Traveling with cats and dogs in the cabin

There are several ways to register your cat or dog for transport in the cabin for a fee: under My bookingsThe link will be opened in a new browser tab, through the Discover Airlines Service Center or via the electronic form. Completing the form is mandatory for dogs entering the USA.

Register an animal now

Travelers must also complete the PDF for the transport of cats and dogs in the cabin and bring it with them to the check-in counter at the start of their journey. The form is not required for assistance dogs on direct flights to/from the USA.

Form for traveling with animals in the aircraft cabin (PDF) The link will be opened in a new browser tab
Please note that with this link you are visiting an external website that may not follow the same privacy, security or accessibility policies.
Illustration of animals in the cabin

What are the important guidelines for taking an animal in the cabin?

Criterion Dimensions, values, and data Permitted animals Dogs and cats only Maximum number per bag 2 animals in a travel carrier Minimum age (travel to/from Germany) 15 weeks Minimum age (travel to/from the USA) 6 months Maximum weight (animal + bag) 8 kg Maximum dimensions of the bag 55 x 40 x 23 cm (H x W x D) or 118 cm in total

Advance registration and confirmation of transportation are required.

Which travel carriers are allowed?

  • Fits under the front seat
  • Made of soft material, without a rigid frame
  • Bite-resistant and leak-proof
  • Sufficiently ventilated even when closed
  • Spacious enough for the animal to sit, stand, turn around, and lie down

What rules apply on board?

  • The animal must stay in the closed bag throughout the flight.
  • Opening the bag or taking the animal out is not permitted.
  • The bag must not be placed on the seat.

Carriage in the cabin is subject to a fee. The price is based on the flight route. The exact fee can be determined by entering the route in the baggage calculator.

Go to baggage calculator

Carriage in the cabin is completely excluded on the following flights:

  • To and from Reykjavik, Iceland
  • To and from Shannon, Ireland
  • To and from Malé, the Maldives
  • To Mauritius
  • To Mahé, the Seychelles

The following special rules apply to the United States and Norway:

  • United States – Dogs: entry only via Philadelphia (PHL); entry to all other U.S. destinations is prohibited. For dogs traveling to PHL, CDC requirements apply; transportation will be denied at check-in without the required documentation.
  • United States – Cats: entry into the United States is permitted on all flights.
  • Norway (Alta, Bodø, Evenes): entry only for animals from the EU/EEA.

At Discover Airlines, registered assistance dogs can be taken on board free of charge. Please note the information on the following page:

Transportation of assistance dogs

Flights to the USA

Transporting assistance dogs to the USA is possible as long as all CDC requirements are complied with. For the full requirements, please see the CDC website.The link will be opened in a new browser tab It is the passenger’s responsibility to meet all requirements. If the documents required by the CDC are not presented at check-in, import/transportation will be refused.

Please register the transportation of search and rescue dogs via the Discover Airlines Service Center and complete the form for transporting animals in aircraft cabins.

Go to the Discover Airlines Service Center

Snub-nosed breeds have anatomically narrowed airways. Stress from transport or high temperatures at the airport can lead to circulatory problems and increased shortness of breath, potentially leading to serious health damage or the death of the animal.

To best prepare the animal:

  • Ask your veterinarian about sedative medications.
  • Bring a blanket or cushion with a familiar smell.