, the airline permits these animals to travel as companion pets in the cabin only if they weigh no more than 10 kg, including their carrier.

Please note that this rule applies not only to certain dog breeds but also to specific cat breeds. These include:

Dogs:

Affenpinscher, American Bully, Boston Terrier, Boxer (all breeds), Bulldog (all breeds), Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Pug (all breeds), Chin / Japanese Spaniel Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, Griffon Bruxellois, Lhasa Apso, English Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pekingese, Pitbull, Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire bull terrier, English Toy Spaniel and Cocker.

Cats:

Burmese, Burmese Shorthair, Exotic Cat, Himalayan and Persian.

Potentially Dangerous Dog Breeds

The following breeds are considered potentially dangerous:

Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu.

Dogs viewed as potentially dangerous must wear a muzzle suitable for the breed type so it prevents them from potentially causing damage to their crates from harming unfamiliar people who need to handle them.

Air Europa allows these dogs only if they are in custom-made, reinforced crates of high quality.

Additionally, a dog may be considered potentially dangerous, even if they do not belong to any of the breeds listed above but display most of specific characteristics listed by the airline.

You can read more about the airline’s requirements for potentially dangerous dogs on the airline’s website.

Flying with Pets In The Hold- Guidelines

• The airline permits only cats and dogs. To transport other animals in the cargo hold, passengers need to contact the Air Europa Cargo at 934 90 40 38.

• All pets (cats and dogs) must be up-to-date with all the necessary vaccinations.

• Pets must be at least at the age of 3 months to be accepted.

• Pets are required to fly in approved and well-ventilated containers. Each pet should have sufficient space to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around comfortably.

• A maximum of two animals of similar size and under 14 kg can share the same container, provided they are accustomed to being together. If they are from the same litter and no older than 6 months old, the limit increases to three.

• For cases where the weight exceeds the limit, passengers need to contact the airline’s Cargo Department at 934 90 40 38.

• Pets travel in the hold for an additional fee, depending on the destination and specific requirements.

• Pets must be transported in solid carriers with metal doors, compliant with International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. Containers made of wire mesh or welded mesh are not allowed.

• Dogs considered potentially dangerous must wear a breed-appropriate muzzle to prevent damage to the container or injury to individuals handling the dog during transportation. These canines will only be accepted in high-quality, reinforced, custom-made containers.

• The service is non-refundable.

• Prices may be subject to additional tax surcharges in some countries.

Flying with Pets In The Hold on Connecting Flights From Non-EU Countries

For Air Europa flights, the connecting airport has to be Madrid, as it is the first location in Spain with a Border Inspection Post (BIP).

A minimum connection time of 3 hours is required since, at the first entry point into an EU country, passengers need to retrieve their pets, go through customs for document verification, and return for check-in.

For example, on a flight from Bogotá to Milan Malpensa via Madrid, you will need to follow the outlined procedures in Madrid.

Important Note: Pets will not be allowed on flights from June 15 to September 15, inclusive, if the connection in Madrid occurs between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. This regulation aims to ensure traveling animals’ safety due to high temperatures.

Customers who have a minimum connection time of 3 hours in Madrid, may be allowed to pick up the pet, assist them, and check them in again.

The maximum combined weight of the pet and carrier is 50 kg.

Fees for Traveling with Pets in the Hold

Mainland Spain Balearic Islands, Balearic and Canary interisland

EUR 90

USD 93

GBP 78

CHF 89

Canary Islands, Europe, Africa and intraamerica

EUR 150

USD 155

GBP 130

CHF 148

Long-Haul (Miami/ Santo Domingo/New York/ Punta Cana/ San Jose)

EUR 300

USD 310

GBP 261

CHF 296

Long-Haul (Rest of Long-Haul Routes)

EUR 350

USD 361

GBP 304

CHF 345

Flying with Pets/ESAs to the US

Air Europa points out that passengers flying with pets to the US, need to follow the new CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) regulations. These came into effect on Aug 1^st, 2024.

Please note that these regulations apply to all types of dogs, whether pets/ESAs or service dogs.

Additionally, passengers are required to complete the CDC importation form beforehand. The airline advises passengers flying with their dogs to print or save the receipt they receive via email, as this will be required at the check-in counter and at the destination country.

