Can French Bulldogs Fly on Planes? Everything You Need to Know About Traveling with Frenchie

Can French Bulldogs Fly on Airplanes?

If you’re a proud Frenchie parent planning an upcoming trip, you may be wondering whether your furry companion can join you by plane. As the 5th most popular dog breed in the U.S., French bulldogs are charming companions that many owners want by their side as much as possible. However, their short snouts and susceptibility to overheating mean they have some unique considerations for air travel.

Frenchies and Air Travel Regulations

The good news is that under most major airline carrier policies, French bulldogs are permitted in the cabin as carry-on pets rather than having to be checked as cargo. However, there are some size and health restrictions you’ll need to be aware of:

1. Your Frenchie must be able to fit comfortably in its carrier under the seat in front of you without blocking the aisle or exit rows.
2. Most airlines have a weight limit between 8-20 pounds for in-cabin pets.
3. The pet carrier must be ventilated on all sides (no solid-walled hard-shell carriers allowed).
4. Your dog must be at least 8 weeks old to travel by air.
5. Rabies vaccination and health certificate may be required for travel between certain destinations.

So in summary – as long as your Frenchie isn’t too large or small and can travel in an approved ventilated carrier, most major airlines will accommodate them in the passenger cabin rather than cargo for domestic flights within the U.S.

Preparing Your Frenchie for Takeoff

Even if allowed in the cabin, air travel can be stressful and uncomfortable for pets unaccustomed to it. Here are some tips to help acclimate your Frenchie:

1. Get them used to their carrier in a positive way – feed meals inside it and reward them with treats when they enter.
2. Consider calming aids like pheromone diffusers or anti-anxiety medication if they have a history of anxiety – discuss options with your vet.
3. Bring favorite toys/blankets and calming aids onto the plane for comfort.
4. Only provide food/water 4-6 hours before the flight to avoid bathroom issues mid-flight.
5. Make sure microchip contact info is up to date in case they get lost during a connection.

With the right prep and equipment, you can give your pal the best chance at a kinda stressful experience. But you wanna be sure they’re mentally and physically ready before dealing with loud planes and new environments.

Dealing with Brachycephalic Needs

Unlike dogs with longer snouts, flat-faced breeds like French bulldogs have unique respiratory risks due to their short muzzles. Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS) means their nasal passages are more prone to collapse, obstructing breathing.

From my experience as a former vet tech, BAOS was no joke – Frenchies overheated easily and could desatuate fast without prompt medical care. So when flying with a brachycephalic pup, these needs basically take priority:

1. Bring portable fans to keep airflow moving around their carrier during the flight.
2. Don’t allow other passengers or cargo to block ventilation panels.
3. Bring cooling mats or ice packs to place under the carrier if needed.
4. Contact airline ahead of time about giving them access to water if the flight may get delayed on the tarmac.
5. Watch for open-mouth breathing, lethargy or other signs of distress and request immediate vet assistance if needed.

Basically their respiratory system needs to be treated like delicate cargo basically. If you are kinda skeptical about their capacity for coping, enlisting ground transport could honestly be kinder.

Considering Alternatives

While many Frenchies can fly with care, it’s fair to say air travel may not suit every dog’s temperament or health needs. If yours seems like they’d really hate it, some other options to consider:

1. Drive instead if it’s within 6-8 hours of driving time from your destination.
2. Look into professional ground pet transport options where they are kept in temperature-controlled vehicles with handlers.
3. Board them at a sitter/daycare near your destination and drive partway to break up the travel stress.
4. Leave them with family, friends or a pet sitter you trust within your home environment.

At the end of the day, your Frenchie’s wellbeing should honestly take priority over convenience. If they seem like they’d find flying really awful or risky for their health, listening to those signs may be the kindest thing basically.

My Experience Flying with Frenchies

I’ve flown cross-country several times with my two Frenchie girls, Pippa and Olive. While we made it without major problems, it frankly wasn’t enjoyable for any of us, if I’m being real. Here’s a recap of what happened:

First flight to visit family, Pippa did ok but Olive basically freaked the entire time – pacing, panting and stress eating her cheeks. We needed cooling blankets to keep her from overheating. Then our connection was delayed 5 hours – let me tell ya, trying to handle two scared, hot dogs in a crowded terminal was kinda brutal.

