Airlines That Allow Large Dogs as Cabin Pets – Fly with Your Fur Friend

Airlines That Will Let Fido Fly With You

Whether you’re moving cross-country or taking a weekend getaway, traveling with your furry companion can be stressful if you don’t choose the right airline. If you have a large dog that you’d like to bring onboard the passenger cabin rather than shipping as cargo, here are some top options to consider.

Delta Airlines

Delta is one of the most pet-friendly major US carriers. They allow dogs and cats over 20 pounds to fly in-cabin provided they remain in an approved pet kennel that fits under the seat. From my experience flying with Delta, they’re very accommodating of pets as long as all requirements are met. The kennel must be big enough for the pet to stand up and turn around in comfortably.

They charge a 5 pet deposit plus 5 per flight segment. The kennel and pet together can’t weigh over 40 pounds. I once flew with my 50-pound Labrador and it was a smooth trip thanks to Delta’s pet policies. Be sure to check in early and let the gate agents know you have a pet.

American Airlines

Delta’s biggest competitor American Airlines has fairly generous pet policies too. As with Delta, dogs and cats over 20 pounds can fly in an approved hard-sided kennel under the seat in front. The kennel dimensions are slightly larger than Delta’s minimums. American charges a 5 pet fee each way but doesn’t require a deposit.

I’ve taken my German Shepherd on American several times and never had any issues as long as I called ahead. Be aware that some smaller airports may have limitations, so check your routing details. American also restricts pets to one kennel per passenger on most flights for space reasons.

Alaska Airlines

This West Coast carrier allows cats and dogs over 20 pounds to travel in-cabin if kenneled. Kennels must be just the right size to promote the animal’s health. Alaska has a detailed webpage outlining kennel dimensions and fees. They charge $125 each direction plus a $50 onboard cleaning deposit.

On one trip to Seattle, I witnessed how smoothly Alaska handled several pet passengers. Staff were well-trained and calm. From what I could tell, the experience was low-stress for both pets and owners. Just be sure to allow extra time at boarding with an animal in tow.

JetBlue

1. JetBlue accepts dogs and cats over 20 pounds in an IATA-compliant kennel under the seat. They levy a $125 one-way fee.
2. As an East Coast-focused airline, JetBlue is ideal if you’re flying within their routes with a medium-to-large dog.
3. I’ve heard from pet owners that JetBlue crews are very helpful if any issues arise with an in-cabin pet. Overall they get positive reviews.

Southwest Airlines

Known for its flexible policies, Southwest allows animals to fly either in-cabin or as cargo depending on size. Dogs under 20 pounds fly free as cabin pets, while larger dogs must be checked as baggage for fees starting around $95 each way.

If your large dog is calm and well-trained, flying in-cabin on Southwest saves money versus cargo. But you have to consider whether they’d endure the potentially long flights comfortably in a carrier under a seat. For anxious pups, cargo may be less stressful overall.

United Airlines

United has fairly typical size and fee policies for in-cabin pets over 20 pounds. But they’ve received some negative attention due to high-profile mishandling incidents involving pets in cargo holds.

While those cases were unfortunate one-offs, it gives me pause personally when flying an anxious pet long distances. United generally gets mixed reviews from pet owners online regarding both cargo and in-cabin travel experiences. There may be better options depending on your routing.

Other Factors to Weigh

Beyond airline policies, thinking about your dog’s individual needs is important. Consider things like:

• How will they handle potential long flights in a restricted carrier?
• Are they crate-trained at home and comfortable being confined?
• Any potential health issues like anxiety, joint problems from inactivity?
• Climate controls – will the plane’s environment agree with your pet?

Speaking from experience, our crew has dealt with dogs who tolerated flights fine and others who were clearly miserable the whole time no matter the precautions. Know your dog!

Also research any pet policies at your destination in case lodging falls through. You don’t want to get stuck without options if Fido can’t fly after all. Pet travel insurance offers peace of mind too for any extra expenses.

What If Cargo is Best?

If physical or behavioral factors preclude flying in-cabin, shipping as air cargo may still work provided carriers allow your breed. Ensure the kennel meets International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards, and check pickup/delivery processes where you’ll lack direct supervision.

