Lufthansa: Travel Conditions for Pets

Traveling with a pet can be worrying—especially when flying. German airline Lufthansa provides tailored solutions to safely transport your companion. Discover its pet travel options, key conditions to meet, and how to prepare for your four-legged co-pilot’s journey.

Lufthansa Cargo Animal Lounge

Located at Frankfurt Airport in Germany, the Lufthansa Cargo Animal Lounge is a calming transit oasis for traveling pets. This large, modern facility is specifically designed to reduce stress during air travel.

Trained staff attend to each animal’s needs—feeding, walking, and veterinary care—while accommodating a wide range of species: dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and even fish.

• Size: At 3,750 m², this is Europe’s largest dedicated animal care station.

• Comfort: Climate-controlled enclosures feature precise temperature and humidity controls for optimal animal comfort.

• Services: In-house customs brokerage and comprehensive administrative support streamline international pet transport paperwork.

Pet Premium: Premium care for your traveling pet

To elevate your pet’s journey with Lufthansa, the airline offers the paid Pet Premium service, which includes:

• Priority handling during stopovers

• Real-time flight tracking via dedicated reservation number

• Enhanced conditions for sensitive or exotic pets

• Spacious, species-appropriate enclosures

• Access to the Lufthansa Cargo Animal Lounge during Frankfurt layovers

Cabin travel: What to expect

Aboard Lufthansa, certain pets can travel in-cabin, provided they meet specific criteria. Only dogs, cats, and domestic birds are permitted; other species must travel as cargo.

For cabin travel, the following conditions apply:

• Maximum weight (pet + container): 8 kg

• Soft, waterproof, secure travel container required

• Maximum container size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm

• Pet must stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in the container

Always confirm current in-cabin pet fees with Lufthansa and check destination country regulations on pet import rules.

Checked baggage: Secure conditions for larger pets

Lufthansa also allows pets to travel as checked baggage under certain conditions:

• Permitted species: Dogs, cats, and rabbits may travel checked; others must go as cargo.

• Weight limit: Total (pet + container) must not exceed 50 kg.

• Container: Sturdy, leak-proof, lockable crate required; size varies by aircraft. The crate must allow standing, turning, and lying down comfortably.

Note: Pets transported as checked baggage must be at least 12 weeks old and have completed all required vaccinations.