For many of us, our dogs are so much more than just pets – they are cherished family members, loyal companions, and often like our own children. It goes without saying that our beloved fur babies shouldn't be left behind when planning the next big adventure or luxury vacation.
However, since pet travel regulations vary significantly from one airline to another, we are launching an exclusive new series right here on our Airline Guidelines blog.
In the coming weeks, we will cover everything you need to know about pet policies for different airlines worldwide. To kick things off, we are focusing on one of Europe’s most popular premier airlines: Lufthansa.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything required to make flying with a dog on Lufthansa a smooth, stress-free, and harmonious experience for both you and your four-legged family member.
Pet in Cabin: Cozy Quality Time in the Lufthansa Cabin
If your dog belongs to a smaller breed, they don't have to travel alone in the cargo hold. Instead, they can fly right by your side in the passenger cabin as a Pet in Cabin (PETC). To ensure the comfort and safety of everyone on board, Lufthansa has established clear, straightforward guidelines:
✓ Maximum Combined Weight: Your dog and their travel bag together must not weigh more than 8 kilograms (approx. 17.6 lbs).
✓ A Cozy Oasis of Comfort: The carrier must be soft-sided, leak-proof, and odor-resistant. Your dog must be able to stand up, turn around, and curl up comfortably inside.
✓ Strict Seating Quotas: Safety on board is the top priority, which means cabin space for pets is extremely limited. Typically, a maximum of 2 dogs or cats in Economy Class and 2 in Business Class are permitted per flight. Booking early is essential!
Lufthansa Pet Carrier Dimensions
To ensure your dog travel bag fits perfectly under the seat in front of you, Lufthansa requires maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm (22 x 16 x 9 inches).
Booking Your Dog’s Flight: Smart Booking Process & Important Tips
Lufthansa makes the initial process incredibly convenient: you can easily add your dog as an additional service directly during your online flight booking.
Our Expert Tip for Maximum Peace of Mind: Do not rely solely on the online system. We strongly recommend
calling the Lufthansa Call Center before finalizing your ticket purchase. Have them confirm right then and there that a pet cabin slot is still available on your specific flight. You can reach the service hotline at
+49 (0) 69 86 799 799 (or visit the official
Lufthansa Help & Contact) page. Once you have this green light, go ahead and book your tickets.
Additionally, keep these two crucial financial and organizational rules in mind:
✓ Non-Refundable Fee: The fee for your dog must be paid in advance. If your plans change and you have to cancel your flight, the pet booking fee is unfortunately non-refundable. Make sure to register your pet at least 72 hours before departure.
✓ Mandatory Window Seat: For safety reasons, passengers traveling with a pet in the cabin are only allowed to sit in a window seat (this ensures that evacuation aisles remain completely clear in an emergency).
An Inside Trick: Reserve your preferred window seat as early as possible! Flights are frequently overbooked nowadays (overbooking – sadly, this has actually happened to us before!). By securing your window seat and your dog’s ticket early, you ensure your spot and avoid the risk of being reassigned or turned away at the gate (once already happened to us).
Save Time with the Lufthansa Pet Cabin Form
Airports can be hectic. To save you and your pup unnecessary stress in the check-in line, you can take care of the most important paperwork right from the comfort of your couch.
Exclusive Travel Tips from Lufthansa for a Dream Journey
To make the flight feel like a spa day for your fur baby, keep these wonderful ground and onboard tips in mind:
✓ Relaxing in Airport Lounges: Did you know that your well-behaved pup is welcome to accompany you into the exclusive Lufthansa Lounges? To respect the peace of other guests, they just need to remain relaxed inside their carrier bag during your stay.
✓ The Boarding Pass Check: Even if you check in online, passengers traveling with a dog must collect their final boarding passes in person at the check-in desk. The ground staff will want to take a quick, friendly look at your pet and their bag to verify everything is safe.
✓ A Familiar Nest: Line the inside of the carrier with a soft, absorbent blanket or a worn t-shirt of yours. The familiar scent provides your dog with an immense sense of security and comfort throughout the journey.
Our Recommendation: How to Meet Lufthansa’s Dimensions Stress-Free
Finding a travel bag that perfectly matches Lufthansa’s strict requirements (55 x 40 x 23 cm) while providing maximum comfort and design can be a real challenge. Hard-sided crates rarely fit, and low-quality bags often collapse on your dog during the flight.
To solve this exact problem, we developed the Canvas Pet Carrier at Jackys Place. Our goal was to create a travel bag that offers first-class comfort without compromising on style:
✓ Guaranteed Airline Compatibility: Thanks to its flexible yet sturdy soft-sided design, the bag easily adapts to the under-seat space of your Lufthansa window seat.
✓ Premium Comfort for Your Dog: Premium, durable canvas fabric provides stability and a sense of security. Large, darkened mesh panels ensure excellent airflow while keeping your dog shielded from the hectic airport environment.
✓ Smart Travel Features: Dedicated pockets keep the EU Pet Passport, treats, and your pre-printed Lufthansa forms organized and ready within arm's reach. By the way, the shoulder strap can be used as a leash during the trip!
A high-quality carrier is the most important investment for a smooth flight. If you want to ensure your fur baby travels in a cozy, secure sanctuary, feel free to explore the
Canvas Pet Carrier on Jackys Place.
