Flying with Your Pet on Germanwings: The Complete Guide

OK hear me out — I've flown with Nala, my 22kg Australian Shepherd, on budget European carriers more times than I can count, and Germanwings (4U) is actually pretty solid for pet travel. They allow both dogs and cats in the cabin, which means your furry friend gets to stay with you instead of being stuck in cargo. That's a game-changer for anxious pets (and anxious pet parents like me).

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about flying with your pet on Germanwings, from carrier specs to health certificates to the actual booking process. Let's get into it.

Can You Bring Your Pet on Germanwings?

Yes — both dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin. This is genuinely one of the best parts of flying with Germanwings. Your pet travels with you in the main cabin, not in cargo, which means less stress for everyone involved.

However, there are specific rules about carrier size, weight, and breed restrictions. And you'll need to book your pet in advance — you can't just show up at the airport with Fluffy and expect it to work.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pet fee: €55 one-way
  • Maximum combined weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg
  • Carrier dimensions: Max 55 cm length × 40 cm width × 23 cm height
  • Minimum pet age: 8 weeks (fully weaned)
  • Advance booking required: At least 48 hours before departure
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before travel
  • Pets per passenger: 1 pet carrier maximum

Cabin Travel: The Best Option for Most Pets

If your dog or cat weighs 8 kg or less (including the carrier), cabin travel is your best bet. Nala's too heavy for this — she's 22kg — so I've had to explore other options, but for smaller pups and most cats, this is ideal.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Soft-sided carriers only. Hard-sided crates won't fit under the seat in front of you, which is where your pet's carrier needs to go. Think collapsible pet carriers, not rigid plastic boxes.

Your carrier must fit these exact dimensions:

  • Length: Maximum 55 cm (about 22 inches)
  • Width: Maximum 40 cm (about 16 inches)
  • Height: Maximum 23 cm (about 9 inches)

The combined weight of your pet plus the carrier cannot exceed 8 kg. So if your cat weighs 5 kg, your carrier needs to weigh 3 kg or less. Check the carrier weight before you buy — it matters.

Ventilation is non-negotiable. Your carrier must have mesh sides or adequate ventilation openings so your pet can breathe properly. And you'll need an absorbent liner inside the carrier (think puppy pads or waterproof mats) to handle any accidents during the flight.

The Cabin Fee

€55 one-way. That's it. No hidden fees, no surprise charges at the airport. Budget this into your trip cost, but honestly, it's reasonable for keeping your pet with you in the cabin.

Checked Baggage & Cargo Options

If your pet is too large for cabin travel (like Nala), Germanwings does allow pets in checked baggage. This is where things get more complicated, so pay attention.

Checked Baggage Travel Requirements

Hard-sided IATA-compliant crates only. No soft carriers here. Your crate must meet international standards for pet transport, which means it needs to be sturdy, properly ventilated, and equipped with an attached water bowl that can be filled from outside the crate.

Your crate must have:

  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides
  • An absorbent liner inside to manage accidents
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the outside (required by IATA)
  • An attached, accessible water bowl

Minimum age: 10 weeks (older than cabin travel). Your pet must be fully weaned.

Temperature restrictions: Germanwings won't accept pets in checked baggage if the temperature at origin or destination exceeds 29.4°C (85°F) or drops below -6.7°C (20°F). This is a safety measure — pets can overheat or get too cold in cargo holds. If you're traveling during extreme weather, you might be stuck. Plan accordingly.

Breed Restrictions: The Brachycephalic Ban

This is important, and it applies to both cabin and checked baggage travel. Germanwings restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. These breeds struggle to breathe normally, and air travel puts them at serious risk.

Restricted breeds include: Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Chow Chows, Japanese Chins, Lhasa Apsos, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shar Peis, Brussels Griffons, Affenpinschers, Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, Mastiffs, Cane Corsos, and Dogue de Bordeaux.

If your breed is on this list, contact Germanwings directly before booking. Some airlines make exceptions, but don't assume yours will. Read our brachycephalic breed flying guide for more details on alternatives.

