Find Flights That Allow Large Dog Breeds in the Cabin

Top Airlines for Flying with Your Large Dog

If you’re like me and want to bring your furry friend along on trips, finding an airline that allows large dogs in the cabin can be a challenge. With the right carrier and some planning, it is possible to travel with your pooch by plane. In this article, I’ll explore the major US carriers and their pet policies to help you and your canine companion start checking things off your bucket list together.

Delta

Delta is one of the most pet-friendly airlines, as they allow one dog or cat per passenger in the cabin on all domestic flights within the US. Dogs must remain in an approved hard-sided or soft-sided kennel underneath the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. From my experience flying with dogs on Delta, the size limit for in-cabin pets is 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches tall. That’s big enough to accommodate quite a few large breeds if they can fit comfortably in an approved carrier. Be sure to check the dimensions of your dog’s carrier before arriving at the airport to avoid problems at the gate.

Delta also offers an online “Fly Right” training program to help pets travel their best. I find the tips there very useful for reducing animal stress. As with any carrier travel, it’s a good idea to practice going in and out of the crate at home multiple times before the big day. A calm, quietly-behaving dog in the airport is less disruptive for other passengers.

American Airlines

American Airlines has a stricter size limit when it comes to large dogs flying in-cabin – the container can be no more than 17 inches long. So, while they do allow one dog or cat per passenger on flights within the continental US, Alaska, and Canada, many large breeds may not fit within that measurement. However, American does offer checked baggage services for pets that are too big to take in the cabin. Just be sure to book early, as space is limited.

Nevertheless, if your dog can squeeze into a carrier within AA’s measurements, they require the container to fit completely underneath the seat. No exceptions are made for larger animals. It’s a tight fit for sure. So measure carefully before booking flights on American if you have a big breed and want to keep them by your side in the plane.

United

United Airlines allows dogs and cats to accompany passengers in approved hard-sided kennels stored at your feet in the airplane cabin. However, they enforce a stricter carry-on size of just 16 inches long by 9 inches wide by 8 inches tall. Many labs, golden retrievers, and other common large dog breeds will simply not fit within those dimensions – even as puppies.

Despite the small size restriction, an important perk is that United notes certain connections and routes may permit 2 pets per passenger. So if you have multiple large dogs or a kennel-trained pair, it could be worth looking into United itineraries, especially those making one stop rather than direct flights. As with any airline policy, always check for updates too -Sometimes size limits relax or new routes open up over time.

JetBlue

JetBlue may surprise you as one of the most accommodating carriers when it comes to transporting large dogs. They allow fully grown animals as checked baggage, starting at just $125 each way within the continental US. No size limit is specified either!

From my experience traveling with a Great Dane, I can say JetBlue’s pet program runs like a well-oiled machine. If flying mammals are properly crated according to IATA guidelines,JetBlue will safely transport them in the airport tarmac (never the cargo hold). I’ve never had issues with JetBlue animal handling, and it brings peace of mind to have Fido checked rather than squeezed in an overhead carrier.This is the obvious choice for owners of Great Danes, Mastiffs, and other giant breeds who still want their pup’s company while away.

Tips for Flying Comfortably with Your Large Dog

Now that we’ve reviewed the major airlines, here are some tips to help you and your large dog travel comfortably and stress-free:

1. Book Early: Reserve your flights and non-stop itineraries as far ahead as possible to get the best rates and selection of pet-friendly travel dates.
2. Choose the Right Carrier: Test different kennel sizes at home and take measurements to the airport or fly with checked baggage if your pup is too big for overhead space. Go for sturdy metal or durable plastic.
3. Pack Smart Supplies: Bring potty pads, paper towels, treats, toys, ID tag, and vet health records in an easily accessible bag. Don’t forget any required vaccination or import paperwork either.
4. Prepare for Takeoff and Landing: Consider anti-anxiety medications or natural calming aids if your dog tends to get upset during pressure changes. Let them get comfortable in their kennel before flying too.
5. Ask for Special Seating: Book exit row or bulkhead seating for more legroom if flying with onboard pets. Some airlines may even let you sit towards the back with other traveling critters.

