Can I bring my medium sized dog on a plane?

Medium sized dogs that are roughly between 20-50 pounds may fit under the seat requirements for some airlines. Nevertheless, it basically comes down to whether the individual dog can comfortably fit without sticking their head out or blocking the aisle when the person in front reclines their seat. If there is any uncertainty, it is always safer to check with the specific airline being flown or consider paying for the dog to travel in a kennel in the cargo hold as an alternative.n

What size kennel do I need for my dog to fly in cargo?

If a dog is too large to fit safely under the seat, the minimum sizes required for a kennel or crate to fly in the cargo hold vary by airline. Most commonly, kennels should be oversized to allow for adequate turning around space. As a general guideline, kennels should meet the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards of no less than 17.75 inches by 13 inches for small dogs, up to 23 inches long by 17 inches wide for Great Danes. Always confirm the specific dimensions with your airline.n

Can I bring an emotional support dog on the plane that is too big for the cabin?

In some cases, yes – airlines are required to allow emotional support animals (when traveling with a person who needs the support) regardless of size. However, this does not mean any pet. The person must have documentation from a mental health professional and the animal must be trained to behave properly in public. Even then, some especially large dogs may not be allowed in the cabin for safety reasons. It’s always best to check policies carefully with the specific airline in advance.

Is it OK if my dog sticks their head out during takeoff and landing?

No, for safety reasons all animals must remain fully under the seat or in an approved kennel during takeoff and landing when the seatbelt sign is on. This is because in an emergency situation, the animal could potentially block evacuation routes or get injured. So even a small dog that sticks their head out poses a risk. It’s stressful for all, so it’s best to try and keep smaller dogs fully contained whenever possible using gentle training methods.n

What type of documentation is needed when traveling with a dog?

As well as meeting size requirements, all dogs must have updated vaccination records, certification of health from a vet, and be at least 8 weeks old. An ESA letter is required for support animals. A kennel or carrier meeting airline standards is also needed, usually with the animal’s name, owner’s contact information visibly attached. For international travel, sometimes a rabies titers test or health certificate from a licensed veterinarian overseas is also necessary. It’s always important check exact rules with the specific airline before showing up at the airport with a pet.n

Can my dog sit on my lap instead of under the seat?

While some passengers may try to sneak small dogs onto their lap, for safety, health and legal reasons, all dogs must remain on the floor under the seat or in an approved kennel at all times. This prevents blocked aisles and potential injuries. On the other hand, carrying and sitting with a pet on one’s lap could also potentially distress the animal by being in enclosed, crowded and unfamiliar surroundings high up in the sky. So the best approach is to follow the guidelines set by airlines.n

Can Bigger Dogs Fly? Find Out the Maximum Dog Size Allowed Under Airline Seats

Q: What If They’re Over Size?

n Contact the airline well ahead of time to inquire about its pet policies in cargo or traveling in a larger carrier on your lap. n Consider flying a different carrier that transports pets in cargo depending on animal size and temperament. n As a last resort, see if your dog qualifies as an emotional support animal which has more leeway for size on board a plane. n From my experience, emotional support designation often requires medical documentation supporting a passenger’s need. It should not be used simply to bypass size limits if another safe option exists.

How Big of a Dog Can Fit Under an Airplane Seat?

For many pet owners, traveling by air with their furry companions is a concern. One of the primary questions is whether their dog will fit safely under the seat in front of them during the flight. In this article, I will explore the size limits for dogs traveling in airline cabins and provide tips based on my experiences flying with dogs over the years.

Standard Size Limits

Most major airlines in the United States have strict size regulations for pets traveling in the main cabin rather than the cargo hold. Specifically, dogs must be able to sit or lie down comfortably in a carrier that fits completely under the seat in front of the passenger without protruding into the aisle or into the space of the passenger in the next row. From my experience, this usually means the carrier cannot exceed approximately 17 inches in height.

In addition, most carriers that meet this height requirement are approximately 16-18 inches wide by up to 22-24 inches long. So as a general guideline, pet owners can expect their dog’s overall size – from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail – to need to be less than 18 inches tall at the shoulder and no longer than about 20-22 inches from nose to tail for maximum size to fit under most economy class seats.

Breed Size Variations

However, there is quite a bit of variability depending on a dog’s actual breed and body structure. For example, some small dog breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are quite long but very thin, allowing them to fit easily into carriers that meet size limits. Meanwhile, sturdy and compact breeds like bulldogs may have trouble squeezing into carriers even if their measurements meet the specifications.

Additionally, a dog’s age can impact whether they fit comfortably beneath the seat. Puppies are still growing into their adult frames, while senior dogs may be less flexible and need more wiggle room.

Can Bigger Dogs Fly? Find Out the Maximum Dog Size Allowed Under Airline Seats image 3

Measure Your Dog

Rather than relying solely on breed estimates or general size guidelines, the most accurate way is to actually measure your own dog. Use a flexible tape measure to record their height at the shoulders and length from nose to tail in a relaxed posture. Then research carrier dimensions well in advance to ensure your dog’s natural resting pose allows enough clearance.

What If They’re Over Size?

Contact the airline well ahead of time to inquire about its pet policies in cargo or traveling in a larger carrier on your lap.
Consider flying a different carrier that transports pets in cargo depending on animal size and temperament.
As a last resort, see if your dog qualifies as an emotional support animal which has more leeway for size on board a plane.