Health Certificates & Documentation

You absolutely need a vet-issued health certificate. This is non-negotiable. Even if Germanwings doesn't explicitly ask for it on their website, you will be asked at the airport. Don't risk being denied boarding.

Health Certificate Checklist

  • Issued within 10 days of your departure date (some destinations require 7 days — check with your vet)
  • Signed by a licensed veterinarian
  • Confirms your pet is healthy and fit to fly
  • Includes your pet's microchip number (if applicable)
  • Includes vaccination records, especially rabies

Get this certificate as close to your departure date as possible. Don't get it 10 days early and then delay your trip — the validity window is tight.

Important Rules: What You Can't Do

No Sedation

Do not sedate your pet before flying. IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedation during air travel. A sedated animal can't maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all airlines worldwide. If your vet or anyone else suggests sedating your pet for the flight, get a second opinion. It's not safe.

No Pregnant Animals

If your pet is visibly pregnant, Germanwings won't accept them for travel. Pregnancy and flight create serious health risks. If you're unsure whether your pet is pregnant, get a vet check before booking.

No Animals in Heat

We're still verifying Germanwings' specific policy on animals in heat — contact them directly to confirm.

Advance Booking: You Must Plan Ahead

Book your pet at least 48 hours before departure. You cannot show up at the airport with a pet and expect to fly. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight, and slots fill up fast.

When you book:

  • Contact Germanwings directly (don't rely on the website booking system)
  • Confirm your pet's weight and breed
  • Confirm your carrier dimensions
  • Ask about any additional documentation they need
  • Get written confirmation of your pet's booking

Trust me on this one — I've seen people turned away at the gate because they didn't pre-book. It's heartbreaking and completely avoidable.

What You Need to Do: Your Action Checklist

  • ☐ Check your pet's breed against the brachycephalic restricted list. If your pet is on it, contact Germanwings before booking.
  • ☐ Measure your pet and weigh your carrier. Make sure the combined weight is 8 kg or less for cabin travel, or that your hard-sided crate meets IATA standards for checked baggage.
  • ☐ Schedule a vet appointment 10 days before your flight. Get a health certificate issued.
  • ☐ Book your pet at least 48 hours in advance. Call Germanwings directly — don't wait until the last minute.
  • ☐ Get a soft-sided carrier for cabin travel (or a hard-sided IATA crate for checked baggage) with proper ventilation and absorbent lining.
  • ☐ Confirm temperature conditions at your destination. If it's above 29.4°C or below -6.7°C, checked baggage travel may be refused.
  • ☐ Pack water and food for your pet. Bring a collapsible bowl for cabin travel.
  • ☐ Arrive early at the airport. Give yourself extra time to check in your pet and answer questions.

Pro Tips from My Experience with Nala

Since Nala's too heavy for cabin travel, I've learned a few things about making checked baggage work:

  • Get your crate well in advance. IATA-compliant crates aren't always easy to find. Order online and test it out before your flight.
  • Practice with the crate at home. Let your pet spend time in it before the flight. A stressed pet is harder to manage.
  • Attach your contact info to the crate. Include your phone number, email, and destination address. If something goes wrong, you want to be reachable.
  • Check weather forecasts carefully. If temperatures are borderline, book a flight with a layover in a cooler city if possible.
  • Avoid peak summer travel if your pet is sensitive to heat. Winter flights are safer for checked baggage travel.

Costs & Fees Summary

Cabin travel: €55 one-way per pet. Checked baggage fees are not specified in Germanwings' current data — contact them directly for pricing. Budget for the health certificate (usually €50-100 at your vet) and a proper carrier if you don't already have one.

For a full breakdown of pet travel costs, check out our pet travel cost guide.

Need Help Planning Your Trip?

Flying with pets involves a lot of moving parts — carrier specs, health certificates, breed restrictions, temperature windows. It's easy to miss something. Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo and we'll help you navigate every detail specific to your pet and destination.

Data last verified: January 2025. This guide is based on auto-verified information from official Germanwings sources. Policies change — always confirm directly with Germanwings before booking.

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