Can Large Dogs Fly on Planes? Tips for Traveling with an Oversize Dog by Air

Can Large Dogs Travel on Planes? Answers to All Your Questions

If you have a big pup and want to take a flight, you may be wondering – is it even possible to bring a large dog on a plane? In this article, I’ll provide a detailed look at all the factors involved in air travel with big dogs and seek to answer all of your questions on this topic.

Are There Size Restrictions for Dogs on Planes?

Most airlines have strict size limits for animals that can travel in the cabin with you. The maximum size is typically around 20 pounds or less. Dogs over this weight are considered overweight or oversized for the passenger cabin and must travel in the cargo hold as manifest cargo.

The actual size restrictions vary by airline, so be sure to check the pet policy and any size limits for the specific carrier you hope to fly. In general, dogs around 50 pounds or smaller might be ok in cabin depending on the airline. Any larger than that and cargo hold is usually your only option.

What Are the Requirements for Dogs in the Cargo Hold?

If your dog is too big to fly in the passenger cabin, the cargo hold is the only other choice. However, there are special rules and regulations to follow:

1. Your dog must be at least 8 weeks old.
2. A health certificate from a licensed vet within 10 days of your flight is required, verifying the dog is fit to travel.
3. The dog cage or kennel must meet IATA standards – it must be large, ventilated, and approved by the airline.
4. The carrier (kennel) must have proper identification including your contact info securely attached.

When booking a cargo hold reservation, ask lots of questions to understand procedures such as how and where your dog will be checked in, temperature control in the hold, how long transport may take including potential connections, and immediate post-arrival plans to ensure proper care when landing.

Are There Any Health Risks?

While most pets travel without incident, air travel does present some potential health hazards – especially flights requiring long travel times or connections where dogs spend extra time in the cargo hold waiting to take off or land:

• Stress from noise, unfamiliar environment, and being confined to a crate.
• Extreme temperatures if climate control fails – too hot or too cold in the hold.
• Motion sickness or injury if flown during turbulent flights.
• Delayed or missed connections resulting in extended time in cargo.

From my experience as a vet, it’s best to avoid flying high-risk dogs like seniors, puppies, or those with medical issues if possible. Healthy adult dogs usually tolerate air travel fine when carriers follow regulations. But there are inherent risks regardless.

What About Emotional Support or Service Dogs?

Some large dogs can qualify to fly in cabin as emotional support or psychiatric service animals if they meet licensing and training criteria. However, airlines are cracking down on untrained pets falsely posing as support animals. Proper documentation is a must.

Even then, size guidelines still apply. So while designation as a support animal enables cabin travel, the dog still must fit within the footprint dimensions for the passenger cabin – usually no more than 20-pounds for most carriers. Larger service dogs may need to travel as cargo.

What Are Some Tips for a Smooth Flight?

Whether in cabin or cargo, following these tips can help ensure a safe and complication-free flight for your large dog:

1. Be sure all vaccination, health certificate, and carrier requirements are met well before departure day.
2. Acclimate your dog to its carrier prior through short practice sessions. Fly with toys or blankets that smell familiar.
3. Consider ami anxiety medication prescribed by your vet if your dog has flight anxiety.
4. Book direct flights when possible to avoid connections where dogs wait longer in cargo.
5. Talk to the airline about special handling procedures and inquire about temperature control policies.
6. Pack back-up documents, photos in case of lost paperwork, and know contact info on both ends of flight.

Basically, planning and preparation are key for any doggie air travel, especially with jumbo pups. Do your research, follow the rules to a T, and don’t be afraid to communicate needs to airlines up front. With luck, Fido should have smooth sailin’ at thirty thousand feet!

Is Driving or Boarding a Better Option?

For some large breed owners, the risks of flight may outweigh benefits. In those cases, road trips or boarding may be the way to go. Consider these alternatives:

• Drive if destination is within a half day’s drive to avoid stress of air travel.
• Look for professional pet-sitters, walkers or high-quality boarding kennels near your home and vacation spot.
• Boarding lets pups stay home in a familiar environment versus flights.
• Road trips allow stops for exercise, comfort breaks and one-on-one time versus kennel confinement.

Of course, driving cross-country with a mastiff in your minivan presents its own challenges too! Weigh the pros and cons based on your particular dog. With some outside-the-box thinking, there are usually workable options no matter your pup’s size.

Any Other Considerations?

A few final thoughts if jet-setting with an oversized hound:

• Check baggage fees, which can be expensive for overweight pets and their carriers.
• In winter, the cargo hold may be very cold – consider a heated travel bag or vest.
• Bring backups of any medicines, as well as special diet food if flying internationally.
• For long trips, stop for breaks every 4-6 hours for water, potty, and exercise if driving instead.

Safety should always come before convenience when traveling with pets. With diligent planning on the front end, communicating needs up front, and a little flexibility, large breed owners still have options for getting Fido where he needs to go. The journey may simply require more effort than a small cat or toy breed.

I hope this extensive guide has answered all of your questions and concerns about flying or traveling long distances with big dogs. Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Factors to Consider When Traveling with a Large Dog on a Plane

Airline	Size Restrictions	Cabin Location	Advance Notice	Fees
Delta	Under 50 lbs and fit in carrier under the seat	Cabin (under seat)	At least 24 hours before flight	$125 each way
United	Under 50 lbs and fit in carrier under the seat	Cabin (under seat)	At least 48 hours before flight	$125 each way
American	Under 50 lbs and fit in carrier under the seat	Cabin (under seat)	At least 24 hours before flight	$125 each way
Alaska	Under 50 lbs and fit in carrier under the seat	Cabin (under seat)	At least 48 hours before flight	$125 each way
JetBlue	Under 20 lbs or under 50 lbs with premium pet fare	Cabin (under seat) or cargo hold	At least 48 hours before flight	$125 or $100 each way

FAQ

1. Can large dogs fly on airplanes?

   Generally speaking, yes – most major airlines will allow large dogs to travel in the aircraft cabin as long as they meet certain size and weight restrictions. The dog will need to fit comfortably in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you.

2. What size restrictions do airlines have for dogs?

   The size limits differ by airline, but usually dogs must be able to fit in an approved carrier that is no bigger than around 18 inches by 14 inches. Many airlines also have a weight limit, often around 20 pounds or less. It’s best to check the specific rules for your airline.

3. Do large dogs have to stay in their carrier the whole flight?

   For the most part, yes. The carrier is where your dog should remain secured during takeoff, landing, and whenever the seatbelt sign is on. But once cruising altitude is reached and the sign is off, the rules get a little more relaxed. Some airlines allow you to take your dog out of the carrier as long as you hold them on your lap.

4. Is it stressful for large dogs to fly?

   Flying can surely be unsettling for many large dogs who are not used to it. The noises, unfamiliar surroundings, and being confined to a small carrier for hours can cause stress. However, with proper training, desensitization, and lots of positive reinforcement, many pups can handle it quite well. Having familiar toys or items that smell like home can help settle them.

   

5. What paperwork is required?

   In addition to identifying tags, you’ll need a health certificate from your vet stating your dog is fit to travel. Most airlines require this certificate to be done within 10 days of your flight. You may also need to purchase a special ticket for your dog. Checking in early and making any staff aware your dog is flying with you can ease the way.

6. Are there any travel tips for flying with a large dog?

   Some recommendations include giving your dog plenty of exercise ahead of time, limiting food/water intake, using puppy pads in the carrier during long layovers, bringing familiar toys/blankets, giving calming aids if needed, advising flight staff of any special needs, and being prepared to show documents when asked. Having backup plans also provides peace of mind.