LBA

The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), or German Federal Aviation Office, is the regulatory body responsible for the oversight and control of civil aviation in Germany. Its jurisdiction covers the entire German territory, and its activities range from the certification of aircraft and operators to the enforcement of operational safety, airport infrastructure, and, significantly, air passenger rights. The LBA works in close cooperation with the European Union and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to ensure compliance with international and European standards. Its primary responsibilities include:

• Aviation Safety: Implementing and enforcing operational safety standards, including the certification of airlines, aircraft, and personnel.
• Economic regulation: granting and supervising the operating licences of German airlines.
• Passenger Rights: Ensuring the enforcement of European Union regulations regarding air passenger rights, investigating complaints, and imposing sanctions when necessary.
• Certification and Oversight: Issuing and supervising flight licenses, aerodrome certification, and other aviation-related authorizations.
• Consumer Protection: Ensuring fair and transparent practices in the aviation sector for consumers.

Official changes from this authority that affect passengers appear in this guide's updates as they are published. Each one is checked against the official document before it goes live.

Baggage and fare rules in Germany follow European Union law, such as Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 (price transparency), and airline policies:

• Baggage Allowances: There is no mandatory baggage allowance established by the LBA. Airlines define their own baggage policies (checked and carry-on), which must be clearly communicated to passengers at the time of booking and prior to the flight. The LBA monitors whether these policies are applied in a non-discriminatory manner.
• Baggage Fees: Airlines may charge for checked baggage, especially on economy fares. These additional costs must be transparent and clearly presented during the booking process. The LBA intervenes in cases of hidden charges or misleading information.
• Transparency of Additional Fees: All additional fees, including those for baggage, seat selection, priority boarding, etc., must be presented in a clear and accessible manner. The final price, including all taxes and charges, must be displayed before booking confirmation.
• Damaged or Lost Baggage: In the event of damaged, lost, or stolen baggage, passengers are entitled to compensation. The deadline for notifying the airline and the liability limits are regulated by the Montreal Convention and EU standards. The LBA may investigate complaints from passengers who do not receive due assistance.

Bringing animals into Germany follows the European Union's animal health rules (Regulation (EU) 576/2013), enforced by customs and the veterinary services, not by the LBA:

• Documents: microchip, valid rabies vaccination and the European pet passport (from the EU) or an official health certificate (from outside). Animals from countries not listed by the EU also need a rabies antibody test taken at least 3 months before travel.
• On the flight: each airline decides whether it accepts the animal in the cabin or the hold, the weight, the breeds and how many animals per flight.
• Restrictions: some dog breeds considered dangerous, such as the Pit Bull Terrier, may not be brought into Germany.

In Germany, European Union rules and recommendations and airline policies apply:

• Seats for children: seat-selection rules and fees vary by airline, so ask for seats together when booking. From 23 October 2027, Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 requires the airline to offer anyone accompanying a child under 14 on the same booking a seat next to the child free of charge.
• Strollers and car seats: they can usually be checked free of charge, and some airlines let you take the stroller to the aircraft door; check sizes and weight with the airline.
• Babies (under 2): they travel on an adult's lap (infant fare) or in their own seat with a car seat approved for use on board.
• Assistance: many airlines offer priority boarding to families with young children; ask in advance.

Accessibility for passengers with special needs is a priority governed by EU standards and enforced by the LBA. For 2026, airline obligations remain robust:

• Airport Assistance: Airlines and airport operators are required to provide free assistance to passengers with reduced mobility (PRM), including help with check-in, boarding, disembarking, and transit through the airport.
• Wheelchairs: Passengers may bring their own wheelchairs (manual or electric), which are usually transported free of charge. Airlines also provide onboard wheelchairs if necessary.
• Medical Forms (MEDIF): For passengers with medical conditions who may require special attention during the flight, a standardized medical form (MEDIF) may be required. This form must be completed by a physician and submitted to the airline in advance.
• Request Deadlines: Requests for special assistance, including the submission of MEDIF forms, must be made with reasonable advance notice. Generally, a minimum of 48 hours before the flight is standard for most requests, but airline deadlines may vary. It is essential to check each airline's specific policies.
• Seating Priority: In some cases, passengers with special needs may be given priority for specific seats, particularly those with extra legroom or located near restrooms.

• Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) - Official Website:
• Main Page: https://www.lba.de/
• Passenger Rights: https://www.lba.de/DE/Fluggastrechte/Fluggastrechte.html
• Pet Transport: https://www.zoll.de/EN/Private-individuals/Travel/Entering-Germany/Restrictions/Animals-and-plants-products-containing-animal-or-vegetable-substance/Protection-against-animal-diseases/Provisions-on-the-import-of-pet-animals/provisions-on-the-import-of-pet-animals_node.html (Information on general regulations and travel requirements for pets entering Germany)

• European Union legislation (EUR-Lex):
• Air Passenger Rights (EU Regulation 261/2004): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32004R0261
• Pet Transport (EU Regulation 576/2013): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32013R0576
• Accessibility for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (EU Regulation 1107/2006): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32006R1107