Austrian Airlines Pet Travel Policy

Aïsha · with Pixel (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, 7kg)
“I see pet travel paperwork rejected every week at my clinic.”
Meet all guides →

About this guide ↓

Austrian Airlines Pet Travel: What You Need to Know

I've been reviewing pet travel paperwork at my clinic for years, and Austrian Airlines' policies are straightforward once you understand them. The most common mistake I see is people booking their pet's flight without checking the specific requirements first—then arriving at the airport with the wrong carrier or missing documentation. Let me walk you through exactly what Austrian Airlines requires, based on their official policy.

Austrian Airlines (OS) allows both dogs and cats to travel in the cabin or cargo hold. Your choice depends on your pet's size, your comfort level, and your budget. Here's what actually works.

Cabin Travel: The Best Option for Most Pets

If your pet weighs 8 kg or less, cabin travel is almost always the better choice. I flew with Pixel, my 7 kg Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, in the cabin to Berlin last year, and it was straightforward once I had the right setup.

Cabin Eligibility

• Weight limit: Pet + carrier must not exceed 8 kg combined
• Minimum age: 16 weeks old (fully weaned)
• One pet per passenger — you cannot bring two pets in the cabin on one ticket
• Advance booking required: Book at least 24 hours before departure (online or by phone)
• Health certificate: Valid within 10 days of travel

Carrier Requirements for Cabin

Here's where most rejections happen. Austrian Airlines requires a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Hard-sided crates won't work in the cabin.

• Maximum dimensions: 55 cm (length) × 40 cm (width) × 23 cm (height)
• Material: Soft-sided only (mesh panels for ventilation)
• Ventilation: Mesh sides required on at least two sides
• Absorbent liner: Must include a washable mat or pad inside to manage accidents

When I packed Pixel's carrier, I used a collapsible soft-sided pet carrier from a major pet retailer—cost about €40. I added a washable absorbent pad at the bottom. The carrier fit perfectly under the seat. Test your carrier at home first to make sure your pet is comfortable in it.

Cabin Fees

Austrian Airlines charges by route distance:

• Domestic flights: €50
• Europe: €60
• Short intercontinental: €80
• Medium intercontinental: €100
• Long intercontinental: €110
• Transfer surcharge: +€150 if your flight connects through Vienna, Frankfurt, Munich, Geneva, Zurich, or Brussels

Cargo Travel: For Larger Pets

If your pet exceeds 8 kg or you prefer not to have them in the cabin, cargo is the alternative. Cargo travel is more expensive and requires more preparation, but it's a legitimate option.

Cargo Eligibility

• Minimum age: 16 weeks old
• Advance booking: 48 hours before departure (call cargo department or phone)
• Health certificate: Valid within 10 days of travel
• Temperature restrictions: Cannot travel if tarmac temperature is below -6.7°C (20°F) or above 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination

Cargo Carrier Requirements

Cargo carriers are completely different from cabin carriers. You must use a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate.

• Material: Hard-sided only (plastic or wood)
• IATA compliance: Must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR)
• Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides
• Water bowl: Attached, fillable from outside the crate
• Absorbent liner: Required inside
• Live Animals label: Must display "Live Animals" stickers with orientation arrows on the crate

IATA-compliant crates are expensive (€150–€400), but they're reusable. If you're shipping a pet regularly, it's worth the investment. If it's a one-time trip, some airlines or pet relocation services rent them.

Cargo Fees

• Approximate cost: €200–€400 one-way, depending on route and pet weight
• Booking: Phone or cargo department only (not online)

Checked Baggage: Not Recommended

Austrian Airlines does not allow pets as checked baggage. Your options are cabin or cargo only.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds

Here's the critical part: certain breeds are restricted or banned depending on how your pet travels.

Cabin Travel Breed Restrictions

Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are not banned from the cabin, but the list is long. If your dog is on this list, confirm with Austrian Airlines before booking:

• Affenpinscher
• American Bully (all breeds)
• Boston Terrier
• Boxer (all breeds)
• Bulldog (all breeds: English, French, American)
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (yes, Pixel is on this list)
• Chow Chow
• Japanese Chin
• King Charles Spaniel
• Lhasa Apso
• Mastiff (all breeds)
• Pekingese
• Pug (all breeds)
• Shar Pei
• Shih Tzu
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

And many others. The list is extensive. Even though Pixel is technically on the restricted list, Austrian Airlines allowed her in the cabin because she's healthy and the breed restriction is not an absolute ban for cabin travel—it's a flag to verify fitness to fly.

Cargo Travel Breed Restrictions

Cargo is much stricter. Only Bulldogs and Pugs are explicitly banned from cargo travel on Austrian Airlines. Other brachycephalic breeds may be allowed, but you must confirm with the cargo department first.

Health Requirements: Non-Negotiable

The most common mistake I see is people assuming they don't need a health certificate. They do. Every single time.

Health Certificate Requirements

• Required for: All cabin and cargo travel
• Issued by: A licensed veterinarian
• Validity: Must be dated within 10 days of your departure
• Microchip: Your pet must have a valid microchip
• Rabies vaccination: Current rabies vaccination required
• EU Pet Passport: Required for international flights within or to/from the EU

I issue health certificates every week. Here's what I tell my clients: get the certificate as close to your departure date as possible—ideally 2–3 days before. Don't get it more than 10 days out. The certificate must state your pet's microchip number, rabies vaccination date, and general health status. Austrian Airlines will check this at the airport.

What You Cannot Do

• Do not sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. If your vet or the airline suggests sedation, get a second opinion.
• Do not travel if your pet is visibly pregnant. Most airlines, including Austrian, do not accept pregnant animals due to health risks during flight.
• Do not travel if your pet is in heat. We're still verifying Austrian Airlines' specific policy on this—contact them directly.
• Do not book without advance notice. Cabin requires 24 hours; cargo requires 48 hours. No exceptions.

Key Numbers at a Glance

What You Need to Do: Step-by-Step Checklist

At Least 4 Weeks Before Travel

• Confirm your pet meets all eligibility requirements (age, weight, health status)
• If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, call Austrian Airlines to confirm they're allowed on your specific route
• Decide: cabin or cargo?
• If cargo, order or rent an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate
• If cabin, purchase or confirm you have a soft-sided carrier that fits the dimensions (55 × 40 × 23 cm)
• Check temperature forecasts for your travel dates (cargo only)

2 Weeks Before Travel

• Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate
• Verify your pet's microchip is registered and current
• Confirm rabies vaccination is current
• If traveling internationally within/to the EU, ensure you have an EU Pet Passport or equivalent documentation

10 Days Before Travel

• Visit your vet and obtain the health certificate (must be dated within 10 days of departure)
• Make a copy of the health certificate

48 Hours Before Travel (Cargo Only)

• Call Austrian Airlines cargo department to confirm booking
• Confirm crate specifications and water bowl setup
• Arrange transport to the cargo facility

24 Hours Before Travel (Cabin Only)

• Confirm your cabin pet booking online or by phone
• Pack the carrier with absorbent liner, water bowl (if allowed), and comfort items
• Do a final fit test with your pet in the carrier

Day of Travel

• Arrive early (at least 3 hours for international flights)
• Bring original health certificate and microchip documentation
• Have your pet's carrier ready for inspection
• Do not sedate your pet
• Keep your pet calm and hydrated before boarding

Additional Resources

For more detailed guidance, check out our pet travel documents checklist and pet travel costs guide. If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, read our brachycephalic breed flying guide.

For international travel, you may also need

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026