From my experience, emotional support designation often requires medical documentation supporting a passenger’s need. It should not be used simply to bypass size limits if another safe option exists.

Other Tips

When flying with dogs who meet size restrictions, I’ve found that choosing an airline with the most legroom is ideal if possible. The extra few inches helps ensure your pet is most comfortable while giving them space without crowding neighboring passengers. It’s also wise to bring pee pads, water, and comforting toys or blankets to help minimize stress.

I once traveled with a Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-Bichon Frise mix) who fit perfectly under the seat at just 11 pounds. However, turbulence during our flight made him nervous, despite being well-behaved normally. I was grateful for extra padding in his carrier to help him feel secure. So preparing for potential surprises is important, depending on your pet’s personality.

In summary, careful pre-planning is key to determine whether your dog meets airline size policies. Don’t assume – actually take measurements to compare with carrier specifications. And consider your pet’s comfort needs too for the smoothest possible travel experience.

Can Bigger Dogs Fly? Find Out the Maximum Dog Size Allowed Under Airline Seats image 2

Reader Questions

I hope this overview has answered your main question about how large a dog can be to fit under an airplane seat. But let me know if you have any other concerns!

For example, some other common queries passengers have include:

“What about very long or flat-faced dogs like Dachshunds or Pugs – will they fit?” As mentioned, some dogs’ structures can increase or decrease their risk of being too long for carriers. Test-fitting is especially important for these breeds.

“What precautions should I take if my dog is anxious flyer?” Being prepared with comfort items, potentially calming supplements, and contacting vets is wise. You can also see if applying for emotional support status in advance may provide more flexibility.

“How do I prepare my dog for the experience?” There are good training techniques like getting them used to the carrier, noises, and car rides long before the big day to decrease stress hormones.

Please let me know if any other issues or anecdotes from my own experiences traveling with pets could help further! I’m happy to share tips for a smooth airline journey.

Dog Size Guidelines for Traveling By Airplane

Dog Breed	Average Weight	Fits Under Seat?
Chihuahua	3-6 lbs	Yes
French Bulldog	20-28 lbs	Maybe
Labrador Retriever	55-80 lbs	No
German Shepherd	65-90 lbs	No
Great Dane	120-175 lbs	Definitely Not

FAQ

How big of a dog can fit under an airplane seat?

Most airlines allow dogs to fit completely under the seat in front of the passenger. Generally, this means the dog must be able to fit in the space without sticking their head out. As a general guide, airlines will allow dogs that are around or under 20 pounds (9 kg) and can fit within the dimensions of approximately 13 inches high by 16 inches wide by 10 inches deep/long. However, particular requirements vary among airlines.
Can I bring my medium sized dog on a plane?

Medium sized dogs that are roughly between 20-50 pounds may fit under the seat requirements for some airlines. Nevertheless, it basically comes down to whether the individual dog can comfortably fit without sticking their head out or blocking the aisle when the person in front reclines their seat. If there is any uncertainty, it is always safer to check with the specific airline being flown or consider paying for the dog to travel in a kennel in the cargo hold as an alternative.
What size kennel do I need for my dog to fly in cargo?

If a dog is too large to fit safely under the seat, the minimum sizes required for a kennel or crate to fly in the cargo hold vary by airline. Most commonly, kennels should be oversized to allow for adequate turning around space. As a general guideline, kennels should meet the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards of no less than 17.75 inches by 13 inches for small dogs, up to 23 inches long by 17 inches wide for Great Danes. Always confirm the specific dimensions with your airline.
Can I bring an emotional support dog on the plane that is too big for the cabin?

In some cases, yes – airlines are required to allow emotional support animals (when traveling with a person who needs the support) regardless of size. However, this does not mean any pet. The person must have documentation from a mental health professional and the animal must be trained to behave properly in public. Even then, some especially large dogs may not be allowed in the cabin for safety reasons. It’s always best to check policies carefully with the specific airline in advance.
Is it OK if my dog sticks their head out during takeoff and landing?

No, for safety reasons all animals must remain fully under the seat or in an approved kennel during takeoff and landing when the seatbelt sign is on. This is because in an emergency situation, the animal could potentially block evacuation routes or get injured. So even a small dog that sticks their head out poses a risk. It’s stressful for all, so it’s best to try and keep smaller dogs fully contained whenever possible using gentle training methods.
What type of documentation is needed when traveling with a dog?

As well as meeting size requirements, all dogs must have updated vaccination records, certification of health from a vet, and be at least 8 weeks old. An ESA letter is required for support animals. A kennel or carrier meeting airline standards is also needed, usually with the animal’s name, owner’s contact information visibly attached. For international travel, sometimes a rabies titers test or health certificate from a licensed veterinarian overseas is also necessary. It’s always important check exact rules with the specific airline before showing up at the airport with a pet.
Can my dog sit on my lap instead of under the seat?

While some passengers may try to sneak small dogs onto their lap, for safety, health and legal reasons, all dogs must remain on the floor under the seat or in an approved kennel at all times. This prevents blocked aisles and potential injuries. On the other hand, carrying and sitting with a pet on one’s lap could also potentially distress the animal by being in enclosed, crowded and unfamiliar surroundings high up in the sky. So the best approach is to follow the guidelines set by airlines.

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