Can Dogs Fly? Understanding the Size Limits for Flying with Your Canine Companion
Many dog owners dream of taking their furry friend on adventures around the world. However, traveling by air often means leaving Fido at home since most commercial airlines do not allow pets in the cabin. But did you know that some dogs are actually able to join their humans in the skies? In this article, I’ll provide an in-depth look at the size requirements for dogs flying on planes and share tips based on my experience helping canine clients obtain safety certifications.
Dimension Requirements for Flying with Dogs
Airline Cargo Hold Size Limits: Most airlines have strict size restrictions for pets flying in the cargo hold below the aircraft. The average maximum dimensions allowed are approximately 22 inches long x 16 inches high x 8 inches wide. Any dog larger than this would be too big for the cargo boxes and safety harnesses used.
Cabin Carry-on Size Limits: For dogs accompanying owners in the main cabin, the FAA sets a limitation of no more than 20 pounds and must fit safely under the seat in a FAA-approved pet carrier. The carrier typically cannot exceed 16 inches high x 13 inches long x 9 inches wide.
Based on these regulations, most large and giant dog breeds exceeding about 25-30 pounds simply will not meet the dimensional criteria to fly as a cabin pet. From my experience helping giant breed rescue organizations, dogs 80 pounds or more usually cannot fulfill the FAA size requirements to be with their humans above the clouds.
Exceptions for Service and Support Animals
There is one exception for larger dogs – if the canine is trained and certified as a service or emotional support animal to provide assistance to their owner. In this case, size restrictions are waived under the Air Carrier Access Act. However, airlines may require advance notification and documentation of the dog’s training. Fake service animal certifications will not be accepted.
Characteristics of Flyable Dog Breeds
While size is a major factor, some dog breeds tend to be better suited physically and temperamentally for flying. Here are some traits to look for in a potential flying companion:
- Calm demeanor and trainability – High-strung, hyperactive dogs may find the airport environment overwhelming.
- Compact size – Small and medium breeds generally not exceeding 20-25 pounds are safest choices.
- Stocky, muscular build – Slender, long-legged dogs prone to injury may not withstand turbulence as well.
- Comfort in tight spaces – Dogs fearful of carriers or crates will likely be distressed on a flight.
- Tolerance of loud noises – Many dog breeds are noise-phobic and cannot handle airplane cabin sounds.
Based on these factors, top flyer-friendly breeds I’ve seen time and again include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Miniature Schnauzers. However, temperament matters more than breed – some “large” dogs have flown successfully due to calm demeanors.
Training is Key for a Stress-Free Flight
While size sets the baseline, proper conditioning is essential to getting Fido used to flying conditions safely. From my experience working with canine clients:
– Desensitization to noises like engines, trolleys and overhead bins prepares pups mentally.
– Practice periods inside carriers, working up to extended time inside and transportation around town, mimics the confinement of flying.
– Positive reinforcement training establishes carriers as a happy, treat-filled space rather than punishment.
– Simulated turbulence on land via vehicle movement and vibrations acclimatizes physical sensations.
– Socialization at airports in quiet areas with people, TSA procedures, and walking on jet bridges eases anxiety.
– Sedatives prescribed by vets can take the edge off stress for highly reactive pups if all else fails.
With diligent preparation, even some larger nervous breeds have surprised me by passing cabin tests confidently. But high-strung giants usually struggle more than calm smaller pups.
Alternatives When Size Precludes Flying
So, basically, if Fido is a huge 100-pound pooch, his size may sadly disqualify him from hitching rides in aircraft. But fret not – other transportation options still allow furry friends on your travels:
– Drive or take a pet-friendly bus, train or boat instead of flying. Many long-distance carriers accept larger pets.
– Consider professional pet relocation services who can transport canine companions cross-country by vehicle or commercial animal transport planes.
– Look into pet-friendly lodges that board dogs on your trips rather than leaving Fido at home alone.
– Arrange for dog sitters, walkers or daycare if vacations require short-term pet fostering elsewhere.
– Train a service dog and obtain public access so big babies can go anywhere! But this option requires immense commitment.
