The most pet friendly airlines

Guide and rescue dogs can travel free in the cabin regardless of size

MADRID -- There are some 16.1 million pets in Spanish homes, about 50% of them all but less than other countries. Nevertheless, pet ownership is on the increase (you wouldn't believe it with the amount of stray cats and dogs about), so the tourism industry has had to adapt to the circumstances. So the flight-booking website eDreams.es has rated the pet-friendliest among the top ten airlines. The top three happen to be Spanish, while EasyJet and RyanAir do not allow pets at all, except for guide and rescue dogs. See for yourself:

1. Air Europa: the range of animals allowed is the largest and includes rodents and fish. The transport cage is also the largest (55x35x25 cms) and maximum weight is 8 kilos. Reservations can be made online or by phone up to 48 hours before flight time. Price: €25 to €160
2. Vueling: animals as above except for rodents. Max cage size: 50x40x23 cms. Max weight: 8 kg. Price: €25 - 40.
3. Iberia: Only dogs, cats tortoises and birds. Max cage size: 45x35x25. Max weight: 8 kg. Price: €25-250 paid on reservation.
4. Swissair: Only cats and dogs. Max cage size: 118 cms total. Max weight: 8 kg. Telephone reservations only.
5. Lufthansa: Only cats and dogs. Max cage size: 55x40x23. Max weight: 8 kg. Price: Reservations online or by phone 24 hours before flight time.
6. AirBerlin: Cats, dogs and rodents. Max cage size: 55x40x20. Max weight: 8 kg. Price: €75 - 200. Reservations online or telephone up to 48 hours before flight time.
7. Air France: Only cats and dogs. Max cage size: no restrictions. Max weight: 8 kg. Price: €75 - 200. Reservations by telephone.
8. British Airways: Only cats and dogs. Price and conditions vary according to demand. Reservations online or by phone at time of ticket purchase.