Lufthansa Pet Policy 2026: Cabin, Cargo, and Fees Explained

Traveling internationally with an animal requires careful planning and strict adherence to airline guidelines. Lufthansa is generally considered a pet-friendly airline, offering options for dogs and cats to fly either in the passenger cabin or safely in the climate-controlled cargo hold.

How does the Lufthansa pet in cabin policy work?

Lufthansa allows small dogs and cats in the cabin if the pet and carrier weigh a maximum of 8 kg (17 lbs) combined. The carrier must not exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm. You must register your cabin pet at least 72 hours before departure.

Lufthansa permits a maximum of two animals of the same species per passenger in the cabin. The airline requires that the animal remains inside a leak-proof, well-ventilated carrier that fits entirely under the seat in front of you. Choose cabin travel if your pet is small enough and you want to keep them close during the flight.

Lufthansa cat in cabin and dog rules

Does Lufthansa allow cats in cabin? Yes, Lufthansa welcomes both cats and small dogs in the passenger cabin. The minimum age for a Lufthansa cat in cabin or dog is 12 weeks for most flights, 15 weeks for flights to or from Germany, and 6 months for dogs traveling to the United States [Lufthansa, 2024].

Cabin Carrier and Weight Limits

Lufthansa pet in cabin price and business class rules

The Lufthansa pet in cabin price varies depending on the flight route. Fees typically range from €60 for short-haul flights within Europe to €110 or more for long-haul intercontinental routes. Fees are paid at the check-in counter on the day of departure.

If you are flying Lufthansa pet in cabin business class, be aware that the space under the seat may be restricted due to the seat’s design. During takeoff and landing, the flight crew may require you to secure the pet carrier in an overhead bin or a designated closet if under-seat storage is not possible.

What if my pet is too big for the cabin on Lufthansa flights?

If your pet and carrier weigh more than 8 kg (17 lbs), the animal must travel as excess baggage in the aircraft’s climate-controlled cargo hold. You must use a hard-sided, IATA-compliant travel crate secured with metal screws.

Lufthansa requires cargo pets to be registered at least 72 hours prior to departure. The cargo hold is pressurized and temperature-controlled, making it a safe option for larger breeds. However, Lufthansa restricts snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Persian cats from flying in the cargo hold due to severe respiratory risks at high altitudes [Lufthansa, 2024].

Cargo Travel Requirements

If your animal is exceptionally large or traveling unaccompanied, you must transport them via Lufthansa Cargo, which requires booking through a specialized animal freight forwarder. Choose the cargo hold if your dog exceeds the 8 kg cabin limit but is not a restricted snub-nosed breed.

What documents are required for the Lufthansa pet policy international?

International pet travel on Lufthansa requires a veterinary health certificate, proof of microchip, and up-to-date vaccinations. Passengers must present two printed copies of the official Lufthansa pet in cabin documents at the check-in counter.

When flying internationally, you must comply with both the Lufthansa pet policy international rules and the destination country’s import laws.

• Lufthansa pet policy international travel pdf: Lufthansa requires passengers to download, print, and sign the official “Animals in the Passenger Cabin” confirmation form.
• Lufthansa pet in cabin form pdf international: You can find the required Lufthansa pet in cabin documents directly on the airline’s website under the “Travelling with animals” section. You must bring two printouts of this completed PDF to the airport.
• CDC Dog Import Form: For travel to the United States, dogs must meet strict CDC requirements. Dogs must be at least six months old and have an approved CDC Dog Import Form submitted prior to travel [CDC, 2024].

How do I add a pet to my Lufthansa booking?

You can add a pet to your Lufthansa booking online through the “My Bookings” portal or by calling the Lufthansa Service Center. Registration must be completed at least 72 hours before your scheduled departure time to guarantee space.

Lufthansa limits the number of animals allowed on each flight. You should register your pet immediately after purchasing your ticket.

1. Log into your Lufthansa account.
2. Navigate to “My Bookings”.
3. Select the option to add an animal in the cabin or cargo hold.
4. Fill out the required pet details (breed, weight, carrier size).
5. Wait for an email confirmation from the airline.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How strict is Lufthansa pet policy?

Lufthansa enforces its pet policy very strictly. Staff will weigh your pet and carrier at the check-in counter. If the combined weight exceeds 8 kg, or if the carrier is too large, the airline will deny cabin boarding and require the pet to fly in the cargo hold.

How much is the Lufthansa pet fee?

The Lufthansa pet fee depends on the route and travel method. In-cabin pets typically cost between €60 and €110 per flight segment. Cargo hold fees range from €100 for short routes to over €300 for long-haul international flights.

What is the size limit for dogs on Lufthansa?

For cabin travel, the maximum carrier size limit for dogs on Lufthansa is 55 x 40 x 23 cm. For cargo travel, the crate must be large enough for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally, complying with IATA Live Animal Regulations.

Is Lufthansa pet friendly?

Yes, Lufthansa is considered very pet-friendly. They transport thousands of animals annually and maintain a specialized Animal Lounge at Frankfurt Airport, providing veterinary care and boarding facilities for transiting pets.

Can a 20 lb dog fit under an airplane seat?

No, a 20 lb (9 kg) dog will not fit comfortably under an airplane seat, nor does it meet Lufthansa’s weight requirement. Because the dog plus the carrier exceeds the 8 kg (17.6 lbs) limit, the animal must travel in the cargo hold.

Can my 50 pound dog fly in cabin with me?

No, a 50-pound dog vastly exceeds the 8 kg (17.6 lbs) cabin weight limit. The only exception on Lufthansa is for fully trained and registered assistance dogs, which can fly in the cabin regardless of weight [Lufthansa, 2024].

How old must a dog be to fly to the US on Lufthansa?

Following updated CDC guidelines effective August 1, 2024, any dog flying on Lufthansa to the United States must be at least six months of age, microchipped, and accompanied by the proper CDC import documentation.