Best Airline for Traveling with Large Dogs – Safest and Most Dog Friendly Carriers Options

Choosing the Right Airline for Your Large Dog

If you need to travel with your big fluffy friend, choosing the best airline for large dogs is an important decision. As someone who has transported dogs on planes more than a few times, here are some insights to help find the perfect option.

Consider Your Dog’s Size and Comfort

The most important factor is obviously your dog’s dimensions. Most airlines limit the crate size to no bigger than a certain number of inches long, wide and tall when combined. Measure your dog from nose to tail, and also check if they can comfortably sit or lie down without feeling cramped in the crate.

From my experience, dogs over a certain size just do not fit well under the seats. Look for airlines that allow larger dogs to travel in the cargo hold, where they have more space to stand up and move around if needed. A stressful flight can be dangerous for an anxious pup.

Research Airline Pet Policies

1. Check baggage fees – Large crates often cost extra to check.
2. Learn weight and age limits – Some have lower limits for very large breeds.
3. Find out if non-stop flights are required for pets – Multiple stops mean more stress.
4. Note health form requirements in advance – Vets can get busy, plan ahead!

Thoroughly researching individual airline pet policies on their website is key. You want no surprises at check-in that could ruin your travel plans. Barking up the wrong tree will just waste your time.

Consider On-Board Comfort and Care

Even if cargo is the only option due to size, some airlines are still better than others for nervous pups. Look for those offering things like:

– Climate-controlled pressurized holds to keep temperatures moderate
– Volunteer “pet relief areas” at certain airports during long delays
– Pet travel representatives to assist and check on dogs frequently
– Low risk of being lost or delayed based on airline’s track record

The crew’s level of pet care experience also matters. Some are properly trained to prioritize nervous pooches if there are any issues like delays. Reducing stress leads to safer, smoother transportation for man’s best friend.

Ask Other Pet Parents For Recommendations

Word-of-mouth is invaluable when choosing between airlines. Search online pet forums and Facebook groups to find reviews from people who have already flown their large dogs on different carriers. Stories from those “in the trenches” provide honest, realistic perspectives of what to expect.

People will happily tell you about problems they encountered, or shout praises for airlines that went above and beyond. Maybe a certain carrier has a special program just perfect for transporting Great Danes cross-country. Let previous pet parents point you towards hidden gems.

Top Picks For Large Breed Air Travel

Based on my research and conversations with other dog owners, here are some airlines that tend to do well transporting big pups:

Alaska Airlines

They are very pet-friendly with no size limits for crates traveling in the cargo hold. Also allows dogs to sit at owner’s feet on certain flights. Alaska has a good track record of on-time arrivals to minimize stress.

Delta Airlines

Delta allows crates up to 150 pounds in the hold and comes highly recommended. They strive to keep dogs in a pressurized, temperature-controlled compartment separate from other cargo. Volunteer “Sky Teams” assist during delays too.

American Airlines

While size limits exist, American works to accommodate large dogs whenever possible. Like Delta, they have pet relief areas and representatives to check on pups. Flexible blackout date policies also make planning with big dogs easier.

United Airlines

Very pet-travel savvy with useful online resources. United allows crates up to 125 pounds and aims to route dogs on non-stop flights if weather permits. They’ve come a long way improving their pet program in recent years.

So in summary, for transporting Saint Bernards coast-to-coast, I’d probably lean towards Alaska or Delta based on size allowances and great reputations handling nervous large breeds. But do your homework to pick the best airline match for your own pooch!

Tips For A Smooth Pet Travel Day

No matter which airline you book, taking some extra precautions can help ensure Fido’s big adventure goes smoothly. Here are my pro tips:

– Practice crate-training well in advance so confinement is not scary
– Consult your vet and get travel medications if your dog gets anxious
– Arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight for check-in
– Bring game-changing treats only used during travel
– Consider sedative supplements or flying your dog as cargo if extremely nervous
– Double check paperwork is fully signed by your vet before going to the airport
– Call the airline in advance if you have any last-minute questions or concerns

With proper preparation using the insider tips shared here, even the diva dogs of the world will feel comfortable flying the friendly skies. Safe travels to you and your furry best friend! Let me know if any other large dog transport questions come up.

Best Airlines for Traveling with Large Dogs

Airline	Dog Requirements	Fees
Delta	Must be in carrier under seat or in compartment	$125 each way
United	Must be in carrier under seat or in compartment	$125 each way
American	Must be in carrier under seat or in compartment	$125 each way
Alaska	Dogs can sit in cabin if behaviorally/medically certified	$125 each way
JetBlue	Dogs can sit in cabin if behaviorally/medically certified	$125 each way

FAQ

1. Which airline is best for transporting large dogs?

   Delta is often considered one of the top airlines for transporting big dogs both domestically and internationally. They have specially designed kennels and don’t charge extra for dogs over a certain size like some other carriers.

2. Do airlines have size limits for dogs?

   Yes, most airlines will only take dogs under a specific size, usually around 100 pounds or so. But some like Delta accept larger pooches. You’ll want to check the carrier’s policy before booking to avoid issues at the airport.

3. What steps should I take to fly with an oversized doggo?

   With any airline, you’ll need to purchase a separate plane ticket for your pup, make sure their crate meets standards, provide health records and vaccinations, and possibly sedate them if they get anxious on flights. It’s also smart to contact the airline way ahead of time to confirm they can take fur babies of that size.

4. Is it very stressful for big dogs to fly?

   Flying can certainly be stressful for dogs of any size. However, the airlines that welcome bigger breeds like Delta go above and beyond to help pups feel comfy. Their crates are roomier, staff is well-trained, and the flights tend to go smoothly. Still, you may want to ask the vet about a calming aid just in case your pooch gets rowdy at 30,000 feet.

5. What if my dog is just over the weight limit?

   Some airlines have a five-pound policy where they’ll make exceptions for dogs a tiny bit heavier than posted rules. But don’t count on it – call ahead and see if you can get written approval. Or try dropping some pounds before flying if pooch is overweight. At the same time, smaller regional jets have stricter rules so consider routing with mainline carriers for furbabies on the larger side.

6. Is it worth the hassle and cost to fly with an enormous dog?

   Whether it’s worth it basically comes down to how important your good boy or girl is to you versus the money and effort involved. You’ll pay anywhere from $100 to $300 extra per way for a huuuuge canine companion plus the vet paperwork. However, if you simply can’t stand to leave Bowser or Fluffy behind for your trip, it may be worth every penny for the reunited joy and memories.