Lufthansa will transport your animals either in the cabin or in the cargo hold of the aircraft depending on their weight and size. Please note that the valid import and export by-laws of the respective countries have to be observed. For some dog breeds special transport regulations apply.

Timely reservation is necessary

If you like to take your pets along on your Lufthansa flight, please notify us when you make your booking but at the latest 24 hours before the departure date by contacting our Lufthansa Reservation Offices or tell our Lufthansa Airport Ticket Teams in person.

In case of selecting a code-share flight where the operating carrier is not Lufthansa, please ensure that you contact our Reservation Office before purchasing the ticket. The booking procedure and policies are different for different carriers.

Transport of small dogs and cats into the passenger cabin

You may take a dog or cat into the cabin, if the weight of the animal (including transport container) does not exceed eight kilograms. The animal has to be kept in a box measuring not more than
55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm. You may use your own transport box if it has the necessary measurement and is watertight and bite proof.

Transport of larger animals in the cargo hold

Animals that cannot be transported inside the cabin will be transported by Lufthansa in appropriate containers in an air-conditioned area of the cargo hold. You may use your own transport container for your animal if it complies with the relevant IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations. The container must in any case be large enough to ensure that the animal can stand up and has sufficient space to move. Furthermore, containers shall be equipped with a water dish (empty).

For further information, please contact your nearest Lufthansa reservations office.

Please also ensure that you arrive at the airport with your animal in plenty of time before departure. In Frankfurt you should be at check-in at least one hour before departure.

There is also the option of unaccompanied animals being carried by Lufthansa Cargo. For more information about this, please call Lufthansa Cargo (in Germany: +49 - 1 80 - 57 47 100 *) or visit our website Lufthansa Cargo.

The transportation of dogs classified as fighting dogs

Please note that special conditions apply for the transportation of breeds of fighting dog. In each case the animal must be carried in a special cage* which meets the requirements laid down by IATA (International Air Transport Association).

You will find a diagram illustrating the requirements for the special cage for fighting dogs here.

For further information, please contact your nearest Lufthansa reservations office.

*IATA Container Requirement #82 states that the container or crate must be constructed of wood, metal, synthetic materials, weld mesh or wire mesh. Additional design principles regarding frame, sides, floor, roof and doors also apply. No portion of the crate may be plastic. The crate door must be made of heavy wire mesh, metal or reinforced wood and should have a secure means of fastening that cannot be opened accidentally.

Tariffs for the transport of animals

Animals are not included in the baggage allowance, and are counted as excess baggage.

For tickets issued from 01.06.2011 the Piece Concept is used. The amount charged therefore depends on the size of the cage. You will find detailed information on how excess baggage charges are calculated here:

Guide dogs and other service dogs

Guide dogs for the blind and deaf as well as other service dogs that you depend on are transported free of charge on Lufthansa flights and may also travel inside the cabin. Please remember to notify us of your guide dog ahead of time.

Travelers with special needs

Further information

Your Lufthansa Airport Ticket Teams or travel agent will be happy to give you more information.

* 0,14 Euro/min. from german landline network. Call charges from german mobile networks max. 0,42 Euro/min.