What to do if your dog is too big

If after measuring and double checking, you realize kitty or canine simply won’t squeeze into an overhead compartment no matter how hard you try, there are thankfully still options for transporting larger pets:

1. Check baggage service. As mentioned, JetBlue is a great choice. United, American, and Alaska have checked programs too starting around $125 each way within the US usually.
2. Drive instead, even if it’s longer. Road trips allow stretching, potty stops, and way less stress vs being crated on a plane for hours.
3. Consider traveling by train if the Amtrak route lines up. Pets over 20 lbs can ride in your passenger cabin on many lines.
4. Look into professional pet shipping services as a last resort. But it’s pricey, and your pup won’t be with you during travel then.

Hopefully these tips and options are helpful for you and your four legged friend in plotting your next furry family vacation. With some preparation and using pet-friendly carriers or check programs, many large dogs can absolutely travel by air if the right steps are taken, Expanding their world has enriching benefits too. Safe travels to you and your pooch! Let me know if any other questions come up along the way.

Airlines That Allow Large Dogs in Cabin

Airline	Dog Breed Size Limit	Weight Limit	Crate Requirement
Delta	Up to 20 inches tall and 18 inches long	70 lbs	Soft-sided carrier under seat
United	Up to 25 inches handle-to-shoulder measurement	120 lbs	Hard-sided kennel that fits under seat
American	Up to 20 inches tall and 18 inches long	70 lbs	Soft-sided carrier under seat
Alaska	Up to 25 inches handle-to-shoulder measurement	120 lbs	Hard-sided kennel that fits under seat
JetBlue	Container must fit under seat	No specified weight limit	Pet carrier under seat

FAQ

1. Which airlines allow large dogs in the cabin?

   A few airlines basically let big dogs fly in the passenger area without extra fees. The major ones that allow it are American, Alaska, Delta, and United. You’ll need to purchase an extra seat for your pooch though. At the same time, there are size and weight limits too.

2. What are the size limits for cabin pets?

   The size limits vary a little by airline, but most allow dogs that can fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat in front of you without sticking their head out. The carrier has to be able to fit with the seat in the full upright position. Most airlines cap weight at around 20 pounds, though maybe it’s more like 15 pounds on some carriers. So pretty much if your pup is bigger than a medium-sized dog, cabin travel won’t work out.

3. Is it safe to fly a dog in the cabin?

   Despite some risks like noise and being confined to a carrier, most experts say it’s really no more stressful for canines than travelling in a car as long as they are properly trained, secured, and can’t see out of the carrier. The cabin environment is also more stable than cargo. On the other hand, nervous fliers still won’t be happy. But with toys and training, many pups do just fine up front. You basically want your pup used to car rides, kennels, and new experiences before flying.

4. How much is an extra seat for a dog?

   Although it seems like dog owners have to pay through the nose, the price of an extra seat is usually close to what a human would pay – often $65-150 each way depending on if you’re flying in the summer or close to the holidays. So yeah, it can get costly if you’ve gotta take a Great Dane on a long trip across the country. But is it worth it for owners and their pups to travel together?

   

5. Can I buy two seats if my dog is too big?

   Theoretically you could buy two seats for a massive hound. Nevertheless, flight attendants kinda frown on that since it takes up extra space that could go to paying customers. Plus the pooch still has to fit on the floor. Your best bet appears to be finding a willing friend, family member, or even a stranger to “adopt” your furry friend and accompany them in a spare seat if they’re huge.

6. What about emotional support animals?

   Hey, aren’t support animals different than pets? You’re right – trains and planes have to allow service dogs like seeing eye dogs. But they now let people fly with emotional support animals to cope with mental health issues too for free, without extra fees, as long as you have documentation from your therapist. Kind of a sketchy setup if you ask me. Is that fair to take your untrained pet anywhere just by calling them an “emotional support” animal?

7. Do airlines treat cabin pets well?

   Most airlines try their best to look after canine companions in the passenger cabin. Flight attendants will stop by regularly to check on them and make sure they have water. Pets also get preference over standby humans if the flight is full. Still, it’s a confined space and longest flights could be challenging. Maybe consider shorter routes or breaks if traveling long-distance with a pet. Overall, they do put animal well-being fairly high on their priority list.