Airline Dog Weight Limit Guide – What You Need to Know About Flying With Your Pet

Everything You Need to Know About Airline Dog Weight Limits

If you love traveling with your furry friend but aren’t sure about airline rules regarding pet weight, you’re not alone. The regulations around transporting dogs by air can be kinda confusing. In this detailed guide, I’ll break down everything from individual carrier policies to tips for keeping your pooch Under the limit. By the end, all your questions about airline dog weight restrictions should be answered.

The Basics of Weight Limits

All major US airlines have set maximum weight limits for pets traveling in the cabin with you. The most common limit is 20 pounds, though some carriers allow slightly larger or smaller dogs. Pets over the weight restriction cannot fly in the cabin – they must be shipped as cargo instead.

So in a nutshell, if your dog weighs 20 pounds or less, you’re usually good to go in the passenger cabin. But anything over that magic number means cargo is the only option. It’s worth double checking each airline’s specific policy, though, because there can be small variations.

Airline-Specific Pet Weight Limits

• American Airlines: Pets must be under 20 pounds to fly in-cabin.
• Delta: Pets must weigh 20 pounds or less to travel in the passenger cabin.
• United: Pets must weigh less than 20 pounds to travel in the passenger cabin.
• Alaska Airlines: Pets must weigh 18 pounds or under to fly in the passenger cabin.
• Southwest: Pets must weigh 18 pounds or less and fit comfortably in a carrier that can fit under the seat.

What Happens If Your Dog Exceeds the Limit?

If Fluffy is a few ounces over the 20-pound maximum, you have two options. One is to try and put the pup on a diet to safely lose those extra pounds before your trip. But that’s not always realistic depending on timing. The other option is to check your dog into the cargo hold as oversized luggage.

Now some folks understandably freak out about sending their dog in the belly of the plane. But modern pressurized cargo compartments are considered very safe. And many truly large dogs fly this way routinely without incident. Just be sure to follow your airline’s specific requirements for health certificates, carriers, etc.

Tips for Keeping Your Dog Under the Limit

1. Weigh your dog regularly at home on the same scale as the vet’s office. Changes in weight often creep up slowly.
2. Feed a lean protein diet and avoid treats in the weeks before travel to encourage safe, gradual weight loss.
3. Give your dog extra exercise to burn calories by hiking, swimming, or playing fetch. Every pound counts!
4. Consider trimming fur if your dog is long-haired. Thick coats can add ounces that tip the scale.
5. Ask your vet if weigh-ins without food/water for a few hours before the flight are safe to achieve short-term under limit weight.

With vigilance and planning, it’s totally doable to slim a borderline overweight pooch just enough to squeeze under the 20-pound cabin restriction. Far better than facing the stress of cargo for them!

Can I Bring Multiple Dogs if They’re Under the Limit?

While individual dogs max out around 20 pounds for in-cabin travel, most airlines allow you to bring multiple small dogs on board if they all fit in Fido-sized carriers legally stowed under the seat. Some carriers restrict how many pets per passenger, usually one to three depending on space. Always check policies to avoid disappointment at the airport.

A word of warning though – it can get loud and chaotic trying to wrangle multiple animals in a cramped plane cabin. So really consider if that’s fair to your pets or fellow travelers before attempting.

What About Emotional Support or Service Dogs?

If your fur baby provides important emotional or physical assistance, different rules apply. Legitimate service and ESA dogs are generally entitled to cabin access regardless of size as medical aids. However, airlines may request paperwork proving designation and training. Fake ESA vests bought online won’t cut it, and untrained dogs over 20 lbs still fly cargo.

So if Fido fills a critical role for your mental health or disability needs, discuss accommodations with your airline ahead of time. But don’t try to pass off a pet as support just to skirt weight limits – that makes it harder on folks with true needs. Overall, honesty and planning go a long way to ensure smooth flying for you and your pup.

Preparing Your Pet for Flying

Whether cargo or cabin, taking some time to acclimate your dog to their carrier, plane noises, and other travel stresses can help trips go more smoothly. Here’s what I’d recommend:

• Start crate training weeks in advance if your dog isn’t used to confinement. Make the carrier a happy place with treats and toys.
• Practice short “stays” inside the carrier and gradually increase time to get them comfortable hanging out inside.
• Play recording of white noise, such as actual plane cabin noise, to desensitize them to unfamiliar sounds.
• Consider calming aids from the vet like adaptogens, pheromones, or short-acting sedatives for anxious flyers. Never use home remedies without checking with your vet first.

The more positive associations your pup builds with carriers and travel noise, the lower their stress levels will be on the big day. A relaxed ride is safer and less disruptive for all.

So in summary, carefully reviewing airline pet policies, keeping Rover trim enough for cabin travel if possible, and gradual desensitization training are key to ensuring Fido’s flying experience is as smooth as yours. With diligent preparation, any dog can be a seasoned jet setter. Safe travels to you and your furry companion!

Airline Dog Weight Limits

Airline	Dog Weight Limit (lbs)	Cabin or Cargo
American Airlines	25	Cabin
Delta	20	Cabin
United	25	Cabin
Southwest	20	Cabin
JetBlue	15	Cabin
Alaska Airlines	15	Cabin

FAQ

1. What is the standard weight limit for airlines to carry dogs as cargo?

   Most airlines allow dogs that weigh under 50 pounds to travel as cargo in the belly of a plane. Any dog over 50 pounds basically needs to go in the cabin as an emotional support or service animal.

2. Are there exceptions to the 50 pound weight limit?

   At times certain airlines will allow dogs a bit heavier, around 60 pounds. Nevertheless, over 50 pounds is seen as the general cutoff. On the other hand, some international flights may have lower limits around 20 pounds. So it’s best to check the airline’s animal policy in advance.

   

3. How much does it cost to transport an overweight dog?

   If a dog is over the weight restriction, the cost can range from $100 to $200 extra depending on the airline. Apparently some charge per pound over the limit. However, this seems kind of unfair to bigger breeds. Perhaps the fees should scale more gradually with moderate weight over ages.

4. Are there height or size restrictions for dogs flying cargo?

   Most airlines don’t have set height limits, but the kennel must fit under the seat in front of you in the cargo hold. Strong suggests measuring your dog’s kennel to make sure it meets the carrier size limit, which can differ by airline. But is it really fair to deny travel based on height alone?

5. What about very old or young dogs? Do they have special considerations?

   Puppies under 10 weeks and elderly dogs may have special restrictions due to health risks. It’s amazing how airlines value money over animal welfare sometimes. Still, I guess it’s difficult to balance business with compassion. Best to contact the airline directly for rules on very young or senior doggos.

6. What can I do if my dog is over the weight limit?

   If Fluffy is just a few pounds overweight, you might try begging, pleading, and even offering a bribe. Kidding! Seriously though, your options are flying a different airline, driving instead, or leaving Heavy behind with family or boarding. But don’t airlines know that for some pet parents, no price is too high?

Unfortunately I don’t actually have any citations to experts regarding airline dog policies. Also, please don’t try bribing airline staff – I was just making a harmless joke. Let me know if you need any clarification on requirements!