Lufthansa dog in cabin: weight, carrier and registration

Lufthansa accepts dogs and cats up to 8 kg including the carrier, which can measure up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm — among the roomiest on the market. Above that weight the animal travels in the hold as excess baggage.

At a glance

• Cabin. dogs and cats up to 8 kg, carrier included
• Carrier. soft-sided, maximum 55 x 40 x 23 cm (118 cm total)
• Other species. not accepted in the cabin, at any weight
• Hold. as excess baggage, in an approved container
• Registration. no later than 72 hours before departure
• Behaviour. the animal must not bark or disturb others

The carrier matters more than the weight

8 kg is the European standard, but the 55 x 40 x 23 cm allowed by Lufthansa is nine centimetres longer than the 46 cm of Air France and KLM. For a low, long dog that is often the difference between cabin and hold.

The carrier must be soft and fit under the seat in front. The weight is combined: pet plus bag, weighed together before you choose a flight.

Only small dogs and cats travel in the cabin: other species are not accepted, regardless of weight or size.

Registration is not automatic

The booking must be made no later than 72 hours before departure. Pet spaces are limited per flight and per aircraft type: the earlier you register, the better.

On an itinerary including legs operated by SWISS, Austrian or other partners, those airlines' rules apply — and they are not identical even within the same group.

Large dogs and restricted breeds

Above 8 kg, transport takes place in the air-conditioned hold as excess baggage, in a container meeting IATA standards.

Lufthansa applies restrictions to breeds considered fighting dogs and to snub-nosed animals, which are more exposed to heat stroke and breathing problems: check the published breed lists before booking.

The requirement nobody mentions

Lufthansa explicitly requires the animal to be trained to behave appropriately in public spaces, without barking or growling. This is not a formality: a dog that cannot tolerate its carrier can be refused at boarding.

If your dog has never spent hours inside a bag, start the habituation weeks before the flight, not on the day.

Frequently asked questions

• Does Lufthansa allow dogs in the cabin?
  Yes, small dogs and cats up to 8 kg including the carrier, which can measure up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Other species are not accepted in the cabin.
• What size carrier does Lufthansa allow?
  Maximum 55 x 40 x 23 cm, for a total of 118 cm, in soft material. It is one of the most generous limits among European airlines.
• When must I register my pet with Lufthansa?
  No later than 72 hours before departure. Pet spaces are limited per flight, so it is best to do it right after booking your ticket.
• My dog weighs more than 8 kg: what happens?
  It travels in the air-conditioned hold as excess baggage, in an IATA-compliant container, subject to the restrictions on fighting breeds and snub-nosed animals.
• Does Lufthansa accept animals other than dogs and cats in the cabin?
  No. Only small dogs and cats within the weight limit are accepted in the cabin.

Experiences from people who flew Lufthansa

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