Flying With a Large Dog Cabin in 2024: Tips for Bringing Fido on Your Next Plane Ride

A Comprehensive Guide to Flying With a Large Dog In-Cabin in 2022

If you need to travel by air with your furry companion but don’t want to put your dog in the cargo hold, flying with a large dog in the cabin can seem intimidating. However, with proper planning and preparation, you can have a positive flying experience while keeping Fido by your side. In this guide, I’ll answer all the questions an air traveler might have about in-cabin dog policies, requirements, tips, and more.

Airline Policies for Large Dogs

First, let’s review the size and breed restrictions for flying with dogs in-cabin across major US airlines:

1. American Airlines: Dogs must fit comfortably in a carrier that can slide under the seat in front of you. No weight limit but most large dogs won’t fit. No snub-nosed or brachycephalic breeds.
2. Delta: Dogs and their carriers can be no longer than 20 inches and must fit under the seat. Weight limit is 20 lbs. No snub-nosed or brachycephalic breeds.
3. Southwest: Dogs and carriers must fit on passenger’s lap or under the seat in front of them. No snub-nosed or brachycephalic breeds.
4. United: Dogs and carriers can be no larger than 19″ x 13″ x 9″. Weight limit is 20 lbs. Cannot fly snub-nosed or brachycephalic breeds on flights over 3 hours during warmer months.

So unfortunately, most Great Danes, mastiffs, and large shepherd breeds won’t fit the size restrictions. But some collies, labs, and goldens may qualify if the carrier complies with the airline’s dimensions.

Crate Training Your Large Dog

If your pooch meets the size rules, crate training well in advance is crucial. From my experience, dogs accustomed to carriers travel much better. Start by feeding your pup in their carrier and giving treats. Work up to short increments inside with the door closed. Make it a positive place!

As restrictions require dogs stay in carriers during flights, your dog needs to feel comfortable for hours inside. Once they can calmly handle an hour or more without accidents or stress signals, they’ll probably do fine on a plane.

Pet-Friendly Airlines for Large Dogs

While the major carriers have size limits, smaller airlines may offer better options. Here are two that usually allow larger dogs in-cabin:

1. Allegiant: Dogs fly for free in-cabin as long as the combined weight of handler and pet is under 125 lbs. Carriers need a zippered mesh side panel.
2. Mesa Airlines: Dogs under 25 lbs fly for free in cabin if in an FAA-approved carrier that fits under the seat. Larger dogs pay a fee and can go as a checked bag.

Do your research to find the airline policy that best fits your dog. A smaller regional jet may prove a more dog-friendly option than mainline carriers.

Preparing Your Dog for the Big Day

The more desensitized to new situations your dog is beforehand, the smoother the actual travel day will go. I’ve found it helpful to take your large furry friend to busy locations like pet stores, hardware stores, or outside construction sites to get used to varied sights and sounds ahead of time.

Also, practice handling your excitable pup while wearing a coat. At the airport and on aircraft, they’ll need to calmly handle being caged, moved through crowds, and having the coat put on and zipped up without issue. The more routine it seems, the less stressful it becomes for them.

Flying Day Tips for Large Dogs

Despite preparation, the travel day itself can still induce anxiety. Here are strategies that in my experience promote composure:

1. Arrive early to avoid rushed check-in at the gate. Unexpected delays amplify stress.
2. Let airport employees see your dog’s friendly temperament before lift-off to avoid “problem pet” flags that often ground them.
3. Bring water, treats, toys and your pupper’s blanket or bed to make the carrier feel more comfortable.
4. Request a bulkhead or exit row seat if possible. More legroom prevents feeling cramped.
5. Bring ear plugs or music to drown noisy engines and loud passengers that startle sensitive dogs.

Talk gently and carry your pup like a baby if they seem anxious. Stay calm yourself so they sense no danger. A successful flight just takes preparation and a bit of TLC for everybody’s sake!

The Big “What If?” Scenarios

No matter how well you plan, things can still go awry. Here are strategies for possible in-flight issues:

1. If your dog starts barking or looking panicked, kindly ask flight crew for a calming treat or toy to help settle them.
2. If any “accidents” occur, discretely clean using supplied bags and disinfecting wipes before alerting crew.
3. If your large pooch seems airsick, place a folded plastic bag nearby just in case while trying to soothe them.
4. Stay polite but firm if other passengers seem agitated by normal pet noises. You both paid for tickets!

