The Maltese is one of the most travel-friendly breeds for international moves. At 2-4 kg, a healthy adult Maltese fits comfortably under the seat in most cabin pet programmes - no cargo, no hold time, no quarantine complications for most destinations.
No country bans Maltese. No airline specifically restricts them. The constraints are the individual airline’s in-cabin pet policy (weight, carrier dimensions, route restrictions) and the destination country’s import rules.
Not all airlines accept in-cabin pets. British Airways, for example, does not allow cabin pets (other than assistance dogs). Low-cost carriers in Europe also typically do not. So the Maltese’s size advantage depends entirely on which airline you fly with.
Health paperwork is the same as for any dog: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate. For travel to Australia, New Zealand, or Japan, a titre test and waiting period still apply regardless of how small the dog is.
Airline Restrictions for Maltese
Most major airlines allowing in-cabin pets
Accepted in cabin if under weight limitMaltese typically weigh 2-4 kg - well within the 8 kg limit most airlines apply. Check individual airline policy.
British Airways
No in-cabin pets (except assistance dogs)All pet dogs travel as cargo. No exceptions for small breeds.
Ryanair / easyJet
No pets in cabinLow-cost carriers do not accept pets in cabin on international routes.
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