Going the cargo route means dealing with separate fees, paperwork, and potential for delays. But major airlines do have entire divisions focused on safe pet transport. Weighing all factors for Fido’s well-being should be the priority call versus policies alone.

Final Thoughts

With some research and precautions, many large dogs can fly comfortably inside the passenger cabin. Companies like Delta, Alaska, and JetBlue have space and accept well-behaved animals. But understand individual animal needs too. Don’t take chances with an anxious pet just to save a buck or two.

Hope this overview helps you and Fido travel smooth! Let me know if any other questions come up while planning your next adventure together. Safe travels.

Airlines that Allow Large Dogs in Cabin

Airline	Breed Restrictions	Size Limit	Weight Limit	Crate Requirement
Alaska Airlines	No breed restrictions	Up to 18 inches tall	Up to 40 lbs	Soft-sided kennel under seat
American Airlines	No breed restrictions	Up to 18 inches tall	Up to 40 lbs	Soft-sided kennel under seat
Delta Airlines	Potentially dangerous dogs banned	Up to 18 inches tall	Up to 20 lbs	Pet carrier when on passenger’s lap
JetBlue	Banned breeds: Akita, Chow, Doberman, Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Terrier	Over 8 inches and under 14 inches tall	Up to 20 lbs	Pet carrier or kennel under seat
United Airlines	Excluded breeds: Brazilian Fila, Ca De Bou, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Pit Bull	Under 12 inches tall	Up to 20 lbs	Securely fitted in pet kennel under seat

FAQ

1. Which airlines allow large dogs in the cabin?

   Some major airlines that let you bring large dogs in the cabin are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue and United. Basically you’ll need to reserve a spot on the flight for your furry friend and make sure they meet the size and health requirements.

2. What is considered a large dog?

   Most airlines define a large dog as one that weighs over 20-22 pounds. But the size limit can differ by airline – so it’s important to check the specific rules for the carrier you’re flying with. At the same time, the dog’s height sitting also needs to be taken into account.

3. Are there any weight restrictions?

   Although the weight cutoff for a large dog is usually around 20 pounds, some airlines set the maximum even lower – at 18 pounds. Nevertheless, the animal still needs to be able to fit comfortably under the seat without obstructing the aisle. So basically even if Fluffy is 19 pounds, her body type might disqualify her.

4. What other requirements do large dogs have to meet?

   Beyond weight/size limits, most airlines require dogs to remain in a carrier under the seat for the whole flight. The critter also needs current vaccinations and may need a veterinary health certificate. On top of that, the owner has to purchase a ticket for the pup. But does your four-legged friend really deserve such restrictions? Maybe air travel is too stressful for large dogs.

5. Is it more expensive to fly with a large dog?

   You bet it’s pricier to transport an oversized pooch! In addition to an extra plane ticket, most carriers charge hefty fees for large dogs – ranging from $125-$250 or more each way. It appears flying fur babies isn’t cheap. However, if your dog is well-trained and behaved, the occasional airplane adventure could be worth it for you both. You’ve just got to ask yourself: is all that money truly justified?

   

6. What if my dog is shy or anxious?

   If your pup isn’t the most confident critter, plane travel might kind of stress him out. Strongly consider your dog’s temperament before subjecting him to the airport chaos and engine noise of a flight. Maybe try sedative medication to calm him down, if recommended by your vet. On the other hand, exposing a shy dog to new experiences gradually could help desensitize him in the long run. But don’t force it if he seems terribly overwhelmed – that’s just cruel, don’t you think?

7. Any tips for making flight easier on large dogs?

   To help a big buddy feel more comfy at 30,000 feet, consider these suggestions: bring favorite toys/blankets, try calming treats beforehand, give extra praise and attention during the flight. You could also see if the vet will prescribe doggy Valium or ask the airline about boarding earlier or later when it’s less commotion-y. In the end, properly preparing your pup goes a long way toward a smoother trip. Who knows, with positive reinforcement maybe he’ll even learn to love flying!