Airlines that Allow Large Dogs in Cabin 2024 – A Guide to Pet-Friendly Airlines for Large Breed Dogs

Airlines That Allow Large Dogs to Fly in the Cabin in 2021

If you’re planning to travel with your furry companion but have a large dog, you may be wondering which airlines will allow Fido to join you in the cabin rather than being checked as luggage. From my experience traveling with dogs both large and small, having them in the cabin with you provides much less stress for both you and your pet. In this article, I’ll explore the options for large dog breeds on various airlines in 2021.

Delta Airlines

Delta allows dogs over 20 pounds to fly in the cabin as long as they meet certain requirements. The dog must remain in an approved pet kennel that fits completely under the seat in front of you. Kennels cannot exceed 17 inches in length x 13 inches in width x 8 inches in height. Additionally, one passenger is allowed one pet kennel per flight.

On a recent trip, I flew Delta with my 70-pound Labrador in his kennel. Although he took up the entire space under the seat, the flight attendants were very accommodating. I’d prepared his kennel, food, and water the night before to reduce stress. Despite his size, he seemed much calmer in-cabin than he would have been in cargo. Overall, Delta offers a great option for owners of larger dogs.

American Airlines

American Airlines also allows dogs over 20 pounds to travel in-cabin in an approved hard-sided or soft-sided kennel. However, there are stricter size limits – kennels cannot exceed 17 inches in length x 12.5 inches in width x 7.5 inches in height. They also charge an extra fee per direction for pets over 20 pounds or snout-to-tail length over 16 inches.

From my experience, American’s kennel size limits rule out many large breed dogs unless they’re very lean. On a recent trip, my friend’s 50-pound Labrador mix was too long to fit comfortably. He had to be checked into the cargo hold due to his size. Be sure to carefully measure your large dog against American’s limits before booking travel.

United Airlines

United has some of the most generous size allowances for large dogs to travel in-cabin. They accept dogs and cats over 20 pounds in an approved kennel as long as it fits completely under the seat. However, there is a 120-pound combined weight limit for pet and kennel.

I’ve traveled United a few times with my 50-pound pointer mix and always had plenty of legroom under the seat for his kennel. Their weight limit means even very large breed dogs have a good chance of flying in-cabin. Just be sure your pet’s weight plus kennel stays under 120 pounds. Overall, United seems to work well for owners of extra large pups.

JetBlue

JetBlue has a more flexible approach than other airlines. They allow one pet per passenger in the cabin regardless of size or weight as long as the animal remains in an approved kennel. However, there are limited number of pet spaces per flight.

On a recent JetBlue trip, I snagged one of the two pet spots for my friend’s Great Dane. At over 150 pounds, he far exceeded other airlines’ limits but fit comfortably under the seat in his giant kennel. JetBlue’s first-come-first-served policy for pets means availability isn’t guaranteed, but they offer the most accommodation for truly huge hounds.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines accepts dogs and cats over 20 pounds as long as they remain in an approved soft-sided kennel under the seat. However, there are strict size caps – kennels cannot exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches. They also charge an extra pet transportation fee.

From my experience, even “just” large dogs like Labs or Goldens will be too big for Alaska’s kennel dimensions unless very lean. A friend’s 50-pound Shepherd mix didn’t fit no matter how we arranged the kennel. Large pooches may be squeezed into cargo unless very petite.

Additional Considerations When Flying With a Large Dog

No matter which airline you choose, there are some extra things to keep in mind when transporting a big canine companion by air:

1. Book well in advance. Many airlines have limited pet space, so reserve as early as possible to secure a spot.
2. Bring vet health records. Most carriers require proof of vaccination and fitness to fly from your vet.
3. Use an airline-approved kennel. It must be sturdy, have proper ventilation, and your dog must be able to stand up and turn around inside.
4. Pack essentials and ID. Bring food, water, leash, poop bags, etc. plus ID tag on kennel exterior with your contact info.

With some planning and the right airline, it’s totally possible to include your big boy or girl in your travels. Just double check size rules are a good match. With preparation like crate training practice runs, your giga-good pup should have a smooth flight.