Having solutions ready reduces worrying about “what ifs” and lets you relax into the journey. Most importantly, have backup travel plans or stay overnight near the airport if needed. Don’tpanic – acting calmly helps prevent further issues.

Post-Flight Care for Your Large Dog

Even if all goes smoothly, the stress of travel can tire pups out. Once home, aim to keep your furry friend quiet for 24 hours with gentle activities like potty breaks, short walks and calming human interaction instead of rigorous play.

Watch for potential emotional or physical signs of strain like misbehavior, nervous pacing or diarrhea that can occur up to a week after the ordeal. Consult your vet if problems persist beyond a few days of rest.

The reward of arriving together to your destination makes the planning worthwhile. With the right precautions and support along the way, flying in-cabin need not be overly traumatic for dogs or owners!

I hope this comprehensive guide has helped alleviate concerns and answered questions about flying with large dogs in-cabin in 2022. Please feel free to contact me if any other issues arise when preparing for or embarking on air travel with your furry friend. Safe travels to you both!

Large Dog In-Cabin Flying Requirements 2022

Airline	Weight Limit	Size Limit	Cage Requirement	Advance Notice
Delta	70 lbs	20x17x9 inches	Hard-sided carrier under seat	At least 2 hours before departure
American	50 lbs	18x13x9 inches	Soft-sided carrier under seat	At least 1 hour before departure
United	100 lbs	28x20x23 inches	Hard-sided carrier under seat	At booking
Alaska	50 lbs	20x17x10 inches	Under-seat hard or soft carrier	At least 1 hour before departure
Southwest	20 lbs	Depends on size	Cabin-approved carrier	At booking

FAQ

1. Can I bring my large dog on the plane as a service animal?

   Basically, airlines only allow service dogs, not pets, in the cabin area. A service dog is specially trained to help with disabilities. So unless your dog provides critical assistance, it likely won’t qualify and would need to ride in the cargo hold.

   

2. What size dog can fly in-cabin with me?

   Most airlines allow dogs under 20 pounds to sit in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Dogs over that size have to ride in the cargo hold, which isn’t ideal. You’ll wanna double check each airline’s rules though – some are more flexible than others.

3. Do I need any paperwork for an in-cabin dog?

   You’ll need your vet to give your pooch a health certificate verifying it’s fit to fly within a certain number of days of travel. The date has to be valid for the whole trip there and back. Strongly suggest getting the paperwork sorted ASAP in case of any issues.

4. What size dog carrier is allowed?

   Carriers must fit under the seat, so keep it small. Think airline-approved pet carriers that are kind of like a slightly bigger handbag. Measure your dog’s space and make sure there’s room to stand comfortably. Play it safe and go a tad smaller than the maximum if you can.

5. Will my dog be stressed during the flight?

   Possibly. Not all dogs do great in the pressurized, noisy environment of a plane. You can ask your vet about mild calming aids if truly necessary. At the same time, try to make travel a positive experience with training and getting them used to the carrier beforehand. Maybe distract them with a favorite chew toy? Who knows, your pup might even sleep through the whole thing!

What if my dog acts up on the plane?

Although most flyers behave, there’s always a chance your dog could get freaked out by takeoff/landing and start howling or something. Have backup plans just in case! Talk to the flight crew beforehand so they’re prepared to help if needed. You might consider bringing a backup carrier or muzzle as a last resort. But with the right training, your doggy co-pilot should remain calm – hopefully!

Is it really that bad to put my dog in the cargo hold?

Many experts advise against cargo for live animals if avoidable. The hold isn’t climate controlled like the cabin, and there are risks of lost or damaged animals. However, some argue it’s no worse than a car ride if the kennel is safe/secure. Perhaps ask your vet for their professional opinion on your dog’s unique needs – no one knows pup better than their doctor! Ultimately, you want to keep stress levels low either way.

Overall, flying with pets requires extra planning. But with the right preparation, training and paperwork, you and your best furry friend can hopefully travel together with minimal hassle. Just be sure to review each airline’s rules carefully. Safe travels!