Austrian Airlines

Austrian Airlines – Pet Policy

Quick Reference Table

Pet Type	Cabin	Checked Baggage / Hold	Cargo	Notes
Dog	Yes (≤8kg incl. carrier; carrier max 55x40x23cm)	Yes (14kg max per dog for shared crate, see breed restrictions)	Yes (dogs/fighting breeds often as cargo)	No snub-nosed breeds in hold; CDC, import docs for US, Canada, etc.; booking/fee required
Cat	Yes (same as dog)	Yes (same as dog; no snub-nosed cats in hold)	Yes (cargo if oversized/not allowed as baggage)	No snub-nosed cats in hold; paperwork/booking req’d
Bird	No	No	Cargo only (CITES, import/export docs mandatory)	Advance request for manifest cargo only
Rabbit	No	No	Usually manifest cargo if permitted	Advance request, not always permitted
Reptile	No	No	Cargo only	Inquire with airline
Fish	No	No	Cargo only	Inquire with airline

Only dogs and cats in cabin/hold; other pets (rabbits, reptiles, fish, birds) manifest cargo only. Cabin: ≤8kg (pet + carrier) & 55x40x23cm. Hold: no snub-nosed/fighting breeds. All pets: min. 12w, 16w for US; all docs req’d.

General Policy Overview

PETS IN CABIN: Small dogs and cats (≥12w, ≥16w for US), max 8kg (carrier + animal), in soft, leak-proof, ventilated carrier (max 55 x 40 x 23cm) under seat. 1 carrier per pax; 2 pets per crate if used to living together (each ≤14kg).
CHECKED BAGGAGE / IN-HOLD: Larger dogs/cats (not snub-nosed/fighting/aggressive breeds) may fly in hold, 2 per crate (if used to living together, each ≤14kg). Container: must be IATA-compliant, see site for specs, paperwork, & dimensions; breed/route restrictions apply. No pregnant/ill animals. Notify airline, confirm booking early.
MANIFEST CARGO: For animals too large, not permitted in-cabin/hold, or other pet types (birds, rabbits, reptiles, fish). Advance arrangement required. Cargo restrictions, animal welfare, and full documentation apply.
BREED RESTRICTIONS: Snub-nosed/brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Exotic Shorthair, Scottish Fold, etc.) not allowed in hold. Fighting breeds (Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, etc.) as cargo only in special crate (non-plastic). See full list online.
AGE & HEALTH: All pets must be ≥12 weeks (≥16 for US), fully weaned, not pregnant, and healthy/fit for travel. Check CDC and import rules for US/Canada.
RESERVATION/FEES: Fees from €50–110 (cabin/region); checked/cargo fees higher. Booking for pets must be done in advance by contacting the airline; space is limited per flight. Some codeshare/partner restrictions apply.
ASSISTANCE DOGS: Recognized assistance/guide dogs travel free, with specific rules, accreditation, and forms required for US/Canada. Emotional support animals are not recognized as assistance dogs as of 2021.

Pet-Specific Guidance

Dog: Cabin only if ≤8kg/55x40x23cm; hold: standard breeds only, no snub-nosed/fighting. Special paperwork for US; advance booking; all health docs, import/export, CDC Dog Import Form.
Cat: Same as dog. No snub-nosed cat breeds in hold. All docs/booking as above.
Bird: Cargo only, CITES/export/import docs required. Speak to airline in advance.
Rabbit/Reptile/Fish: Only as manifest cargo, subject to airline and destination permission. Not typical for pet travel.

Fees & Booking

Cabin: €50 (domestic), €60 (Europe), €80–€110 (intercontinental), paid per animal/flight; special fee for transits via select airports (FRA, MUC, VIE, ZRH, GVA, BRU).
Checked: Starts at €80 (domestic) up to €380 (long-haul, large size). Fees and limits per [details][7].
Manifest cargo rates: Inquire with cargo office directly.
Book pets as early as possible; bring all paperwork in both physical and digital formats.

Woofly Tips

For US/Canada travel, complete CDC Dog Import Form and check up-to-date pet entry rules in advance.
Get your pet used to crate/carrier weeks prior to travel; include familiar toy and absorbent lining.
Never sedate pets before flight without vet consult—risk of circulatory problems.
No pets in-cabin or hold on some long-haul/transit routes or to countries (e.g. UK, South Africa) where pet freight is mandatory.

Last updated: July 22, 2025