8 kg (dog + carrier combined)
Airline dog policy
Lufthansa
Lufthansa remains one of Europe's strongest choices for dog travel because it offers both passenger-cabin transport on eligible routes and professional live-animal air freight through Lufthansa Cargo. Cargo animals are handled under IATA Live Animals Regulations, and dogs routed through Frankfurt can benefit from the Frankfurt Animal Lounge, where trained animal keepers provide species-appropriate care around the clock. For private individuals, Lufthansa Cargo animal shipments must be booked via a freight forwarder, not directly as a normal passenger add-on.
Book early and confirm aircraft acceptance.
Under-seat dimensions can vary by aircraft.
Fees can change by region and currency.
Booking tip
For cabin travel, confirm your dog's space with Lufthansa before you buy non-refundable travel extras: availability is limited and rules can vary by aircraft, cabin, route, and operating carrier. For cargo travel, start with Lufthansa Cargo's animal forwarder search or your relocation company early, because the crate, shipper's certificate, import documents, and route availability all need to line up before handover.
Why it can work
Lufthansa Cargo transports live animals with high priority and fast transit times. During transit, animals are cared for according to their needs, examined, fed, and watered. The Frankfurt Animal Lounge is a major advantage for dogs routed through FRA: Lufthansa Cargo describes 24/7 care by trained staff and animal keepers, separated import/export/transit zones, climate chambers, quiet zones for dogs, and veterinary/customs processes under one roof. Pet Premium is available for dogs and cats on eligible Frankfurt stopovers, subject to availability, and can include larger kennels at the Animal Lounge, special-care support, arrival photos, pre-trip information, and a dedicated contact.
Restrictions
Dogs in the cabin must stay inside an approved carrier that fits under the seat and meets Lufthansa's current passenger-airline rules. Cargo crates must comply with IATA Live Animals Regulations, and Lufthansa Cargo requires a shipper's certificate before handover. Lufthansa Cargo's March 1, 2026 LH05 kennel update applies to restricted dog breeds, not ordinary dog crates, but dog cargo bookings still need an IATA-compliant kennel sized for natural standing, turning, and lying down.
Dog-owner notes
Lufthansa flies from most major European and international airports and has a codeshare network that spans the globe through Star Alliance. First decide the pathway: passenger pet booking for an eligible in-cabin dog, or Lufthansa Cargo plus a freight forwarder for manifest air-freight animal shipments. For EU travel, bring a valid EU Pet Passport. For intercontinental travel, ensure you have the full documentation chain: ISO microchip, rabies vaccine, titre test if required, destination health certificate, import permit where required, and a shipper's certificate for cargo handover. Confirm route limits early, because destination rules, aircraft type, operating carrier, season, and available animal capacity can all affect whether your dog can travel. Frankfurt remains one of the best European hubs for professional pet connections; if routing through FRA, ask the forwarder whether Animal Lounge transit care or Pet Premium is available.
Final check before paying
Confirm the exact aircraft, route, dog breed, carrier size, temperature rules and destination import law directly with the airline. A country can allow dogs while a specific airline or aircraft refuses them.