It is important to note that each pet requires a separate form.

Destination-Specific Requirements for Flying with Pets/ESAs

Flying Within Spanish Territory

A veterinary passport is not mandatory. However, travelers are required to carry the Official Health Card or a Health Certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within 10 days before departure, for both outbound and return trips.

As for vaccinations, only rabies vaccination is required. However, this may be optional in some autonomous regions.

Flying to Spain from an EU Member

To bring a dog or cat into Spain, the following requirements must be met:

• The pet must have an identification microchip or a tattoo (if done before July 3, 2011) that remains readable.

• The pet must have a valid rabies vaccination, recorded in the passport.

• A European passport for the travel of companion animals is required. The passport must feature the following information: "Owner", "Animal Description", "Tagging", "Passport Issue", and "Rabies Vaccination".

Flying from Spain to an EU Member 

Pets must have a passport that confirms:

• Identification through an electronic identification system (transponder) or a tattoo applied before July 3, 2011, which is clearly readable. It alpha numeric code must match the one in the passport.

• Valid rabies vaccination or revaccination. When traveling with a dog to Ireland, Finland, Norway, or Malta, an additional requirement is treatment against Echinococcus between 120 and 24 hours before entry.

• Pets, flying to / from the UK, must be transported via Air Europa Cargo.

Flying to Non-EU Countries

Passengers flying with their pets/ESAs to countries outside the EU, have to verify the requirements with the destination country's Embassy or Consulate. Alternatively, they may visit the relevant Ministry's website.

The airline allows only pets at the minimum age of 3 months.

Service Animals on Air Europa- Definition

A service animal is defined as a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to perform tasks or work for the benefit of an individual with a disability or a similar medical condition.

Only dogs can be considered service animals. Other species, as well as emotional support animals, comfort animals, companionship animals, and service animals in training, are not classified as service animals. They are subject to the airline's pet policy, and applicable fees will apply.

Types of Service Animals Recognized by Air Europa

The airline recognizes the following types of service animals, provided that documentation verifying their status is submitted, and proves the necessity of their presence onboard.   

• Guide dogs: dogs specifically trained to guide a blind or visually impaired individual.
• Signal dogs: dogs trained to help a deaf or hearing-impaired individual by indicating the presence of specific sounds and their origin.
• Medical assistance dogs: dogs trained to alleviate various health conditions, such as diabetes, epilepsy, or other medical conditions that may result in loss of consciousness.
• Service dogs that support individuals with physical disabilities or autism spectrum disorder.
• Search and rescue dogs: fully trained dogs that locate missing individuals following a disaster, joining rescue teams, outfitted with suitable harnesses, and traveling without taking up a seat.

Book a Flight with a Service Animal

To bring a service dog on board, passengers need to contact the airline’s Customer Service at least 48 hours prior to departure. This is necessary to ensure that all steps are completed to confirm that everything is in order for traveling with a service animal.

Service Animals- Seating Arrangements

• Service animals are allowed to travel on their handlers’ lap or within their foot space.
• If the dog is in a carrier, it must fit under the seat in front of the handler with the animal in it.
• For safety reasons, service animals may not be seated in an exit row. They are not allowed to violate another passenger's space nor roam freely around the cabin.
• Service animals who are too large or too heavy to be safely accommodated in the cabin, may need to be  rebooked on another flight, or transported as checked pets. If they are search and rescue dogs, they must be transported in the hold.

Do Service Animals Fly for Free?

Yes, service animals are considered medical equipment and not pets and fly at no additional cost.

Requirements for Dogs to Qualify as Service Animals on Air Europe?

To be recognized as service animals by Air Europa, dogs must have supporting documentation, such as:

• The dog must be trained to assist with a disability or medical condition by performing specific tasks;

• The dog must be evaluated as suitable for service dog work by an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI)  or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF);  Alternatively, they may be certified as a guide dog by ONCE (Spanish National Organization of the Blind). The handler is required to provide proof of the membership of the body that trained the animal.

• The dog must have undergone behavioral training and exhibit  appropriate behavior both in public and onboard. The service dog handler must present proof of such training.

