Can French Bulldogs Fly in Cabin? Everything You Need to Know About Flying With French Bulldogs

Can French Bulldogs Fly in Aircraft Cabins?

One of the most common questions pet parents have is whether their French Bulldog can join them on trips by flying in the cabin of an airplane. As a frequent flyer with my Frenchie Benny, I’ve faced this issue many times over the years. In this article, I’ll answer all the important questions related to flying French Bulldogs and help you determine if it’s a good idea or not.

Are French Bulldogs Allowed in Cabins?

In most cases, yes – French Bulldogs are permitted to fly in aircraft cabins as carry-on pets. However, there are some size and health restrictions you need to be aware of:

1. The dog must be able to fit comfortably in an approved pet carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you.
2. The dog cannot weigh more than 20 pounds, as that is the maximum weight limit for cabin pets on most airlines.
3. The dog must be at least 8 weeks old to fly.
4. The dog must be healthy, with no communicable diseases or injuries.

As flat-faced dogs known to have breathing issues, it’s important to get your Frenchie’s health cleared by your vet before flying. Get written documentation stating they’re fit to tolerate the climate-controlled cabin environment.

How to Prepare Your French Bulldog for a Flight

Proper preparation is key for a smooth flying experience. Here are some tips:

1. Gradually get your dog accustomed to their carrier through positive reinforcement training at home.
2. Bring favorite toys/blankets and lightly pack the carrier to help them feel secure.
3. Consider calming aids like pheromone sprays, calming supplements, or anxiety wraps.
4. Bring snacks and water in sealed containers – the dry air can cause dehydration.
5. Bring medical records and vaccination documents in an accessible spot.
6. Arrive at the airport early to check in, get your dog comfortable before boarding.

Through lots of training flights and treats with Benny, he learned to feel safe in his carrier. But flat-faced dogs can struggle, so take time with desensitization.

What About the Health Risks for French Bulldogs?

As brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, Frenchies have inherent health issues like narrowed airways that make flying potentially risky without precautions:

1. Dehydration, overheating – Monitor them closely and bring water on the flight.
2. Stressed breathing – Use calming techniques and check on them often during transit.
3. Ear popping or damage – Provide chewing toys and gentle massage their ears if in distress.
4. Aggravation of existing health problems – Discuss risks thoroughly with your vet.

The dry, pressurized cabin air combined with exercise limitation can place undue strain on a Frenchie. So talk to your vet about any underlying conditions.

How to Make the Flight More Comfortable

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to enhance comfort and safety:

1. Request bulkhead or aisle seating for easier access and movement.
2. Bring an easily portable cooling pad or frozen water pack for temperature control.
3. Discuss sedation options with your vet that are allowed by the airline.
4. Bring bottled water or electrolyte solution to keep them hydrated.
5. Pack calming music or known toys/blankets in the carrier.
6. Check on them frequently and offer water breaks when possible.

With Benny, we’d take window seats and blast the AC vent on his carrier. A chilled beef chew also helped him relax. Just be vigilant to ensure their welfare.

What About Longer Multi-Leg Flights?

Extended flights or ones requiring multiple connections pose extra challenges:

• More time spent confined can increase anxiety and stress levels.
• Missing mealtimes or limited pee breaks are problematic for bulldogs.
• Transfers between flights have potential for agitated behavior.
• Long layovers in unfamiliar places create unease.

So for Benny, we avoid trips over 5 hours or those with long layovers due to his health issues. But every dog is different – yours may cope splendidly!

Alternatives to Flying in the Cabin

If your Frenchie’s health doesn’t permit flying or you simply don’t feel it’s safe, there are some fallback options:

1. Drive to your destination instead of flying if feasible distance-wise.
2. Have a petsitter care for them at home rather than travel.
3. Find a petsitting/boarding facility near your destination for stays.
4. Consider flying cargo hold as a last resort, but risks are higher.

For Benny, we simply rescheduled our trip when flight times exceeded what he could handle stress-free.

Tips for a Smooth Cabin Flight Experience

In summary, here are the key steps to help ensure your Frenchie flies comfortably:

1. Discuss any health concerns thoroughly with your vet and get signed approval.
2. Train them extensively with their pet carrier ahead of time.
3. Use calming aids, pack essentials and allow potty/water breaks when possible.
4. Consider shorter direct flights versus lengthy multi-leg itineraries if needed.
5. Provide a secure, temperature-controlled environment for them onboard.
6. Constantly monitor for signs of heat/stress and be willing to reschedule if worrying.

