Austrian Airlines: Can You Bring Your Pets Onboard?

Austrian Airlines allows passengers to travel with pets, but there are several conditions that must be met. Pets may travel in the passenger cabin (as hand baggage) or in the baggage compartment (as checked baggage). The airline only accepts healthy cats and dogs, and there are specific weight and size requirements for transport containers. The pet owner must also be booked on the same flight and notify the airline in advance.

Austrian Airlines allows small dogs and cats in the cabin

The pet must be placed in an approved airline pet carrier, which must be leak-proof and meet specific size and weight restrictions. The combined weight of the animal and carrier must not exceed 8 kg, and the maximum dimensions of the carrier are 55 x 40 x 23 cm, to ensure it can be easily stowed under the seat. The carrier must be well-ventilated, with breathing holes on at least three sides, and large enough for the pet to stand and turn around comfortably. It must also have food and water containers.

Passengers travelling with pets should inform Austrian Airlines at the time of booking, and the airline will check the transport conditions before confirming the transport of the pet. There are additional fees for travelling with pets, which vary depending on the destination and size of the carrier. For example, the pet fee for domestic flights is 50 EUR, while long intercontinental flights cost 110 EUR.

It is important to ensure you have all the necessary health and travel documents for your pet, including a health certificate, vaccination certificates, and any required import permits or veterinary certificates for your destination.

Larger animals can be transported in the cargo hold

Austrian Airlines accepts passengers travelling with pets, including in the cargo hold. The airline prioritises the safety and well-being of animals during flights.

When booking your flight, it is essential to notify Austrian Airlines about the size and weight of your pet's carrying container. This information will enable the airline to check the availability of space and loading options in the aircraft. It is worth noting that a maximum of two pets, accustomed to each other, with a maximum individual weight of 14 kg per animal, may be accommodated in a single carrying container.

To ensure the safe transport of your pet, Austrian Airlines may inspect the condition of the carrying container and your pet's behaviour during check-in. Therefore, it is crucial to have the necessary travel documents, including transit/immigration papers, health certificates, and pet vaccination certificates.

Furthermore, it is important to be aware of any import and export regulations that may apply to your pet in the country of departure, transit, and arrival. These regulations can be clarified with the relevant embassy before your journey.

Containers must be leak-proof and well-ventilated

Austrian Airlines allows passengers to travel with their pets, but there are strict requirements for the transport containers. One of the most important requirements is that containers must be leak-proof and well-ventilated. This is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of the pets during the flight.

For pets travelling in the passenger cabin, the container must be leak-proof and soft, with a maximum weight of 8 kg (including the pet) and dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm to fit under the seat. The container should also be well-ventilated, with breathing holes or vents on at least three sides to ensure proper airflow. It is the owner's responsibility to bring their own transport container that meets these requirements.

For larger animals travelling in the cargo hold, the transport container must comply with IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations. These containers must also be leak-proof and well-ventilated, with enough space for the animal to stand and move around comfortably. The container should have feeding and watering facilities, and it must be solid and resistant to bursting. Austrian Airlines will check the condition of the container and the pet's behaviour at check-in to ensure that the transport is safe and secure throughout the journey.

It is important to note that Austrian Airlines only allows healthy cats and dogs, with a minimum age of 12 weeks (16 weeks for travel to/from the US). The owner must be on the same flight as their pet and must notify Austrian Airlines in advance of their intention to travel with a pet. The fees for transporting pets vary depending on the destination and the size of the container.

A health certificate is required for pets travelling in the cargo hold

Austrian Airlines welcomes pets in the cabin and as checked baggage. However, it is important to note that only cats and dogs are accepted, and they must be in good health. For pets travelling in the cargo hold, a health certificate is required. This certificate must be completed by a veterinarian within 10 days of travel and is necessary for manifest cargo. It indicates that your pet is healthy, disease-free, and vaccinated.

The health certificate is a crucial component of the pet travel process, ensuring your pet's well-being and compliance with travel regulations. It provides assurance that your pet is fit for travel and does not pose any health risks. This requirement is especially important for cargo travel, where your pet may be separated from you during the flight.

To obtain the health certificate, you must visit your veterinarian and have them examine your pet. They will assess your pet's overall health, ensure they are free of communicable diseases, and verify that their vaccinations are up to date. This process must be completed within 10 days of your intended travel date, ensuring that your pet's health status is current and accurate.

Once the veterinarian has determined that your pet meets all the necessary health requirements, they will issue the health certificate. This certificate will serve as official documentation and must be presented to Austrian Airlines when travelling with your pet in the cargo hold. It is essential to keep this certificate readily available throughout your journey, as it may be requested at various checkpoints.

In addition to the health certificate, there are other important considerations for travelling with pets. Austrian Airlines requires that you notify them in advance if you intend to travel with your pet. This notification should include details such as the weight and dimensions of your pet's carrier, allowing them to ensure sufficient space is available in the cargo hold.

Guide/assistance dogs are carried free of charge

Austrian Airlines allows service dogs, including guide/assistance dogs, to travel free of charge in the passenger cabin, provided that all safety requirements are met. This includes size and weight restrictions, so advance notification is required.

To travel with a guide/assistance dog, you must provide proof of the animal's status as a service animal at the time of check-in. This means that you will need to register your service animal at the time of booking. You can do this by calling Austrian Airlines on +43 (0)5 1766 1000.

Guide/assistance dogs must be able to fit comfortably in the space under the seat in front of you. The pet container must weigh no more than 8 kg (including the animal), with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm. The container must be soft, leak-proof, and well-ventilated. It must also be large enough for the dog to stand with its head extended and have enough space to move around comfortably.

It is important to note that emotional support dogs are no longer classified as service dogs and therefore cannot travel for free. They may travel as pets if all the conditions for pet travel are met.

Frequently asked questions