Transporting cats and dogs in the hold

Cats and dogs weighing more than 8 kg with their travel carriers can travel in the hold with Discover Airlines — in special IATA-compliant travel carriers and under certain conditions.

The guidelines are based on the applicable animal welfare provisions, the import and export regulations and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations. Please also note the general information for the transport of animals.

General information on the transport of animals

Requirements

  • Only on direct flights operated by Discover Airlines to/from Frankfurt and Munich (no connections).
  • Only on short- and medium-haul flights operated on an A320.
  • Required for cats and dogs weighing more than 8 kg with their travel carrier (not permitted in the cabin).
Criterion Rule Maximum number per passenger Two animals (in an approved carrier) Permissible distribution Two in the cabin or two in the hold (one to two carriers) or one each in the cabin and the hold Minimum age (travel to/from Germany) 15 weeks

Special regulations apply for fighting dog breeds and snub-nosed breedsThe link will be opened in a new browser tab.

  • All long-haul flights.
  • Short-/medium-haul to: Bodø, Chania, Djerba, Hurghada, Ivalo, Kalamata, Kefalonia, Keflavík, Monastir, Samos, Shannon, Skiathos, Zakynthos.
  • To Alta and Evenes (Norway): only animals from the EU/EEA.

Import/export regulations and animal welfare provisions are your responsibility. Discover Airlines may apply stricter rules and refuse bookings for certain routes; in the event of non-compliance, it assumes no liability for consequential costs (e.g., rebooking, pet boarding, hotel). In exceptional cases, e.g. due to regulations in individual countries, transport may not be possible despite meeting the requirements.

How do I register my animal for the hold and by when must I do so?

Registration must be done no later than 72 hours before departure. Discover Airlines checks availability and makes the booking for you. The animal travels as excess baggage in a special travel carrier.

Register an animal now

What travel carrier do I need for the hold?

The carrier must comply with IATA regulations, and you are required to bring it (they are not usually available at the airport) — preferably early, so the animal can get used to it. Otherwise, transport may be denied.

  • Suitable and large enough: the animal must be able to stand, move, and lie down
  • Smooth interior with no protrusions; sealed, sturdy surface (no rain/snow/hail)
  • Top and bottom screwed together with metal screws (plastic lock not permitted)
  • Sturdy, lockable, clean; waterproof floor with absorbent pad
  • Securely lockable doors; cable ties recommended for securing the door
  • Ventilation on all four sides; side/rear openings in the upper two-thirds
  • Spacers (serve as handles and keep ventilation unobstructed)
  • Water and food bowl inside the door, fillable/accessible from outside

Maximum size of the ventilation openings

Animal species Maximum opening Dogs 25 x 25 mm Cats 19 x 19 mm
Illustration of a travel carrier for cats or dogs

1. Door hinges and latches must protrude at least 1.60 cm above and below the door openings at the horizontal protrusions.
2. Ventilation openings
3. Rear view
4. Attached food and water containers
5. Door lock
6. Spacers

Special conditions apply for ​​​fighting dog breeds.

Not permitted:

Plastic lock; wire or mesh carrier; wire top; wheels (remove or disable if necessary); newspaper, cat litter or straw as a floor liner.

How much does transport in the hold cost?

The fee is based on the flight route and the size of the travel carrier. Price-relevant rules:

  • Calculation per direction of flight.
  • The fee will be charged again on return flights and in the event of a stopover (more than 24 hours).
  • Payment at check-in or the Discover Airlines service desk at the airport.
  • The free baggage allowance included in the ticket will continue to apply in addition.

The baggage calculator shows the exact amount after entering the route, travel class and fare.

Go to baggage calculator

Checklist

To assist with your preparations, we have created a checklist with all the important points.

Checklist for the Transport of Animals in the Hold (PDF)
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