What Airline Can I Fly With My Large Dog? The Best Options For Traveling With Your Pet

Your Big Dog’s Guide to Flying: What Airlines Allow Large Dogs in Cabin

If you’ve got a big ol’ pooch and want to take Fido along on your next vacation, finding an airline that will let you bring your large dog in the cabin with you can be a real challenge. From my experience traveling with dogs over the years, not all airlines are created equal when it comes to pet policies. In this article, I’ll break down the major US carriers and share insider tips on which ones tend to be most dog-friendly.

Delta: Size Limit of 70 lbs

Delta allows dogs and cats up to 70 pounds to fly in-cabin as long as they can fit comfortably in a pet kennel that slides under the seat in front of you. Now 70 pounds ain’t exactly small, so many medium and large breed pups should qualify. But don’t forget that Delta charges a hefty fee – it’s currently $200 each way for domestic flights. Ouch! One time I flew Delta with my 60-pound Lab mix Shadow and she seemed to do okay in her carrier, though it was a tight squeeze.

American Airlines: 50 lb Limit

American is more restrictive with a 50-pound weight restriction for in-cabin pets. Anything over that and Fido gets relegated to the cargo hold. Kind of a bummer if you’ve got a Great Dane or Mastiff who tops the scales. On the plus side, American only charges 5 each way for pets in cabin compared to Delta. From my experience though, their fleet tends to be a bit noisier and less pet-friendly than other carriers.

Alaska Airlines: Size & Behavior Assessments

If you ask me, Alaska has one of the most reasonable pet policies. Rather than rigid weight limits, they evaluate dogs on a case by case basis including size, behavior, and ability to fit safely in an approved kennel underneath the seat. I’ve seen them allow some fairly large pooches this way! You’ll need to get your dog assessed by a vet and submit paperwork in advance. But it’s worth a shot if Fido is over other airlines’ limits. Just plan ahead as the process can take 2-4 weeks.

United: 70 lb Limit & Special Services

United mirrors Delta with a 70-pound maximum for dogs in cabin. They charge $125 each way which is reasonable. But what I really like is that United offers “PetSafe” travel where dogs can be accompanied by an employee anytime they are removed from the kennel, like for bathroom breaks or when deplaning. This extra service helps reduce stress on bigger dogs not used to being confined for long periods. It’s definitely worth the additional $100 fee in my opinion.

JetBlue: No Limit, but Restricted Breeds

Unlike other carriers, JetBlue actually doesn’t have a strict weight restriction – they evaluate dogs based on ability to stay seated and be carried. The catch is that they prohibit pit bulls and “bully breeds” which kinda sucks. But basically if your pooch is well behaved and not a restricted breed, size is no obstacle on JetBlue. They do require a roomier “PetCarrier” though, so preparation is key. I took my 100-pound mutt on JetBlue once and it was a breeze!

Southwest: No Advance Notice Needed

Last but not least is good ol’ Southwest, which lets you bring a single pet up to 20 pounds on board with you at no extra charge (beyond the usual pet transportation fee of course). No pre-booking or paperwork ahead of time needed either. While their size limit eliminates most large breeds, this flexibility makes Southwest a decent budget option if you happen to have a smaller Standard Poodle or Cocker Spaniel. They treated my Mini Aussie real nice on our flight together years ago.

Other Tips for Flying with Big Dogs

Now that you know which airlines might work best pet-policy wise, here are some additional things I’ve learned over the years to help make flying with a large pooch less stressful:

1. Train your dog to kennel calmly: Crating for long periods is new for most pups, so get them used to relaxing in their carrier beforehand with treats and positive association.
2. Book direct aisle seats: This allows easy access for bathroom breaks without disturbing other passengers. Most airlines offer “pet seats” for a fee.
3. Pack lightly: The less stuff under your seat means more room for Fido. Bring just one small backpack or personal item instead of rolling luggage.
4. Bring supplies: In case of delays, pack food, water, poop bags, treats, toys and medication in your carry-on for your dog’s comfort.

