Airlines That Allow Large Dog Breeds to Fly in Cabin – Guide to Dog-Friendly Airline Policies

Airline Options for Traveling with Your Large Dog

If you’re like me and can’t imagine going on a trip without your furry friend by your side, this article is for you. As an avid traveler with a Great Dane, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges finding airlines that allow large dogs in the cabin. Over time, I’ve learned which carriers are most pet-friendly. Below I’ll break down your options and provide insider tips to help make flying with your big pooch as stress-free as possible.

Airlines That Fly Large Dogs in Cabin

The good news is there are a handful of airlines that will let you bring dogs over 20 pounds into the main cabin with you. Here are the top options:

1. American Airlines – They allow one dog up to 40 pounds in cabin per passenger in a carrier that fits under the seat. Pups must remain in carrier the whole flight. Fees are usually $125 each way.
2. Alaska Airlines – Dogs up to 50 pounds can ride in-cabin in a carrier that fits under the seat. Unlike some carriers, Alaska allows two pets per passenger. Fees are normally $125 each way.
3. Delta Airlines – Delta permits dogs up to 20 pounds or those that can fit on your lap in a carrier. However, from personal experience, I’ve found their staff are sometimes more lenient on larger sizes if your pup is well-behaved. Carrier rules and $125 fees apply.
4. Hawaiian Airlines – They accept dogs up to 20 pounds or those that can sit on your lap in-cabin without a carrier for a $95 total fee. Larger dogs must travel in cargo hold.
5. JetBlue – JetBlue is one of the most accommodating as it allows dogs up to 50 pounds in carriers that fit under the seat for $125 each way. Two pets are permitted per passenger too.

As you can see, the top choices are American, Alaska and JetBlue based on their larger size allowances. However, all airlines have strict restrictions regarding barking/misbehavior, so choose the carrier wisely and practice travelling in it before your flight.

Other Important Considerations

When flying with a large dog, there are some other factors you’ll want to research:

1. Cargo hold policies – If your pup exceeds seat size limits, check baggage policies. Most airlines limit cargo dogs to under 100 pounds and require health papers & a kennel.
2. Non-stop flights – It’s best to book direct journeys over those with stops whenever possible. Less time spent moving minimizes stress.
3. Blackout dates – Pets aren’t always allowed to fly during major holidays due to higher volume. Make sure your dates are pet-friendly.
4. Travel gear– Pick durable, properly sized carriers complying with airline rules. Get comfy bedding, bowls & toys too. Practice going in carrier beforehand.
5. Health & vaccination records – Carry copies of all legally required paper work in an accessible spot just in case they’re requested at check-in/boarding.

Proper preparation is key for making airline travel less harrowing for dogs and owners alike. I’ve found it’s basically useful to do extra research before booking.

Tips from My Experience Flying with a Giant Dog

While the policies seem clear on paper, flying with pets can sometimes sort of throw curveballs. Here are some tips, basically from my own experience, that may help you and your pup kind of cruise through airport chaos like pros:

1. Reserve bulkhead or exit row seats – Having more foot room makes your dog feel less cramped. These spots are often open since folks avoid them.
2. Pack high-value treats only for travel – Stick to your dog’s faves like freeze-dried liver or chicken to keep them occupied on loud planes.
3. Gently cover carrier during taxi, takeoff & landing – While some pups ain’t phased by pressure changes, others find it comforting to block potential sights/sounds.
4. Socialize at pet-friendly airport spots – Taking 15 min breaks at outdoor walking areas before flights does wonders for calming dogs down.
5. Train a “potty” cue – Know when they gotta go so you can rush to tire out before boarding. Accidents are totally not cool or allowed on planes!

Basically by preparing ahead with things like these dope tips and being cool under pressure, you and your loyal pup can totally do sweet flights together no sweat.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

While flying in-cabin is clearly the comfier option over cargo holds for large dogs and their owners, it does come with some not-so-amazing downsides:

1. Limited space – Carriers must fit under seats with minimal leg room. This can be extra cramped for extra massive breeds.
2. Restrictions – Pups must stay crated the whole time which all dogs aren’t necessarily used to without accidents or howling.
3. Costs – In-cabin fees are normally higher than cargo rates. Multiple pet tickets add up fast for families with fur babies.
4. Seat choice penalties – You gain fees and lose fare flexibility by booking pet seats instead of standard tickets.
5. Stress – The airport chaos, unfamiliar place & loud noises are rough on sensitive canines. Not every dog handles it chill.

