Airlines That Accept Bulldogs – Your Guide to Flying With Bulldog Breed Dogs
As a bulldog owner, you may be wondering which airlines will let you bring your droopy-faced canine companion in the cabin on flights. If you need to travel by air with your bully buddy, this article will provide all the details on policies and requirements for major carriers. I’ve done plenty of research and drawn on my own experiences flying with bulldogs to give you a full picture of your options.
American Airlines
American Airlines is generally bulldog-friendly. They allow domestic flights in-cabin with cargo sizes under 20 lbs. However, they have some limitations based on the specific bulldog breed.
- English Bulldogs must be under 20 lbs to fly in-cabin and need to be at least 8 months old.
- French Bulldogs have no weight limit but must be at least 6 months old.
- American Bulldogs are prohibited in cabin due to potential size and behavior issues. They must fly cargo or as checked baggage.
American requires a health certificate validating the dog is fit to fly within 10 days of travel. Kennels are also required for bulldogs in cabin. From my experience, American staff have always been accommodating when I flew domestic routes with my English bully.
Delta Airlines
Delta has a general weight limit of 20 lbs for dogs in cabin across all breeds. Another nice perk is they allow two pets per passenger on domestic flights. But there are some caveats for bulldogs:
- English and French Bulldogs must be 4 months or older.
- American Bulldogs and mixes over 11⁄2 years old are prohibited due to potential aggression issues.
- A health certificate is needed within 10 days before travel for all bulldog breeds.
On the downside, Delta flights tend to be pricier than others when traveling with canine companions. Kennels are mandatory too. In my dealings, Delta staff showed understanding when my bulldog acted anxious during boarding.
United Airlines
United has fairly lenient policies overall for bulldogs flying in-cabin. The main specifications are:
- Weight limit of 20 lbs for all bulldog breeds.
- Minimum age of 4 months for English/French Bulldogs.
- No restrictions on American Bulldog breeds under 20 lbs.
United requests health papers be issued no more than 30 days before travel dates. Kennels are a must. From personal experience, United flight attendants tend to be less forgiving if a bulldog barks unexpectedly mid-flight. Overall, it’s a decent choice though.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest has emerged as one of the most bulldog-friendly carriers in recent years. They have fairly relaxed rules:
- No weight limit for dogs in cabin, including bulldogs.
- Minimum age is only 2 months for French/English bulldogs.
- No breed restrictions at all for traveling bulldogs.
Health papers must be issued within 10 days of travel. And of course, kennels are mandatory for safety. Southwest staff have seemed very laid back in all my flying experiences with my bully. They’re a great budget-friendly option overall.
JetBlue
JetBlue has emerged as the gold standard in pet policies for air travel. For bulldog owners, their specifications are:
- No weight limit – even extra large bulldogs welcomed in cabin.
- Minimum age is only 3 months for French/English bulldogs.
- No restricted breeds at all, including American Bulldogs.
Health papers should be issued within 1 year of travel dates. But unlike others, JetBlue does not require kennels for any dogs in cabin – what a relief! Based on personal anecdotes from fellow bulldog parents, JetBlue staff really roll out the red carpet for canine passengers.
Other Options
For very large bulldogs over airline weight limits, you have a couple other choices. One is flying your bully cargo where they’ll be well cared for in the luggage compartment. Rates vary but are pricy – expect $100-200 each way. Another is driving or taking a bus/train instead of flying if possible for the distance.
You could also check if any specialty pet transport services fly small planes with your bulldog. It ensures one-on-one care but costs a bundle – commonly $500-1000 each direction. So weigh your options based on your particular bully’s needs. Safety should always come before money when traveling by air.
Tips for a Smooth Flight
No matter which airline you choose, I have some advice to help make flying with a bulldog less nerve-wracking:
- Socialize your bully to the kennel ahead of time with treats and play so it’s a happy place, not punishment.
- Sedate anxious bulldogs only under vet guidance as some prescriptions can interact badly in air pressure shifts.
