Airlines That Allow Large Dogs in the Cabin – Fly with Fido on These Pet-Friendly Carriers

Airlines That Let You Fly with Fido: Your Guide to Flying with Large Dogs

If you’ve got a big ol’ pooch and need to travel by air, finding an airline that allows larger dogs in the cabin can be tricky. But fear not – with some research and planning, you can still take your furry friend along for the ride. In this article, I’ll break down the major U.S. carriers and their policies on canine cabin passengers over 20 pounds. I’ll also share some tips and tricks I’ve learned from my own experiences schlepping dogs on planes.

The Airline Policies

Let’s start with the basics. Most airlines limit cabin pets to around 20 pounds or less. Any pooch packing more pounds gets treated as cargo in the belly of the plane. But a couple carriers are pretty doggone flexible on weight limits.

1. Alaska Airlines: Allows dogs over 20 pounds as long as they’re contained in an FAA-approved hard-sided carrier that can fit under the seat. The maximum weight is usually 75 pounds, although they may consider larger dogs on a case-by-case basis.
2. American Airlines: Also allows dogs up to 75 pounds in an under-seat carrier, but only on certain flights with availability. You’ll need to check in advance.
3. Delta: Caps cabin pets at 20 pounds like most airlines. Dogs over that must travel in the cargo hold.
4. JetBlue: Pets are limited to 20 pounds as well and must fit completely under the seat.
5. Southwest: Pets must be kept in a carrier or transport bag that can be stowed under the seat in front of you. No weight limits specified.
6. United: Pets up to 100 pounds can fly in an under-seat carrier on certain flights if pre-approved. But most of their routes cap pets at 20 pounds for cabin travel.

So in summary – for the biggest dogs, your best options are probably Alaska, American, or United if you’re willing to do some pre-flight vetting. Your pup’s size and demeanor will also factor into whether they’ll let Fido onboard.

Tips For Flying With Larger Dogs

Alright, so you’ve found an airline policy that works for Rover’s heft. Here are some additional tips I’ve picked up along the way to help make the journey less ruff:

1. Book early. Cabin space for pets is limited, so the sooner you secure a spot, the better. Some airlines may require a pet-in-cabin reservation in advance.
2. Bring documentation. You’ll need vaccination records, a health certificate if traveling between countries, and possibly a note from your vet saying pooch is fit to fly.
3. Use an approved carrier. It needs to be sturdy, well-ventilated, allow your pup to stand up and turn around, and fit under the seat in front of you. Label it clearly “Live Animal” for baggage handlers.
4. Consider sedation. Ask your vet if calming supplements may help keep your hound comfy on the runway rollercoaster.
5. Pack supplies carefully. Store food, water, medications, leash, poop bags, toys, and pads tidy in your carry-on for easy access.
6. Stay positive. Keep your pup reassured that takeoff and landing will be gnarly but brief. With positive reinforcement training, flying can become fun for Fido too!

Of course, flying with larger dogs does involve some compromise. Your pooch may not be able to stretch out to their full length or stand up comfortably on shorter flights. But with diligent planning, friendly fur flies can still join you on many airline adventures.

Some Final Thoughts

If your big boy or girl doesn’t fly so good, there are alternatives to consider too. Driving may give more flexibility, but be prepared for potty breaks and motels along the way. Pet-friendly shipping options exist too, though you lose the live-animal factor. And some folks have basically rented entire cars on Amtrak to bring multiple monster mutts cross-country. While pricier, train travel is mega mellow for man’s best pal.

At the end of the day, every pup and situation is different. With patience and creativity, there are normally rad routes for Fido that work. From my experience wrangling Moose the mastiff on more flights than I can recall, the key is preparation, positive reinforcement, and not forgetting your pooch’s paws are likely worse for wear than yours after the journey! With the right adjustments, big baby beasts can fly too.

Hope this rundown of airline policies and personal pointers was helpful in navigating airborne adventures with your own hooch hound! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Major Airlines That Allow Large Dogs in Cabin

Airline	Maximum Weight	Maximum Size	Advance Notice	Crate Required
Delta	70 lbs	20″ L x 16″ W x 9″ H	At least 48 hours	Yes, hard-sided
American	70 lbs	20″ L x 17″ W x 9″ H	At least 2 hours prior	Yes, soft/hard-sided
United	100 lbs	22″ L x 17″ W x 11″ H	At least 1 hour prior	Yes, soft/hard-sided
Alaska	75 lbs	21″ L x 17″ W x 10″ H	At least 1 hour prior	Yes, crate/carrier

FAQ

1. Which airlines allow large dogs in the cabin?

   Several major airlines basically let you bring your big doggo onboard as a carry-on instead of cargo. American, Delta, Alaska, and United are some that allow medium to large pooches in the cabin if they meet certain rules, like being in a carrier that fits under the seat.

   

2. What are the size restrictions for dogs on planes?

   Most airlines say your pup can’t be over 20 pounds or so. But actually, some let fur babies up to about 50 pounds fly with you, as long as their crate fits under the seat in front of you. I guess they kind of make exceptions case by case. You might get lucky!

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

   At the same time, while the big doggos can ride with you free of charge if their crate fits under the plane seat, some airlines will make you buy an extra “pet ticket” if the pooch is too huge. I suppose that’s only fair since larger animals take up more space. You’ll have to check each airline’s specific rules.

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

   Perhaps it could be a bit unnerving for some pups to take their first plane trip. However, many veteran flyer dogs seem to take it in stride once they’re settled in their carriers. As long as they’re comfortable and you try to minimize their stress, most big woofers do fine flying right alongside their humans. On the other hand, cargo hold travel might be way more frightening for a doggo.

   

5. What else do I need to consider when flying with a large dog?

   You’ll want to be prepared with things like pee pads, toys or treats to occupy your puppy, paperrwork like health records, and a carrier that’s FAA-approved. Asking your vet for anxiety medication might help an especially nervous nellie stay mellow in flight too. Nevertheless, checking each airline’s rules in detail is a must before you take your big fur baby on a plane adventure.

6. Is it better to travel with a small or large dog by plane?

   Hmm, both small and large doggos have pros and cons for plane travel. Little ones have an easier time meeting size rules for the cabin, but big guys have long legs that are much comfier stretched out! Maybe the perfect flying pet is like a medium sized dog – not too big, not too tiny. Big dogsflying in cargo do run a higher risk of getting lost though. What do you think – which dog size has it best for plane trips?

Well folks, I hope this quick FAQ helped clear things up about flying with man’s best friend’s of all sizes! Let me know if any other doggone plane travel questions come up. Ta ta for meow!