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Pet Policy 2026

Lufthansa Pet Policy (2026)
Fees, Cabin Rules & Restrictions

Everything you need to know about flying with your pet on Lufthansa. Updated for 2026 with the latest fees, weight limits, and booking tips.

Quick Answer: Lufthansa Pet Policy

  • Lufthansa allows small pets in the cabin for $135-$158 one-way.
  • Maximum pet weight for cabin travel is 17.6 lbs including carrier.
  • Cargo pet transport is available starting at $200-$500.
  • Approved carrier dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm maximum.
  • Best for: Transporting pets within Europe with a dedicated animal lounge in Frankfurt.

For full details, see the sections below or visit the complete airline comparison guide.

Quick Summary

Pets in Cabin
Yes
Max Weight
17.6 lbs
Cabin Fee (One-Way)
$135-$158
Cargo Option
Yes
Cargo Fee
$200-$500
Best For
Transporting pets within Europe with a dedicated animal lounge in Frankfurt.

Cabin Pet Policy

  • Lufthansa allows small dogs and cats to travel in the passenger cabin as carry-on baggage.
  • The combined weight of the pet and its carrier must not exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
  • The carrier must be soft-sided, leak-proof, and bite-proof, with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
  • The pet must remain in its carrier for the duration of the flight, stowed under the seat in front of the passenger.
  • Passengers must register their pet for in-cabin travel at least 72 hours before departure.
  • For flights to or from the USA, a specific form for the carriage of an animal in the passenger cabin must be completed and presented at check-in.
  • Bookings on certain routes, such as to the UK or Ireland, may be refused.
Carrier Size
55 x 40 x 23 cm

Checked Baggage Policy

  • Lufthansa allows larger dogs and cats to be transported as excess baggage in the cargo hold.
  • The cost varies depending on the route and the size of the transport container.
  • Pets traveling as excess baggage are subject to the same breed and temperature restrictions as those for cargo transport.
  • It is important to register the pet in advance and ensure the carrier meets IATA standards.

Cargo Policy

  • Larger dogs and cats that exceed the weight and size limits for in-cabin travel can be transported as excess baggage in the air-conditioned cargo hold.
  • The transport container must be IATA-compliant, secured with metal screws, and have food and water bowls accessible from the outside.
  • Registration for cargo transport must be made at least 72 hours before departure.
  • There are restrictions on connecting flights, with animal transport in the hold not permitted on flights connecting through Munich.
  • A surcharge of $170 is applied for transfers via Brussels, Geneva, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Zurich.
Cargo Fee
$200-$500

Fee Summary

TypeFeeAvailable
In-Cabin$135-$158Yes
Cargo$200-$500Yes

Restrictions & Requirements

Breed Restrictions

  • Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog and cat breeds are not permitted in the cargo hold.
  • Breeds classified as fighting dogs are also restricted from transport in the cargo hold.
  • These breeds may be allowed in the cabin on a case-by-case basis.

Temperature Restrictions

The transport of certain dog breeds is only allowed if the temperatures at the origin and destination airports are below 27°C (80°F). It is recommended to check the temperature forecast for your travel dates and plan accordingly.

International Rules

  • For international flights, passengers are responsible for complying with all import and export regulations of the destination country.
  • For dogs traveling to the USA, the minimum age is 6 months.
  • All pets require a valid health certificate, vaccination records, and a microchip where required.
  • Some countries may have additional restrictions or may not allow pets in the cabin at all.

Important Notes

Lufthansa does not permit animals to be transported in the cargo hold on connecting flights via Munich. All pet transport in the hold must be routed through other airports, such as Frankfurt.

Pro Tips for Lufthansa

1

Register your pet as soon as you book your flight to ensure there is space available, as the number of pets allowed per flight is limited.

2

If your pet is traveling in the cargo hold, choose a flight with a connection through Frankfurt, as the airport has a dedicated Animal Lounge to care for pets during layovers.

3

For flights to or from the USA, be sure to download and complete the required form for the carriage of an animal in the passenger cabin and bring two printed copies to the airport.

Compare with Similar Airlines

How does Lufthansa stack up? Here's a quick look at 3 comparable airlines:

Compare Other Airlines

See how Lufthansa compares to other airlines for pet travel.

AirlineIn CabinFeeCargo
Lufthansa (current)Yes$135-$158Yes
British AirwaysNoN/AYes
Air FranceYes$200-$250Yes
KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesYes$88 - $468Yes
Turkish AirlinesYes$75+Yes
American AirlinesYes$150Yes
Delta Air LinesYes$150Limited

Lufthansa Pet Policy FAQ

Common questions about traveling with pets on Lufthansa.

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