Are you planning on taking a trip with your beloved pet? As a pet owner, it can be stressful to navigate through airline policies and procedures to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your furry companion. However, if you’re flying with Lufthansa, you can rest assured that they have a well-established pet policy in place. Lufthansa is a popular German airline that allows pets to travel in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as cargo. Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, here’s everything you need to know about Lufthansa’s pet policy.
Types of Pets Allowed
Lufthansa allows cats, dogs, and small household birds to travel with them. However, there are certain restrictions and requirements for each type of pet.
Cats and Dogs
Cats and dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as cargo. However, there are weight and size restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin. Your pet, along with its carrier, must not weigh more than 17.6 lbs (8 kg) and must fit comfortably in a carrier that can be stowed under the seat in front of you. If your pet is traveling as checked baggage, it must be in an IATA-compliant crate and must not exceed 70.5 lbs (32 kg) including the weight of the crate. For pets traveling as cargo, the weight restrictions are the same as checked baggage, but the crate must be able to withstand all weather conditions.
Small Household Birds
Small household birds, such as parrots or finches, are only allowed to travel as checked baggage. They must be in an IATA-compliant crate and must not exceed 70.5 lbs (32 kg) including the weight of the crate.
Pet Travel Fees
Lufthansa charges a pet travel fee for each pet traveling in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as cargo. The fee varies depending on the destination and type of travel. For example, the fee for a domestic flight within Germany is 50 EUR for pets traveling in the cabin, while the fee for international flights is 70 EUR.
Booking a Flight with Your Pet
When booking a flight with your pet, it’s important to inform Lufthansa in advance. You can do this by calling their customer service or adding a note while booking your flight online. It’s important to note that Lufthansa only allows a limited number of pets on each flight, so it’s best to book your flight as early as possible.
Health and Documentation Requirements
Before traveling with your pet, it’s crucial to ensure that they are in good health and have all the necessary vaccinations. Lufthansa requires a valid health certificate from a licensed veterinarian for all pets traveling as checked baggage or cargo. Additionally, some countries may have specific entry requirements for pets, so it’s essential to research and comply with those as well.
Additional Tips
It’s recommended to feed your pet a light meal a few hours before the flight to avoid any discomfort during travel. – Make sure to label your pet’s carrier with their name, your contact information, and “Live Animal” written in bold. – If your pet is traveling in the cabin, it’s best to avoid bulkhead seats as there is no space under the seat in front of you for a carrier. – It’s best to avoid traveling with your pet during extreme weather conditions. – Always have a leash and collar with an identification tag on your pet during the journey.
Conclusion
Lufthansa’s pet policy is well-organized and accommodating for pet owners. However, it’s essential to carefully follow all the requirements and recommendations to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your furry friend. For more information on Lufthansa’s pet policy and to book your next flight with your pet, visit their website or contact their customer service for assistance.