Airlines That Accept Snub Nosed Dogs Like Pugs and French Bulldogs on Planes

Airlines Friendly to Snub-Nosed Dog Breeds

As an avid traveler with pet pugs, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges finding airlines willing to fly my snub-nosed companions. Due to health risks associated with their flattened faces, some dog breeds like pugs, bulldogs, and Persian cats often cannot fly in cargo holds where temperature and oxygen levels may be unsafe. So understanding which carriers accept snub-noses as cabin pets is crucial for planning furry-family vacations. In this article, I’ll outline major US airlines and their policies on brachycephalic (“snub-nosed”) dogs to help you determine the best options for your short-muzzled pooch.

Delta Airlines

Delta has relatively flexible policies regarding snub-nosed dogs in the cabin. They do not explicitly ban any breeds but do require a veterinary health form for any pet under 8 pounds or with brachycephalic features like pushed-in noses, excessive wrinkles, or abbreviated tails. The form must verify the animal is fit to withstand the stresses of air travel. From my experience, as long as your vet clears the dog as healthy, Delta staff have never denied my pugs flying with me in-cabin.

American Airlines

American Airlines policies are similar to Delta in that they accept brachycephalic dogs on a case-by-case basis with veterinary approval. However, I’ve heard occasional reports of flight attendants denying snub-noses boarding even with proper paperwork due to being “too high risk.” Whereas Delta agents have always worked with me, American may prove less consistent. Still, with veterinary assurance your dog can breathe easily, extensive research suggests American will likely permit short-muzzled pets like pugs or bulldogs in the cabin.

United Airlines

Unfortunately, United has some of the strictest regulations when it comes to brachycephalic breeds. They explicitly ban all pugs, French bulldogs, bulldogs, and other dog breeds prone to airway obstruction from the passenger cabin due to inability to travel safely at high altitudes. United is really the only major US airline with an outright ban rather than case-by-case acceptance. So if you have a snub-nosed dog, United should probably be avoided or only considered if traveling with the pet in cargo hold is acceptable.

Alaska Airlines

Thankfully, Alaska Airlines still allows brachycephalic dogs to fly in the main cabin on a conditional basis. Their guidelines mirror Delta and American in mandating a veterinary health exam verifying the individual animal can tolerate air travel stress. From my experience, Alaska representatives have always worked cooperatively to get vet paperwork approved. So long as you properly prepare, this airline offers a worthwhile alternative for pug or bulldog families looking to fly without cargo hold risks.

Southwest Airlines

As the sole major US airline still accepting snub-nosed dog breeds without restriction, Southwest gives pet owners the most lenient policy choices. They require no veterinary exam or special documentation for brachycephalic dogs under 20 pounds to fly in-cabin. Having flown several pugs on Southwest, I can say their extremely pet-friendly approach definitely makes it a top pick when traveling with a short-muzzled companion. No hoops to jump through means less pre-flight stress all around.

International Airlines’ Policies

When venturing abroad, be aware snub-nose dog acceptance varies greatly by international carrier. For instance, while Air Canada evaluates brachycephalic pets case-by-case like US airlines, British Airways has an outright ban. Lufthansa is more flexible but demands paperwork proving the dog’s health. Thoroughly researching each airline’s website is key before booking overseas travel with a pug or bulldog in tow. Opt for cargo versus cabin may also be your only viable choice in some situations. Overall, options narrow considerably outside North America.

Tips for Flying with Brachycephalic Breed Dogs

Now that you know which airlines are most willing to accept snub-nosed pooches onboard, here are some additional tips from my experiences traveling with pugs:

1. Prepare well in advance. Schedule your vet exam at least a month prior to traveling to give time for paperwork approval if needed.
2. Choose direct flights whenever possible. Fewer stops means less risk of delays leaving your pup anxious or confined too long.
3. Bring your own food, leash, toys. Minimize anxiety by providing familiar items and limiting unknown factors like in-flight meals.
4. Consider a calming aid. Ask your vet about natural anti-anxiety supplements or pheromone diffusers that may relax your dog for the trip.
5. Bring cooling gear. Snub-noses overheat easily, so bring water, wet cloths or cooling pads to keep your pet comfortable on board.

