Airlines That Let You Bring Your Big Fur Baby Along for the Ride
As a frequent flyer with a Saint Bernard named Bruno, I’ve faced my fair share of pet-related air travel headaches. From expensive and stressful cargo holds to not being able to bring Bruno at all, flying with a large dog can definitely provide its challenges. But with a little extra research, there are some airline options that make it possible to keep man’s best friend by your side in the cabin instead of confined below.
Delta Airlines
Delta is one of the more pet-friendly major carriers when it comes to large dogs. They allow dogs under 20 pounds in carriers under the seat, and dogs over 20 pounds in the cargo hold. However, they do allow larger dogs than most other airlines in the cabin provided the dog can sit obediently at your feet without crowding the space of the other passengers. The dog must remain in a carrier or on a leash for the entire flight. As an extra precaution, I like to bring a blanket or towel for Bruno to lie on – it provides a barrier between him and the passenger next to us.
From my experience traveling with Bruno on Delta, the flight attendants are usually very understanding as long as he behaves well. Just be prepared to show documentation that your dog is trained and vaccinated. Delta also allows up to 2 pets per passenger traveling, which can be helpful if you have multiple large dogs.
United Airlines
United has a similar dog size policy to Delta – dogs up to 20 pounds can ride in carriers under seats while larger dogs need to be checked. However, United defines “larger” as dogs over 50 pounds. This means there is more leeway to bring a large breed along provided they are under 50 pounds. The fees and other regulations are comparable to Delta as well.
I’ve taken Bruno on United a few times and didn’t encounter any issues as long as the flight wasn’t too long, say under 5 hours. Make sure to book early flight times when dogs tend to be more rested andncontent. And don’t skimp on exercising them before the flight to help them settle in.
American Airlines
While American Airlines’ official policy is that dogs above 20 pounds must travel in the cargo hold, they do consider exceptions on a case by case basis for larger dogs that can be well-behaved in the cabin. The best approach is to contact their special assistance team in advance to discuss your dog and travel plans. Providing things like vaccination records, training certification, and possibly even a test run on a short flight can help prove Fido’s cabin qualifications.
A colleague of mine with a Great Dane was able to get approval from American this way. So it’s worth a shot, even if you need to fly a connection route with a change of planes. I’d suggest avoiding longer flight times on American if possible, as the flight attendants may be less lenient about bending the “official” rules.
Alternative Options
If the major airlines won’t approve your oversized pup for the cabin, here are a couple other possibilities:
-
JetBlue allows dogs over 20 pounds in the cabin as long as they can fit on your lap or at your feet without disturbing others. This is a great option for large breeds under say 50 pounds.
-
Alaska Airlines has a similar policy to JetBlue – dogs must fit on your lap or at your feet without bothering passengers. They are very understanding if the dog is well-behaved.
In a pinch, you could also consider driving or taking a train if possible for trips within the U.S. while bringing Fido. It may take longer, but at least you both stay comfortable together.
Preparing Your Pup
No matter which airline you end up booking with, making sure your large dog is well-socialized and trained is key. Practice having them calm and still in a carrier or at your feet for extended periods before flying. Get them used to any type of blankets, shirts, or accessories they may need to wear as well.
I also like to bring high-value treats only used on flights to encourage good behavior. And I pack plenty of their favorite toys, food, and water to keep them content. Getting them accustomed to the airport environment and flight sounds through practice trips is amazingly helpful too for remaining relaxed when it counts.
With some extra effort put into training and preparation, you and your furry friend can enjoy air travel together instead of dreading the cargo hold or being separated during a move. Safe travels! And let me know if you have any other pet air travel questions.
Reader Survey
Have you traveled by air with a large dog before? What airline did you use and how was the experience? I’m curious to learn other flying fur baby success stories or cautionary tales. Feel free to share your story in the comments below!
Airlines That Allow Large Dogs in Cabin
| Airline | Dog Breed Size Limit | Cage/ Kennel Size | Advance Notice | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | Up to 20 lbs | Under the seat | At least 24 hours | $125 each way |
| American | Up to 20 lbs | Under the seat | At least 48 hours | $125 each way |
| United | Up to 40 lbs | Under the seat or in-cabin | Varies | $125 each way |
| Alaska | Up to 50 lbs | Under the seat or in-cabin | At least 48 hours | $100 each way |
| JetBlue | Up to 20 lbs | Under the seat | At least 48 hours | $125 each way |
FAQ
-
Which airlines allow large dogs in the cabin?
Several major airlines basically let you bring your big doggo on board as a carry-on! Delta, American, and Alaska allow dogs over 20 pounds in the cabin if they fit under the seat in a carrier. United allows dogs over 20 pounds as long as the combination of dog and carrier doesn’t exceed 20 pounds. Sometimes those weight limits can vary based on the specific flight, so it’s good to double check the rules.
-
Do dogs have to stay in a carrier?
Pretty much all airlines require dogs to remain secure in a carrier for the whole flight. The carrier needs to fit completely under the seat in front of you. Having your pup stuck in a tiny kennel for hours might not seem fair, but it’s safer for them and the humans. Apparently a loose dog could potentially block evacuation paths in an emergency. So a carrier is a must!
-
Is there a size limit on carriers?
Carrier size restrictions sort of vary between airlines. Most allow something around the dimensions of a standard pet carrier – around 18x13x8 inches or smaller. However, on a packed plane those regulations can get bent a little. Alaska for example will allow carriers up to 20x16x8 inches if there’s room under the seat. Basically, as long as the carrier safely fits without blocking anything, many airlines show some flexibility. Just be prepared for a smaller carrier if needed.
-
Do you have to pay extra fees?
You’ll usually need to pay a fee, generally $125 each way according to United. Although, perhaps Alaskan or Delta have lower fees? Either way, those costs may put you out of pocket. But you get the amazing experience of bonding with your pup above the clouds! So maybe those fees are worth it for the memories. Personally, I find spending time with a furry friend priceless. At the same time, flying commercial can get expensive when you add in all those extras. So weigh the pros and cons before booking.
-
Are there any restrictions on certain breeds?
Certain dogs, like those in the “bully breed” category which covers pit bulls and such, aren’t allowed in the cabin on most airlines for questionable safety reasons. However, the science behind those views has been disputed. Some suggest such rules are sort of unfair and breed specific. Alaska for example has no restricted breeds as long as dogs meet size and vaccination rules. Delta used to ban pit bulls also but mysteriously lifted that rule recently. So check each airline’s policy on specific dog breeds carefully.
-
What paperwork is required?
You’ll basically need a recent health certificate from your vet stating the dog has received all necessary vaccinations. The certificate usually can’t be over a year old. Some airlines might also need proof of training if your pupper is a service or emotional support animal. On the other hand, vaccinations obviously help keep all passengers safe from disease. So valid health records are a must for traveling with pets. The paperwork easily doubles as an excuse to see your favorite vet too!
-
Is it worth it to fly with my dog?
While flying commercial with a furry friend requires preparation, money, and compromise – many dog owners say being with their pup makes travel awesome. Your dog might feel safer being with their human in an unfamiliar place too. Still, it depends on your dog’s temperament and how well they handle stress. Maybe start with shorter flights to see how Fido fares? Overall it seems most airline rules exist not to punish people, but protect all passengers including our four-legged ones. So with planning it can totally be worth it to bring your best buddy along!