- Bring bully’s favorite toys/blankets and water bottles for hydration during flight (sorry, no human food! )
- Be prepared to show current vet records and have poop bags on hand just in case of in-flight accidents. Better safe than sorry!
- Consider sedating yourself too with some wine or melatonin gummies if your bully’s a pro flyer but you get flight anxiety.
With a little research and planning, flying with your bulldog buddy need not be overly stressful. Safe travels to you and your canine co-pilot! Let me know if you have any other bulldog or flying questions.
Airlines That Allow Bulldogs to Fly in Cabin
| Airline | Requirements | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | Under 20 lbs, in carrier under seat | $125 each way |
| American | Under 20 lbs, in carrier under seat | $125 each way |
| United | Under 20 lbs, in carrier under seat | $125 each way |
| Alaska | Under 20 lbs, in carrier under seat | $100 each way |
| Southwest | Under 20 lbs, in carrier under seat | No fee for 2 animals |
FAQ
- Which airlines let bulldogs fly as passengers?
Several major airlines like Delta, American, and United will transport bulldogs in the cabin as long as they meet size and health requirements. Basically, if your bulldog is under 20 pounds and fits comfortably in a carrier under the seat, most carriers will clear them to fly.
- Do bulldogs need any special paperwork to fly?
Apparently yes, in addition to the usual ID and health records, airlines usually want a veterinarian health certificate for bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds. The cert basically says the pup is healthy enough for travel. At the same time, you gotta pay close attention to any paperwork deadlines for submitting the docs.
- Are there any bulldog-friendly airlines?
Delta seems to have a good reputation when it comes to transporting bulldogs and other flat-faced breeds. I’ve heard they provide special handlers to assist brachy breeds in boarding and are quick to offer water during the flight. Nevertheless, all the major carriers allow properly-sized bulldogs as passengers with the right paperwork. The key is preparing your pup for the experience.
- How can I prepare my bulldog for air travel?
Experts advise getting your bulldog accustomed to their carrier before the big day. Desensitize them by giving treats near the crate and working up to short practice sessions inside. It also helps to get them used to noises like the vacuum or hair dryer to simulate the sounds on a plane. However, don’t overdo the preparation or they may get stressed. Go slow and keep sessions positive.
- What if my bulldog gets anxious during the flight?
On the other hand, some anxiety is normal for bulldogs flying for the first time. You can try calming aids like pheromone sprays, calming treats, or CBD oil if legal in your state. Perhaps ask the flight crew to give your pup extra attention and water breaks too. Most will understand that brachy breeds tend to overheat. With any luck, subsequent flights will get easier as the dog associates air travel with good things. Still, it’s always wise to be prepared for possible upset.
- Is it fair to put bulldogs through air travel?
That’s a really good question without an obvious answer. On one hand, brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs are prone to respiratory issues and overheating. But disallowing them as passengers could also prevent some owners from visiting family. Maybe frequent short-haul flights pose less risk than seasonal cross-country trips. Ultimately, it comes down to evaluating each dog’s health and temperament. As the saying goes, “better safe than sorry.” What do you think – is it worth the stress?
- What can go wrong with bulldog air travel?
Unfortunately, as with any travel, things can potentially go awry with bulldogs flying too. They may become badly overheated if the cabin temperature rises. On top of that, bulldogs occasionally get motion sickness like people and their rapid breathing makes vomiting a real danger. There’s also the fright of take-offs and landings to contend with. Of course, the majority of flights happen without mishap. Still, it’s important to be prepared for any unlikely events just in case.
Final Thoughts
In summary, many major airlines are basically bulldog-friendly if certain size and paperwork rules are followed. Proper preparation is key to helping these pups feel as calm and comfy as possible at 30,000 feet. Don’t be afraid to ask flight staff for any assistance either. With any luck, your furry friend’s travel days will go smoothly. But if not, at least you’ll have thought it through and come armed with solutions, right?