Lufthansa Pet Policy

If you are planning to travel with your pet, it is vital to understand the pet policy of Lufthansa before making any reservation. This airline allows eligible animals to travel either as a passenger in the airplane cabin, as checked baggage in the temperature-controlled cargo area of the airplane, or via Lufthansa Cargo according to the size, breed, destination, and other aspects of the travel of the pet. The most commonly accepted animals to fly under the pet travel policies of this airline are dogs and cats.

Is It Possible to Have Pets with Lufthansa?

Lufthansa allows traveling with your pets, but there are specific requirements that will be different based on the species and route. Small-sized dogs and cats may fly as cabin baggage if the combined weight of the pet and crate does not exceed the limit set by Lufthansa. Bigger pets can fly as checked baggage in the cargo area of the airplane if all conditions are met. In some countries, pets cannot travel both as cabin or checked baggage.

Lufthansa Pet Policy for Cabin Transport

According to Lufthansa’s pet policy, small dogs and cats are allowed to fly with passengers inside the airplane cabin. It is usually the most suitable way of transportation for small pets that can conveniently fit into the appropriate soft-sided carrier under the seat in front of the passenger.

Lufthansa usually accepts pets in the cabin provided that:

• The pet is a small dog or cat.
• The combined weight of the pet and carrier is usually up to 8 kg / 17 lbs.
• The carrier meets Lufthansa’s cabin pet carrier size regulations.
• The pet stays in the carrier throughout the whole flight time.
• The pet is clean, healthy and not aggressive.
• The route and destination allow pet transport in the cabin.

The carrier should be leak-proof, escape-proof, well-ventilated and spacious enough to accommodate the animal standing and lying comfortably. Throughout the whole flight time, the carrier is supposed to remain closed and placed under the seat. Pets are not allowed to sit on the passenger’s lap or freely walk through the cabin.

Requirements for the Pet Carrier at Lufthansa

Selection of the appropriate pet carrier is one of the main steps when traveling with a pet by airplane. Lufthansa imposes certain restrictions and requirements for the safe and comfortable carrier. In case of cabin transportation of pets, soft-sided carriers are usually recommended as they can fit under a seat.

An appropriate pet carrier at Lufthansa must:

• Be well-ventilated on several sides.
• Be safe and ensure that the pet cannot escape from the carrier.
• Have a waterproof or absorbent base.
• Be spacious enough for the pet.
• Meet Lufthansa size restrictions.
• Stay closed during the flight.

In case of transporting a pet in the cargo hold, a carrier should comply with the international standards of air transport of pets. It must be sturdy, ventilated, spacious enough for the pet to stand with its head raised without hitting the top of the crate, and able to turn around.

Lufthansa Policy for Animals Transported as Baggage

Large dogs and cats, which do not qualify as pets in the cabin, may be accepted for transportation in the cargo hold of the plane. Pressurization and temperature control are available for the hold where pets are kept. However, there may still be restrictions due to aircraft, destination, weather, and breed criteria.

Pets may travel as checked baggage provided that:

• The animal complies with Lufthansa pet criteria.
• The pet and carrier conform to weight and size regulations.
• Pets are allowed to travel in the cargo hold on that route.
• The customer pre-registers the pet for travel.
• The pet has all its required documents.
• The animal is in good flying condition.

This method is often used for medium and large-sized dogs. Nonetheless, pets are not accepted on each Lufthansa plane. Sometimes the flight is operated by an airline partner or passes through the territory of countries that have strict import regulations regarding animals.

Booking and Reserving a Pet Travel with Lufthansa

Travelers should never go to the airport with a pet without prior permission. Lufthansa demands that travelers pre-register their pets since the number of spots is very limited. It is advisable to make the reservation at the same time as making your flight booking.

In most cases, travelers should:

• Make sure their destination allows pets.
• Find out whether their pet can fly in the cabin, hold, or in cargo.
• Contact Lufthansa or follow the pet registration process.
• Provide all pet travel information.
• Get approval beforehand.
• Prepare all health information and a suitable crate for their pet.
• Go to the airport on time.

Lufthansa suggests making pet reservations at least 72 hours prior to departure. Late requests will probably not be approved.

Lufthansa Pet Charges

The fees charged by Lufthansa for pets depend on various factors such as the flight route and destination, the size of the pet, and whether the pet is traveling as in-cabin luggage or checked baggage. Generally, pets traveling as in-cabin luggage have lower costs compared to those traveling as checked baggage. The fees are generally charged per one-way flight.

Pet transport fees can fluctuate; therefore, travelers should review Lufthansa’s latest fee schedule, which is accessible via their official website or customer care. In cases where pets need to be transported using Lufthansa Cargo, the cargo charges will be calculated separately.

Breed Restrictions and Brachycephalic Dogs and Cats

Lufthansa may impose restrictions on particular breeds. Such dogs and cats are brachycephalic (or snub-nosed dogs and cats), who are more sensitive to temperature change and experience breathing problems while flying. Such examples may include dog breeds like Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, and cat breeds like Persian, among others.

Some strong (or highly classified) dogs also need specific types of crates or may not be allowed to fly on particular routes. If your pet is of high-risk breeds, you should contact Lufthansa in advance to make sure that your pet is able to fly and know the crate requirements.

Pet Travel Documents for International Transport

Pet international transport involves some additional steps besides the airline’s permission to fly. Passengers have to comply with the import and export regulations of all countries involved in the process, including countries of departure, transit, and arrival.

The following pet documents are common:

• A valid health certificate from a licensed veterinarian.
• Evidence of rabies vaccination.
• Information about microchipping.
• Pet passport for travel to EU countries.
• Import permit where needed.
• Proof of tapeworm or other parasite treatment.
• Customs or animal inspection forms.

The rules may differ greatly from one country to another. Some destinations will require pets to arrive as manifest cargo only; some countries may also require quarantine, import permits, specific vaccination schedule, and so on.

Conclusion

Lufthansa pet policy enables passengers to take their dogs or cats to most of their destinations either as cabin or as cargo pets. Small-sized pets are allowed in the cabin provided that they are not overweight or oversize, while large animals may travel as baggage or cargo. Since regulations of different airlines and countries may change, as well as fees, breed restrictions, and other details, travelers are advised to contact Lufthansa to find out more about the current policy.

Preparation will help you to make sure that the journey is safer and more comfortable for you and your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions