Here's what I wish someone had told me before booking Austrian Airlines: they take dogs in the cabin, which changes everything for a nervous first-timer. Cooper has done this trip three times now, and knowing your dog can sit beside you instead of down in the hold makes the whole day calmer. We've all been there, staring at policy pages at midnight. Let's walk through it together, step by step.
Austrian Airlines's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How Austrian Airlines handles your pet Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedYour pet may be carried in the cabin and/or the cargo hold depending on its size, weight (including carrying container) and the relevant regulations of the country concerned. verified 2026-07-15 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesPlease note that dogs and cats that belong to snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not permitted in the hold as they are particularly sensitive to temperature and stress. Please notify us in good time if you wish to… verified 2026-07-15 Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldogs . Please also note the additional information about the carriage of animals in the cargo hold for the carriage of fighting dog breeds. Please also note the additional information about the carriage of animals in the… verified 2026-07-15 One-way fee 77 USD The pet fee ranges from $77 (EUR 65) - $148 (EUR 125), depending on destination. verified 2026-07-20 Minimum age 12 weeks Your pet must be at last twelve weeks old. verified 2026-07-15 Advance booking required ✓ YesWe ask that you familiarise yourself with the new requirements in good time. Go to the CDC requirements (English) The link will be opened in a new browser tab This link leads to an external website whose security and… verified 2026-07-15 Max pets per passenger 2 You can carry up to two healthy pets in an approved carrying container. verified 2026-07-15 Booking method make bookings for carriage in the cabin yourself online via You may make bookings for carriage in the cabin yourself online via My bookings (except for USA flights), or, as is the case for larger animals, via the Service Centre verified 2026-07-15 Min age weeks 12 weeks Your pet must be at last twelve weeks old. verified 2026-07-15 Pregnant allowed ✗ NoYour pet must be at last twelve weeks old. Young animals must be weaned from their mother. We do not accept animals that are pregnant. verified 2026-07-15 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWe do not accept animals that are pregnant verified 2026-07-15 Carrier size 55 × 40 × 23 cm The travel carrier must not exceed dimensions of 118 cm (55 x 40 x 23 cm) so it can be stowed under the seat in front. verified 2026-07-15 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg The total weight of the animal and the travel carrier must not exceed 8 kg. verified 2026-07-15 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier The travel carrier must not exceed dimensions of 118 cm (55 x 40 x 23 cm) so it can be stowed under the seat in front. verified 2026-07-15 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedCats and dogs may be carried in the cargo hold if necessary when there is no space in the passenger cabin, subject to compliance with the relevant conditions of carriage. verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesPlease note that dogs and cats that belong to snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not permitted in the hold as they are particularly sensitive to temperature and stress verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list American Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Bullmastiff Brussels Griffon Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold Austrian Airlines Breed Restrictions The following breeds are not permitted to fly in the cargo hold due to t heir snub-nosed characteristics: DOGS:… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: One-way fee 80 EUR …in the cargo hold with dimensions exceeding 60 x 45 x 40 cm Austrian Airlines destinations Domestic EUR 80 EUR 160 Flights within Austria Europe EUR 100 EUR 200 Europe incl verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Minimum age 12 weeks Age/Weight requirements Minimum age to fly Austrian Airlines in the cabin is 12 weeks and weaned from the mother verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesImportant note: Only dogs that are at least 6 months old are accepted on trips to the USA. If you are travelling with an assistance dog, you must complete the following forms and submit them to our Special Cases Desk as… verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Max pets per carrier 2 A maximum of two pets, who must be accustomed to one another, each with a maximum individual weight of 14 kg may be accommodated in a single carrying container. verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWe do not accept animals that are pregnant verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier All water containers must be spill proof verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedCats and dogs may be carried in the cargo hold if necessary when there is no space in the passenger cabin, subject to compliance with the relevant conditions of carriage. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesPlease note that dogs and cats that belong to snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not permitted in the hold as they are particularly sensitive to temperature and stress. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list American Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Bullmastiff Brussels Griffon Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold Austrian Airlines Breed Restrictions The following breeds are not permitted to fly in the cargo hold due to t heir snub-nosed characteristics: DOGS:… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: One-way fee 80 EUR …in the cargo hold with dimensions exceeding 60 x 45 x 40 cm Austrian Airlines destinations Domestic EUR 80 EUR 160 Flights within verified 2026-07-28 Cargo: Minimum age 12 weeks Age/Weight requirements Minimum age to fly Austrian Airlines in the cabin is 12 weeks and weaned from the mother verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesPlease notify us in good time if you wish to bring your pet with you. You may make bookings for carriage in the cabin yourself online via My bookings (except for USA flights), or, as is the case for larger animals, via… verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Pregnant allowed ✗ NoYour pet must be at last twelve weeks old. Young animals must be weaned from their mother. We do not accept animals that are pregnant. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWe do not accept animals that are pregnant verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Carrier size 40 × 40 cm …claim the opposite. Flight segment Price for carriage in the cargo hold up to the dimensions of 60 x 45 x 40 cm Price for carriage in the cargo hold with dimensions exceeding 60 x 45 x 40 cm verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 14 kg A maximum of two pets, who must be accustomed to one another, each with a maximum individual weight of 14 kg may be accommodated in a single carrying container. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier …claim the opposite. Flight segment Price for carriage in the cargo hold up to the dimensions of 60 x 45 x 40 cm Price for carriage in the cargo hold with dimensions exceeding 60 x 45 x 40 cm verified 2026-07-15 Health & documents Downloadable forms 📄 Pet in cabin booking form Airline-owned PDF auto-paired by pair_airline_pdfs_to_downloadable_forms — classified as pet_in_cabin_booking from URL keywords. verified 2026-06-14 Health certificate required ✓ Yesthey already have a confirmed booking for themselves and their assistance dog. Go to the Service Centre Please note You can carry up to two healthy pets in an approved carrying container. Your pet must be at last twelve… verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesForms Required Proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate or EU Pet Passport will be required. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ YesForms Required Proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate or EU Pet Passport will be required. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 12 weeks Age/Weight requirements Minimum age to fly Austrian Airlines in the cabin is 12 weeks and weaned from the mother. verified 2026-07-20 Other rules Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedhorities the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), new bookings for dogs entering the USA can only be accepted to Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, Philadelphia and Washington DC at verified 2026-07-15 Minimum age 12 weeks Your pet must be at last twelve weeks old. verified 2026-07-15 Restricted breeds list Pit Bulls, Shar Pei, Staffordshire Bull Terrier Please contact us via our contact form for further information Affenpinschers American Bully (see dogs classified as fighting dogs) Bulldogs (all breeds except American Bulldogs) Pugs (all breeds) American Pit Bull… verified 2026-07-15 Breed restrictions apply ✗ YesPlease contact us via our contact form for further information Affenpinschers American Bully (see dogs classified as fighting dogs) Bulldogs (all breeds except American Bulldogs) Pugs (all breeds) American Pit Bull… verified 2026-07-28 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWe do not accept animals that are pregnant. verified 2026-07-15 Assistance animals accepted ✓ YesWe will carry one (1) assistance dog free of charge. It is a dog, regardless of breed or type. It must be specifically trained to perform jobs or tasks for a disabled person verified 2026-07-15 Service & assistance animals Esa note Emotional support dogs will no longer be Emotional support dogs will no longer be classified as assistance dogs and new bookings will no longer be accepted after this date verified 2026-07-15 Fee waived ✓ Yesour dog does not behave in an appropriate manner, Austrian Airlines may transfer the dog to the cargo hold at an additional cost or refuse to carry the animal. You are liable for any damage and additional costs arising… verified 2026-07-15 Recognized ✓ YesWe will carry one (1) assistance dog free of charge. verified 2026-07-15 Cabin allowed ✓ YesImportant note: from 1 March 2021, Austrian Airlines will only accept trained assistance dogs in the cabin verified 2026-07-15 Esa recognized ✗ NoEmotional support dogs and assistance dogs in training do not qualify as assistance dogs. verified 2026-07-15 Forms required ✓ YesThe passenger with a disability who wishes to travel with an assistance dog in the cabin does not submit the completed, up-to-date forms required by Austrian Airlines verified 2026-07-15 Training required ✓ YesAustrian Airlines Pet Policy – In Cabin If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in Austrian Airlines’ pet policy to fly in the cabin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a… verified 2026-07-20 Advance notice hours 48 hours If you are travelling with an assistance dog and have made a reservation less than 48 hours before the first scheduled departure time of your itinerary , you must submit these forms at the… verified 2026-07-15 Documentation required ✓ YesIf you are travelling with an assistance dog, you must complete the following forms and submit them to our Special Cases Desk as a condition of carriage verified 2026-07-15 Recognized organizations IGDF …Assistance Dogs International (ADI); Assistance Dogs Europe (ADEu); International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF); or a certificate issued by a training facility and/or a dog trainer (i verified 2026-07-15 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedYour pet may be carried in the cabin and/or the cargo hold depending on its size, weight (including carrying container) and the relevant regulations of the country concerned. verified 2026-07-15 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesPlease note that dogs and cats that belong to snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not permitted in the hold as they are particularly sensitive to temperature and stress. verified 2026-07-15 Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldogs . Please also note the additional information about the carriage of animals in the cargo hold for the carriage of fighting dog breeds. Please also note the additional information about the carriage of animals in the… verified 2026-07-15 One-way fee 65 EUR …up to a max. weight of 8 kg¹ and max. dimensions² of 118 cm Austrian Airlines destinations Domestic EUR 65 Flights within Austria Euro verified 2026-07-15 Minimum age 12 weeks Your pet must be at last twelve weeks old. verified 2026-07-15 Advance booking required ✓ YesPlease contact an animal carrier for this. verified 2026-07-15 Max pets per passenger 2 You can carry up to two healthy pets in an approved carrying container. verified 2026-07-15 Booking method make bookings for carriage in the cabin yourself online via You may make bookings for carriage in the cabin yourself online via My bookings (except for USA flights), or, as is the case for larger animals, via the Service Centre verified 2026-07-15 Min age weeks 12 weeks Your pet must be at last twelve weeks old. verified 2026-07-15 Pregnant allowed ✗ NoYour pet must be at last twelve weeks old. Young animals must be weaned from their mother. We do not accept animals that are pregnant. verified 2026-07-15 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWe do not accept animals that are pregnant verified 2026-07-15 Carrier size 55 × 40 × 23 cm The travel carrier must not exceed dimensions of 118 cm (55 x 40 x 23 cm) so it can be stowed under the seat in front. verified 2026-07-15 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg The total weight of the animal and the travel carrier must not exceed 8 kg. verified 2026-07-15 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier The travel carrier must not exceed dimensions of 118 cm (55 x 40 x 23 cm) so it can be stowed under the seat in front. verified 2026-07-15 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedCats and dogs may be carried in the cargo hold if necessary when there is no space in the passenger cabin, subject to compliance with the relevant conditions of carriage. verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesPlease note that dogs and cats that belong to snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not permitted in the hold as they are particularly sensitive to temperature and stress verified 2026-07-15 Hold: One-way fee 80 EUR …in the cargo hold with dimensions exceeding 60 x 45 x 40 cm Austrian Airlines destinations Domestic EUR 80 EUR 160 Flights within Austria Europe EUR 100 EUR 200 Europe incl verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Minimum age 12 weeks Age/Weight requirements Minimum age to fly Austrian Airlines in the cabin is 12 weeks and weaned from the mother verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesCats and dogs may be carried in the cargo hold if necessary when there is no space in the passenger cabin, subject to compliance with the relevant conditions of carriage. Please inform us of the size and weight of the… verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Max pets per carrier 2 A maximum of two pets, who must be accustomed to one another, each with a maximum individual weight of 14 kg may be accommodated in a single carrying container. verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWe do not accept animals that are pregnant verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Water containers must not be filled for the flight, but must be accessible from outside the container verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedCats and dogs may be carried in the cargo hold if necessary when there is no space in the passenger cabin, subject to compliance with the relevant conditions of carriage. