

Other airlines may not allow certain dog breeds-such as brachycephalic breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs-to fly in the cargo area due to the difficulty they may have breathing in warm temperatures or stressful situations. Some airlines-such as JetBlue and Southwest-no longer fly dogs as cargo and only allow small dogs in the cabin of their planes. However, not all airlines offer this option as the cargo deck needs to be pressurized to allow for pet travel.

When your dog is in the cargo hold, you won’t be able to see them during the flight. If you have a dog who weighs more than 20 pounds, they may have to travel in the cargo hold of the plane. If the thought of having your dog at your feet makes you anxious or you want more space to spread out with your pup, buying your dog their own seat may make sense if you can afford it. This allows bigger dogs to have more room and for your dog to be up at your level for easy access during the flight. Many airlines will allow you to buy a seat for your dog on a plane at the standard purchase price.

Cabin fees tend to be less expensive than fees for dogs being transported in the cargo area of the plane. If you are bringing your dog on as a carry-on, you will be expected to place your pup in a secure carrier underneath the seat in front of you. For this reason, some of the best breeds to fly on a plane with include: do require an up-to-date rabies vaccination.Īs previously mentioned, dogs under 20 pounds are welcome in the cabin area on most airlines. While vaccine and health requirements may differ by airline, all airlines operating in the U.S. Some airlines will ask for proof of vaccinations or health certificates from your veterinarian in order for your dog to be able to fly on a plane. Your Dog Needs an Up-to-Date Rabies Vaccine A dog carrier for flying should be well ventilated, lightweight, and secure enough to contain your dog while in transit. Keep in mind that this carrier will need to go through security at the airport, so you should be able to easily get your dog in and out of the carrier as needed. In order to bring your dog on a plane, you’ll need to secure them in an airplane-friendly pet carrier that can fit underneath the seat in front of you. You Will Need an Airplane-Friendly Dog Carrier Transporting puppies younger than 12 weeks is not recommended, since young puppies will not have all of their vaccines and are more likely to get sick than older dogs. Individual airlines may have their own rules regarding your dog’s age. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which regulates air transportation of pets, also requires that dogs be at least 8 weeks old to fly on a plane and fully weaned from their mother. Weight restrictions vary by carrier, so make sure to double check with your airline before booking a ticket. If a dog is larger than 20 pounds, the airline may require your dog to fly in the plane’s cargo hold. Most airlines will allow dogs that weigh below 20 pounds in the plane’s cabin as long as the dog is secured in a carrier at all times during the flight and is not a disturbance to fellow passengers. Here is some general information that will help you understand whether you can bring your dog on your flight. Exceptions may be made if you are traveling with a service dog or an emotional support dog. Whether you can bring your dog onto the plane in the cabin largely depends on your dog’s size and weight. Can I Bring My Dog on a Plane?ĭifferent airlines have their own pet policies related to bringing your dog on an aircraft. To prevent such a scenario, we’ve gathered information on the best dog breeds for flying, airlines that have pet policies, and essential travel advice to keep your dog comfortable and safe while in the air. After all, no one wants the nightmare of ending up stranded at the airport because your airline won’t let you get on board with your pup. If you love to travel but hate leaving your pooch behind, you should familiarize yourself with rules, regulations, and safety advice for flying with a dog on a plane.
