Traveling With Your Large Dog by Air: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re planning a trip and want to take your big pup along, air travel may seem like a hassle. But with some preparation, you can fly with your large dog stress-free. In this article, I’ll cover all the bases to help make your dog’s airline experience go smoothly.
Check Your Dog’s Size & Breed Restrictions
The first step is verifying your dog is allowed on your chosen airline. Most carriers only accept dogs under a certain weight, usually around 20 pounds, in the cabin. For larger dogs, they must travel in the cargo hold as checked baggage. Some airlines also prohibit bully breeds or dogs with a history of aggression.
From my experience flying with dogs, it’s best to contact the airline well ahead of time to confirm their specific policies for your dog’s size and breed. The last thing you want is showing up at the airport just to find out Fido can’t join. Most airlines list the rules on their websites, but a call never hurts.
Prepare Your Dog with Training and Socialization
Whether traveling in the cabin or cargo hold, your dog will be exposed to new sights, sounds, and people. Help them feel comfortable and behave calmly through training. Get your dog used to staying in a crate, as they may be crated during flights. Consider practicing short sessions at home to help them associate crates with positive experiences.
Additionally, practice basic obedience commands and socialize your dog so they feel at ease greeting strangers and unfamiliar environments. A well-trained, socialized dog is less likely to act out during air travel. Preparation helps reduce stress for both you and your pet.
Book Early and Ask About Special Accommodations
Reserve your dog’s spot on the flight as far ahead as the airline allows. Seating and cargo space book up quickly during busy seasons. You’ll also have more options to request accommodations like booking bulkhead rows for extra legroom. Consider asking for notes to be added about your dog’s needs, like instructions to provide adequate water breaks during long layovers.
My friend runs into issues whenever she tries to add her Saint Bernard last minute. Booking early gives you peace of mind and helps ensure your large pup has a comfy trip. Make animal travel a priority.
Pack All Necessary Supplies in an Escape-Proof Carrier
Whether your dog travels in cabin or cargo, they must be contained in an FAA-approved hard-sided kennel. Look for sturdy plastic or metal carriers labeled for in-cabin airline use. The carrier should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Within easy reach, pack important items like: a leash, collar with ID tags, a favorite blanket or toy for comfort, plastic bags for waste cleanup, and adequate food, water, and any medications your vet recommends. Double check the kennel has secure latches to prevent escapes mid-flight, as that could cause major delays. A secure kennel helps keep staff, other passengers, and of course your dog protected.
Prepare Health Documents and Consider Sedation
Most airlines require a health certificate from your vet dated within 10 days of travel. This proves your dog is fit to fly and proves vaccinations are up to date. Some countries also require an international veterinary health certificate and rabies titer tests for entry.
If your pooch tends to get anxious, discuss sedation options with your vet. Mild sedatives may help them relax through noise, activity changes, and unfamiliar handling during travel. However, sedate your pup only if absolutely necessary, as it could cause health risks in some dogs. Consider non-drug options like calming treats or supplements first.
Check-In Procedures Vary by Airline and Airport
Ask your airline about check-in deadlines and requirements for travel with pets. Some airlines require you to check-in at the ticket counter before getting to security, while others allow curbside check-in. Know the specifics to avoid last-minute hassles. Also find out if you need to take your dog through security yourself or if they’ll be checked curbside and go straight to the cargo area or baggage hold.
Be prepared for extra screening of your dog’s kennel and documents at check-in. Set aside extra time as procedures can take awhile. I once barely made my flight because of a long line at the ticket counter with other pet owners. Leave yourself a cushion for potential delays.
Stay with Your Dog Until Departure
If your large dog must fly in the cargo hold as checked baggage, most airlines allow you to stay with them until loading. Remain by your pooch’s carrier to help keep them calm when personnel start handling the kennel. Make sure they have access to food, water, and can eliminate as needed right up until boarding. Say your goodbyes comfortingly without excess upset to reassure them.
While it may be hard, try not to worry too much once onboard. Flight crews are trained to tend to cargo animals with care. Just relax knowing your furry friend is in good hands. Focus on enjoying your trip while they snooze through the flight.