So those are some potential not-so-great aspects to keep in mind. I sometimes think it may be kinder on super anxious or large dogs to travel as cargo instead where they have more space.

Alternative Transportation Options

Although air travel offers convenience, for some dogs it’s honestly just too much stress. In those cases, here are a couple other options to consider:

1. Drive – Pups have freedom to move, potty stops and familiar scenery. However it uses more vacation days for longer distances.
2. Train – Amtrak allows pets in certain sleeping cars depending on route. They roam freely but tickets cost nearly like flying.
3. Professional pet shipping – Services transport pets door-to-door via vans or as air cargo. Super convenient but not always the cheapest solution.

While flying may seem tempting for its speed, sometimes slower road trips or alternative transport is the more relaxing choice for your pooch. It really depends on each dog’s personal tolerance levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some other common questions I’m often asked about flying with large dogs:

1. Can I sit with my dog? – No, in-cabin pets must stay crated under the seat in front of you for safety reasons.
2. What size crate works best? – Soft-sided crates 24 inches or less fit under most coach seats. Consider sizing up if you have a massive mastiff type.
3. What if my dog acts up? – They’ll be refused boarding. Consider Xanax for nervous fliers after vet approval and strict useage guidelines.
4. Where’s the best spot to buy a carrier? – Pet retailers like Petco/Petsmart offer airline-approved options that also work for vet visits and road trips.

5. Airlines That Allow Large Dogs in Cabin

   Airline	Weight Limit	Crate Requirement	Advance Notice
   Delta	70 lbs	Hard-sided crate	At least 48 hours
   United	100 lbs	Soft-sided kennel	At least 48 hours
   American	75 lbs	Hard-sided crate	At least 48 hours
   Alaska	75 lbs	Hard-sided crate or mesh bag for small dogs	At least 48 hours
   Southwest	50 lbs	Soft-sided kennel	None required

   FAQ

   1. Which airlines allow large dogs in the cabin?

      A few major airlines basically let you bring bigger dogs in the cabin instead of the cargo hold. American, Delta and United allow dogs weighing up to around 20 pounds to sit with their owner. Some kinda say 22 pounds, so check each airline’s website. Bringing Fido in the cabin is totally better than down below for sure.

   2. Is there a size limit for cabin dogs?

      At the same time, most carriers have height and length limits too—generally around 18 inches or less when measured from nose to tail. So if your pooch is enormous, he’ll still need to ride in cargo despite weighing not that much. But perhaps the size charts seem awfully strict if your pup is really well behaved!

   3. Do I need to buy an extra plane ticket for my dog?

      You typically gotta pay a fee—usually a couple hundred bucks—to bring your puppy on board as your ” checked baggage.” Nevertheless, it’s much cheaper than a regular ticket and you get to keep the doggie by your feet under the seat where they belong, right?

   4. What paperwork is required?

      On the other hand, there are also documents required like medical records proving vaccines are up to date and a health certificate. Rover might need tags on his crate too for identification at each airport. But does anyone really check him over that closely? Who knows! It’s probably amazing that they let dogs fly at all if you think about it.

      

   5. Is my dog guaranteed to fly in the cabin?

      Actually, no promises—it depends on available space when you check in. Airlines reserve the right to make dogs check their bags just like everyone else if the cabin fills up. Still, booking early and checking availability seems to help your chances of sticking together for the adventure. Maybe call the airline in advance if you’re unsure.

   6. What precautions should I take with my cabin dog?

      Experts say to keep your furry friend comfortably secured in an FAA-approved pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Bring plenty of water too because flying is super dehydrating and stressful, dang! Also consider anxiety meds from the vet if your pup is easily freaked out. With a little preparation, bringing man’s bestie along doesn’t have to be ruff.

   In summary, some airlines do allow pooches to migrate in the main cabin for modest fees if they’re not ginormous. But confirm everything with your carrier ahead of time to avoid any awful surprises down the tarmac. Holler if you need anything else—happy travels to you and your pup!

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