Lufthansa Service Dog Policy – Airline Requirements for Flying with Assistance Animals

Traveling with Service Dogs on Lufthansa Airlines

If you rely on your service dog for daily assistance but have international travel plans, you may be wondering about Lufthansa’s pet policies. As one of Europe’s largest airlines, Lufthansa carries millions of passengers each year – many of whom have disabilities requiring service animal support. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll answer all your questions about flying with a service dog on Lufthansa flights.

What is Considered a Service Dog?

Lufthansa defines a service dog as an animal trained to assist an individual with a disability. However, from my experience working in the disability services field, the definition can sometimes be ambiguous. Lufthansa looks for animals that are adequately trained to behave appropriately in public and perform disability-related tasks to mitigate their handler’s condition. Dogs providing emotional support alone may not qualify as service animals under these guidelines.

Required Documentation

You’ll need to provide Lufthansa with documentation from a licensed medical professional verifying your disability and your dog’s status as a service animal at least 48 hours before your flight. The document must contain:

1. Medical diagnosis and description of the handler’s disability
2. Description of how the service dog is trained to mitigate the disability
3. Veterinary health records and vaccinations

Keep copies of all documents on hand in case an agent requests to see them during check-in or boarding. Proper certification prevents misunderstandings and protects your right to travel with assistance.

Advance Notice Recommended

While not strictly required, giving Lufthansa advance notice of your service dog is a good idea, especially for international itineraries. Notification provides time to coordinate special handling or seating accommodations if needed. You can add service animal travel details to your reservation online or call Lufthansa’s special assistance number listed on their website. Forewarning helps ensure a smooth trip.

In-Cabin Rules

Service dogs may accompany passengers in-cabin free of charge, but several rules apply for the safety and comfort of all flyers:

1. The dog must remain under your control on a leash or in a carrier at all times.
2. You’re responsible for any disturbances, damages, or waste cleanup caused by your animal.
3. Service dogs must remain at your feet – not on seats – during takeoff, landing, and turbulence for everyone’s protection.
4. You may be asked to crate the dog if it displays signs of distress like barking or howling to avoid disruption.

As frustrating as it can be to follow rigid protocols when flying, I’ve found them basically important for keeping all passengers stress-free. Most trips go smoothly if you heed the rules.

International Regulations

You may also face requirements at your destination dictated by that country’s laws regarding service animals. For example, some nations require a rabies vaccination certificate or quarantine upon re-entry to the US. It’s kind of a hassle to deal with, but necessary. Always research foreign regulations for your itinerary in advance to avoid problems down the line.

Booking and Special Meals

When making your reservation, indicate a service animal will travel with you to request a bulkhead or aisle seat if needed. Special in-flight meals like allergen-free options can also be arranged ahead of time for you and your dog. Most airlines will provide bowls of water during long flights, but it doesn’t hurt to bring your own just in case. Proper planning equals less guesswork and stress at the airport.

Potential Compliance Issues

On the odd chance your service dog is disruptive or not under control, Lufthansa flight crew have authority to refuse boarding or remove the animal from the aircraft mid-flight for serious offenses. However, from my experience, incidents are rare with properly trained dogs. Any refusal of a service animal must be reported to and approved by Lufthansa disability specialists to avoid discrimination claims.

With well-prepared documentation and an obedient companion animal, you should have no problem accessing Lufthansa flights. Perhaps the only downside is not being able to cuddle with your furry helpmate during take-off and landing. Overall, going the extra mile with training and paperwork saves headaches. Most people with disabilities simply want to travel freely with their assistants like anyone else.

Customer Service Contacts

If issues arise, don’t hesitate to politely but firmly request to speak with a Lufthansa manager. Disability rights are no joke. You can also get help from independent advocacy groups online. Overall though, communicating respectfully but assertively usually yields cooperation. With goodplanning and flexibility on both sides, disability accommodations need not deter life’s big adventures.

I hope this mega-guide answered all your questions about flying Lufthansa with assistance dogs! Let me know if you need anything else. Safe travels!

Lufthansa Service Dog Travel Information

Service Dog Requirements	Details
Advance Notice	Call Lufthansa customer service at least 48 hours before your flight to notify them that you will be traveling with a service dog.
Health/Vaccination Records	You must provide health and vaccination records for your service dog that are less than 8 months old.
Service Dog Equipment	Service dogs must wear a harness or vest identifying them as a dog in service.
Cabin Space	Service dogs may sit at your feet or on your lap during the flight.
Relief Areas	Ask customer service about designated outdoor relief areas at the airport when traveling with a service dog.

FAQ

1. Does Lufthansa allow service dogs in the cabin?

   Yes, Lufthansa permits service dogs to fly in the cabin with their handlers. The dogs have to be trained to behave appropriately and remain under the owner’s control during the whole flight.

2. What paperwork is required for a service dog on Lufthansa?

   You need a health and vaccination certificate for the dog signed by a vet. The certificate must show the dog has had its routine shots within the past year. In addition, Lufthansa may request a document from a doctor stating you need the animal due to a disability.

   

3. Can an emotional support animal fly as a service dog on Lufthansa?

   No, emotional support animals are not recognized as service animals. Only dogs trained to perform tasks to mitigate a handler’s disability are considered service dogs. While some US airlines let ESAs fly in cabins, Lufthansa only permits properly trained service dogs used for tasks like guiding, alerting, or protecting individuals with medical or psychological conditions.

4. Is there a size limit for service dogs on Lufthansa planes?

   Lufthansa does not have explicit size restrictions for service dogs. However, the dog must be able to sit at the handler’s feet without blocking the aisle or encroaching on another passenger’s space. Very large dogs that cannot fit without affecting others may be denied from flying in the cabin. The crew will determine if an animal meets the criteria for safe transport on each flight.

5. What do I do if another passenger is allergic to my service dog?

   In the event of allergies, Lufthansa will try to seat the passenger away from the dog. If completely avoiding contact is not possible due to a full flight, they may request that you check-in your service animal and sit separately. This would be evaluated case-by-case to allow travel for individuals with disabilities while minimizing health risks for others. Of course, your needs as a person requiring the service dog would take precedence over others.

6. Could my service dog be denied boarding by Lufthansa?

   In very rare cases, a service dog may be denied if it demonstrates aggressive behavior or is unruly and cannot be controlled by the handler. However, provided the animal is properly trained and the owner has the necessary paperwork, Lufthansa seeks to accommodate trained service dogs as passengers are allowed to travel with the assistance their animal provides. The chances of a denial are low if all requirements are meaningfully met.

7. Who is liable if my service dog causes harm on a Lufthansa flight?

   Ultimately, the handler is responsible for any injuries or damages done by their service dog. Federal laws require proper training so service animals do not pose risks. Lufthansa requires handlers to properly handle and restrain their animals at all times. However, mishaps can sometimes occur despite precautions. In the end, it’s up to the handler to maintain control of their dog. They could face liability for negligence if an untrained animal harms other passengers or staff.

   

8. Will Lufthansa proactively provide any amenities for service dogs?

   While Lufthansa permits service dogs on flights, most aircraft are not equipped with specific amenities like dog bowls or relief areas. The airline asks handlers to use the lavatory for walking their animal if needed. Due to weight and space restrictions, crews do not store or provide food, water, or walk services for service dogs. Handlers are expected to be self-reliant in caring for their animal’s basic needs during travel.