Prepare for Pickup and Reunion
Know the baggage claim area where your dog will arrive and approximately what time based on flight arrival times. Dogs traveling in cargo need time to disembark before being sent to baggage claim. Have open kennel, leash, and waste bags ready for when they roll in. Remain calm and lowkey during pickup to avoid overexciting your pup after their journey.
Once reunited, keep an eye on your pet for signs of distress like lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea in the next 12-24 hours. Contact your vet promptly if any issues arise. With prep work and care, flying need not be a scary experience for large dogs – just remember to treat them with TLC at each stage of air travel. Safe travels to you and your furry friend!
I hope these tips help ease your mind about flying with a big dog. Let me know if any other questions come up! With some patience and planning, you can take Fido along for fun trips. Happy travels!
Airline Considerations for Flying With Your Large Dog
| Airline | Weight Limit | Crate Size | Advance Notice | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | 70 lbs | Hard-sided, at least 17x13x11 inches | 48 hours | $125 each way |
| American | 100 lbs | Hard-sided, at least 19x13x13 inches | At least 1 day | $125 each way |
| United | 100 lbs | Soft or hard-sided, at least 18x14x7.5 inches | At least 2 hours | $125 each way |
| Alaska | 75 lbs | Hard-sided, at least 21x17x13 inches | 48 hours | $125 each way |
| Southwest | No pet limit | N/A – pet flies in cargo hold in carrier or crate | At aircraft boarding | $95 each way |
FAQ
-
Can I bring my large dog on the airplane as a carry-on?
Basically, most airlines will not allow dogs as carry-on luggage no matter how big or small. Dogs must be transported as checked baggage down in the cargo hold. You can’t have Fido on your lap or under the seat no matter how well-behaved. Bigger dogs would definitely not fit in those tiny airplane bathrooms either if an accident occurred!
-
What size dog can fly as checked baggage?
The maximum size limits for checked pets usually is around 20 inches tall at the shoulder or weighing under 100 pounds. I guess airlines figure anything bigger than that could sort of pose issues with balancing the pressure changes and cramped conditions in the cargo hold. You’ll need to verify your specific airline’s rules though.
-
How much does it cost to check a large dog on a plane?
Most airlines charge around $100-300 per direction to transport an animal as cargo. But no offense to dogs, that seems like quite a steep fee for your pet ride! At the same time, I guess the airlines have to cover the extra paperwork, special handling, and liability if something were to happen on the flight. Perhaps the cost could be worth it for an important trip, but otherwise it’s a hefty expense.
-
Can I sit with my dog in the cargo hold?
Unless you’ve got an awesome invisible crate or are part dog yourself, there’s absolutely no chance you’ll be joining Rover down in the belly of the plane. The cargo areas are strictly off limits for humans. Crews handle checked pets as freight following DOT regulations. It would be quite dangerous for people to be back there with all the machinery and pressurization changes. Sorry bud, but it’s a solo flight for pooch whether he likes it or not!
-
What steps do I need to take to fly with a large dog?
To travel with an oversized pup, you’ll need to contact the airline well in advance, purchase a ticket for the dog as cargo, submit vaccination and health records, use an approved animal carrier or crate, and bring along paperwork and ID tags. The process takes planning unlike just hopping on a plane yourself. You’ll also want to consider things like getting your dog comfortable traveling before the big day. Otherwise it could be quite the unpleasant experience for man’s best friend!
-
Are there any airlines better than others for large dog transport?
From what I’ve read online, some dog owners basically say all airlines are kinda awful for transporting live animals due to the risks involved. However, it appears Delta may have a small edge regarding things like temperature controls, tracking, and claims processes. Or perhaps a non-commercial charter could be a better option if you’ve got amazingly deep pockets. But is putting a dog through flying really worth the hassle and stress no matter how “good” the airline is? I’m not so sure.
-
Is it really safe and humane to fly large dogs as cargo?
That’s a fair question that many dog lovers ask. While most pups make it safely, there’s always a chance something could basically go wrong like mechanical issues, delays, mishandling by crews, or poor vetting of carriers. And the conditions down there are kinda tight and loud for an animal used to human companionship. So some experts argue that very large or high-risk breeds might be better driving long distances instead of enduring airline travel if possible. It’s a tough call without a surefire right or wrong answer.