Yes. Several airlines serving Tirana accept small pets in the cabin, usually up to about 8 kg including the carrier, among them Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Austrian, Pegasus, and ITA Airways. Budget carriers like Wizz Air, Ryanair, and easyJet do not allow cabin pets, and British Airways is cargo only.
Tirana's Mother Teresa International Airport (TIA) connects to many European hubs, but pet policies vary a lot between carriers. If your dog or cat is small enough to travel in the cabin, you have several good options. Here is who allows what.
Airlines serving Tirana: pet policy at a glance
| Airline | Cabin pets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Turkish Airlines | Yes | Via Istanbul. Confirm carrier dimensions, they can be stricter than most |
| Lufthansa | Yes | Frankfurt and Munich routes, soft-sided carrier under the seat |
| Austrian Airlines | Yes | Vienna route |
| Pegasus Airlines | Yes | Istanbul (SAW) to Tirana, verify current policy |
| ITA Airways | Yes | Rome and Milan routes, up to about 10 kg |
| Wizz Air | No | Registered assistance dogs only |
| Ryanair | No | No cabin pets on standard routes |
| easyJet | No | No pets on any route |
| British Airways | Cargo | Pets via BA cargo only, not cabin |
Policies change frequently. Always confirm directly with the airline before booking.
The cabin rules in plain terms
- The combined weight of your pet plus carrier usually must not exceed about 8 kg (10 kg on ITA).
- The carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you.
- Cabin spaces are limited, often one or two per flight.
- Larger dogs travel in the temperature-controlled hold or via cargo, depending on the airline.
How to book your pet's spot
Because cabin pet spaces are so limited, book yours the moment your own ticket is confirmed. Call the airline, reserve the space, and get written confirmation. A verbal yes is not enough, especially on busy summer routes to Tirana.
Frequently asked
What documents do I need for the flight?
The same as for entry: microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and an endorsed health certificate. The airline checks these at check-in, and veterinary inspectors check them on arrival in Tirana.
Can my large dog fly to Albania at all?
Yes, in the hold or via cargo depending on the airline. Confirm crate requirements and book well ahead, as hold and cargo space is also limited.
Is it cheaper to take the ferry with a bigger dog?
Often, yes. Many owners of larger dogs drive into Albania or take the ferry from Italy to Durrës, which can be less stressful for the animal than cargo.
Get the complete 2026 guide
Every requirement, airline, vet, and checklist in one downloadable PDF.
📋 Get the GuideThis article is general information, not veterinary, legal, or airline advice. Airline pet policies, fees, and carrier limits change frequently and without notice. Always confirm current requirements directly with your airline before booking.