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesPlease note that dogs and cats that belong to snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not permitted in the hold as they are particularly sensitive to temperature and stress. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Scottish Fold British Shorthairs Exotic Shorthairs Himalayan cats Persian cats Scottish Fold cats The restrictions also apply to mongrels of the breeds specified verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Minimum age 12 weeks Age/Weight requirements Minimum age to fly Austrian Airlines in the cabin is 12 weeks and weaned from the mother verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesPlease also submit the breed, weight and age of the animal. Your assistance dog must fit in the footwell in front of your seat and be attached to your safety belt with a lead provided by Austrian Airlines; must remain… verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWe do not accept animals that are pregnant verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Carrier size 31 × 40 cm …claim the opposite. Flight segment Price for carriage in the cargo hold up to the dimensions of 60 x 45 x 40 cm Price for carriage in the cargo hold with dimensions exceeding 60 x 45 x 40 cm verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier …claim the opposite. Flight segment Price for carriage in the cargo hold up to the dimensions of 60 x 45 x 40 cm Price for carriage in the cargo hold with dimensions exceeding 60 x 45 x 40 cm verified 2026-07-15 Health & documents Downloadable forms 📄 Pet in cabin booking form Airline-owned PDF auto-paired by pair_airline_pdfs_to_downloadable_forms — classified as pet_in_cabin_booking from URL keywords. verified 2026-06-14 Health certificate required ✓ YesForms Required Proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate or EU Pet Passport will be required. verified 2026-07-20 Other rules Minimum age 12 weeks Your pet must be at last twelve weeks old. verified 2026-07-15 Austrian Airlines sets a firm floor on age for cabin travel. A dog must be at least twelve weeks old to fly in the cabin. Confirm the birth date before booking any ticket. Puppies under twelve weeks will be refused at check-in. Schedule the trip so the twelfth week has fully passed by the departure date, not the booking date.
Snub-nosed, brachycephalic breeds face a specific restriction on Austrian Airlines. These breeds are not permitted in the hold because they react badly to temperature and stress. Check whether the breed qualifies as brachycephalic before choosing a travel method. Book cabin or cargo transport for a snub-nosed dog instead of the hold. Notify the airline about the breed in advance.
Frequently asked
How many pets can I bring on Austrian Airlines? Austrian Airlines allows 2 in the cabin, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier. What is the cabin weight limit on Austrian Airlines? In the cabin, your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 8 kg. Can snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds fly Austrian Airlines? Snub-nosed breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats are not accepted in the cabin, not accepted in the hold. How much does it cost to fly a pet on Austrian Airlines? On flights within Metropolitan France, Austrian Airlines charges from 77 USD in the cabin, one way per pet. Longer routes cost more — price your exact itinerary. What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity? If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays. What happens if I forget a document? At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
The Austrian Airlines cabin pet fee starts at 77 USD one way. The charge rises to 148 USD depending on destination. Budget for the higher figure until the exact route confirms the amount. Pay the fee per direction, so double it for a round trip. Confirm the destination-based price at booking rather than assuming the minimum applies.
You've got the big pieces now, and honestly the hardest part is just starting. Austrian Airlines makes cabin travel workable, but every route and every dog brings small differences. That's exactly why I lean on a personalized plan rather than guessing. Build your own plan with Pawgo's plan-builder, plug in your actual dates and destination, and let it hand you the exact checklist. You've absolutely got this.
Glossary
ISO chip ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard. FAVN Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations. Brachycephalic Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk. AVIH Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
