Luxair Pet Travel Policy

Flying with Your Pet on Luxair: What You Need to Know

I still remember the first time I flew Tafoukt from Morocco to Paris. She was a nervous 14kg rescue mix, trembling in her carrier as we approached the gate. But having the right information—the exact dimensions, the fees, the documentation—made all the difference. That's what this guide is for: to give you the clarity you need so your pet's journey is as smooth as possible.

Luxair welcomes pets on board, but like all airlines, they have specific rules. Whether you're relocating a rescue dog across Europe or bringing your cat home, understanding these requirements upfront means no surprises at the airport.

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet Beside You

If your pet is small enough, cabin travel is the best option. Your companion stays with you throughout the flight, which reduces stress for both of you. I always choose cabin when possible—it's worth the extra care in packing.

Who Can Fly in the Cabin?

Both cats and dogs are allowed in Luxair's cabin, provided they meet size and weight requirements. Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Your pet's carrier is non-negotiable. Here are the exact dimensions Luxair accepts:

• Maximum length: 45 cm (18 inches)
• Maximum width: 42 cm (11 inches)
• Maximum height: 20 cm (8 inches)
• Combined weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg maximum

The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Luxair requires soft-sided carriers—these are more flexible and fit the space better than hard plastic crates. The carrier must have mesh panels for ventilation and an absorbent liner or mat inside to manage any accidents during flight.

Think of it this way: your pet's carrier is their safe space during turbulence. Make it comfortable. I line Tafoukt's carrier with a washable, absorbent pad and include a small blanket that smells like home.

Cabin Fees

Expect to pay €70 per pet, one way. This is a fixed fee, not weight-based.

Booking Your Pet's Seat

You must book your pet at least 72 hours in advance. Do not show up at the airport with a pet without prior arrangement—Luxair limits the number of pets per flight, and you may be denied boarding. Contact them early to secure your pet's spot.

Checked Baggage & Cargo: For Larger Pets

If your pet is too large for cabin travel, Luxair offers checked baggage and cargo options. These are more stressful for animals, but sometimes necessary. I've used cargo services when relocating larger rescue dogs, and proper preparation makes a real difference.

Checked Baggage vs. Cargo: What's the Difference?

Both options are available for cats and dogs. Your pet travels in the hold, separate from the cabin. The main difference is handling and timing—cargo is typically for larger animals and longer journeys, while checked baggage is simpler for standard flights.

Carrier Requirements for Hold Travel

Hold travel requires hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates—not soft carriers. Your crate must include:

• Ventilation openings on at least three sides (per IATA standards)
• An attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
• An absorbent mat or liner inside
• "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the outside

Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old for hold travel.

Temperature Restrictions

Luxair will not transport pets in the hold if temperatures are extreme:

• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) or above at origin or destination
• Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) or below

If your destination is experiencing a heat wave, your pet may not be able to fly. Plan accordingly, especially in summer. A vet can issue an acclimation certificate in some cases to allow travel in colder conditions—ask your veterinarian.

Advance Booking for Hold Travel

Like cabin pets, hold pets must be pre-booked. Contact Luxair well in advance.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds

Luxair restricts certain breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are particularly vulnerable to stress and oxygen deprivation at altitude.

Restricted breeds include: Affenpinscher, American Bully, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all types), Brussels Griffon, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all types), Pekingese, Presa Canario, Pug (all types), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Tibetan Spaniel.

If your breed is on this list, contact Luxair directly to confirm whether an exception might be possible. Some airlines make case-by-case decisions.

Health Certificates & Documentation

This is non-negotiable. A vet-issued health certificate is required for all pet travel on Luxair, whether cabin or hold. Even if it's not explicitly stated on their website, it will be checked at the airport. Don't risk being denied boarding.

Health Certificate Requirements

• Issued by a licensed veterinarian
• Valid for 10 days from the date of issue
• Get it as close to your departure date as possible (within 7–10 days)
• Must confirm your pet is healthy and fit to fly

Schedule your vet appointment early. Many vets are busy, and you don't want to scramble last-minute. I always book mine 3 weeks before travel.

Important: No Sedation Allowed

IATA regulations—which Luxair follows—prohibit sedation of pets during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide.

If your pet is anxious, talk to your vet about calming supplements or behavioral strategies, but not sedatives. Some pets do better with a familiar blanket, a worn t-shirt that smells like you, or simply time to acclimate to the carrier before the flight.

Pregnant and Animals in Heat

Luxair does not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with the airline before booking—there may be exceptions in rare cases.

Animals in heat: we're still verifying Luxair's specific policy on this. Contact them directly to confirm.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Cabin pet fee: €70 per pet, one way
• Cabin carrier max weight: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
• Cabin carrier dimensions: 45 cm L × 42 cm W × 20 cm H
• Minimum age (cabin): 8 weeks
• Minimum age (hold): 10 weeks
• Advance booking required: 72 hours minimum for cabin
• Health certificate validity: 10 days from issue
• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) or above
• Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) or below
• Max pets per passenger (cabin): 1 carrier

What You Need to Do: Your Pre-Flight Checklist

• 3 weeks before: Book your vet appointment for a health certificate
• 2 weeks before: Contact Luxair to pre-book your pet (72 hours minimum, but earlier is safer)
• 1 week before: Confirm your carrier meets size/weight requirements; get the health certificate issued
• 3 days before: Prepare the carrier with absorbent liner and familiar items
• Day before: Light meal for your pet; avoid feeding right before travel
• Day of: Arrive early; have health certificate and booking confirmation ready

A Note on Rescue Animals & International Pet Travel

I started rescuing dogs from Morocco because I saw how many animals needed homes across borders. International pet travel infrastructure—like Luxair's cabin and cargo options—makes it possible to relocate rescue animals to families who can care for them. If you're adopting a rescue from another country, these same rules apply. The process is the same whether your pet is a purebred or a shelter mix like Tafoukt. Every animal deserves safe passage.

Still Have Questions?

We're still verifying some details about Luxair's policies—service animals, specific cargo fees, and animals in heat. Contact Luxair directly at their website or customer service for the most current information. They're generally responsive and helpful.

For more guidance on pet travel, check out our documents checklist, flying with a dog guide, and brachycephalic breed guide.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to organize every detail of your pet's journey.

Data auto-verified from official Luxair sources. Last updated: January 2025. Always confirm current policies directly with the airline before booking.

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