Everything You Need to Know About Bringing Your Dog on the Plane in an Airline Approved Crate

A Comprehensive Guide to Dog Crates for Airline Travel

Whether you’re taking a family vacation or making a big move across the country, traveling by air with your dog can present some unique challenges. One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is choosing the right type of dog crate to use during your flight. In this article, I’ll cover all the important considerations for selecting an airline-approved dog crate and answer many of the questions flyers frequently have about this topic.

Why Do Dogs Need to Be Crated for Air Travel?

The main reason airlines require dogs to be crated during flights is for safety. Dogs allowed to roam free in the plane’s cabin or cargo hold could potentially interfere with flight crews or even cause an accident. Crates ensure your dog is secured away from aisles and can’t get underfoot. They also protect against injuries if turbulent and turbulence occurs.

Additionally, crating helps reduce stress for both your dog and other passengers. Strange sights, sounds and smells in the plane can overstimulate some dogs. Being in a familiar crate provides security and limits distractions. Other travelers also appreciate not having dogs running loose where they may bark or even cause allergic reactions.

What Sizes and Types of Crates Are Allowed?

Most major US carriers require crated dogs to be kept in hard-sided crates that meet specific size limits. Soft-sided fabric crates are usually not permitted as they do not provide adequate security in an emergency. The dimensions of approved crates typically range from 17-19 inches long by 12-13 inches wide by 10-13 inches tall or larger.

Look for an airline-approved hard-sided crate with sturdy plastic, aluminum or fiberglass construction. Telescoping crates that collapse down for storage are convenient. Check that doors, hinges and latches are robust enough to withstand baggage handling without coming open accidentally.

Should I Get a New Crate or Use My Dog’s Current One?

While you may be tempted to use your dog’s regular crate that he’s accustomed to at home, it’s best to purchase a new travel crate specifically sized to airline limits. Existing crates may not meet size guidelines or be sufficiently durable for baggage handling stresses.

From my experience, it can make the trip less stressful if your dog is familiar with his new travel crate beforehand. Start getting him accustomed to it well in advance of your flight by feeding meals inside and giving treats and praise. Get him comfortable being alone in it for increasing periods.

What Else Do I Need for My Dog’s Comfort?

1. Blanket or pad – Provide a familiar-scented item for warmth and cushioning.
2. Water and food – Most carriers only allow pre-filled bowls or bottles that won’t spill.
3. Pee pads – Consider extra absorbent pads in case of accidents.
4. Toys or chews – For calming distraction during takeoff/landing.
5. ID tags – Engraved tags on collar and crate with your contact info.

You can check a separate bag with additional supplies too, like leashes, medications, favorite bed. But keep essentials like ID, food and water in the crate itself for quick access if needed mid-flight.

What Do Airlines Require for Health Documents?

All carriers impose health certificate requirements to ensure the well-being of your dog as well as other passengers. For domestic flights, you’ll generally need a certificate from your vet stating your dog is current on vaccinations like rabies, isn’t exhibiting illnesses and can withstand the stress of air travel.

Certificates must be signed and dated within 10 days of your departure flight. Some airlines also want dogs identified with microchips. It’s wise to double check documentation policies for your specific itinerary well in advance to avoid hassles or denied boarding at the airport.

Will My Dog Be Allowed in the Cabin or Must He Fly in Cargo?

Whether your crate-trained pup rides in the passenger cabin or cargo hold depends on his size. The FAA sets a limit of maximum 8 pounds for carry-on pets. Most major US airlines mirror this standard and only allow dogs under 20 pounds in-cabin, with larger dogs checked as cargo.

Flying in the main cabin is always preferable if your dog qualifies. You can keep an eye on him yourself instead of entrusting to baggage handlers. Cabin pets also avoid extreme temperatures, noise and pressure changes of lower-altitude cargo holds. Make advance arrangements and pay associated in-cabin fees.

How Can I Prepare My Dog Mentally for Air Travel?

Get your dog accustomed to new sights and sounds he may find stressful, like loud noises from headphones, boarding announcements or turbulence simulators available online. Start counterconditioning to these exposures paired with high-value treats over multiple short sessions.

Also practice crate training techniques like having him enter and calmly settle in his travel crate on command. Load some treats or toys to entice him inside. Gradually increase sitting durations until he’s happily relaxing inside for extended periods.

