In 2026, Iberia introduced an update that made travel planning significantly easier for pet owners. Now, when purchasing a ticket on the airline’s website, passengers can add their pet to the booking themselves, provided the animal is of an approved species. This solution eliminates the need to call customer service or wait for the service to be arranged at the airport counter, which previously often caused inconvenience and delays.
The system instantly displays the availability of seats for pets in the cabin, allowing travelers to make quick purchasing decisions. This approach not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors in documentation. According to RUSSPAIN, a passenger may bring only one container weighing up to 8 kg and measuring no more than 45x35x25 cm. Up to three animals of the same species, such as birds or turtles, can be transported in one container. Seats in the cabin are assigned automatically, considering all safety requirements and current regulations for animal transport.
Restrictions and considerations
Despite expanded opportunities, the service is not available on all routes. For example, flights to Doha are excluded because the airport does not allow pets in the cabin. There are also restrictions on bringing animals into certain Spanish airports from non-EU countries. All pet documents must be correctly prepared, as they are still subject to mandatory inspection at the check-in counter before boarding.
The booking feature is available only on Iberia, Iberia Express, and Air Nostrum flights. It is important to request the service no later than 48 hours before departure. When adding a pet to a booking, passengers pay for the service immediately, along with any other additional options. This transaction also allows customers to earn Avios points within the airline’s loyalty program.
Digital solutions for comfort
The introduction of this new option is part of Iberia’s strategy to digitalize the customer experience. The airline aims to make trip planning as clear and convenient as possible, so that passengers can independently manage all aspects of their journey. This approach is especially relevant for pet owners, who need to know all the details in advance and be sure they can bring their animals with them.
The service is aimed at independent travelers who value speed and predictability. At the same time, the company emphasizes that following all formalities and regulations remains a priority. Document checks and compliance with transport requirements remain mandatory, despite the digitalization of the booking process.
Customer benefits
The introduction of the new feature has reduced the load on the call center and sped up ticketing for pet owners. Customers can now check pet transportation availability in advance and avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport. This is especially important for those traveling with animals for the first time or planning complex routes with connections.
The option to add a pet to a booking online makes the process more transparent and predictable. Passengers receive all the necessary information upfront and can be confident their pet will travel with them in the cabin, provided all requirements are met.
Iberia is the largest Spanish airline, founded in 1927. In recent years, the company has been actively introducing digital services to improve customer experience and convenience. Its route network covers hundreds of destinations across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The Avios loyalty program allows passengers to earn points for flights and additional services, including pet transportation. The rollout of new features for pet owners reflects Iberia’s commitment to meeting travelers’ modern expectations and maintaining a high standard of service.