On the way back, we got lucky with on-time flights but the return trip Pippa had stomach issues I’m convinced came from flying-related stress. Thankfully no incidents mid-flight, but I was afraid to let them out of my sight for a second basically.

After that experience, I’d honestly think hard about whether they’re really up for it or if another option could work better for your pup’s mental health. For my girls, we now drive or board them close to home when we gotta travel further than a few hours away.

In conclusion, while French bulldogs can technically fly on airplanes depending on their size and health, their brachycephalic traits and susceptibility to stress make it less than ideal for many dogs. Consider your Frenchie’s temperament and needs carefully to decide the best travel option. With prep and precautions, some will cope fine – but listen to their signals if they seem like they’d really hate being 30,000 feet in the sky surrounded by strange noises. Your pal’s comfort level should take priority over convenience every time. Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling With French Bulldogs on Planes

Question	Answer
Can French Bulldogs fly in airline cabins?	Yes, French Bulldogs are generally allowed to fly in airline cabins as emotional support or service animals as long as all documentation and requirements are met.
What documentation is required?	Airlines will require a letter from a licensed mental health professional or veterinarian stating the dog is needed for emotional support. Proof of vaccinations and health records are also required.
What size carrier is required?	The carrier must fit comfortably under the seat and not impede the aisle or take up an extra seat. Most French Bulldog carriers meet size requirements but check airline policies.
Are there any airlines that don’t allow French Bulldogs?	Some international airlines and budget domestic carriers like Spirit Airlines don’t allow emotional support animals in cabins. Always check policies ahead of booking travel.
Any tips for making the flight smoother?	Consider sedation from your vet, bring water, toys/food, and talk to your pup in a calming voice. Make sure they have breaks to go potty. Alert the crew if your pup seems distressed.

FAQ

1. Can French bulldogs fly on planes?

   Basically, yes – French bulldogs can fly on planes as long as they meet the airline’s rules for pets. Most airlines allow Frenchies in the cabin as long as they stay in a carrier under the seat for the whole flight. It’s a good idea to check with your specific airline beforehand to be sure.

2. Do French bulldogs get anxious flying?

   Possibly. Some Frenchies seem to handle flying just fine while others get pretty worried. It probably depends on their personality and how used to traveling they are. Keeping them in a familiar pet carrier can help reduce stress. Maybe ask your vet about a calming aid like pet CBD if they really struggle. At the same time, most pups adjust once the plane is in the air.

3. What size pet carrier works best?

   The ideal size is one that’s big enough for your Frenchie to stand up and turn around in comfortably but small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Most airlines require the carrier to fit completely with the door closed. A soft-sided carrier around 18-20 inches high is generally about right. Check airline rules first to be sure though – they set size limits.

4. Is there a weight limit for French bulldogs flying?

   Many airlines limit pets, including French bulldogs, to a max weight of around 20 pounds including the carrier. Heavier dogs may need to go in the cargo hold instead of the cabin. The safest bet is to check the rules for any airline you plan to use before booking your tickets. It certainly wouldn’t kill to get your pup weighed at the vet too, just in case.

5. Can I bring other items for my Frenchie on the plane?

   Yep, you’re allowed to bring a few essentials to help keep your Frenchie comfy during the flight. Things like their favorite toy, a travel water bowl, and a few small treats are generally okay. But be aware of size and quantity restrictions – airlines don’t want you to take up too much space. Make sure any items fit easily in the approved carrier with your pooch. Overall as long as you check rules in advance, you should be able to bring basic comfort items along.

   

6. How much does it cost to fly with a Frenchie?

   The price to bring a French bulldog as a cabin pet on a commercial flight can range from about $75 to $200 each way, depending on the airline. Some charge a flat fee while others calculate it based on your dogs weight. There may also be an additional deposit required in case of any issues. Overall it’s often cheaper than shipping a pup as cargo. But make absolutely sure you understand any fees and policies before confirming your reservation to avoid surprises.

7. What paperwork do I need?

   Most airlines will require a signed/dated health certificate from your vet verifying your Frenchie is current on shots and in good traveling condition. You may also need to show proof of certain vaccines like rabies. Beyond that, just have your dog properly identified with tags and microchipped in case they get lost. Of course, double checking each individual airline’s specific pet travel rules is also a very good idea. Once you have all the documents, your pup should be ready to take to the skies!