Lufthansa Pet Transport: Cabin Rules, Cargo Fees, and Breed Restrictions
Lufthansa allows small pets in the cabin on most routes and accepts larger pets as checked baggage or cargo. It is one of the more pet-friendly European carriers, but has firm restrictions on brachycephalic breeds in cargo.
Cabin Travel
Eligibility: Small dogs and cats up to 8kg including carrier. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you (typically 55x40x23cm - verify current dimensions before purchase).
Fee: Approximately €50-65 per sector within Europe. Intercontinental cabin fees are higher.
Number allowed: One pet per passenger, maximum two pets in the cabin per flight.
Booking: Must be booked in advance by calling Lufthansa reservations or using the manage booking function. Cannot be added at check-in.
Cargo (Lufthansa Cargo / PetLounge)
Lufthansa operates a dedicated PetLounge service at Frankfurt Airport - one of the most detailed pet handling facilities in Europe. It includes temperature-controlled holding areas, veterinary check stations, and experienced animal handlers.
Larger dogs and pets over the cabin weight limit travel in the hold as accompanied excess baggage or as unaccompanied cargo through Lufthansa Cargo.
Fees: Calculated on actual or volumetric weight, whichever is higher. A medium dog in a 70x50x50cm crate might cost €200-500 within Europe; long-haul routes cost significantly more.
Brachycephalic Breed Restrictions
Lufthansa imposes a year-round cargo embargo on the following dog breeds:
- All brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog and cat breeds including Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and similar
These breeds may travel in the cabin if they meet the weight limit. They cannot travel as cargo or checked baggage.
Short-nosed cats (Persian, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair, British Shorthair) are also restricted from cargo.
Documentation Requirements
For all flights, Lufthansa requires:
- Current vaccination records
- Health certificate issued by a licensed vet within 10 days of travel
- For international routes: all destination country import documentation
Lufthansa staff check documentation at check-in. Missing or incorrect documents result in the pet not travelling.
Sources: Lufthansa published pet travel policies. Policies change - always verify directly with Lufthansa before booking. Data current as of {TODAY}.