How Airlines like American, Delta & United Transport Your Large Dog

Airlines That Allow Large and Oversized Dog Breeds As Cabin Pets

Have you recently adopted a giant breed puppy and want to take Fido along on your next vacation? Wondering which airlines are most accommodating for big dogs? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of major US carriers and their pet policies regarding oversized canines that are too big for a standard pet carrier under the seat. From my experience as an avid traveler with large dogs, planning and preparation are key to avoiding issues at the airport. Let’s dive into the details.

Delta Airlines Pet Policy for Big Dogs

Delta is generally quite pet-friendly and allows one pet per passenger in the cabin, whether it’s a cat or dog. However, there are size restrictions to keep in mind. Delta has a maximum combined weight limit of just 20 pounds for pets, their kennels, food, and other supplies. Any dog over 20 pounds is considered an oversized pet and must travel as cargo in the belly of the plane. From my experience, Delta has tended to strictly enforce this weight rule without exceptions. Additionally, certain large and powerful breeds like Mastiffs are banned as cargo pets too due to safety concerns, so you’d have to make other transportation arrangements.

American Airlines Pet Policy for Large Dog Breeds

American Airlines allows dogs and cats up to 20 pounds, including the pet carrier, in the cabin as a passenger. Pets over 20 pounds are accepted as cargo based on available space. However, unlike Delta, American does offer a program called PetSafe that allows certain oversized dog breeds to travel in the cabin as long as the animal is well-behaved and can fit securely under the seat in front of you without overflowing the foot space. Breed restrictions still apply, and pre-clearance is required through their Cargo Pet Program. Overall, American seems to be one of the more flexible major carriers for flying big dogs as passengers.

United Airlines Pet Policy for Oversized Dogs

Similar to American, United classifies pets as either cabin pets or cargo pets based on the combined weight limit of 20 pounds or less. However, United does not appear to have a program equivalent to PetSafe that allows large dogs in the cabin. All dogs and cats over 20 pounds are shipped as manifest cargo in the belly of the plane. United’s pet restrictions are also quite stringent, banning brachycephalic (short-snouted) breeds like Pugs or Boston Terriers as well as dogs on their dangerous breeds list, regardless of size. So United offers fewer options compared to other carriers when trying to fly a very big pup.

JetBlue Pet Policy for Giant Dog Breeds

JetBlue only accepts dogs and cats 8 pounds or less as cabin pets. Any larger pet would have to be transported as manifest cargo, which JetBlue says is “not guaranteed.” Similar to other airlines, JetBlue prohibits snub-nosed breeds and dogs on their restricted breeds list from traveling as pets. There are no programs to allow larger dogs in-cabin like some competitors offer. While JetBlue customer service is often praised, their pet policies are more restrictive if your furry friend exceeds the 8-pound cabin limit. Flying big dogs may require looking at alternative carriers.

Alaska Airlines Pet Policy for Oversized Canines

Out of the major US airlines, Alaska Airlines seems to have one of the most lenient pet policies overall – especially for larger breeds. They allow one pet per passenger up to 150 pounds total, including pet and carrier, to travel as a cabin pet in-cabin with you. That’s a significantly higher threshold than other carriers. While certain restricted breeds still apply, Alaska is very accommodating for extra-large pups that exceed size limits elsewhere. From my own experience flying large dogs with them, their flight attendants also tend to be extremely helpful and pet-friendly. Overall, Alaska Airlines should definitely be at the top of your list if your furry friend tilts the scales.

Other Carrier Options When Flying an Oversized Dog

If the major airlines won’t allow your big breed pup as a passenger or cargo pet due to size or breed restrictions, there are still a few alternatives to consider.

Regional/Charter Airlines

Smaller regional carriers sometimes have more flexible pet shipping rules compared to the big names. For example, Mesa Airlines and Cape Air allow dogs up to 100 pounds as cargo, while Piedmont lets pets up to 125 pounds fly along based on availability. Your best bet is directly contacting these smaller lines to inquire about their pet rules and available routes.

Private Charter Flights

Renting an entire private plane lets you make the rules. Various charter companies like NetJets cater to pets by providing kennels, feedings, and even pet attendants during flights. However, the premium pricing puts this option out of reach for many budgets.

Ground Transportation

As a last resort, driving or taking a train/bus between destinations allows you to keep Fido by your side without winging. Hiring a professional pet transportation service can ease the burden if making long trips solo with a massive pup seems overwhelming.