• The dog must be outfitted with an identifying harness or similar type of training gear, which helps ensure the dog is secured on board.

• Animals under 6 months of age may not travel as service animals.

• Service dogs must  appear clean and well-mannered.

• Service dogs / guide dogs who do not meet any of the requirements above may not be accepted.

A service animal will be finally approved for travel at the airport once it is verified they can safely fit in the passenger cabin.

What Is the Maximum Number of Service Animals per Person?

The maximum number is limited to one service animal unless other limit has been set by specific regulations.

Service Dog Documents

All documents as proof of the compliance with the customs and health requirements of the countries of transit and destination have to be presented before boarding.

If evidence is not provided, the dog transportation will proceed according to the airline’s pet policy.

Service Dog Documentation for Flying to/from the US

The following documents are required for flights to/from the US:

• A completed U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form for validation before departure featuring information about the dog’s health, training, and behavior.

• A completed U.S. DOT Relief Attestation Form (for flights of 8 hours or more). It verifies that the dog will not relieve themselves at the airport or on the aircraft, or that the dog can relieve themselves in a sanitary manner that does not create a health or sanitary problem on the flight.

Flying with Service Animals to/from the UK

The following requirements must be met:

•  Advance arrangements need to be coordinated with DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

•  The animal reception center in the UK must confirm and authorize the animal's qualification under the UK Government's Pet Travel Scheme at least 72 hours prior to the flight. A pre-approval letter must be shown before boarding.

How To Get a Service Dog?

You have the following several options to get a service dog:

Obtaining a Fully Trained Service Dog

There are organizations that focus on training service dogs, and matching them with individuals with health conditions. The process usually takes around 2 years and covers areas such as puppy training, basic obedience, task-specific skills and public access. 

The apparent benefit of getting a trained service dog is that the dog has been pre-evaluated, house-trained, and properly trained in specific tasks ad good manners in public.

However, acquiring a trained service dog through a for-profit organization can be prohibitively expensive and cost up to $30,000 and $40,000.

If you opt for a non-profit organization, you will likely need to cover the application fee only. However, you may be put on a waiting list, which may last from one year to several years.

Training Your Dog with an Organization or Trainer

A more affordable option is to have your dog trained by a school or trainer. However, it still can be costly. Costs usually vary based on the program's length, location, and reputation, typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,000.

This option allows for personal involvement through group or individual classes but may come with disadvantages such as limited attention in group settings and a fixed training schedule.

Owner/Self-Training a Dog as a Service Animal

This choice has become very popular among dog owners who need their paw friends’ assistance, as it is flexible and cost-effective. Additionally, it allows you to bond with your dog.

Structured, comprehensive, and easy-to-follow training programs that offer full tutor support can be a valuable resource in your training journey.

However, you should remember that the process requires time, effort, and patience. If you’re committed and persistent, and your paw friend is healthy and has the right temperament for the job, training might succeed!

How to Train Your Dog as a Service Dog Through Service Dog Training School International?

If you think you will benefit from the assistance of your paw friend as your Service Animal, you might consider enrolling in the program that best suits your needs.

Our service dog courses include various tasks that can benefit you in your daily life including basic and extended obedience, specific service dog tasks based on the course and good manners in public.

Examples of specific service dog tasks are:

-Retrieving items, opening/closing doors, standing up on two feet, pushing a cart, barking on command, alerting to sounds, and allergen detection;

-Deep Pressure Therapy, tactile stimulation (i.e. nose-nudging at you, giving a kiss), preventing emotional overload, crowd control, interrupting repetitive behaviors, finding an exit and guiding you to a safe place, alerting to anxiety, reminding you to take medication, and retrieving items.

-Scent training to help the dog recognize and alert to their owner’s specific scent during a medical episode (diabetes, seizures, cardiac issues, etc.).

To feel comfortable during training, you will be able to contact an assigned tutor and a team of trainers for guidance.

After the completion of our training, you will receive a certificate and your dog will be registered with the school.

Documentation as proof of training can always come in handy when visiting public places or traveling with your service dog!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there are specific requirements that brachycephalic dogs and cats have to meet to be accepted in the cabin?

They must be under 8 kg (including the carrier) to be allowed in the cabin. Brachycephalic dogs and cats that exce