Travelling with pets
The safety and well-being of your pet during transport in the aircraft are very important to us. Please read the following information carefully.
Transport of animals to the USA
Due to new limitations issued by the United States Government the import of dogs into the US will be limited starting on 14th July 2021 until further notice.
If you have an existing booking including a confirmed dog transport, please contact your Service Center.
For all new bookings please make yourself familiar with the new entry restrictions.
Further information and the application for a special import permit can be found on the website of the United States Center for Disease Control.
These limitations are valid for all dogs to be imported to the United States, including Service Animals.
Please note
- You can carry up to two healthy pets in an approved carrying container.
- Your pet must be at last twelve weeks old (16 weeks from or to the USA). Young animals must be weaned from their mother.
- Your pet may be carried in the cabin and/or the cargo hold depending on your pet’s size, weight (including carrying container) and the applicable regulations in the country concerned. You will find the respective details on this page below.
- Special conditions apply to the carriage of your assistance dog (for example guide dog or hearing dog).
The carriage of large animals to certain destinations in the cargo hold is not possible due to local conditions and restrictions.
Please note that the carriage in the cargo hold of dogs and cats belonging to short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds has been restricted since 1 January 2020.
Please notify us in good time if you wish to bring your pet with you. We will check the conditions of carriage and the space available.
Compliance with animal welfare provisions and import/export regulations for animals
Please make yourself familiar with the import and export regulations applicable to your pet in your departure-, transit and- destination country before booking your flight. Such information is available from the relevant consulates, for example.
Furthermore, Austrian Airlines reserves the right to apply even stricter regulations and to refuse the booking on certain routes (for example to the UK), if necessary, in order to exclude the animal from travel.
Please also ask your vet about applicable animal welfare provisions when travelling with your pet. Obtain all the travel documentation required so that everything is prepared for the trip with your pet.
Small pets in the cabin
The carrying container must:
- be soft, bite-proof and leak-proof.
- insulated against odours.
- be adequately ventilated even when closed.
- be large enough to accommodate the pet in a natural position.
The total weight of the pet and the carrying container must not exceed 8 kg, a maximum size of 118 cm (55 x 40 x 23 cm) so that it can be stowed easily under the seat in front of you.
Please note: In some countries, such as Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Hong Kong and South Africa, pets must be carried as freight irrespective of their size.
| Flight segment | The price for carriage in the passenger cabin up to a maximum weight of 8 kg¹ and a max. volume² of 118 cm | Austrian Airlines destinations |
| Domestic | EUR 50 | Flights within Austria |
| Europe | EUR 60 | Europe incl. Morocco and Armenia |
| Intercontinental short distance | EUR 80 | Between Europe and Jordan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq and Israel |
| Intercontinental medium distance | EUR 100 | Between Europe and Chicago, Maldives, Miami, Canada, New York and Washington D.C. |
| Intercontinental long distance | EUR 110 | Between Europe and Thailand, South Africa, Los Angeles, Mauritius, China and Japan |
1 = including pet
2 = length + width + height
Please note: A ticket service fee is also charged in addition to the fare specified and is calculated differently depending on the place of departure. Other rules and fares may apply on flights operated by partner airlines (codeshare) and on charter flights.
Large animals in the cargo hold
Animals for which there is no space in the passenger cabin may be carried in the cargo hold subject to compliance with the relevant conditions of carriage. Please inform us of the size and weight of the carrying container you are providing at the time of booking. The container must comply with the IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations. We will check the availability of space and the loading options in the aircraft.
A maximum of two pets, who must be accustomed to one another, with a maximum individual weight of 14 kg per animal may be accommodated in a single carrying container.
Austrian Airlines reserves the right to check the condition of the carrying container and the pet’s behaviour at check-in to ensure it is carried safely and securely throughout the entire journey.
| Flight segment | Price for carriage in the cargo hold up to a dimension of 60 x 45 x 40 cm | Price for carriage in the cargo hold with dimensions above 60 x 45 x 40 cm | Austrian Airlines destinations |
| Domestic | EUR 80 | EUR 160 | Flights within Austria |
| Europe | EUR 100 | EUR 200 | Europe incl. Morocco and Armenia |
| Intercontinental near distance | EUR 130 | EUR 260 | Between Europe and Jordan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq and Israel |
| Intercontinental medium distance | EUR 170 | EUR 340 | Between Europe and Chicago, Maldives, Miami, Canada, New York and Washington D.C. |
| Intercontinental long distance | EUR 190 | EUR 380 | Between Europe and Thailand, South Africa, Los Angeles, Mauritius, China and Japan |
Please note: A ticket service fee is also charged in addition to the fare specified and is calculated differently depending on the place of departure. Other rules and fares may apply on flights operated by partner airlines (codeshare) and charter flights.
Please note that if you and your animal are travelling via Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Vienna (VIE), Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA), an additional transfer surcharge of EUR 150 (or CHF 175 or USD 175) will be added to your booking. This is valid for tickets issued on or after April 01st, 2021.
- Every animal must be able to stand upright within it and have sufficient freedom of movement.
