Real experience from 10+ flights: Why direct flights make all the difference
If you’re researching flying with dogs with Aegean Airlines, let me share the honest truth. I’m Daisy, a 5.5kg Shih Tzu who’s flown Aegean 10+ times, and despite one terrible ground handling incident, I still give them 4.2 out of 5 stars. Here’s why Aegean remains one of my top choices for European pet travel.
Bottom line upfront: Aegean Airlines nails the fundamentals of pet travel. Direct flights, reasonable fees, smooth booking, and genuinely pet-friendly policies. One bad apple ground handler doesn’t change the fact that this airline consistently delivers excellent experiences.
Let me break down exactly what it’s like flying with dogs on Aegean Airlines so you can make an informed decision for your furry co-pilot.
My Background: The Direct Flight Devotee
I’m a sociable Shih Tzu who’s been flying since I was tiny. While I have great experiences with KLM and Air France, there’s one thing that trumps everything: direct flights. Within Europe, it’s rare to find direct routes when traveling with dogs, so when Aegean offers Dublin to Athens nonstop? That’s pure gold.
Why direct flights matter: Less stress for both pet and human, no connection anxiety, no multiple security screenings, and you’re not at the mercy of tight layover timing. When Aegean offers direct routes, I’ll choose them over connecting flights only if the flight time is realistic and not red-eye or early morning flights. Otherwise, cue my fav KLM!
Aegean Airlines Pet Booking: Refreshingly Simple
How to book pets on Aegean flights: This is where Aegean really shines. Unlike airlines that make you book first then call to add pets, Aegean lets you book everything together through their website or app. It’s seamless and stress-free – update in 2025 I have had to call the call center to add Daisy to the flight which was very simple, but the app showed no availability, yet there was.
What I love about their system:
- Add pets during initial booking process
- No separate phone calls required
- Immediate confirmation
- €35-65 fee for cabin pets (very reasonable)
Interesting local tip: If you’re booking from within Greece, Aegean apparently offers in-person booking that can be cheaper as told to me by a fellow passenger. But honestly, their online system is so good, why complicate things?
Aegean Pet Policy: Straightforward and Fair
Current Aegean pet requirements 2025:
- Weight limit: 8kg combined pet and carrier
- Documentation: Pet passport with rabies vaccination (21+ days old)
- Carrier: Must be airline-approved (view dimensions here)
- Greece entry: Just a passport and rabies – super simple. No airport checks for pets when you land that we have experienced.
Pro weight-saving tip: Most carriers have removable interior linings that can save precious grams. At 5.5kg, with my bag, I hit 6.5kg with my toys and treats, I’ll be around 7.5kg – just under the limit.
Dublin Airport Experience: Business Class Perks
Check-in process: Flying business class with Aegean at Dublin is smooth. Short business class lines, quick processing, and professional staff. They’ll have you fill out a simple form (mostly for their records), and you’re done.
Business class advantages:
- Shorter check-in lines
- 32kg baggage allowance (perfect for pet supplies)
- Priority boarding (though I still board last)
- Extra cabin space
Dublin Airport pet facilities: Terminal 1 doesn’t have dedicated pet relief areas, but I’m potty pad trained so this isn’t an issue. Pro tip for other dogs: plan accordingly if outdoor relief is needed. There is a grass area outside of arrivals in both terminal 1 & 2.
The Flight Experience: Why I Keep Coming Back
Cabin comfort in European business: The middle seat stays empty, giving excellent space for maneuvering. I fit perfectly under the middle seat, and my human has room to breathe.
What makes Aegean special:
- Temperature control: Always perfect
- Crew attitude: Professional without being fussy about pet rules
- Fellow passengers: Greeks love dogs! Always friendly reactions
- Flight duration: 3.5- 4 hours Dublin to Athens is just aboutmanageable
My pre-flight routine: I get my Sileo (anxiety gel) 10-15 minutes before boarding. It’s not sedation – just stops anxiety signals from reaching my brain. Makes all the difference for a naturally energetic pup like me.
Athens Arrival: VIP Treatment
Business class perks continue: Dedicated business class bus from plane to terminal with maybe 10 other passengers max. I had the time of my life meeting everyone!
Passport control: Quick and efficient. No additional pet inspections or complications. European passport holders breeze through the machines.
Fellow passenger feedback: I’ve met other pet travelers on Aegean who rave about their cargo service for larger dogs. Consistently hear it’s the least stressful airline for their pets.
