It's the second week of our
Pet Friendly Airline Series, and today we're taking a closer look at
Lufthansa Airways. Martin Riecken, the Head of Corporate Communications for
Lufthansa, answered a few basic questions about the airline's pet-friendly options and offers some advice for pet travelers.
How does Lufthansa's pet program work?Lufthansa transports pets either in the cabin or in the cargo hold of its passenger aircraft depending on their weight and their size. In addition, Lufthansa’s wholly-owned Cargo subsidiary has its own animal transport business, which is a customized service guaranteeing the fast and competent transport of animals (either accompanied or unaccompanied by owners).
Pets that cannot be transported inside the aircraft cabin will be transported by Lufthansa in appropriate containers in an air-conditioned area of the cargo hold. Customers may also transport their pet in their own container, provided it complies with the relevant IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations.
The container must in any case be large enough to ensure that the pet can stand up and has sufficient space to move around. Furthermore, all containers must be equipped with an empty water dish.

When did Lufthansa begin flying pets and how many pets do you fly?For decades, Lufthansa Cargo has been one of the world’s leading animal transport providers. Each year, the airline carries thousands of live animals in special containers.
Why did Lufthansa decide to begin offering service to travelers with pets?The customer’s demands are always the primary focus of our business. We listened to our customers, who showed a clear demand for a high-quality service for transporting their beloved pets.
At what airports/regions do you provide service for pets?Customers may carry pets to/from all Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cargo destinations that don't have any restrictions. Several countries do not allow the import/export/transit of pets accompanied by passengers. Some countries only allow specific types of pets, or have restrictions for pets in the cabin. Also, there are restrictions on certain aircraft types which cannot accommodate all crate sizes. Passengers will be informed about this during the reservation process.
What special arrangements do you offer for travelers with pets?Lufthansa Cargo operates the most modern live animal facilities in the world!
We offer animals and pets traveling with us access to a 43,000 square foot Animal Lounge at Frankfurt Airport. (All pets, including dogs or cats transported in the passenger cabin with a transfer time of more than 2-3 hours, are taken there.)
Everyone involved in the transport of the pets, including coordinators, veterinary doctors and freight handlers, work in the same building. We have clearly distinct zones for export, import, transit and health inspections. In addition, we offer adjustable stalls with an area of up to of 300 square feet each and individually-controlled climate areas that comply with the most recent hygienic and veterinary EU regulations.
The Frankfurt Animal Lounge opened in February 2008 after a construction period of 13 months. For more information, please visit:
http://lufthansa-cargo.info/animallounge/en/. In close cooperation with international zoos, Lufthansa Cargo also supports programs dedicated to animal conservation and the re-settlement of threatened species in the wild.
What’s the most common question your pet program representatives get asked about
flying with pets? How do you answer it?The majority of questions are about the cost of transporting the pet. Transport costs vary between different origin and destinations. Further, additional costs (shelter, veterinary, customs etc.) may occur as well as for special handling or paperwork. To get the exact amount, please contact your nearest LH Cargo sales office or a forwarder specialized in shipping live animals.
What is the one thing you wish you could tell passengers considering flying with their pets?
Crates should be roomy so pets can stand up and turn around. Secure latches and empty water bowl help ensure safety and comfort.
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Thanks to Lufthansa for participating in our Airline Series! Check back with us later this week for more info, and feel free to post your questions here or on our
Facebook page!
PetRelocation.com's Pet Friendly Airline Spotlight Series will feature one airline each week during the month of May. Check back each Monday through Thursday this month for more information about the various pet programs and tips for booking pet-friendly flights, and use #PetReloAS on Twitter to follow and join the conversation!