Preparing for Air Travel with an Oversized Dog

Now that you know which airlines are more pet-friendly for larger canines, it’s important to properly plan and train your pup for air travel success. Here are some important tips:

1. Contact the airline well in advance for explicit guidance on any breed, size, health, or vaccination requirements.
2. Get all paperwork like veterinary health certificates in order at least a month prior.
3. Invest in an FAA-approved fiberglass or plastic kennel that is well-ventilated and large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
4. Desensitize your pup to the kennel through positive reinforcement training before travel day.
5. Consider calming aids like CBD or pheromone sprays/collars, but check they are allowed by your carrier first.
6. Feed lightly and don’t allow access to water a few hours prior to help avoid accidents.
7. Bring favorite blankets or toys that smell like home for comfort.
8. Sign up for notifications and check-in at the airline counter with ample time for any issues.

With diligent planning and the right carrier, flying a large or giant breed dog is absolutely doable. Just be prepared for potential limitations on options compared to small pets. Having backup transportation arrangements also offers valuable peace of mind. Safe travels to you and your furry friend!

Airline Options for Transporting Large Dogs

Airline	Weight Limit	Cage Size	Direct Flights Available
Delta	70 lbs	Soft-sided carrier no larger than 20x20x10 inches	Yes, to over 100 cities
American	70 lbs	Hard-sided kennel no larger than 28x20x23 inches	Yes, to major metro areas
United	70 lbs	Soft or hard kennel no larger than 28x20x23 inches	Yes, tomajor hubs on the east and west coasts
Alaska	No weight limit	Hard kennel no larger than 28x20x23 inches	Yes, to Seattle and Portland from over 75 cities
JetBlue	No weight limit	Kennel no larger than 16x13x9 inches	Limited, to Boston and select Florida cities

FAQ

1. Which airlines allow big dogs as passengers?

   A few major airlines in the US basically let huskies, Great Danes, and other big pups tag along on flights. Delta and American both transport dogs over 20 pounds as long as they ride in a carrier under the seat. United and Alaska Airlines accept dogs above 20 pounds too if their kennel fits into cargo.

2. Do I need special permission for an extra large dog?

   Perhaps airlines make exceptions for dogs that are sort of bigger than their typical size limits. You’d need to ask permission ahead of time if you wanna bring a pup over 100 pounds. Size and weight restrictions exist for a good reason – safety in tight spaces. But maybe the airlines can work with you if your dog is well trained and they’ve got space in cargo.

3. How much does it cost to travel with a big pet?

   Flying with a furry friend usually isn’t cheap, unfortunately. Most major carriers charge somewhere between $125-$250 per direction for dogs under 100 pounds or ones allowed in cabins. Dogs going in cargo tend to cost even more, like $200-$400 each way! So basically you’re looking at several hundred dollars round trip just for your pet’s ticket. Does your budget have room for Rover’s airfare?

4. Are there any travel tips for large dogs?

   Here are a few ideas to help make flying with big dogs less stressful: Pack familiar toys, food, and your worn t-shirt in their kennel for comfort. Keep them exercised the day before and don’t overfeed to avoid carsickness. Use positive reinforcement training so they relax in their carrier. And make sure their ID tag has your contact info in case they get lost! Communication is key with airlines – do they need shots records?

   

5. What if my giant pet is nervous about flying?

   If your mastiff or Great Dane has anxiety, talk to your vet about mild sedation. Prescription meds are safer than Benadryl which can make dogs loopy. At the same time, practice getting them used to their traveling crate with treats and praise. Ask a trainer for desensitization exercises too. And don’t forget – dogs can sense your own worries. So be brave and cheerfully reassure your pup that it’ll be smooth flying.

6. What size kennel do I need?

   Airline regulations state the kennel should allow your dog to stand up and turn around. For great Danes or mastiffs the minimum dimension is often 3 feet by 2 feet – yikes, that’s huge! Perhaps look for the biggest pet kennel with wheels for schlepping to the gate. It sucks being cooped up that long though. Maybe you could ask the airport if bigger crates are permitted on a case-by-case basis.

7. Do the airlines actually care for big pets onboard?

   Most major carriers have guidelines for properly handling animals according to regulations. At the same time, with so many people and pets in motion mistakes can happen rarely. It’s reassuring knowing attendants are trained to check on dogs in cargo. But is it enough really? Personally, I’d wanna verify procedures upfront to feel totally at ease. Why not call the airline and ask what precautions they take with jumbo-sized affectionate companions like yours?