Hopefully these tips help make flying with your short-muzzled pup a breeze! Now that you know the friendliest airlines and best practices, happy travels with your furry companion.

Special Considerations for Persians

Flat-faced cat breeds like Persians also face respiratory risks similar to brachycephalic dogs. Most major airlines will accept them as cabin pets on the same conditional basis: veterinary exam verifying fitness to fly. However, because cats struggle even more than dogs in unfamiliar environments, I’d advise only flying Persians if absolutely necessary. Unlike dogs that can be trained, stressed-out cats may lash out or refuse food. So if traveling internationally with your flat-faced feline, investigate shipping in-cabin versus cargo holds very carefully first. The health and safety of your pet should always come before convenience.

In closing, I hope sharing my real-world experiences provides clarity on airline policies toward snub-nosed animals. With diligent preparation and selecting travel partners amenable to brachycephalic breeds, flying with your pug, bulldog or Persian is very possible. Wishing you many joyful journies with your flat-faced furry friend ahead!

Airline Pet Policies for Snub Nosed Dogs

Airline	Cargo or Cabin?	Advanced Notice	Size/Weight Restrictions	Kennel Requirements
Delta	Cabin	48 hours	Under 20 lbs	Hard-sided kennel
American	Cabin or Cargo	At least 24 hours	Under 20 lbs	Hard-sided kennel
United	Cabin only	At least 48 hours	Under 20 lbs	Hard-sided kennel
Alaska	Cabin only	At least 72 hours	Under 20lbs	Hard-sided kennel
Southwest	No pet policy	n/a	n/a	n/a

FAQ

1. Which airlines allow snub nosed dogs as carry-on?

   Some major airlines like United and American will let you bring your pug or bulldog aboard as your carry-on pet. Basically you just need to make sure the dog and its carrier fit under the seat in front of you. American even has a cute “snubby club” for short-nosed dog owners!

   

2. Do all airlines charge a pet fee?

   While most airlines charge extra for bringing your doggy along, some discount carriers like Southwest don’t actually charge a pet fee at all. I guess you could say that’s pretty cool of them, right? At the same time, you’ll need to make sure your squished-faced pup is comfortable in her carrier the whole flight.

3. What size dog carrier is allowed?

   If memory serves me right, the maximum size for a pet carrier that can be stowed under the seat is about 20 inches by 16 inches. Perhaps check with the specific airline just to be sure though. On that note, does anyone out there have a suggestion for a great travel carrier that might be a perfect fit?

4. Is it hard to fly with a small dog?

   Flying with a small dog isn’t too bad as long as they feel secure in their carrier. But is it worth all the hassle and stress the poor pup has to go through? Their little hearts must race a mile a minute. Maybe it’s kinder to board them as cargo instead, pending vets advice. What do you think, readers – how do you travel with your pet?

5. Can an emotional support animal be a snub nosed dog?

   While airlines must allow legitimate service dogs like seeing-eye retrievers, the rules on emotional support animals are sort of hazy. As far as I know, snub-nosed pups can indeed be classified as ESAs provided you get the right paperwork from your doctor or therapist. Of course, some airlines are more lenient than others on this issue.

   

Do airlines have size/weight limits for dogs?

Most carriers do impose some type of constraints when it comes to canine passengers. Weight limits typically range anywhere from 8 to 20 pounds depending on the airline. As for size, the previously mentioned measurement cap of 20×16 inches basically narrows it down to tea cup or toy breeds. Still, exceptions may sometimes be made case by case for slightly larger but still small dogs.

What health documents are needed?

To fly with your smooshy-faced dog, you’ll definitely need proof that they are fit to travel like an up-to-date veterinary health certificate. Some carriers may also require records of vaccinations or proof that flea/tick preventatives were applied. It’s truly unbelievable how much paperwork airlines demand these days, amirite? Better to get started on that vet visit pronto if you’ve got an upcoming trip planned.