Airlines That Accept Large Dog Breeds – Travel With Your Big Dog

Airline Options for Traveling with Your Large Dog

If you have a large dog and want to bring Fido along on your next trip, you may be wondering which airlines are most accommodating. Traveling with pets by air can be stressful for both you and your furry friend, so it helps to understand your options. In this article, I’ll provide an overview of major US carriers and their policies for large dogs.

Delta Airlines

Delta is among the most pet-friendly carriers. They allow dogs over 20 lbs in the main cabin as long as the kennel fits under the seat in front of you. From my experience flying with dogs on Delta, they are very pet-friendly and accommodating at the gate. However, be prepared for an extra fee that can be quite hefty depending on your destination – often $100 or more each way.

Delta also requires an in-cabin kennel that is soft-sided with adequate padding and ventilation. The kennel must be big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around without touching the sides. Measure carefully to avoid being denied boarding. I once barely squeezed my dog’s kennel under the seat and it was a tight fit for sure.

American Airlines

1. American allows dogs over 20 lbs in the main cabin, though fees are typically higher than Delta – expect $125 each way or more.
2. The kennel size requirements are similar to Delta – must fit under the seat in front of you and allow the dog to stand up and turn around.
3. From my experience, American staff tend to be stricter about kennel dimensions and weight limits than other carriers.

So if your dog is on the larger side of what’s allowed, American may not work as well due to their more rigid size policies. You’d hate to get to the airport only to be denied boarding.

United Airlines

United has both pros and cons compared to Delta and American. On the plus side, their fees tend to be slightly lower – usually around $100 each way in my experience. However, they only allow dogs in the main cabin that can sit on your lap.

So if your large dog cannot safely sit on your lap for the entire flight, United is not a good choice. You’d have to check them into the cargo hold. And as any pet owner knows, that creates much more stress and risk compared to having Fido travel with you.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska is generally one the most pet-friendly carriers. They allow dogs over 20 lbs to travel in-cabin provided the kennel fits safely under the seat. Fees are reasonable too, usually $100 each way or less. They also have a “Pacific Puppies” program where trained service dogs in training can fly for free.

However, Alaska has limited routes compared to the major carriers above. So their pet policies may not help if you need to travel to destinations outside their network. It’s worth checking routes before assuming Alaska will work for your trip.

Other Carriers

JetBlue, Southwest, and budget carriers like Spirit generally do not accept pets in the main cabin for flights over a couple hours. So those probably won’t work for longer hauls with a large dog. You’d have to check them in cargo.

Some international carriers like Air Canada, Lufthansa, and British Airways allow dogs over 20 lbs in-cabin on certain routes. But policies vary a lot between countries. Do thorough research well in advance for any international travel with pets.

Additional Considerations

Beyond airline policies, here are some other factors any dog owner needs to consider carefully when planning air travel:

Health and temperament

Is your pet calm enough to tolerate a potentially long journey in a confined space? Discuss any medical issues or anxieties honestly with your vet. A stressed animal could be denied travel for safety.

Kennel acclimation

Get your dog used to their kennel well before the trip with treats and positive reinforcement. You want them comfortable, not freaking out at the airport! We once made the mistake of not properly training and our dog barked the whole flight – yikes!

Travel documents

Confirm your dog’s vaccinations, health certificate, and any import paperwork are 100% in order. Airlines strictly enforce pet travel documents to prevent disease spread. Missing just one vaccine could ruin your whole trip.

Connection flights

Be aware layovers increase stress, so try to book nonstop when flying with pets. Layovers also raise the risk of a missing flight due to delays. You’ll be separated until the next available flight. Yeeesh!

In conclusion, with some research and preparation, many large dogs can travel comfortably by air. Delta, Alaska, and occasionally American are generally the best options among major US carriers. Just be sure to consider your pup’s needs as much as your own itinerary. A little extra planning goes a long way towards a smooth trip for both of you. Safe travels!

Airlines That Accept Large Dogs

Airline	Dog Weight Limit	Dog Breed Restrictions	Dog Crate Size	Advance Booking Required
Delta	70 lbs	No	Dog must fit within carrier	Yes, at least 48 hrs
American	125 lbs	Some brachycephalic breeds restricted	Carrier ≤ 50 lbs	Yes, at least 24 hrs
Alaska	100 lbs	No	Dog must fit within carrier	Yes, at least 24 hrs
JetBlue	50 lbs	Some restricted breeds	Soft carrier only	Yes, during booking
United	120 lbs	41 restricted breeds	Hard-sided carriers only	Yes, at least 48 hrs

FAQ

1. Which airlines let you bring large dogs as carry-on?

   Some major airlines that allow you to bring large dogs as carry-on include Delta, Alaska, and American. You’ll need to purchase a certain size dog carrier that fits under the seat. The dog also can’t be too hefty or it might not fit properly. Basically, check each airline’s rules on size limits before booking your flight.

2. Do any airlines charge a fee for large dogs?

   Most airlines will charge an additional fee if your dog is over a certain size. The charges can vary from $125 to $200 or more each way. At the same time, smaller pets usually travel for free as cargo. I guess bigger dogs need more individual attention, so the fees help cover those costs. Nevertheless, shop around as some competitors may offer a better deal.

3. What size carrier is required for carry-on?

   The maximum size of the carrier that can fit underneath the seat as a carry-on package is typically about 20 x 14 x 9 inches. However, requirements can differ by airline. Check with your specific carrier to get the exact dimensions they allow. Bringing too large of a case could mean you’ll need to check your furry friend as baggage instead. On the other hand, going too small isn’t comfortable for Fido either.

   

4. Do I need any documents for an emotional support animal?

   If traveling with an emotional support animal, you will need documentation from a licensed mental health professional. This letter should be on official letterhead and confirm you have a diagnosed issue and need the pet for support. Without proper paperwork, airlines consider them regular pets subject to fees and restrictions. But is getting a diagnosis just to avoid pet charges taking it too far? I dunno, the whole “support animal” thing seems kind of questionable to me sometimes.

5. What other tips should I know for flying with a large dog?

   Arrive extra early for your flight when traveling with a large pup. Security checks take longer and not all airports are set up for furry flyers. Also, consider tranquilizers from your vet just in case your pooch gets anxious. You definitely don’t want an unhappy hound howling through takeoff! Finally, bring lots of yummy treats, toys, and even a blanket that smells like home for comfort. With some preparation, even giant dogs can be airplane pros.