By diligently preparing and caring for all their needs, many French Bulldogs can indeed fly cabin-style just fine. But their health must take priority, so opt for ground or cargo if it eases stress levels.

I hope this overview helped answer any questions you had about flying Frenchies. Feel free to contact me directly if you have additional concerns before your trip. Safe travels!

Can French Bulldogs Fly In Cabin

Airline	Weight Limit	Cabin Size	Notes
Delta	20 lbs	No	Car seat or pet carrier required under seat
American	20 lbs	Yes	Must fit in pet carrier under seat
United	17-20 lbs	Yes	Must remain in carrier entire flight
JetBlue	10-15 lbs	No	Must travel in pet program or cargo hold
Alaska	15 lbs	Yes	Must remain in approved soft-sided carrier

FAQ

1. Can french bulldogs fly in the plane cabin?

   Basically, french bulldogs can fly in the cabin as emotional support animals. As long as they’re trained and well-behaved. The dog needs to fit under the seat in a carrier. Airlines have size and weight limits for dogs to fly in the main cabin.

2. Do airlines allow french bulldogs as emotional support animals?

   Many airlines will let french bulldogs fly as emotional support animals. However, you’ll need a note from your doctor or mental health professional saying you need the dog for emotional support. The dog must also be trained to behave properly on flights. But is it fair to pretend a pet is a true emotional support animal?

   

3. What paperwork is required for a french bulldog on a plane?

   To fly a french bulldog in the cabin, you generally need proof of current vaccinations like rabies and distemper. An airline may also want vet records showing the dog is healthy and doesn’t have conditions preventing safe air travel. For an emotional support dog, you’ll need additional documentation from a licensed medical health professional.

4. Is it stressful for french bulldogs to fly?

   Flying can surely be stressful for some pups. French bulldogs, known for being lazy, may find flying in a cramped plane cabin quite an adjustment. With proper training, a calming environment, and lots of treats, your furry friend’s first flight might go smoother than you think. Perhaps music or a familiar toy could offer comfort in the sky.

5. What things should I bring for my french bulldog on a flight?

   In addition to any paperwork, be sure to bring your pup’s favorite toys, treats, water and bowl. Also pack lightweight baggy clothes for warm weather destinations. And don’t forget poop bags! Extra collapsible water bowls are handy for layovers. Considering bulldogs can overheat, ice packs under the carrier keep temperatures reasonable at high altitudes.

6. How do I prepare my french bulldog for air travel?

   To help avoid stress, start getting pup used to their carrier well before the flight. Practice short training sessions inside with treats and praise. Consider airline-approved calming supplements or pheromone sprays too. On the day, limit food intake to avoid tummy troubles. Give affection but keep pre-flight energy low. With trial runs and patience, even nervous noodles can gain flying colors!

7. Any tips for keeping my french bulldog comfortable on long flights?

   Short-nosed pups are suckers for cabin climate. Beyond basics, try these pointers: Request bulkhead seating for legroom. Cover carrier top partly for privacy. Bring pee pads in case delays arise. Mediate anxiousness through gentle pets. Reassure with snack rewards each hour. Snuggle a worn t-shirt to feel close to home. And most importantly – be there with soothing words when nerves strike.

8. What are the consequences if a french bulldog misbehaves on a flight?

   While most passengers aim to keep the peace, distracting dogs spell trouble at 40,000 feet. If furballs disregard flight conduct, consequences potentially loom. Warnings might start nicely, yet repeated misbehavior could risk future bookings. In startling cases, captains may require placing disruptors in cargo with baggage – which isn’t fun below deck. With compassion and care, though, well-trained companions cruise cooperatively at cruising altitudes.

   

9. Should I muzzle my french bulldog when flying?

   This is a really good question. Many bulldog owners wonder if muzzling is necessary for flights. It’s generally not required but could provide extra assurance against unwanted licks or nips in a busy cabin. Muzzling also prevents stressed pups from anxiously nibbling. However, some dogs really despise muzzles. It depends on individual temperament. With cautious training and a mellow flier, a muzzle may not always be needed. But it’s always best to play it safe at 30,000 feet, right?