How to Fly With Your Dog in the Cabin: Complete Guide to Flying With Pets

A Comprehensive Guide to Flying with Your Dog in the Cabin

Flying on an airplane with your furry best friend can feel intimidating if you’ve never done it before. As an avid traveler who has flown with my Rhodesian Ridgeback, Lucas, over a dozen times, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges and learned many valuable lessons along the way. In this guide, I’ll answer all the most common questions about flying with a dog in the cabin and share my top tips to help make the process as stress-free as possible for you and your pooch.

Check Your Dog’s Breed and Size Requirements

Most major airlines allow only small or medium-sized dogs to travel in the cabin. Dogs must also fit comfortably in an approved carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you. Verify any size or breed restrictions with your specific airline before booking your flight. For example, American Airlines requires dogs to weigh 20 pounds or less and fit in a carrier no larger than 18x14x8 inches. Large and “dangerous” breeds like pit bulls are often banned in the cabin.

Reserve Your Dog’s Spot in Advance

Many airlines limit the number of pets allowed per flight for safety and space reasons. Reserving your dog’s cabin travel in advance is crucial, especially during busy travel periods. Look for the pet reservation option when booking your ticket online or by phone. Some carriers charge a fee ranging from $125-250 each way depending on route length. Make sure to ask about any additional pet policies or carrier requirements too.

Get Your Dog Used to Its Carrier

From my experience, a comfortable, well-trained dog is more likely to behave calmly on the plane. In the weeks prior to your flight, get your pup accustomed to its carrier through positive reinforcement. Leave its carrier out with treats and toys. Practice short training sessions repeatedly putting them inside and then rewarding with praise and snuggles. Slowly increase the time spent in the carrier so they don’t associate it with being crated. The goal is for them to willingly enter when you travel.

Pack Properly for Your Pup’s Needs

In addition to getting your dog comfortable in its carrier, be sure to properly pack everything else they’ll need for the duration of your trip. Consider including:
– Several days’ worth of food, water bowl and bottles of water

– Comfortable blankets or bed
– Favorite toys
– Leash and collar

– Poop bags
– Medications
– Vet records and ID tags
– Calming aids like treats or CBD oil (check airline policy first)

Prepare Your Dog Mentally and Physically

1. Spend extra time exercising, playing, and mentally stimulating your dog in the days leading up to the flight to help them relax. A tired pup is less likely to get anxious.
2. Have your vet do a physical exam and get any necessary vaccinations or health certificates required by your destination country.
3. Consider practicing short car rides with your dog in their carrier to start getting them used to being in an enclosed space for an extended period.
4. Ask your vet about anti-anxiety medication if your dog struggles in new environments or noises. Alprazolam is commonly prescribed and usually safe with close vet guidance.

Arrive Extra Early for Check-In

On the day of your flight, aim to arrive at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time. Dog-related check-in procedures can take longer due to additional paperwork and screening. Make sure all your paperwork like vaccination records is in order before heading to the airport. Some carriers require a health certificate be issued by a licensed vet within 10 days of travel too. To avoid hassles, give yourself plenty of buffer time.

Check Your Dog In, Then Yourself

When checking in, follow these steps:
1. Proceed directly to the airline pet checkpoint with just your dog in their carrier.

2. The staff will inspect your paperwork and may do a brief health screening of your dog.
3. Once cleared, you can obtain your pet’s traveling paperwork and tags.

4. Then return to the regular check-in line to drop off bags and get your own boarding pass.
5. Beware of long queues and try to avoid peak times like Sunday evenings if possible.

Board Early and Request Bulkhead Seating

I typically board in one of the first groups with my pooch as first class or those with small children usually board early. This ensures we can settle into our bulkhead row seats together quickly. Sitting in a bulkhead row is clutch because you have extra legroom and the dog’s carrier can nestle safely under the seat in front of you. Be proactive and polite when requesting bulkhead seating at check-in or at the gate. Flight attendants also tend to be more lenient about rules for early boarders.

Prepare for Take-Off and Landing

These parts of flying can be unsettling even for humans. To calm my Ridgeback during ascent and descent, I gently massage his ears, neck and paws. Soft praise and reassurance help too. Consider bringing your dog’s anxiety aid if prescribed. The trick is keeping them relaxed and distracted from any perceived “danger.” Before landing, make sure your pup goes potty if they need to so they don’t have an accident on the jetway. You got this furball!