The One Negative: Gate Reality Check
Full transparency: I’ve had one terrible experience with ground staff in Dublin (not Aegean employees, but their representatives). A power-tripping handler tried to deny boarding despite me clearly meeting all requirements, claiming I was “too big” for my carrier while I was literally playing inside it. Mom was told 3 times at the gate that I was not allowed, and they instructed the other staff to close the gate. While they were shocked about what was happening, it was their help that got us on the flight. The stress one person can cause because they are on a power trip, considering it was the supervisor, or had a bad day, as it was midnight. A nightmare experience, we will opt out of going forward. I may write a separate piece on the incident.
Why this doesn’t change my rating:
- It was one person out of 10+ flights
- Other airport staff immediately recognized the absurdity
- Airport manager overruled the decision
- Aegean’s corporate response was professional and human
- This is an industry-wide ground issue after posting on social media. One person told me that they were allowed to travel one way and not allowed to return based on the check-in agent.
The lesson: Individual ground staff can create problems at any airline. What matters is how the airline responds and their overall policies – both excellent with Aegean.
Aegean vs Other European Airlines for Pets
What sets Aegean apart:
- ✅ Direct flights to unique destinations
- ✅ Seamless online pet booking
- ✅ Reasonable €65 cabin fee
- ✅ Clear, consistent policies
- ✅ Professional crew attitude
- ✅ European business class space
- ✅ Strong corporate customer service
Honest comparison: I will choose not to fly with Aegan via Dublin Airport. I haven’t had feedback from the airline that the staff member was out of line, and that I can easily fly with them again. While they are good, not receiving a response giving reassurance that the policy implementation was out of line.
My Aegean Airlines Ratings Breakdown
Based on 10+ flights, here’s my honest assessment:
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Booking & Check-In | ★★★★★ | Seamless online process, reasonable fees |
| Direct Route Options | ★★★★★ | Excellent European coverage |
| Airport Experience | ★★★★☆ | Generally smooth, one bad ground handler |
| Cabin Comfort | ★★★★☆ | Great business space, good temperature |
| Crew & Service | ★★★★☆ | Professional, not overly fussy |
| Pet Policy Clarity | ★★★★★ | Clear requirements, fair limits |
| Value for Money | ★★★★☆ | €65 is reasonable for quality service |
Overall Score: 4.2/5 stars
Expert Tips for Flying Aegean with Dogs
Booking strategy:
- Choose direct flights when available
- Book business class for European routes – the space is worth it
- Online booking if the system is working, call if you see no space for your dog
Pre-flight preparation:
- Weigh everything at home – use that interior lining trick
- Sileo gel 10-15 minutes before boarding (game changer)
- Potty pads for the Airport
Day of travel:
- Business class check-in is quick and professional
- Board last to minimize time confined
- Walk 60-90 minutes before leaving for the airport
Frequently Asked Questions: Aegean Pet Travel
Q: How much does Aegean charge for pets in 2025? A: €65 for cabin pets – very reasonable compared to other European airlines.
Q: Can I book my dog online with Aegean? A: Sometimes! One of the best features – add pets during initial booking, but a phone call may be needed.
Q: What’s Aegean’s pet weight limit? A: 8kg combined pet and carrier weight – standard for European airlines.
Q: How is Aegean’s customer service for pet issues? A: Excellent. They respond professionally and treat you like a human, not a complaint number.
Why Aegean Remains a Top Choice
The reality: One bad ground staff experience doesn’t erase 10+ excellent flights. Aegean’s policies are clear, their staff is professional, and their direct routes are invaluable for pet travel.
What they do right:
- Consistent policy enforcement (when not dealing with rogue ground staff)
- Reasonable pricing structure
- Direct routes that eliminate connection stress
- Professional corporate response to issues
- Clear, straightforward requirements
The bottom line: While no airline is perfect (except KLM in my opinion), Aegean consistently delivers excellent pet travel experiences. The direct flight advantage alone makes them worth considering for European destinations.
Final Verdict: Reliable Choice Despite One Bad Apple
My recommendation: Absolutely fly Aegean for direct European routes with pets. Their policies are solid, their service is professional, and their direct flights eliminate major travel stress.
The ground handling caveat: Be prepared that any airline can have difficult ground staff. What matters is the airline’s response and overall policies – both excellent with Aegean.
Would I fly them again? Yes and No. Ten great experiences vs. one bad ground handler? The math is easy. Aegean remains one of my top European airline choices for pet travel but I will not travel with them again via Dublin.
Ready to book? Based on 10+ flights of real experience: choose Aegean for direct routes and prepare for a professional, pet-friendly experience that’s worth every penny.
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