8 kg (cabin, dog + carrier combined)
Airline dog policy
Iberia
Iberia, Spain's flag carrier, allows dogs in the cabin on most domestic and European routes, making it one of the more accessible options for pet travel within the EU and to Latin America. The airline is based at Madrid Barajas (MAD) and offers excellent connectivity to Spanish-speaking Latin American countries — a major advantage for dog owners relocating between Europe and South America. Dogs over 8 kg travel in the hold as checked baggage.
Book early and confirm aircraft acceptance.
Under-seat dimensions can vary by aircraft.
Fees can change by region and currency.
Booking tip
Iberia's cabin carrier dimensions (45×35×25 cm) are more generous than many competitors, giving your dog extra space. The fee structure is lower than most European carriers, with domestic Spanish flights costing as little as €50 one-way. Book your pet through Iberia's call centre or at the airport — online pet booking is not available on all routes. The airline requires a health certificate and rabies vaccination, plus an EU Pet Passport for intra-EU travel.
Why it can work
Iberia is excellent for Latin American routes. The airline connects Madrid to most major Latin American cities including Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Mexico City, Bogotá, Lima, and Santiago. For dog owners moving between Spain and Latin America, Iberia is often the most convenient carrier. Spain's pet-friendly culture extends to the airline itself — staff are generally experienced and accommodating with pet passengers. Iberia Express (the low-cost subsidiary) also accepts cabin pets on domestic routes.
Restrictions
Brachycephalic breeds are restricted from hold travel during summer months (June–September). Pets are not accepted in the cabin on flights to the UK or any destination requiring cargo-only import. Maximum one carrier per passenger. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old. The carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated.
Dog-owner notes
Iberia is part of the IAG group (with British Airways) and codeshare flights may operate under different pet policies. Always verify the operating carrier. For travel between Spain and the UK, your dog will need to fly as cargo via IAG Cargo — Iberia's cabin pet option does not apply for UK arrivals. Iberia's customer service for pet travel can be reached at +34 901 111 500.
Final check before paying
Confirm the exact aircraft, route, dog breed, carrier size, temperature rules and destination import law directly with the airline. A country can allow dogs while a specific airline or aircraft refuses them.