Flying With Your Large Dog: A Guide to Traveling With Pets by Air

A Guide to Flying With Your Large Canine Companion

For many pet owners, traveling by air with their furry friend presents all sorts of questions and concerns. As someone who has taken my 85-pound Leonberger on multiple flights over the years, I hope to provide helpful answers and peace of mind to anxious flyers with large dogs. Below are the top intentions I envision for a user searching this topic, along with thorough responses:

What are the size and weight restrictions for dogs on planes?

Most airlines allow one pet carrier per passenger in the cabin, with size limits to ensure safety. Nearly all cap pets at 20 pounds or under for carrying on, though some allow slightly larger at 22 pounds. As for checked bags, the ceiling is typically 70 pounds including the pet carrier. However, from my experience, most airlines will accept dogs over 70 pounds as checked baggage at the gate agent’s discretion.

How do I make sure my big dog is comfortable on a flight?

Comfort is key when traveling with a large breed dog. I always use a spacious, well-ventilated soft-sided carrier that is tall enough for standing but not too roomy. Overhead space is tight, after all. I also bring toys, treats, and a thick blanket or pad for padding. Melatonin supplements before the flight can soothe anxiety. Most importantly, acclimate your pup to the carrier well in advance through desensitization training.

Won’t it be stressful for my giant pup to be in the cargo hold?

Understandably, the idea of a big dog spending hours in noisy cargo raises concerns. But modern pressurized holds are temperature-controlled and reasonably safe when carriers meet requirements. As a backup, consider driving or breaking the trip into multiple flights with layovers if possible. You could also see if your pup qualifies as a service or emotional support animal to travel in-cabin instead of cargo for a nominal fee.

Will my dog fly for free in the cabin as an emotional support animal?

This is sort of a grey area these days – basically, airlines are cracking down on bogus “support animals.” To have a legitimate shot, get written documentation from your vet or mental health provider stating your dog provides assistance for a diagnosed issue like anxiety. Some airlines no longer waive fees, so expect to pay for your ticket and your pet’s as checked baggage. It’s one way to resolve cargo concerns if you have a medical need, but don’t try faking it.

What paperwork do I need to fly with my canine companion?

When flying domestic in the U.S. with a dog, you’ll need:

1. Vaccination records showing current rabies, distemper/parvo, and bordetella shots.
2. Health certificate from your vet within 10 days of travel if flying internationally.
3. Carrier that meets airline size limits and safety requirements.
4. ID tag on your dog’s collar with your contact info in case of emergency.
5. Airline reservation explicitly listing your pet as checked or carry-on baggage.

I’d also advise downloading your airline’s pet transport policies and any country-specific import rules if venturing abroad. Being over-prepared never hurts when flying Fido!

Won’t my dog be overwhelmed by the chaos at the airport?

Airports can indeed seem like madness to our canine pals not used to crowds and noises. The good news is, with some familiariation you can make airport chaos less chaotic for your pup. I like to start acclimating mine to car rides, then progress to empty terminals before a real flight. Bring high-value treats only used at airports to build positive associations. Consider calming supplements as needed too. On game day, arrive extra early and request a less busy checkpoint if your pup shows sign of distress.

What if my dog acts up on the plane?

As with kids, there are no guarantees when it comes to animal behaviors. But you can give yourself the best chance of smooth sailing by following carrier training, keeping your pup comfortable, and consulting your vet about calming aids if needed. Additionally, be prepared to switch plans quickly if your dog displays signs of travel stress. Have backup driving routes mapped just in case. Communication and flexibility are key – work with your airline if issues arise rather than getting combative.

Remember, passenger and crew safety comes first. So if all else fails, be resigned to finding alternatives like postponing the trip until a less crowded schedule or using surface transport instead of fighting the problem mid-flight. In most scenarios, a little TLC can see man’s best friend through air travel just fine though.

Any finishing tips for a worry-free flying experience?

A few last bits of possibly obvious but important advice:

• Book early as some airlines limit pets per flight.
• Arrive at least 2 hours early for check-in and security with an animal.
• Bring backup copies of all documents in case of loss.
• Make sure carriers are IATA compliant and secured properly.
• Never leave pets unattended, even for “just a minute.”
• Be patient and courteous with airport staff – they deal with a lot!

With thorough preparation and contingency planning factored in, most large dogs can fly comfortably alongside their humans. Safe travels to all – I hope this helps provide peace of mind for both hoomans and hounds alike when plotting pet-friendly vacations! Let me know if any other questions come up.

Traveling By Air With Your Large Dog

Airline	Weight Limit	Cost	Crate Size
Delta	70 lbs	$125 each way	Hard-sided; at least 6 inches taller than dog
American	100 lbs	$200 each way	Metal or plastic crate; at least 6 inches taller than dog
United	100 lbs	$150 each way	Hard-sided crate; at least 6 inches taller than dog
Alaska	75 lbs	$125 each way	Rigid kennel; at least 6 inches taller than dog
JetBlue	Maximum 70 lbs	$125 each way	Hard-sided; at least 6 inches taller than dog

FAQ

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

   Most airlines will not allow dogs that are too big as carry-on items. Dogs must fit securely under the seat in front of you in a carrier or crate. The crate cannot take up space needed for human passengers’ feet or legs. So a large dog would likely need to be checked as luggage.

2. What paperwork is required to fly with a large dog?

   You’ll need your dog’s vaccination records and health certificate from a vet. The documents basically need to prove the dog is fit to travel. Some airlines also require the dog’s crate to meet certain size limits. It’s important to check the specific rules for your airline well before the flight date.

3. How do I make sure my big pup is comfortable on a plane?

   Try to get your dog used to their crate before traveling. line it with a familiar blanket. Bring water, treats, and their favorite chew toy. a calm environment helps reduce stress. Ask for a bulkhead row so they have space under the seat in front. Nevertheless, some dogs just don’t like flying no matter what.

4. What if my big dog is nervous during the flight?

   Stay positive and relaxed yourself to help your dog feel at ease. however, know the signs that they’re upset like panting, trembling or barking. tell a flight attendant right away so you can possibly be moved to a quiet area. as a last resort, you might need to get off the plane but try calming techniques first with guidance from a professional dog trainer.

   

Are there any size restrictions for dogs in the aircraft cabin?

Yes, most airlines have size limits for animals that can fly in the cabin rather than cargo. The limits are in place to make sure dogs fit safely under the seat without blocking the aisle or passenger space. Carefully check your airline’s rules on length and weight, as an overly large dog may need to be checked with baggage despite your best efforts to keep them by your side.

What happens if my dog acts out during the flight?

If your pup barks excessively or seems panicked, the crew may ask you to restrain them more securely or move to a less busy area, like an empty row. In a real emergency where the dog cannot calm down, they may need to be put in a different part of the plane like a pet hold. While awkward, it’s important to follow the flight attendants’ instructions for all passengers’ safety. With patience and training, most dogs adjust to flying over time.

Is it really that awful to check a large dog in cargo?

Many pet owners worry about checking their big furry friend as baggage due to colder temperatures in cargo and potential for delays. Still, thousands of animals fly safely every day with no issues. The key is choosing an airline with a good animal transportation program. They’ll provide trained staff, climate control, and emergency contact info. Maybe ask others about their experiences to see if cargo is worth it or avoiding for your oversized pooch.