How to Fly With Large Dogs: Tips for Traveling by Plane with Your Big Pup

A Complete Guide to Flying With Big Dogs

Whether you need to travel for work or pleasure, taking your large furry companion along can be tricky. As the owner of a Great Dane named Hugo, I’ve found flying with big dogs requires some planning. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know to make the trip as stress-free as possible for you and your pooch.

Figure Out Airline Policies

1. Check with your desired airline about size and weight restrictions for pets in the cabin. Most allow dogs under 20 pounds in carriers under the seat in front of you, but larger dogs may need to go in the cargo hold.
2. See if the airline requires health certificates or vaccinations to be current. Pets flying in cargo usually need documentation that’s no more than 10 days old.
3. Inquire about additional fees. Most airlines charge per direction for an in-cabin pet and the fee is often higher for animals over 20 pounds or in cargo.

From my experience, smaller or low-cost carriers tend to have stricter pet policies. Major airlines like Delta and United typically allow larger dogs in-cabin if they fit in your foot space. Always confirm details directly with the airline rather than relying on third-party sites.

Choose the Right Kennel

No matter where your dog flies, they’ll need FAA-approved hard-sided kennel. Look for:

• Sized to give your pet enough room to sit up and turn around comfortably
• Secure, zippered openings with no risk of the dog escaping
• Vents on at least three sides for airflow
• Handles for ease of lifting the heavy kennel

I bought Hugo a plastic kennel sized for an extra-large dog that met airline dimensions. It’s more sturdy than fabric and he seems less anxious in the familiar carrier. Test opening and closing it yourself before travel day.

Prepare Your Pup Mentally and Physically

Start getting your dog accustomed to their kennel well ahead of time. Feed them in it, give treats when they go inside, and work up to them being comfortably in it for longer periods. This will help associate it with positive things rather than punishment.

A few days before the flight, begin adjusting their diet. Offer smaller, more frequent meals that are easy to digest instead of one big helping. On travel day, don’t feed within a few hours of departure to minimize accidents. Consider calming supplements or anxiety medications prescribed by your vet if your dog is notably stressed.

Proper identification is essential in case your pet gets separated from you at any point. Ensure microchips are registered and up-to-date, and attach ID tags securely to their collar listing your contact details.

Check-In and Getting Through Security

Allow extra time for check-in when flying with pets. Some airlines require you check-in at the cargo counter rather than with regular bags.

Have health/vaccination documents and kennel readily available to show agents. They’ll want to triple check dimensions meet rules. At security, you and your kennel will need to go through the X-ray machine together, so keep pet near in line.

When possible, request bulkhead seating near the front so you’re close to where pets exit in case of any issues. Though obviously out of your control, try timing flights to avoid long layovers where dogs may be kept unattended in cargo longer.

Arrival and Letting Them Out

Upon landing, you’ll need to retrieve your pet promptly from cargo. Make sure someone is there to collect you if you arrange a ground transfer meet.

At your destination, find a grassy area away from traffic to let them relieve themselves right away before travelling further. Bring plastic bags and clean any accidents in the kennel. Offer water gradually and keep an eye out for signs of dehydration or distress.

My boy Hugo was always ecstatic but exhausted after flights. Give yours time to recharge before activities the rest of your trip. Consider vet appointments upon return as well for exams if a long haul overseas.

Alternatives If Necessary

While flying commercial is convenient, it’s not the only option, especially for giants. If airlines won’t accept your pet, look into professional pet transport services. Drivers can transport dogs cross-country in commercial vans set up for comfort.

You could also consider going part of the way by car and using ground transportation for shorter legs. Perhaps a friend with a larger vehicle could chauffeur your furry friend. Reduce the number of legs flown overall to minimize stress.

With preparation and care, flying with big dogs is perfectly possible. Communicate openly with staff and be flexible if delays pop up unexpectedly. Focus on keeping your pup calm and reassured every step of the way through positive reinforcement. Safe travels to you both!

Tips for Flying with Large Dogs

Dog Size	Airline Policies	Cabin vs Cargo	Preparation Tips
Under 20 lbs	Most airlines allow as carry-on	Always cabin for small dogs	Bring favorite toys/food in approved carrier
20-50 lbs	Some airlines allow as carry-on for fee	Consider cabin if dog-friendly carrier fits under seat	Talk to vet about sedation if prone to anxiety
Over 50 lbs	Only as cargo on most airlines	Cargo compartment is best for large dogs unless long flight	Provide tags with your contact info on collar/crate
Bulky breeds	May not accommodate even if under weight limits	Cabin prohibited if too large for FAA regulations	Make sure crate is properly labeled and certified for airline use
Emotional support/service dogs	Allowed cabin with medical note for ESA; no fee for service dogs	Proper training and documentation required	Visit vet 2 weeks before flight for checkup and health certificate

FAQ

1. Do airlines allow big dogs as carry-on?

   Most airlines permit dogs under 20 pounds as carry-on, but larger dogs gotta go in the cargo hold. It’s basically up to each airline’s specific rules though. Check ahead of time to be sure.

   

2. What paperwork is needed for flying with a dog?

   You’ll need some sort of health certificate from your vet saying Fido is fit to fly. The certificate can’t be older than 10 days. Some airlines also require proof of vaccinations. It’s a good idea to check what paperwork the airline wants specifically to avoid any nasty surprises.

3. How do I prepare my dog for a flight?

   Get your pup used to their travel crate before the big day. Practice going in and out of it with treats. Make the crate a cozy safe space. At the airport, keep your doggo calm and don’t feed them for a few hours before takeoff. Bring favorite toys or blankets too for comfort.

4. Is it safe to put dogs in the cargo hold?

   Despite some awful stories, statistics show the vast majority of dogs travel safely below. However, cargo holds aren’t as temperature controlled. It’s always better if you can take Fido in the cabin as carry-on if possible. The cargo guys gotta handle lots of luggage too, so try not to stress too much about it if he’s gotta ride below deck. Just follow airline guidelines carefully.

5. “Is it too stressful on bigger dogs?”

   Flying can be stressful for dogs of any size, but bigger pooches may find it even tougher due to less space in cargo. Nevertheless, as long as proper prep is done and airline procedures are followed, most large dogs travel just fine too. You can ask the vet about medication if extreme anxiety is a concern. At the same time, consider driving or taking the bus instead for dogs over a certain weight.

6. How can I minimize stress for my dog during the flight?

   Practice makes perfect when it comes to getting a dog accustomed to flight. Start training early with crate exercises. Bring favorite scents, toys or even a worn t-shirt for comfort. Consult with a vet about anti-anxiety meds if stress seems excessive. And don’t forget calming treats can help too! Tired pups also tend to tolerate travel better, so make sure they get lots of exercise beforehand.

In summary, with the right prep and paperwork, most pups – even bigger breeds – can fly just fine. However, it’s important to consider your dog’s temperament and follow airline policies strictly. Riding below can work for many dogs if all guidelines are thoroughly observed. But driving may be better for giant breeds or dogs with known fears. As the old saying goes, “the bigger they are, the harder they fall” – so best protect sensitive giant puppers from undue stress.