Find the Perfect Large Dog Flight Crate for Your Air Traveling Fur Baby

All You Need to Know About Flying with Your Large Dog

If you’ve ever considered taking your big furry friend on a plane ride, you probably have a lot of questions. As someone who has flown with dogs weighing over 50 pounds several times, I want to help ease any concerns you may have. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover all the logistics of booking a large dog on a flight, preparing them for the experience, and making the journey as smooth as possible.

Can My Large Dog Fly in the Cabin?

1. Most airlines only allow dogs under 20 pounds in the cabin as carry-on. Dogs over that weight need to travel in the cargo hold under the plane.
2. Some exceptions may apply for service or support animals, but in general expect any dog over 20 lbs to fly cargo.

From my experience, it’s best to check directly with your airline on their specific weight and size policies. Many don’t allow dogs over 50 pounds in the cabin for safety and space reasons.

Booking and Preparing for Cargo Travel

When reserving your tickets, be sure to give the airline ample advance notice that your dog will be traveling in cargo. This helps ensure there is space and allows time to get them acclimated to their crate. You’ll also need to purchase a ticket for your pet and provide vaccination records.

I highly recommend getting your dog used to their crate well before the flight. Starting sometime like a few weeks out, have them sleeping and eating in it daily so it feels like a safe den. Don’t leave them confined for too long stretches though.

Also get them accustomed to any noises they may encounter, like luggage carts or car noises played on your phone. The louder and more chaotic the better to desensitize them. Positive reinforcement training during this process can do wonders for their comfort level.

Choosing the Right Crate

As for the crate itself, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has very specific regulations. It must:

1. Be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in comfortably
2. Have no locks, clips, ties or other attachments that pet can get caught in
3. Be manufactured of materials strong enough to withstand checks and travels
4. Have proper ventilation

Metal or plastic airline-grade kennels are what I’ve found best for larger dogs. They provide ample airflow and security. Just be sure whatever you pick conforms to measurements on your airline’s website. Overly big or oddly-shaped crates won’t fly. No pun intended!

What to Pack Inside

In addition to toys or chews for entertainment, the following will help your pup stay calm:

• A blanket or pad that smells like home
• A few unopened bags of their regular food in case of delays
• A note with yours and their info as well as medications
• Pee pads if there’s no room for potty breaks
• A favorite article of yours with your scent

At the same time, don’t go overboard with items inside. You want breathing room and nothing projectile-worthy in there. I’d also skip anything breakable since planes can get bumpy. Basically, pack just a few cozying essentials.

Speaking of potty breaks, make sure your pup goes right before arriving at the airport. Kind of like long car rides, limit food and water beforehand as much as humanely possible. Puppies especially may need an extra pee pad due to smaller bladders.

Check-In and Pick-Up Procedures

On the big day, plan to arrive at least 2 hours early for check-in. It’s tough enough shuffling paperwork and paid fees for yourself, so give your furkid extra prep time. Remind staff of any dietary requirements too.

Once checked, your dog will be transferred to a climate-controlled hold area at the gate. Although out of sight, know that most attendants genuinely care for pets’ comfort. Many airlines even use webcams now so you can check in.

Upon landing, follow pickup instructions closely. Curbside and ground-level pet areas cut down on stress versus terminal transfers. Ease them slowly out of the crate with praise and pets. Let them drink water first before any snacks or play.

Give thanks to airport employees who handled your dog with care. While inevitable anxiety exists, most pups tolerate transit better than their humans probably! A bit of decompression time at home or a few post-flight walks will have them right as rain again.

Is it Really Worth the Hassle?

For many frequent fliers, schlepping Fido onto the plane is a necessary commitment. But maybe your situation allows other options like daycare boarding at your destination. Or consider spending a few extra vacation days at one location rather than flight-hopping if your pooch gets super stressed.

At the end of the day, only you know your dog’s personality and tolerance levels. When handled properly with pre-training, the right crate set-up and post-transport TLC, an air ride doesn’t have to be traumatic for larger breeds either. Hopefully now you kinda sorta feel better prepared to assess if flying furry friend is feasible for your upcoming travels!