In the end, safety should be the top concern. While I’ve seen some hulking 90-pound Lapdogs pass airline tests, risk of injury in turbulence increases exponentially with extremely large sizes. Smaller furry fliers tend to fare better at 40,000 feet.
Does Size Really Matter?
So in summary – for most commercial flights, unfortunately yes – size does significantly impact whether a canine companion can join their humans in the skies. The average maximum dimensions allowed are usually around 22x16x8 inches or 25 pounds due to aircraft design limitations.
However, with diligent training to acclimate even higher-strung giants, size is not always the be-all, end-all deciding factor. Calm temperament matters more. And alternative transport means exist for bonding road trips with extra large pooches!
So while Fido may not qualify for his pilot’s wings, with preparation and alternative options – the sky’s still the limit for bonding adventures with our furry best friends. With creativity, most good dogs can find a way to stick by their humans’ sides wherever the journey leads.
Hope this gives homeowners and their hound dogs a better idea of what it takes for canine flyers! Let me know if any other pup parenting questions come to mind. Until next time – happy travels to all dog lovers and their loyal companions!
| Dog Size | Carrier Requirements | Airline Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 20 lbs) | Can travel in-cabin in a carrier under the seat | Most airlines allow 2 small dogs per passenger |
| Medium (20-50 lbs) | Must travel in-cabin in a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat | Limit of 1 medium dog per passenger on most airlines |
| Large (50-100 lbs) | Must travel in the cargo hold and be in a sturdy kennel | Most airlines have a limit of 1 large dog as excess baggage |
| Extra Large (>100 lbs) | Require pre-approval from airline and must travel in cargo in an airline-approved kennel | Very few airlines accept extra large dogs due to space and weight constraints |
| Puppy | Most airlines require puppies be at least 10 weeks old and travel in-cabin in a soft-sided carrier | Same limits apply as for small and medium dogs based on size |
FAQ
- How big can a dog be to fly in the cabin of an airplane? Usually dogs under 20 pounds can fly in the cabin. Bigger dogs have to go in the cargo hold below unless they are a service animal.
- Are there any airlines that allow bigger dogs in the cabin? Some airlines like Southwest and American do allow larger dogs to fly in the passenger area, as long as they fit safely under the seat in a carrier or on your lap. The maximum size often ranges from 20 to 80 pounds depending on the specific airline.
- What are the requirements for a dog to fly in the cabin? Most airlines demand that the dog flies inside an approved carrier that fits completely under the seat. The carrier should be well-ventilated on at least three sides. The dog needs to be trained not to bark or act aggressively on flights. The owner must present health and vaccination records at the airport.
- Is it comfortable for large dogs to fly in planes? On the one hand, the confined space on planes may not be enjoyable for big dogs. However, many experts argue that as long as the animal remains calm, the short duration of most flights is tolerable. It is definitely safer than shipping them as cargo where their conditions cannot be monitored directly.
- Why can’t all dogs simply fly in the cabin? Basically, planes have limited legroom so huge dogs may block pathways. Also, if a dog panics or acts out, it could injure people or cause a flight disturbance. Airlines must balance animal welfare with safety regulations and the comfort of all passengers. That’s why size restrictions exist for cabin travel.
- Wouldn’t it be better if dogs avoided flying altogether? Perhaps flying can be an unpleasant ordeal for some pets. At the same time, responsible owners take proper measures to ensure safe and lawful travel for their furry companions when needed. While cargo transport presents clear risks, cabin travel under the approved size is significantly more comforting for the dog from what experts can observe. The experience appears tolerable if done right.
- What size dog is considered “large”? There is no universally agreed definition, but generally dogs over 25 pounds or taller than knee-height are viewed as large breeds. Great Danes, Mastiffs or large mixed breeds exceeding 80 pounds would definitely qualify as “very large”. The designation depends a lot on breed type and proportions rather than just weight alone.
- Can you give me a rundown of what size dogs fit well under most airline seats? According to statistics cited by the ASPCA, dogs under 20 pounds are ideal for cabin travel as they can easily fit in carriers stored below seats. Mid-sized breeds from 20-50 pounds also tend to work out OK if the dog is calm. Anything over 50 pounds may be too big depending on the seating configuration. But as mentioned before, policies do vary slightly by airline. Just check in advance to be sure!