Traveling with a dog in Europe often involves a mix of excitement and logistics, especially when finding airlines that allow pets in the cabin. Recently, I flew with my dog Daisy, a sociable Shih Tzu, on Aegean Airlines from Dublin to Athens. Here’s a detailed review of the experience, covering everything from booking to landing, to help other pet parents make informed choices.

Why I Chose Aegean Airlines

The primary reason for choosing Aegean Airlines was the convenience of a direct flight from Dublin to Athens. While I hold status with Lufthansa and other airline groups, they often require connecting flights, which isn’t ideal when traveling with a dog. Direct flights reduce stress for both pet and owner, and Aegean provided this option. Although I’m a fan of KLM and Air France for their excellent pet travel policies, their routes required layovers, making Aegean the clear winner for this trip to Greece.

Booking Process

Booking Daisy’s ticket with Aegean was seamless. Unlike some airlines that require you to book your flight first and then call to add your pet, Aegean allows you to book your pet directly through their website or app. This streamlined process earned them high marks in my book. The fee for bringing Daisy in the cabin was €65, which is quite reasonable compared to other airlines.

For travelers booking from within Greece, I’ve learned that Aegean also offers in-person booking options that might even be cheaper. However, for convenience and simplicity, their online platform is excellent.

Aegean’s Pet Policy

Aegean Airlines has specific requirements for pets traveling in the cabin:

• The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 8kg.
• The pet must travel in an airline-approved bag.

At check-in, Daisy’s carrier was weighed to ensure compliance. She came in at 7.9kg, just under the limit, thanks to some strategic packing. For pet owners, a tip is to remove any unnecessary interior linings from the carrier to save on weight.

For entry into Greece, only Daisy’s passport and proof of a rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days prior) were required. This straightforward policy made traveling stress-free.

Pre-Flight Experience at Dublin Airport

Flying business class with Daisy always makes the process smoother. At Dublin Airport, the business class check-in line was short, and we were processed quickly. The staff asked for a form to be filled out, but it turned out to be more for their records than mine. I simply had to sign and date it, confirming that Daisy met the travel requirements.

One minor hiccup was a snarky comment about my luggage weight. As a business class passenger, I’m allowed up to 32kg, but the staff initially questioned whether I had paid for the extra weight despite my bag being under the limit. This was the only negative aspect of the check-in process.

Unfortunately, Dublin Airport’s Terminal 1 does not have dedicated pet relief areas, but Daisy is trained to use potty pads, so this wasn’t a major issue for us. If you’re traveling with a pet who requires outdoor relief, plan accordingly.

In-Flight Experience

Aegean Airlines delivered a smooth and pleasant in-flight experience for both me and Daisy. Here are the highlights:

• Cabin Comfort: We flew business class, which in Europe means the middle seat is left empty. This setup gave us extra space, and Daisy’s carrier fit comfortably under the seat.
• Environment: The cabin temperature was perfect, and Daisy was calm throughout the 3.5-hour flight, thanks to a dose of Sileo, a medication that helps reduce her travel anxiety.
• Interaction with Crew and Passengers: The crew was professional and didn’t overemphasize pet-related rules, which can sometimes feel intimidating. Fellow passengers were delighted to meet Daisy, especially after landing when she received plenty of hugs and attention.

Arrival in Athens

Upon arrival in Athens, the business class passengers were transported via a dedicated bus, which added an extra touch of convenience. Passport control was quick and efficient with no additional checks for Daisy. The entire process was stress-free, and Daisy’s relaxed demeanor made it clear she enjoyed the journey.

Tips for Traveling with a Dog on Aegean Airlines

1. Book Directly Online: Save time by booking your pet’s ticket through Aegean’s app or website.
2. Pack Smart: Use lightweight carriers and minimize the contents to stay within the weight limit.
3. Prepare Documentation: Ensure your dog’s passport and vaccination records are up to date.
4. Use Potty Pads: For airports without pet relief areas, potty pads are a lifesaver.
5. Fly Business Class: If budget allows, business class provides extra space and a smoother boarding process.

Final Thoughts

Flying with Aegean Airlines was an excellent experience for me and Daisy. From the ease of booking to the smooth in-flight and arrival processes, the airline exceeded my expectations. While there were minor drawbacks, such as the lack of pet relief areas at Dublin Airport, the overall journey was stress-free and enjoyable.

For pet parents looking to travel within Europe, Aegean Airlines is a top choice, especially for direct flights. Their pet-friendly policies and professional staff make it a standout option. Daisy and I will definitely be flying with Aegean again on our next adventure!