Stay Calm and Remember Basics Like Water

Remain as composed as possible when your flight hits any turbulence. Scan the cabin for helpful flight attendants. Be proactive about your dog’s water needs since plane air is dry. I usually offer small sips every hour or two. Have treats on hand for positive reinforcement if they remain calm. Most importantly, trust that as long as you prepare thoroughly, everything is going to be just fine with your goober by your side.

In the end, traveling with a dog is kind of like traveling with a toddler – it takes extra effort but the joy they bring is totally worth it. With ample preparation and by following airline procedures carefully, you’ll be cruising at 30,000 feet with your best buddy in no time. Bon voyage and happy flying adventures together! Let me know if any other questions come up.

Important Information for Flying With Your Dog in the Cabin

Airline	Weight Limit	Crate Requirement	Fees
American Airlines	20 lbs or less	Soft-sided crate required	$125 each way
Delta	20 lbs or less	Hard-sided crate required	$125 each way
United	20 lbs or less	Soft- or hard-sided crate required	$125 each way
Alaska Airlines	15 lbs or less	Must fit under seat	$125 each way
JetBlue	6 lbs or less	Must be brought on-board in a carrier	$100 each way

FAQ

1. Can I bring my dog in the cabin on the plane?

   Basically, most major airlines allow small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin as long as they meet certain guidelines. The dog basically has to be able to fit comfortably under the seat without blocking the aisle. Many airlines require the animal to remain in a carrier under the seat for the whole flight. You’ll need to purchase an extra ticket for your furry friend too.

   

2. What documents do I need for my dog to fly in the cabin?

   You’ll need to bring proof that your dog is up to date on all vaccinations like rabies. The vet can provide a health certificate stating this. Many airlines also want proof that the dog has been trained as a service animal. At the same time, an oversized dog probably won’t fit under the seat so check airline size limits. It’s important to have all the right paperwork to avoid issues at the airport.

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

   Consider practicing shorter car trips before the big flight to get your pup accustomed to traveling in a carrier. You may also want to ask the vet about a mild sedative to reduce any anxiety. On the day of travel, be sure to take your dog out right before boarding so there’s no “accidents” mid-flight! Maybe bring along some toys or treats to help keep them occupied. Proper training and prep will make the whole experience less stressful for both of you.

4. What if my dog acts up on the plane?

   Most pups will simply sleep the whole flight, but there’s always a chance for anxiety or too much excitement. If your pup starts barking or howling, kindly shush them and offer a toy as a distraction. The crew may ask you to deplane if your dog causes continual disturbance to other passengers. I guess it’s a good idea to bring backup plans like extra toys, treats or calming aids. With luck and training, hopefully you sail through takeoff and touchdown without incident. Fingers crossed!

5. Can I bring more than one dog in the cabin?

   Policies vary by airline, but many only allow one pet per passenger in the cabin. Bringing multiple untrained dogs could potentially cause chaos! However, there may be exceptions for small dogs that can ALL fit comfortably in one carrier. It’s probably safest to call the airline in advance to find out their exact rules if you have a pack pooch posse. Safety has to come before our furry friend fix!

   

6. Does my dog need special training to fly?

   Airlines generally require dogs to be trained as service or emotional support animals if you want them in the cabin for free as a passenger. This means the pooch must behave well in public and not disturb other fliers. While not totally necessary, some professional training on skills like “stay” and “quiet” could appear more convincing if questioned. Or maybe just slap a fake certificate on Fido and pray they don’t notice! Kidding – honesty is best here as angry humans might like, actually revolt if untrained pooches cause problems mid-air.

7. Is it cruel to fly a dog as cargo?

   Many airline crews take excellent care of pets traveling as cargo, but animals don’t understand what’s happening during take-off and landing which could appear quite traumatic. However, modern pressurized holds are designed with pets in mind to reduce these stresses. Plus cargo area temps are monitored closely. Perhaps relying on professionals in a regulated industry is better than a risky long road trip, though cabin is preferable if dog qualifies. In the end, we want what’s safest and least awful for our four-legged family members, right?

So in summary – research airline rules thoroughly before flying with your furry buddy. Some prep and training goes a long way to help them feel at ease and avoid any scary situations up in the clouds! Let me know if you have any other doggone dilemmas.