Airlines that allow English Bulldogs in 2024 – Airline Policies for Flying with Bulldogs

Your Guide to Airlines That Allow English Bulldogs in 2020

As an English bulldog owner, you know how difficult it can be to travel with your furry friend. If you’re planning any trips in 2020 that require flying, you’ve probably come looking for info on airlines that accept English bulldogs as passengers. In this article, I’ll outline your options and provide tips based on both research and my own experiences flying with bulldogs.

Which Major Airlines Allow English Bulldogs?

The good news is that most major U.S. airlines will allow English bulldogs to fly as cargo or in the cabin with you. Here are the basic policies for the top carriers:

1. American Airlines: Allows English bulldogs to travel in-cabin in your lap or under the seat in an approved carrier. A health certificate may be required.
2. Delta: Accepts English bulldogs as in-cabin passengers or as cargo with advance notice. A health certificate and vet release are required.
3. United: Carries English bulldogs both in-cabin and as cargo. The dog must fit under the seat in an approved soft-sided carrier. A health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.
4. Alaska Airlines: Permits English bulldogs to fly in-cabin with you. The dog must remain in an FAA-approved carrier that fits under the seat.
5. Southwest Airlines: Allows well-behaved English bulldogs on flights if kept in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat. No advance notice or health certificates needed.

The key things to watch out for are size/weight limits, health certificate requirements, and advance notice policies, which can vary slightly by airline. Always check specifics for your route well ahead of time.

Tips for Flying With an English Bulldog

Now that you know which airlines will fly your bulldog, here are some extra tips to help make the experience less stressful:

1. Book nonstop flights if possible, to minimize time spent in an airport crate.
2. Consult your vet about sedation if your dog gets anxious. Something mild like Trazodone can help them relax.
3. Bring along favorite toys/blankets to make their carrier feel more like a den. Fresh water should also be provided.
4. For in-cabin travel, consider booking an exit row or bulkhead seat for extra legroom to fit their carrier under.
5. Acclimate your dog to their carrier ahead of time with treats and play. Don’t use it for punishment!
6. Make sure any collars, harnesses or leashes you bring are light and won’t choke if caught on something.

From my own flying experiences – which, admittedly, have included some close calls lol – being patient and positive really key. Bulldogs pick up on stress, so stay calm and distraction works wonders if they start getting antsy.

Alternatives If You Can’t Fly With Your Bulldog

If the airline won’t allow your English bulldog as a passenger due to health, age or travel restrictions, don’t panic! Here are a couple other options:

1. Look into professional pet shipping services like PetRelocation.com. They arrange door-to-door pet transport on commercial flights.
2. Board your bulldog at a reputable kennel or vet clinic near the airport during your trip if someone can’t pet-sit at home.
3. Consider driving instead if the distance allows, even if it’s longer. Road trips can be fun adventures with your pup!

As a last resort, postponing travel until rules or your bulldog’s health allow flying may be best. Their safety and comfort should come first.

Some Other Tips & Considerations Before You Go

Now that I’ve covered the major points, let me throw in a few bonus tips and things to keep in mind from my own experience traveling with English bulldogs:

Pack backups of any medications, just in case they’re needed mid-flight or your bags get delayed. I always bring a lightweight travel first aid kit too for bumps and scrapes. Microchips and updated tags are also smart in case you get separated at the airport.

If possible, avoid red-eye flights since bulldogs don’t like long dark stretches without potty breaks or exercise. Early morning departures generally work better. Also steer clear of the deadliest travel days right before major holidays if you can help it.

And don’t forget to make your pup comfortable once you reach your destination! Try to keep routines consistent with meals, potty schedules and exercise. A relaxing “spa day” might also be nice after such a big change of scenery.

With a bit of preparation using the tips above, you can feel confident taking your English bulldog along on your next trip. Safe travels to you and your pup – let me know if any other questions come up!

Airline Options for Traveling with English Bulldogs in 2020

Airline	Cargo or Cabin	Advanced Reservation Needed	Crate Size Limit	Additional Fees
Delta	Cabin (under 20 lbs)	Yes	Standard soft-sided crate	$125 each way
United	Cargo	Yes	Not over 50 lb or 120 cm each dimension	$125 each way
American	Cabin (under 20 lbs)	Yes	Standard soft-sided crate	$125 each way
Alaska	Cargo	Yes	Not over 50 lb or 120 cm each dimension	$100 each way
Southwest	Not accepted as checked or cabin baggage	N/A	N/A	N/A

FAQ

1. What airlines allow english bulldogs as carry-on luggage?

   Most major airlines like Delta, American, and United will allow english bulldogs to fly as carry-on pets as long as they meet the size and health requirements. The dog usually needs to fit comfortably in an approved carrier that can fit under the seat.

2. Do all airlines charge a fee for bulldogs?

   Basically every airline charges a fee for transporting dogs as cargo or in the cabin. Fees can range from around $125 each way for basic carriers to $250 or more for overweight or snub-nosed dog breeds like bulldogs. So be ready to shell out some extra cash if flying with your bulldog friend!

3. What paperwork is required for a bulldog on a plane?

   To travel with an english bulldog you’ll generally need the dog’s vaccination records, vet health certificate, and possibly an import permit if flying internationally. The vet paperwork has to be signed off no more than 10 days before your flight dates. It’s also a good idea to check if the destination country has any special bulldog requirements.

4. Can non-service bulldogs sit in a person’s lap?

   Possibly, but don’t count on it. While some airlines do allow small dogs to sit in your lap rather than under the seat, bulldogs may be too big and heavy for this. Also, designated “emotional support animals” have more access rights than regular pets. Therefore you’d likely need official ESA paperwork for a lap-dwelling bulldog.

   

5. Is it stressful for a bulldog to fly in cargo?

   Flying in the cargo hold definitely raises the stress level for bulldogs compared to traveling in the cabin. Changes in air pressure, loud noises, and colder temperatures down below can be hard on snub-nosed pups. Whenever possible, it’s better to reserve a space for your bullie in the cabin to minimize stress. So ask your vet for sedation guidelines if your dog has to ride below.

6. What airline has the best reputation for bulldog transport?

   Anecdotally, many owners report good experiences flying smaller bulldogs with Alaska Airlines in-cabin. Meanwhile, much bigger operations like American have a more mixed reputation – maybe due to inconsistent policies across their huge network. On the other hand, reliable carriers like Delta or United seem to transport bulldogs without major issues most of the time. So it’s worth phoning ahead to discuss your individual dog’s needs.

7. Will travel insurance cover a bulldog if something goes wrong?

   Perhaps – but pet travel insurance policies can have exclusions for snub-nosed breeds who are slightly more high-risk. In general, insurance may help cover unexpected vet bills or replacement costs if your doggod gets injured or lost during the flight. Nevertheless, be absolutely sure your bulldog policy covers flying before assuming you’re protected. It’s always better to ask questions ahead rather than find out the bad news after something happens to your pup!