- Water and food containers must be present.
- The base must be leak-proof and supplied with sufficient absorbent material.
- There must be air holes on at least three sides.
- It must be generally robust and escape-proof.
- Special conditions apply to pedigree dogs and short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds of dogs
Please note that in some countries pets must be carried as freight depending on their size.
You will find more information about the transport of unaccompanied animals on the Lufthansa Cargo website.
You will find more information about the transport of animals that are too big or too heavy on the Lufthansa Cargo website.
Dogs classified as fighting dogs and short-nosed/brachycephalic breeds
There are special conditions for the carriage of dogs classified as fighting dogs and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, for example the use of a special cage.
Dogs and cats that belong to short-nosed breeds have constricted airways due to their anatomy and may be short of breath as a result. The stress caused by transport or high temperatures at the departure, transfer or destination airport may lead to circulatory problems and increased shortness of breath as a result. You pet may therefore suffer serious injury to its health or even die during the journey. The carriage of these breeds in the cargo hold has therefore been restricted since 1 January 2020.
- Affenpinschers
- Bull dogs (all breeds except American bull dogs)
- Pugs (all breeds)
- American pit bull terriers
- American Staffordshire terriers
- Boston terriers
- Boxers
- Brussels griffons
- Bull mastiffs
- Bull terriers
- Chow chows
- English toy spaniels
- Japanese chins
- Japanese spaniels
- Lhaso apso
- Pekinese
- Pit bulls
- Shar Pei
- Shih tzus
- Staffordshire bull terriers
The restrictions also apply to mongrels of the breeds specified.
- British short-haired cats
- Exotic shorthairs
- Himalayan cats
- Persian cats
- Scottish fold cats
The restrictions also apply to mongrels of the breeds specified.
Existing, confirmed bookings will continue to be valid even after 1 January 2020.
Service dogs
General requirements for taking a service dog into the cabin
To ensure safe and undisturbed flight operation, your dog must be trained to be obedient to your commands and must behave appropriately in a public space (e.g. no barking, growling, or jumping up at people).
If your dog does not behave appropriately, Austrian Airlines may transfer the dog to the cargo hold at an additional cost or refuse to transport the animal. You are liable for any damage and additional costs arising from the transport of your dog.
Certain requirements have to be met so that you may take the dog in the cabin with you. We have summarized the information for you about the carriage of service dogs:
Information about travelling with and registering service dogs for any flights outside of the Unites States
You can bring one (1) service dog free of charge.
- is a dog, regardless of breed or type
- that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a Person with a disability
- including a visual, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.
It is your responsibility to ensure that all import and export regulations for animals and the animal welfare provisions for the entire trip are met.
You must submit one of the following certificates:
- A certificate stating the type of training and task the dog has successfully completed and what it entailed, length of training for that service, and name and location of the trainer and training facility.
or
- A certificate from a training school which is accredited by the organizations
- Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
- Assistance Dogs Europe (ADEu)
- International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF)
Kindly note an obedience certificate will not be sufficient. The normal pet policy applies, if you are not able to provide the above certificates. In this case, your dog will travel as pet, either in a suitable transport container in the passenger cabin or in the cargo hold, depending on the size and weight, against a fee. Please refer to “Small pets in the cabin” and “Large animals in hold".
In addition, information on the dog’s breed, weight and age is required.
- must be harnessed or leashed and remain under the direct control at all times.
- must fit in the foot space in front of your assigned seat and must be attached to your safety belt with an animal belt which the cabin crew will provide
- may not sit on a passenger seat
- we ask you to bring a muzzle with you for your dog. Should a situation arise in which your dog poses a threat to the safety of other passengers, you will be required to muzzle your dog or your dog will be denied travel.
- must be of a minimum age of at least 4 months
Information about travelling with and registering service dogs on non-stop flights to/from the United States
You can bring two (2) service dogs free of charge.
- is a dog, regardless of breed or type
- that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a Qualified Individual with a disability
- including a visual, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.
- emotional support dogs, comfort/companionship dogs and service dogs in training are not service dogs.
Important note: Austrian Airlines will no longer accept new bookings of emotional support dogs as of March 1, 2021.
They will travel as pets, either in a suitable transport container in the passenger cabin or in the cargo hold, depending on the size and weight, against a fee. Please refer to the tables "Small pets in the cabin" and "Large animals in hold" listed above.
It is your responsibility to ensure that all import and export regulations for animals and the animal welfare provisions for the entire trip are met.
To travel with a service dog, as a condition of transportation, you are required to complete and submit the following forms to our Special Cases Desk which must be completed on or after the date you purchased your ticket.
Please note:
- If you are travelling with a service dog and made a reservation more than 48 hours in advance of the first originally scheduled departure time on your itinerary, Austrian Airlines requires that you submit these forms electronically or by hardcopy to us at least 48 hours in advance of your date of travel.
- If you are travelling with a service dog and made a reservation less than 48 hours in advance of the first originally scheduled departure time on your itinerary, Austrian Airlines requires that you submit these forms to us at your departure gate on the date of travel.
attesting to the service dog’s health, training, and behavior and providing other assurances.