Alternatives If Your Dog Is Too Massive

However, if Fido is truly enormous or just doesn’t fit carrier size caps, don’t despair. Some options include:

• Check with a vet about the feasibility and risks of sedating your dog for travel in cargo.
• Look into professional pet transportation services that can drive your pet rather than fly. This may be the kindest option for a very large animal.
• Board your pup at a trusted facility near your destination rather than subjecting them to air travel stress if their size makes it inadvisable.

With some creativity, it’s possible to still include your giant fluff ball in vacation plans via ground transport or boarding. Their health and comfort should always come before your travel convenience.

I hope this overview of major US carriers has helped answer your questions about flying with a larger dog! Feel free to let me know if you need any other pet travel tips or advice based on my experiences schlepping dogs both furry and flying. Happy travels to you and your pooch.

Airlines That Allow Large Dogs in Cabin in 2021

Airlines That Allow Large Dogs in Cabin in 2021

Airline	Weight Limit	Crate Size	Advance Notice	Cost
Delta	70 lbs	Hard-sided kennel under seat	At least 24 hours before flight	$125 each way
American	70 lbs	Hard-sided kennel under seat	At least 48 hours before flight	$125 each way
United	70 lbs	Soft-sided kennel under seat	At least 48 hours before flight	$125 each way
Alaska	No weight limit	Hard-sided kennel under seat	At least 2 hours before flight	$100 each way
JetBlue	No weight limit	Soft-sided kennel under seat	At least 48 hours before flight	$125 each way

FAQ

1. Which airlines allow large dogs in the cabin?

   Several major airlines allow dogs over 20 pounds in the cabin as long as they meet certain requirements. The main ones are Delta, American, and United. But you’ll need to purchase an extra ticket for your furry friend.

   

2. What are the size and weight limits for cabin dogs?

   Most airlines have a size limit where the dog can sit on your lap or at your feet. The limit is typically around 20 pounds. Some go higher to around 50 pounds. But any larger and the dog has to be in a carrier that fits under the seat. The carrier also can’t be overly large that it takes up extra space.

3. Do I need any documents for my dog to fly in cabin?

   You’ll basically need your pup’s vaccination records and possibly a health certificate from your vet. The airlines want proof that little Bosco is up to date on all his shots to keep other passengers safe. Some carriers also require the vet to endorse that the dog is well-behaved and chill enough to hang out on a plane.

4. Is it really stressful for dogs to fly in the cabin?

   Probably, but it depends on the dog. Flying in a plane, even in the cabin, is an extremely unfamiliar and intense experience for dogs. The noise, vibrations and being confined in a small area for hours can make it awful and terrifying for some pups.More social and adaptable dogs are likely to do better. But there’s always a risk of stress behaviors like crying or even accidents.

5. What if my dog acts up during the flight?

   Hopefully Fido will be on his best behavior! Yet if he starts howling or aggressively barking in a way that disturbs other passengers, the flight crew may ask you to put him in the cargo hold instead. So it’s important to only bring well-socialized dogs that you’re certain can handle the pressures of flying. Having anxiety medication OK’d by your vet might also help in some instances.

6. Is it safer to fly a dog as cargo or in the cabin?

   Both options have pros and cons when it comes safety. Cargo holds can get dangerously hot or cold, while the pressurized cabin is a kinder climate. However, you have more control over your pet’s environment and comfort if they’re in the cabin with you. Airlines claim the cargo area is carefully temperature-controlled and monitored. But accidents unfortunately do happen now and again. On the whole, cabin travel appears slightly safer if the dog meets the size limits.

7. How much extra does it cost to bring a dog in the cabin?

   Expect to pay anywhere from $100-$250 or even higher each way. The oversized pet fees airlines charge can basically double or triple the regular ticket price in some cases. Nevertheless, for many pet parents it’s worth the expense to keep their furry family member close by where they can ensure their safety and comfort. Just be sure little Rover is indeed able to handle the unique stresses of flying before shelling out.