Flying Tips for Large and Giant Breed Dogs – How to Travel by Plane With Your Big Pup

A Comprehensive Guide to Flying With Large or Giant Dog Breeds

Whether you’re moving to a new home across the country or taking a family vacation, traveling by air with your furry companions poses unique challenges. While most airlines allow dogs to fly in the cargo hold as checked baggage, bringing a big dog onto the plane as a carry-on can be downright intimidating. In this article, I’ll reveal everything you need to know to smoothly fly with large and giant dog breeds.

Is My Dog Too Big?

The first question to ask is whether your dog even qualifies as an emotional support or service animal allowed in the cabin. Most airlines enforce strict size limits, with dimensions no larger than 8 inches high x 12 inches long x 17-20 inches wide depending on the carrier. While the maximum allowances vary slightly, breeds like Great Danes, Mastiffs, Irish Wolfhounds and Saint Bernards are usually too imposing to meet carry-on standards.

From my experience traveling by plane with a Newfoundland, size is not the only factor airlines consider – how your pooch behaves is equally if not more important. While physically unsuited for the cabin, a calm yet enormous dog might get a pass. Conversely, an incredibly small dog yapping hysterically would get denied.

Proper Training and Socialization

If your big baby falls within size limits, rigorous training is an absolute must to get them plane-ready. Enroll in obedience classes to reinforce commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “quiet.” Practice things like having unfamiliar people approach suddenly, or introduce loud noises. You want your dog fully desensitized to chaotic airport environments and unfamiliar spaces.

Equally important is socialization. Expose them to as many people, animals and experiences as possible from a young age. A dog accustomed to new sights and smells will likely stay calmer on flights. Before the big day, take test runs on buses or trains to get used to confined spaces.

Precautions and Supplies

Being prepared can help simplify flying with a nervous or anxiety-prone pooch. Consider talking to your vet about natural calming supplements which may help in high-stress situations, but don’t rely on medications alone. Bring familiar toys, treats or bedding to help your pup settle in.

You’ll also need the right containment gear. A sturdy soft-sided crate or pet carrier makes for portable housing on the plane. Line it with blankets or pee pads and bring paper towels or wipes to clean up spills. Don’t forget documents proving vaccinations, health certifications and training where required.

Booking Your Flight

As early as possible, disclose you’ll be traveling with an animal when booking tickets. Request your spot by an emergency exit row for extra legroom during takeoff/landing. Consider red-eye flights when there’s less passenger foot traffic and plane noise.

Bring-on allowed pets fly for free on most carriers, but certain restrictions may apply. You may need to purchase a second seat if your pet doesn’t fit under the seat safely. Know your airline’s individual requirements to avoid issues down the line.

Arriving at the Airport

1. Get to the terminal unusually early to allow time for check-in delays.
2. Double check your docs are in order before approaching the counter.
3. Keep your dog leashed, muzzled if required, and maintain control at all times during your journey.

Socializing your pet before boarding is key. Let inspectors introduce tickling or calm handling to get them used to interactions. Volunteer information about training but don’t overexplain – confidence puts people at ease.

Once through security, consider supervised potty breaks every 30-60 mins if time allows. Exercise helps relax muscles and clean restrooms ease worries. Bring baggies and disinfecting wipes to keep areas tidy.

In-Flight Tips

With takeoff moments away your preparations are put to the test. Keep your giant furball snuggled in their crate under the seat and blocked safely by your feet. Avoid excess movement that could jar them.

Bring calming treats or chew toys to occupy anxious mouths. Talk in a low, soothing voice and provide affection as needed. But don’t over-cuddle if that may excite them more. Turn down music or movies if distracting engine noise helps.

Should any accidents occur, stay level-headed and quickly contain the mess. Towels and wipes are your bff here; being prepared prevents panic. Most importantly, your soothing energy will transfer to your pup and get you both through touchdown smoothly.

After You Land

Disembarking brings new stresses like crowded aisles and unfamiliar surfaces. Let your dog out of their crate last and exit the plane right away if possible. Keep moving through crowds purposefully to their destination.

Once safely in your vehicle, unwind with play or a comforting meal. Celebrate a job well done with praise and belated treats for the courage shown. With the right preparation, even big babies can fly with ease – and make wonderful travel companions too!

I hope these tips provide answers on how to take larger dogs by air with minimal hassle. Proper care and training, along with consideration of your individual pup’s needs, will pave the way for safe and stress-free flying experiences for your loyal companion.

Important Considerations For Flying With Large Dogs

Dog Size	Airline Requirements	Crate Size	Additional Fees
Small (under 20 lbs)	Most allow in cabin	N/A	$125 each way
Medium (20-50 lbs)	Must be in carrier under seat	Soft-sided under-seat	$150 each way
Large (50-100 lbs)	Checked as cargo	Hard-sided, ventilated	$200 each way
Extra Large (over 100 lbs)	Checked as cargo on wide body flights only	Hard-sided, ventilated, specific dimensions	$250 each way
Restricted Breeds	Some airlines don’t allow pit bulls and others	N/A	N/A

FAQ

1. Can I bring my big dog on the plane as a carry-on?

   Generally, no. Most airlines only allow small dogs or cats in an approved carrier to be placed under the seat in front of you as carry-on luggage. Large and extra large dogs are usually required to be checked as cargo due to their size.

   

2. What paperwork do I need to fly with my dog?

   You’ll need your dog’s vaccination records showing they are current on all routine shots. The airlines may also require a health certificate from a vet stating that your dog is fit to travel. It’s important to check each airline’s specific requirements well in advance of your flight date.

3. How can I make my dog comfortable on a plane?

   Try to get your dog accustomed to their travel crate before the big day. Line it with their favorite soft bed or toys. On the flight, provide water in a non-spill bowl. Consider calming aids like ThunderShirts or calming treats to help keep them relaxed. Talk to them calmly and try to minimize their stress and anxiety as much as possible.

4. What if my dog is scared of flying?

   Perhaps consider training or practicing with your pup beforehand to get them used to airplane noises. You can play recordings of take-offs and landings to familiarize them. Ask your vet about temporary anti-anxiety meds if needed as well. On the day, keep them comforted and soothed with calming words. But is it worth all the hassle if they are terrified? You gotta do right by your pooch!

5. How much does it cost to fly with a dog?

   Fees differ between airlines and the size of your dog. But expect to pay anywhere from $125-$250 or more per direction for checking your large dog. There are also pet carriage fees, crate requirements, and occasionally extra charges for overweight pets. Ensure you review all policies and budget accordingly to avoid unwanted baggage.

6. What are some alternatives to flying with my dog?

   For long distances, you could consider driving instead if thats an option for you and your pet. Or check into professional pet transportation services that may be more affordable than airline charges. You could also board your doggy locally near family while you fly alone. Ultimately, maybe fly with your dog only if absolutely necessary, else they endure hours of pure misery at thirty thousand feet according to experts!

Essentially, flying with a big doggo really depends on the pooch and how they handle it. You basically gotta assess if the whole airplane drama is worth putting them through that kind of stressful scenario at all! Kindly check policies carefully and consider all options. Train them up if you can to make it as smooth as possible. But ain’t nothing wrong with road trips either if you’re trying to avoid potential puppy pandemonium at the sky airport!

Kindly double check those vet documents too. Forgot paperwork would be awful after all that drama getting them on board. “But where’s Rover’s records, mate?!” Hopefully your adventures with Fido are amazing regardless of how you travel together in the end. Bon voyage!