This form certifies that the service dog will not need to relieve itself on the flight or can relieve itself in a way that does not create a health or sanitation issue for flight segments of eight (8) hours or more.
Keep the forms with you during your trip.
If you have booked an onward flight for you and your assistance dog, please note that you must present proof of training for your the dog.
It is a federal crime to make materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements, entries, or representations knowingly and wilfully on the Service Animal Air Transportation Form or Service Animal Relief Attestation Form to secure disability accommodations provided under U.S. regulations.
The service dog
- must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times and remain under the direct control of you or the dog handler at all times
- must fit in the foot space in front of your assigned seat and must be attached to your safety belt with an animal belt which the cabin crew will provide
- may not sit on a passenger seat
- while it is not a requirement for traveling with a service dog, we recommend that you bring a muzzle with you for your dog. Should a situation arise in which your dog poses a threat to the safety of other passengers, you will be required to muzzle your dog or your dog will be denied travel.
- must be of a minimum age of at least 4 months
In accordance with U.S. DOT regulations, Austrian Airlines may make inquiries to determine whether an animal qualifies as a service dog. To determine that an animal is a service dog, We may (1) observe the animal’s behaviour to determine whether the animal displays disruptive or aggressive behaviour that demonstrates that it has not been successfully trained to behave properly in a public setting, or (2) look for certain physical indicators.
Size of service dogs
All service dogs must fit in the passenger’s foot space, unless transport would be inconsistent with safety requirements set by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or German/European Union law, or would encroach into another passenger’s space.
Leashing / Harnessing / Tethering
Austrian Airlines requires that all service dogs be harnessed, leashed, or otherwise tethered at all times by the service dog user or handler (if applicable) while on board our aircraft and in airport areas that are owned, leased, or controlled by Austrian Airlines.
Austrian Airlines may refuse to transport a service dog in accordance with U.S. DOT regulations if
- the service dog poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others;
- the service dog causes a significant disruption in the cabin or at an airport gate area, or its behaviour on the aircraft or at an airport gate area indicates that it has not been trained to behave properly in public.
- the service dog’s carriage would violate applicable safety or health requirements of any U.S. federal agency, U.S. territory or foreign government; or
- the passenger with a disability seeking to travel with a service dog in the cabin of the aircraft does not provide completed current forms as required by Austrian Airlines.
Damage
Austrian Airlines reserves the right to charge passengers travelling with a service dog for any damage caused by the service dog in accordance with U.S. DOT regulations.
Emotional Support Animals
Since 01st March 2021, Austrian Airlines will only accept trained service dogs in the cabin.
Emotional support dogs are no longer classified as service dogs therefore, we will no longer accept new bookings of emotional support dogs as of this date. They will travel as pets, either in a suitable transport container in the passenger cabin or in the cargo hold, depending on the size and weight, against a fee. Please refer to the tables "Small pets in cabin" and "Large animals in hold" listed above.
This is how you can take your pet with you when you travel
Register your pet
Please state that you wish to bring your pet with you at the time of booking. We will check the conditions of carriage and the availability of space and contact you.
Preparing for the flight
To be ideally prepared check the conditions for carrying boxes before departure. Consult your vet about your pet’s general condition and obtain the necessary documents depending on the entry requirements at your destination.
Check-in
Guests with pets can use online and mobile check-in 23 hours before departure. You must collect your boarding pass from the check-in desk at the airport. Bring your pet to the check-in desk in a suitable carrying container no later than two hours, but no earlier than three hours before departure.
Register your pet
Please state that you wish to bring your pet with you at the time of booking. We will check the conditions of carriage and the availability of space and contact you.
Preparing for the flight
To be ideally prepared check the conditions for carrying boxes before departure. Consult your vet about your pet’s general condition and obtain the necessary documents depending on the entry requirements at your destination.
Check-in
Guests with pets can use online and mobile check-in 23 hours before departure. You must collect your boarding pass from the check-in desk at the airport. Bring your pet to the check-in desk in a suitable carrying container no later than two hours, but no earlier than three hours before departure.
Tips for the well-being of your four-legged friend
Flying is not only stressful for us humans. We have put together a few tips for you so that your pet is relaxed and well prepared:
- As far as possible get your pet used to the carrying container at home by placing the pet in the closed container for a few hours several times and then rewarding it afterwards.
- Many pets are very nervous before and during the flight. If you are considering whether you want to calm your pet with medication, please speak to your vet about this. The pet’s reactions are often not predictable and may lead to circulatory problems.
- Place a blanket with a familiar smell and a favourite toy in the carrying container to calm the animal.
Enquire from your vet how you can adjust your pet’s food during the flight.
Frequently asked questions
Please refer to the official Brexit information.
All the regulations given here apply solely to flights operated by Austrian. With codeshare flights please make sure therefore that you check the regulations of the airline operating the flight. If you are travelling with several airlines, verify that your pet will also be accepted with all airlines concerned.
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