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Traveling with your pet is easier now than ever, as most airlines have policies allowing animals to accompany their owners on the aircraft. If you’re traveling with an animal, Lufthansa Airlines is a great choice, as there is a flexible pet policy for dogs, cats and other approved animals.  Animals are allowed to travel in the passenger cabin or the cargo hold, depending on their size, weight, animal type and other factors. 

Lufthansa Policy

Lufthansa Airlines has several rules and regulations for traveling with pets. Passengers must meet all requirements as well as notifying the airline that they will be traveling with a pet. Pet reservations may not be made online. 

Traveling in the Cabin

Only dogs and cats are allowed to fly in the passenger cabin. A maximum of two animals is permitted per passenger, and the combined weight of both animals and the carrier must not exceed 17 lbs.  The animals must travel in a crate that can easily fit under the seat directly in front of the passenger. The animals must remain in the crate or carrier at all times during the flight. Both animals must be able to travel peacefully together in the carrier.

Cargo Travel

Animals that do not meet the requirements for traveling in the passenger cabin can be permitted to travel in the cargo hold. This includes any animal other than a dog or cat that is able to fit in a carrier in the cabin. The cargo hold is air-conditioned, has the same pressure as the passenger cabin and is safe for the animals. A maximum of two animals per passenger can travel in the cargo hold. Animals traveling alone or very large dogs that cannot fit in large carriers must travel in the cargo hold. 

Restricted animals

Pets known as fighting breeds must travel in the cargo hold in an ATA compliant CR82 pet crate. Snub-nosed breeds such as boxers, bulldogs and pugs are only permitted to travel to destinations where the temperature is lower than 75°F. 

Animals that are ill, aggressive, or lacking documentation or proper kenneling may be refused. Animals may also be refused if there are extreme weather conditions at the point of origin, layover or destination. 

Fees

The fee for a normal sized carrier for travel is 60 EUR (USD 69) for travel within Europe. For short intercontinental travel routes, the fee is 90 EUR (103 USD). The fee for medium-length intercontinental routes is 100 EUR (115 USD). For longer intercontinental flights the fee is 110 EUR (126 USD).  The travel fee for animals traveling to the specific locations of North Africa, Central Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean is 80 EUR (92 USD). For animals traveling to Japan, the travel fee is 70 EUR (80 USD). Crates exceeding the size limit will incur additional fees subject to the airline’s discretion. 

Crate requirements

Animal crate dimensions must not be more than 55 X 40 x 23 cm. The crate must be secure and waterproof, have adequate ventilation and should have an absorbent bottom for accidents. The crate should be large enough for the animal to stand, walk and lie down. 

Health Certificate

All animals onboard the aircraft must be accompanied by a health certificate confirming they are in good health to fly. Any health implications must be included, including if the animal is pregnant. Information about the animal’s veterinarian must also be supplied. 

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Country Requirements

Each country has different laws regarding importing animals, so the owner should check with the destination country’s consulate to make sure all of the requirements are met before entering the country. 

Service animals

Service animals are permitted to accompany their owners in the passenger cabin free of charge, as long as the airline is notified in advance. The animals may sit in a seat with the passenger as long as they fit in the lap of the passenger. Larger animals must remain on the floor in front of the passenger or in the crate under the seat in front of them. Service animals are not allowed to occupy seats or block aisles in the aircraft. 

If you’re planning to travel with an animal, it’s important to make sure your animal is allowed to accompany you on the aircraft. The pet owner should make sure the animal meets all requirements to board the aircraft as well as entering the country of destination. Each airline is different, so the pet owner should make sure to check each specific airline’s policies before booking a flight when bringing a pet. Lufthansa Airlines’ pet policy is a flexible policy that allows animals to fly in the passenger cabin or cargo hold as long as the animals meet certain requirements. More detailed information regarding Lufthansa Airlines’ pet policy can be found here.