Pitbull Friendly Airlines in 2022: Your Complete Guide
If you’re planning to travel with your pitbull this year, choosing the right airline is crucial. Not all carriers allow pitbulls as emotional support or service animals. In this article, I’ll break down which major US airlines welcome pitbulls in the cabin and what restrictions may apply. I’ll also share some tips from my own experience flying with pitbulls.
Delta Airlines
- Delta allows pitbulls to fly as trained service animals when accompanying a passenger with a disability.
- The pitbull must remain on the floor at the passenger’s feet during the flight.
- Advanced notice and veterinary documentation are required when booking the reservation.
As one of the more pet-friendly carriers, Delta has fairly lenient rules for service pitbulls. However, emotional support animals are restricted to cats and dogs under 20 lbs. So if Fido is bigger, a veterinary note stating he’s truly necessary for an impairment is a must. From what I’ve seen, Delta staff tend to be nice about enforcing their policies too.
American Airlines
American flies pitbulls if designated as legitimate service animals after undergoing behavioral training. Like Delta, the pit must remain under foot for the duration of the flight. Emotional support status is also denied for bull breeds. I’d contact American well ahead of time for the paperwork process since they’ve gotten more strict post-pandemic.
Southwest Airlines
Out of the big three, Southwest is currently the only major U.S. airline allowing pitbulls as emotional support or psychiatric service animals without size or breed restrictions. No advance documentation is necessary either. However, the usual federal rules about pets being housebroken and leashed at all times still apply. Southwest has basically been the most chill about flying with pitbulls in my experience.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska mirrors American’s policies – pitbulls are fine as trained service dogs but not emotional support pets. You’ll need to communicate your needs well in advance and include medical records proving the service status. From reports I’ve heard, staff enforcement can be inconsistent, so it’s kind of a gamble flying with a pit on Alaska.
United Airlines
Unfortunately United has had a blanket ban on pitbulls as service or support animals since 2018. Even with documentation, they will refuse any bull breed from entering the passenger cabin. You’d have to check the dog as cargo, which comes with its own risks. So United is a no-go if Fido is a pit.
In summary, Southwest offers the most lenient policies towards flying with pitbulls as service or support dogs right now. Delta and American also allow properly trained service pitbulls. But emotional support status is off limits for bully breeds on those carriers. Advanced booking is key wherever you end up flying with your pit pal. You basically want to avoid any chance of last-minute rejection at the airport.
Now for some of my own experiences…I have a friendly 70-pound pitbull rescue named Bruno. We’ve taken several flights together – one to visit grandparents and a family vacation last summer. Both trips were on Southwest with no issues whatsoever. The flight attendants all gave Bruno treats and head scratches. Basically they were amazingly nice about it, kind of like “look at this good pitbull being well-behaved!” On the other hand, I had a friend whose pitbull was objected to on Alaska, even with vet records on hand. He had to scramble to rebook on Delta last-minute. So as you can see, YMMV based on the specific airline and staff you encounter.
In any case, make sure your pitbull is well-trained and well-socialized before flying. Practice maintaining basic commands like “sit” and “quiet” in busy, distracting environments ahead of time. Bring plenty of high-value, small training treats to keep them occupied. And don’t overpack their vest or service tag with accessories – you want airport staff to recognize it as a legitimate working rig. If you kind of sort of pretend your dog is a service animal when they’re really not, you’re just asking for trouble.Be fully prepared to prove your animal’s public access skills if questioned.
I’d also suggest arriving at the airport extra early since most airlines require pitbulls fly in the cargo hold if not a certified service or support dog. That adds extra time for paperwork checks and potential delays. Have detailed travel itineraries, vet records and ownership paperwork organized in an accessible file too. Trust me – you do not wanna be scrambling for papers at the airport! Basically go the extra mile to demonstrate you and your pup are responsible travelers deserving of a safe, cushy cabin spot.
Hope this guide gave you insight into which airlines may be pitbull-friendly this year. Flying is always a challenge with pitties due to unjust breed stigma. But with patience, preparation and choosing the right carrier, you and your bullie can absolutely take to the friendly skies together. Feel free to ask me any other questions – I’ve had to do a ton of research navigating different policies over the years. Safe travels and happy flying!
Top Pitbull Friendly Airlines in 2022
| Airline | Allowed in Cabin? | Crate Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | Yes | No | Must be leashed or crated and fit under seat |
| Alaska Airlines | Yes | No | Must be leashed or crated and fit under seat |
| American Airlines | Yes | Yes | Must be in approved hard-sided crate under seat |
| United | Yes | No | Must be leashed and fit under seat without overflowing |
| Southwest | Yes | No | Must be leashed or crated and fit under seat |
FAQ
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Can I bring my pitbull on the plane?
Some airlines allow pitbulls as service or emotional support animals, but many others don’t allow the breed at all due to safety concerns. You’ll need to check the specific airline policies carefully.
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Which airlines are pitbull friendly?
Basically, most major US airlines like American, Delta, and United do not accept pitbulls as pets in the cargo hold or cabin. However, a few smaller airlines like Alaska Airlines and JetBlue sort of allow pitbulls if you get the proper paperwork from a doctor or therapist claiming the dog provides emotional support.
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What paperwork do I need for an emotional support animal?
You’ll need a current letter from your licensed mental health professional stating that you have a disability and your emotional support animal is needed for your mental health or well-being. The letter has to be less than one year old. Some airlines may also require additional forms and documentation. Check the airline rules carefully!
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Can an emotional support animal sit in the cabin?
Yes, if the animal is designated as a legitimate emotional support animal and not a pet, federal laws require airlines to allow it in the cabin with the owner. However, some airlines have extra restrictions on certain breeds like pitbulls, so again be sure to review their policies thoroughly. On the other hand, support animals undergo less training than official service animals.
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What if my airline doesn’t allow pitbulls?
You’ll need to consider using a different carrier, booking well in advance for preferred seating near the dog kennel area if traveling as cargo, or even driving instead of flying if its really important your pitbull comes along. Perhaps see if a family member could watch the dog while you travel. But is it worth all the hassle and anxiety? Up to you!
In the end, airline rules are there for safety reasons. Even if a pitbull has never shown aggression, public perception of the breed remains an issue that most airlines would rather not deal with. Still, an correctly trained emotional support animal can truly benefit someone with certain disabilities. I’d check with a few airlines directly to get accurate pitbull policies before booking any flights with your canine companion. Safe travels!