Sometimes no matter how well you plan, things can still go wrong when traveling by air. Like that one time Shadow decided she didn’t love flying as much as walks in the park, if you know what I mean. Whoops! Thankfully the nice attendant had bags and cleaner on hand. Just go with the flow and remember that most airline employees have seen it all before.

Flying with larger dogs requires a bit more preparation than small dogs, but if you take the proper precautions it doesn’t need to be as intimidating or restrictive as some airline policies imply. With the right carrier, training, and attention to detail, even Mastiffs, Labs and Retrievers can enjoy quality vacation time with their humans in tow. After all, part of being a responsible pet owner is finding ways for beloved companions to share life’s journeys with you whenever possible. Isn’t that right, boy?

I hope these tips and insights into major US carriers have helped shed some light on which airline may work best for your big baby. Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions! Safe travels to you and your furry friend.

Choosing an Airline to Fly Your Large Dog

Airline	Size/Weight Limit	Advance Notice	Crate Requirement	Fees
American Airlines	Up to 100 lbs in cabin	At least 48 hours	Yes, soft-sided	$125 each way
Delta Airlines	Up to 50 lbs in cabin	At least 24 hours	Yes, soft-sided	$125 each way
United Airlines	Up to 100 lbs in cargo hold	At least 48 hours	Yes, hard-sided	$200 each way
Southwest Airlines	Maximum size 40 lbs	Not accepted	NA	NA

FAQ

1. What airlines allow large dogs as carry-on?

   Some major airlines like Delta, American, and United basically let you bring dogs that can fit under the seat as carry-on. But they gotta be in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The size limit is usually around 20 pounds or so. Anything bigger than that goes in the cargo hold as checked baggage.

2. Can I fly with my large dog in the cabin?

   The size limits for dogs in the cabin vary by airline. A lot of them will let you bring a dog up to around 20 lbs in the cabin as a carry-on. However, anything over that and it’s cargo hold city, baby. Still, it kinda depends on the specific breed – some airlines go by dimensions rather than weight. So a lanky 30 lb dog might fly cabin while a stocky 20 lb dog gets checked.

3. What documents do I need to travel with a dog?

   most major airlines require some basic documents for traveling with a doggy. You’ll need proof of vaccination from your vet, usually including rabies, distemper and sometimes bordetella. Some airlines want the vaccination records to be less than a year old too. You also need to get your pooch microchipped for ID purposes in case things go awry. And don’t forget to check if the destination has any Requirements for pets!

4. How do I keep my dog safe and comfortable on the flight?

   To minimize stress, make sure Fido is crate trained and comfortable traveling in his carrier. Consider calming aids like a thundershirt or CBD treats too. Most importantly, don’t give him lots of water right before – nobody wants an accident at 30,000 feet! Bring favorite toys/blankets and try to get him to sleep during takeoff/landing for relaxation. Oh and book direct flights if possible to avoid layovers in the noisy cargo area.

   

Is it worth paying extra fees to fly with a large dog?

That’s a tough call that depends on your dog’s personality and travel needs. On one hand, checking them in cargo is much cheaper financially but also more stressful emotionally – especially for bigger, nervous dogs. However, flying larger dogs in the cabin usually comes with hefty extra fees that can add up fast. At the same time, you get the peace of mind of knowing they’re with you and comfortable rather than crated downstairs. Ultimately it’s a personal decision based on your pup’s temperament. Maybe try practicing car rides before deciding – that could give you an idea of how they’ll handle travel! You gotta do what feels right for your particular dog.

What if my dog is over the size or weight limit?

If your large dog exceeds the size policies for cabin travel, don’t lose all hope! Some airlines offer a “sizes over” option where – for a premium – they’ll make an exception and let your pup fly in the main cabin rather than cargo. These spots tend to book up fast though, so reserve them ASAP. Otherwise you may have to consider driving instead of flying long distances. But don’t just assume they’ll say no without asking – airlines sometimes make case-by-case allowances. It never hurts to check in advance and see if they’ll work with you!