Austrian Airlines pet policy: flying with a dog or cat

✓ Rules checked: September 4, 2026Source: the airline's websiteOS

Austrian Airlines carries dogs and cats in the cabin up to 8 kg and in the hold. The pet's place is booked in advance — at least 48 h before departure.

Some countries take no animals at all: United Kingdom and South Africa. Snub-nosed breeds are not accepted in the hold. Direct flights reach 43 countries, but flying there and taking a pet are different questions: the destination country has its own entry rules.

Cabin Allowed

8kg including the carrier

Carrier: 23 × 40 × 55 cm
Booking: at least 48 h before departure

The carrier's rule+

Pet with carrier up to 8 kg; carrier no bigger than 55×40×23 cm (118 cm total), under the seat in front.
The carrier must be SOFT — no solid frame, wheels or telescopic handle — odour-insulated, bite-proof, leak-proof and ventilated even when closed.
Two printed copies of the completed and signed cabin-pet form must be presented at check-in.
One passenger may bring up to two healthy animals.
A cabin pet booking can be made yourself via My Bookings — except on flights to the USA. COUNTRIES WHERE ONLY FREIGHT IS POSSIBLE: the carrier names the United Kingdom and South Africa — pets travel there as freight irrespective of size.
The carrier's list is given by example ("such as"), so check your own destination.
The carrier also reserves the right to refuse bookings on certain routes, including to the UK.

Hold Allowed

The carrier's rule+

Over 8 kg — in the cargo/baggage hold (Lufthansa Group rules apply).

Flying Austrian Airlines?

A personal plan combines the airline's rules with the destination's

Before you buy a ticket

The conditions that send people back to the ticket desk: closed destinations, breeds, heat limits and how early the pet must be booked.

Countries with no pets2 countries+

🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇿🇦 South Africa

Snub-nosed breedsnot accepted in the hold+

SNUB-NOSED (brachycephalic) dogs and cats are NOT permitted in the hold — they are particularly sensitive to temperature and stress. They are accepted in the cabin on the general conditions. Pregnant animals are not accepted. The pet must be at least 12 weeks old and already weaned. Rodents are not carried at all.

Banned breedsNot stated in the rules

Heat embargoNot stated in the rules

Species acceptedDogs, cats

Booking notice48 h before departure

Where it flies — and whether pets can come along

Austrian Airlines flies direct to 43 countries according to the schedules. Flying there is not the same as taking a pet: the destination country has its own entry rules, and the carrier itself closes some routes to animals.

Country	Cities	Cabin	Hold
🇬🇷 Greece	21	✓	✓
🇮🇹 Italy	13	✓	✓
🇩🇪 Germany	11	✓	✓
🇪🇸 Spain	10	✓	✓
🇫🇷 France	7	✓	✓
🇺🇸 United States	6	✓	✓
🇦🇹 Austria	4	✓	✓
🇳🇴 Norway	4	✓	✓
🇭🇷 Croatia	4	✓	✓
🇹🇷 Turkey	3	✓	✓
🇧🇬 Bulgaria	3	✓	✓
🇵🇹 Portugal	3	✓	✓
🇷🇴 Romania	3	✓	✓
🇸🇪 Sweden	2	✓	✓
🇪🇬 Egypt	2	✓	✓
🇨🇭 Switzerland	2	✓	✓
🇬🇧 United Kingdom No pets carried	2	—	—

The destinations with the most cities are shown; countries where pets are not carried are always shown. A country's entry requirements are on its own guide.

Sources

Every number above comes from the carrier's official page. Check it before buying: airlines change the rules without notice.

Airline's page ↗ Rules checked: September 4, 2026

FAQ

Can I fly with a dog in the cabin on Austrian Airlines?+

Yes, up to 8 kg including the carrier.

Are snub-nosed breeds accepted?+

Not in the hold.

Where does the airline not fly pets?+

United Kingdom, South Africa.

How far ahead must I book the pet?+

At least 48 hours before departure.

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