Norwegian Air Shuttle Pet Policy for Dogs
Flying with your dog on Norwegian? Here are the current cabin and cargo rules, fees, crate limits, and booking steps dog owners should know.
Norwegian Air Shuttle Pet Policy Overview
Norwegian allows dogs in the cabin and cargo hold on many Schengen and EU routes, with route-specific restrictions and limited pet spots per flight.
Norwegian accepts small dogs in the cabin if the dog stays inside an approved carrier under the seat for the whole trip. Dogs that do not meet cabin limits may travel in the cargo hold on eligible routes. Norwegian says pet space is limited, recommends booking early, and notes that pets booked through a travel agency may need to be paid for at the airport at the higher airport rate. For cargo travel, the dog must be able to stand, turn around, and lie naturally in the kennel, and the crate must be leak-proof, escape-proof, ventilated on all four sides, and fitted with an accessible water container.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
How to Book Your Dog on Norwegian Air Shuttle
- Check that your route is eligible before you buy. Norwegian allows dogs in the cabin on many flights within Schengen and/or the EU, excluding Iceland, with dogs only on Madeira routes and dogs only on Svalbard routes. Cargo travel is allowed on flights within Schengen and/or the EU, excluding Ireland and Iceland, plus dogs to and from Svalbard. 2. Decide whether your dog qualifies for cabin travel. For the cabin, the carrier must be no larger than 43 x 31 x 20 cm, or compress to those dimensions if soft-sided, and the combined weight of dog and carrier cannot exceed 8 kg. 3. Book early because Norwegian limits pet capacity and accepts only two pets in the cabin per flight. You can add a pet while booking online, call the Contact Centre, or add a pet later online using your booking reference and surname if space remains. 4. Choose the right carrier or crate. Cabin dogs must stay inside a leak-proof pet carrier for the entire trip. Cargo dogs need a kennel that lets them stand, turn around, and lie naturally, with a maximum size of 125 x 81 x 86 cm and ventilation on all four sides. 5. Prepare documents. Norwegian requires the necessary travel paperwork, including vaccination documents, and says international certificates must be in English. Check destination entry rules yourself before travel. 6. If your dog is brachycephalic or snub-nosed, be ready to sign Norwegian’s release form at check-in acknowledging the added risks of air travel. 7. Arrive early at the airport. Norwegian requires travelers with pets to complete check-in at least one hour before departure, and its airport check-in guidance specifically says passengers traveling with pets must use the check-in counter. 8. If you booked through a travel agency, confirm whether pet pre-booking is available. Norwegian notes that some agency bookings cannot add optional services online, in which case you may need to pay at the airport and the higher airport fee will apply.
Norwegian Air Shuttle vs Other Airlines
| Feature | Norwegian Air Shuttle | SAS | Lufthansa |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | USD 65–80 online; USD 83–95 airport | USD 60 domestic; USD 80 Scandinavia/Europe/Middle East; USD 105 Asia/Canada/USA | USD 50 within Germany; USD 70 within Europe/third countries; USD 100 intercontinental |
| Cargo Fee | USD 150–180 online; USD 170–200 airport | USD 100 domestic; higher route-based fees apply for longer sectors | USD 100/150/200 for medium hold crate depending on route; USD 200/300/400 for large hold crate depending on route |
| Weight Limit | 8 kg total in cabin | 8 kg total in cabin | 8 kg max in cabin |
| Carrier Size | 43 x 31 x 20 cm | 40 x 25 x 23 cm | Varies by route and aircraft; official fee page lists cabin by weight, not dimensions |
| Breeds Restricted | Snub-nosed dogs require signed release form | Route and eligibility rules apply; no single snub-nosed ban stated on cited cabin page | Snub-nosed/fighting dog rules apply on Lufthansa animal travel pages |
| Booking Method | Online during booking, add later online, or call Contact Centre | Request in My Trips within 24 hours after booking or contact customer service | Register pet in cabin or hold with Lufthansa before departure; availability checked by airline |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog fly in the cabin on Norwegian Air Shuttle?
Yes, small dogs can fly in the cabin on eligible Norwegian routes if they stay inside an approved carrier under the seat and the combined weight of the dog and carrier does not exceed 8 kg.
How much does Norwegian charge for a dog in the cabin?
Norwegian lists cabin pet fees at USD 65–80 when booked online and USD 83–95 when paid at the airport, per animal and each way.
How much does Norwegian charge for a dog in cargo?
Norwegian lists cargo pet fees at USD 150–180 online and USD 170–200 at the airport, per animal and each way.
What size carrier can I use for my dog in the cabin?
The in-cabin carrier must be no larger than 43 x 31 x 20 cm. If it is soft-sided, it can be slightly flexible as long as it compresses to those dimensions.
Does Norwegian allow snub-nosed dogs?
Yes, but Norwegian warns of higher risk for brachycephalic or snub-nosed breeds and says you will be asked to sign a release form at check-in acknowledging those risks.
How do I add my dog after I already booked my flight?
Norwegian says you can add a pet to an existing booking online if space is available by using your booking reference and surname. You can also contact the airline’s Contact Centre.
How early should I arrive at the airport with my dog?
Norwegian says travelers with pets must have completed check-in at least one hour before departure, and its airport check-in page directs passengers with pets to the check-in counter.