On travel days, stick closely to your dog’s routine for feeding, potty walks and play. Limit excited greetings and introduce mild calming supplements if needed under vet guidance. A little extra TLC beforehand can go a long way in easing anxiety.

What Should I Do at the Airport to Ensure a Smooth Trip?

Arrive at the airport early to allow extra time for check-in. Double check your paperwork is complete and follow carrier requirements for crating your dog securely. Consider the option of rushing your dog potty beforehand near curbside for convenience.

Let airport staff know politely if your anxious dog needs distracting or calming. Request boarding as early as possible when flights are delayed so they aren’t left crated too long after pre-flight checks. A little preparation goes a long way towards making air travel less stressful for dogs and their human pack leaders alike.

What Else Can I Do to Make Flying More Comfortable?

Many airlines allow sedatives under vet guidance to relax highly stressed dogs. Ask about acceptable mild medications well in advance. Consider using calming supplements, pheromones or holistic aids like Bach Rescue Remedy leading up to and during flights.

Bring some peanut butter, wet food or other enticing edibles to keep your pup occupied whenever the “Fasten Seatbelt” sign turns off. Offer praise and reassurance whenever crews or passengers are nearby. A little bit of routine TLC can help normalize the flying experience.

In closing, with some thorough preparation and care, dog air travel need not be overly traumatic. Taking time to acclimate, know requirements and soothe anxiety alleviates many challenges. Safe travels to you and your furry friend! Let me know if any other questions come up during your planning.

Dog Crate Options for Air Travel

Crate Size	Dog Weight	Special Features	Price
Small (18″L x 13″W x 13″H)	Under 20 lbs	Folding door, ventilation holes	$30
Medium (21″L x 17″W x 15″H)	20-40 lbs	Removable plastic tray, dual door	$50
Large (24″L x 19″W x 19″H)	40-70 lbs	Soft rubber edges, padded handle	$75
Extra Large (30″L x 24″W x 24″H)	Over 70 lbs	Collapsible, mesh panels for air flow	$100
Airline Certified	Any	Meets all airline requirements for safety and secure closure	$120

FAQ

1. Can I bring my dog in a crate on an airline?

   Yes, basically airlines will allow you to bring your dog in a crate on board the plane. However, certain rules and restrictions do apply.

2. What size crate is allowed?

   Airline crate size limits can differ, but generally the crate cannot be larger than what will fit under the seat in front of you. Most airlines say it needs to be small enough to fit in the baggage compartment too. Crates around 22 inches by 16 inches seem to work for many flights.

3. Is there a weight limit for crates?

   Yep, airlines impose weight restrictions on dog crates since they get loaded into the plane’s cargo hold. The weight limit is usually around 50 pounds or less including your pup. It’s always a good idea to check the specific rules for your airline beforehand.

4. What else do I need to travel with my dog?

   In addition to an approved crate, you’ll need your pup’s vaccination records, maybe a pee pad or two, their favorite toy or blanket, and of course ID tags with your contact info. Don’t forget bowls and extra water too in case of delays. A certificate from the vet saying they’re fit to fly also helps streamline the process somewhat. It’s a drag, but the rules are there to protect your precious pooch.

   

5. Is it stressfully for dogs to fly in crates?

   It can potentially be frightening and uneasy for canines to fly tucked inside a small crate, no question. Nonetheless, many pups get used it with positive reinforcement training. Making the crate a safe den-like space in advance and keeping travel days low-key seems to help reduce stress. Talk to your vet about calming supplements if super anxious. With care, most pooches can handle the experience fairly well.

6. What if my dog doesn’t like crates?

   If your hound has crate issues, flying may seem downright impossible. However, perhaps! There may options other than a traditional crate. Talk to your airline about using a soft-sided carrier instead. Your vet can also prescribe anti-anxiety meds as a last resort. With patience and practice, even crate-haters can perhaps become more crate-comfortable over time with positive associations. It’s worth exploring alternatives.

Generally, with the right preparation, technique and maybe just a smidgen of luck, most dogs can manage air travel comfortably inside an airline-approved crate. However, stress levels do vary greatly between pups so go with their clues and consult experts if ever in doubt. At the same time, leaving beloved dogs at home is no fun either. With diligence, dogs and their people can sort of make flying together work, even if it requires a bit effort.