As always, consult your vet if any existing anxiety issues exist too. They can recommend calming aids or prescribe something to take the edge off cabin fever in extreme cases. Most pilots understand that no pet parent wants to put their loyal companion through undue suffering either. With diligent prep and care, dogs big and small can pretty much basically sort of fly too – kinda!

I hope this gives you a better idea of what all goes into getting Fido from Point A to B by plane safely. Feel free to holler if any other questions come up that I may be able to assist with from my experiences. Wishing you both smooth sailing and happy landings ahead!

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Large Dog Flight Crate

Size	Maximum Dimensions	Dog Size Suitability
Small	24″ x 18″ x 18″	Small dogs up to 20 lbs
Medium	30″ x 24″ x 22″	Dogs 20-40 lbs
Large	36″ x 24″ x 24″	Dogs 40-70 lbs
Extra Large	42″ x 30″ x 30″	Dogs 70+ lbs
Collapsible	Folds for easy storage	All sizes
Wheeled	Carry handle and wheels	All sizes
Ventilated	Openings for airflow	All sizes

FAQ

1. Which type of dog crate is best for long flights?

   Basically, the most important things to look for are a crate that is sturdy, secure, and has enough space for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. An airline approved crate that meets size requirements is best. Ones made of aluminum or steel tend to withstand the stress of travel well. Some dogs seem to feel more secure in darker, more enclosed spaces too.

2. How can I make sure my dog feels calm in a crate on a plane?

   There are a few things you can try. Get your dog used to the crate before the big trip by giving treats and making it a positive place. Line the crate with a familiar blanket. Consider calming supplements or doggie CBD, but check with your vet first. Playing calming music or white noise may also help. Most importantly, be confident and reassuring for your dog—their energy will feed off yours.

3. What size crate is allowed on flights?

   Airlines have specific size limits for crates that can fit safely under an airplane seat. It’s a good idea to measure your dog and check the airline rules in advance. Normally, crates can be no more than about 18 inches high by about 12-14 inches wide. Hopefully air travel will get easier for larger dogs and their owners one day. But for now, those are the pretty strict size rules from most carriers.

4. How do I prepare my nervous dog for a flight?

   Probably the most significant thing is to get your dog accustomed to their crate before travel day. Make it a pleasant place they start to associate with treats and toys instead of punishment. Taking short car rides will similarly get them used to unfamiliar motion and sounds in a safer environment than a plane. Consider anxiety medication too if flying really seems to frighten your pal. With patience and positive reinforcement, even timid dogs can learn to fly.

5. What if my dog doesn’t like the crate?

   If your dog refuses to enter the crate or barks and cries constantly inside, there may be things you can try. Place high value treats in the crate and praise when they enter. Feed all meals inside to form good associations. Consider adding a snuggly article of clothing that smells like you. Exercise your dog well before crate time too. If nothing seems to work and traveling still stresses them terribly, maybe a road trip would be kinder than subjecting your pooch to a flight.

6. Are there restrictions on what I can bring for my dog in the crate?

   Kinda. Airlines allow things like water, blankets, chew toys, and collapsible bowls inside the crate, as long as it all fits securely without taking up extra space. Softer bedding is fine, but nothing too thick that can block airflow. No outside food is permitted in case odors trigger other pets. Medicines need proper documentation too. Check airline rules, but in general, focus on items that will comfort without making the crate unsafe in any way during takeoff, landing, and turbulence. The goal is keeping your buddy calm!

   

7. Can I sit with my dog during the flight?

   Unfortunately no, for safety reasons all pets must travel in cargo regardless of size. The pressurized cargo hold is actually more humane for animals than the cabin during takeoff and landing. However, at the same time some studies showdogs kept closer to their anxious owners stay calmer. Hopefully one day we’ll see more pet-friendly plane designs allowing families to sit together stress-free. For now though, following guidelines as precisely as possible offers the best chance of smooth sailing, or flying I guess, for your four-legged friend.