Austrian Airlines (OS) is one of the more pet-friendly Lufthansa Group carriers — their Vienna hub connects to Lufthansa's FRA Animal Lounge for cargo pets and runs a solid cabin program. Cooper flew OS once with me as cargo from VIE to JFK, and the Vienna ground staff were noticeably calmer than at other hubs. Here is what I wish someone had told me: book OS early in the season — slots fill faster on transatlantic routes than on regional EU ones.
OS'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 OS treats your pet
Cabin policy
Hold policy
| Item | Detail | Source & confidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pets accepted | Accepted in the hold | 95% | |
| Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds | Not accepted in the hold | 95% |
Cargo policy
| Item | Detail | Source & confidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds | Not accepted in the cargo | 95% | |
| Pet + carrier max weight | 14 kg (incl. carrier) | 95% |
Austrian Airlines requires cabin pet bookings to be made at least 48 hours before the first scheduled departure time. The booking is processed through Austrian's special services team, not the online booking flow. Last-minute additions within the 48-hour window are routinely declined, even when cabin slots remain open on the route. Confirm the booking in writing outside the cutoff to avoid surprises at check-in.
Austrian Airlines does not accept snub-nosed brachycephalic dogs and cats in the cargo hold due to their temperature and stress sensitivity. French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Persians, and Exotic Shorthairs are restricted to cabin only on OS. Brachycephalic dogs above the cabin weight limit cannot fly OS at all — owners need to arrange specialized pet transport through a different carrier.
Frequently asked
- How many pets can I bring on OS?
- OS allows 2 in the cabin, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier.
- What is the cabin weight limit on OS?
- In the cabin, your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
- Can snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds fly OS?
- Snub-nosed breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats are not accepted in the cabin, not accepted in the hold.
- How far in advance must I book my pet on OS?
- Add your pet to the booking at least 48 hours before departure — do it when you book the ticket, not at the airport.
- 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.
For Austrian Airlines: book the cabin pet slot 48+ hours before departure through their special services team, confirm carrier dimensions match the cabin spec, and verify your dog is not on the brachycephalic restricted list if you are planning cargo. Vienna's ground handling is well-rehearsed but the booking deadline is firm. Build your plan against your departure date in Pawgo before booking — it confirms the cabin slot capacity and the brachy restrictions for your specific OS flight.
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.