Europe
Flying with a dog on Austrian Airlines OS
Europe
Flying with a dog on Austrian Airlines
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Here is the Austrian Airlines pet policy for dogs, checked against the airline's own pages in October 2026. Below: what applies in the cabin and in the hold, the breed rules for your dog, and what to sort out before you fly.
Austrian Airlines dog policy at a glance
In the cabin
Up to 8 kg
In the hold
Available
Austrian Airlines pet carrier size: dog carriers that fit
We checked every carrier in our comparison against the limits of Austrian Airlines, size by size. Shown are the ones that fit by their dimensions, most mentioned first. At the gate, Austrian Airlines decides.
In the cabin
5 carriers fit by their dimensions
Illustration Sherpa Original Deluxe Fits Small 
Illustration Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Fits Mini Expandable · 6.2 kg for the dog 
Illustration TRIXIE Airline Tasche Boarding Fits 6.6 kg for the dog In the hold
Austrian Airlines states no fixed size for this, so we can't check carriers against it.
Breed rules
Restrictions| Breed group | Cabin with you | Hold on your flight | Cargo booked separately |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snub-nosed | Allowed | Not allowed | Not listed |
| Strong breeds | Conditional | Conditional | Not listed |
– not listed
Snub-nosed
- Cabin, with you
- Allowed
- Hold, on your flight
- Not allowed
- Cargo, booked separately
- Not listed
Strong breeds
- Cabin, with you
- Conditional
- Hold, on your flight
- Conditional
- Cargo, booked separately
- Not listed
Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) cats and dogs are not permitted in the cargo hold; special conditions also apply to dogs classified as fighting dogs.
Assistance dogs
AllowedTrained assistance dogs travel free in the cabin (one outside the USA, two on US flights); a training certificate from an accredited organisation is required and forms must be submitted at least 48 hours before departure.
Summary
Cats and dogs up to 8 kg including the soft carrier may travel in the cabin, with a carrier no larger than 55 x 40 x 23 cm (118 cm total). Larger animals travel in the cargo hold in an IATA-compliant container, though snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are banned from the hold. Cabin fees range from EUR 65 to EUR 125 per segment by route, and cargo fees from EUR 80 to EUR 380, plus a EUR 150 hub surcharge via certain airports. Only cats and dogs are accepted; birds, rabbits and rodents are not.
Carrier must be soft, bite-proof, leak-proof and fit under the seat in front, with no solid frame, wheels or telescopic handle; in some countries such as the United Kingdom and South Africa, animals must travel as freight regardless of size. Up to two healthy pets per container; in the cargo hold they must be accustomed to each other and each weigh no more than 14 kg.
Kennel must be hard-sided and IATA-compliant; availability and loading depend on the aircraft. Fees are tiered at 60 x 45 x 40 cm, with higher prices above that size, and a surcharge of EUR 150 (CHF 175 / USD 175) applies via FRA, MUC, VIE, ZRH, GVA or BRU. Oversized or too-heavy animals are handled by Lufthansa Cargo.
Before you fly
- Check which vaccinations and health documents your route requires, and keep them with you.
- Reserve your dog's spot early, as places per flight are limited.
- Check the entry rules of your destination country.
- Get your dog used to the carrier or kennel well before the trip.
- Larger dogs travel in the climate-controlled hold, so book that early too.
Always double-check
Airline pet policies change often and vary by route, aircraft and season. Confirm the current rules directly with Austrian Airlines before booking.
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Flying with a dog on Austrian Airlines: FAQ
What is the Austrian Airlines pet policy for dogs? ▾
Austrian Airlines allows small dogs up to 8 kg in the cabin, and larger dogs travel in the hold. Some breeds are restricted, and the Dog-Friendly Score is 81/100. Checked against the official policy in October 2026.
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Austrian Airlines? ▾
Yes. Austrian Airlines allows small dogs up to 8 kg (including the carrier) in the cabin, as long as the carrier fits under the seat in front of you.
Can my dog travel in cargo on Austrian Airlines? ▾
Yes. Austrian Airlines transports dogs in the temperature-controlled hold. Advance booking and an IATA-compliant travel crate are usually required.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on Austrian Airlines? ▾
On Austrian Airlines, the in-cabin fee is €65–125 (per flight · varies by route); the airline states: EUR 65 (domestic), EUR 80 (Europe), EUR 105 (intercontinental short haul), EUR 115 (medium haul), EUR 125 (long haul), each per flight segment, and the hold fee is €80–380 (per flight · varies by route and size); the airline states: EUR 80–190 (within 60x45x40 cm) or EUR 160–380 (exceeding), per flight segment; EUR 150 (or CHF 175 / USD 175) surcharge via FRA, MUC, VIE, ZRH, GVA or BRU. Fees change, so confirm the exact amount when you book.
Are there breed restrictions on Austrian Airlines? ▾
Yes. Austrian Airlines restricts certain breeds: Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) cats and dogs are not permitted in the cargo hold; special conditions also apply to dogs classified as fighting dogs. Check the breed rules for your dog before booking.
Does Austrian Airlines accept assistance dogs? ▾
Yes. Trained assistance dogs are accepted in the cabin, usually free of charge, with the required documentation. Contact Austrian Airlines in advance.