Service Animals (In-Cabin & Support)

Austrian Airlines accepts assistance dogs regardless of breed or type, provided they are specifically trained to perform tasks for disabled persons, including those with visual, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities.

• One (1) assistance dog is carried free of charge; two (2) assistance dogs free of charge on some flights.
• Dogs must be obedient, well-behaved in public (no barking, growling, or jumping), and fit in the footwell in front of your seat.
• Dogs must be attached to your safety belt with a lead provided by Austrian Airlines and remain under your direct control throughout the flight.
• Dogs must not sit on passenger seats.
• Minimum age: four months old generally; six months old for flights to the USA.
• You must bring a muzzle; it may be required if your dog poses a risk to others. Muzzles are not mandatory on flights to/from Canada but recommended.

Austrian Airlines may transfer misbehaving dogs to cargo or refuse carriage. Passengers are liable for any damage or additional costs caused by their dog.

Training Certificate Requirements

Assistance dogs must have a training certificate from an accredited institution, such as:

• Messerli Research Institute
• Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
• Assistance Dogs Europe (ADEu)
• International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF)
• Or a certificate from a recognized training institution or dog trainer

The certificate must include the institution's name and address, training details, and the tasks the dog is trained to perform.

If you cannot present a valid certificate, your dog will be treated as a pet and may travel in cabin or cargo with additional charges.

Forms and Documentation

• Travelers with assistance dogs must complete and submit required forms to the Special Cases Desk when purchasing tickets.
• If reservation is made more than 48 hours before departure, forms must be submitted at least 48 hours prior.
• If reservation is made less than 48 hours before departure, forms must be presented at the departure gate.
• Keep forms accessible during the flight.
• Proof of training is required for connecting flights.

Acceptance and Conduct Before Departure

• Austrian Airlines staff may verify assistance dog status by observing behavior or checking physical indicators.
• Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times in airport areas owned or controlled by Austrian Airlines.

Refusal of Carriage

Austrian Airlines may refuse to carry an assistance dog if:

• The dog poses a direct threat to others' health or safety.
• The dog causes significant disturbance or behaves inappropriately in the cabin or airport.
• Carriage violates safety or health regulations of U.S. federal agencies, territories, or foreign governments.
• The passenger fails to submit required, up-to-date forms.

Liability for Damage

Passengers are liable for any damage caused by their assistance dog during travel.

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional support dogs are no longer classified as assistance dogs on Austrian Airlines.

• New bookings for emotional support dogs are not accepted.
• These dogs travel under the standard pet carriage conditions.
• Placement depends on size and weight: either in the passenger cabin or cargo hold.
• An additional charge applies for transporting emotional support dogs.

In-Cabin Carrier Details

The travel carrier must meet the following requirements:

• Soft, bite-proof, and leak-proof
• Insulated against odours
• Adequately ventilated even when closed
• Large enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down normally
• Should not have a solid frame

The combined weight of the animal and carrier must not exceed 8 kg.

The carrier dimensions must not exceed 118 cm total (55 x 40 x 23 cm) to fit under the seat in front.

Passengers must confirm that their animal meets these requirements to bring the pet into the cabin as hand luggage.

Present two printouts of the completed and signed forms at check-in.

In Cargo Carrier Details

Dogs and cats without space in the passenger cabin may be carried in the cargo hold, subject to conditions of carriage and container compliance with IATA regulations. Please inform Austrian Airlines of the size and weight of your pet carrier at booking. Availability and loading options will be checked.

Austrian Airlines reserves the right to inspect the container and pet behaviour at check-in to ensure safe carriage.

• Maximum two pets per container, accustomed to each other, each up to 14 kg.
• Container must allow the animal to stand, move, and lie down naturally.
• Interior must be smooth without protrusions that could be bitten or scraped off.
• Top must be waterproof to protect against rain, snow, or hail.
• Containers with upper and lower parts must be securely screwed together.
• Container must be stable, lockable, clean, with a waterproof bottom lined with absorbent material.
• Door openings must be securely fastened.
• Wheels are not permitted; if present, they must be removed or locked before acceptance.
• Ventilation required on all four sides; holes must be small or covered with a grille to prevent animal body parts from protruding.
• Ventilation holes on sides and back must be in the top two-thirds of the container.
• Spacers integrated into the container serve as handles and prevent ventilation holes from being blocked.
• Separate, securely attached bowls for water and food must be provided; water containers must be accessible from outside and not filled during flight.
• Food and water should be in leak-proof containers.
• Wire or wire mesh containers are not permitted.
• Door hinges and latches must protrude at least 1.6 cm above and below door openings on horizontal projections.