Airlines That Will Let Your French Bulldog Fly with You in the Cabin
As a French bulldog owner myself, I know how much you want to include your Frenchie in your travel plans. But not all airlines are created equal when it comes to accepting dogs in the cabin. In this article, I’ll break down the major US carriers and their policies on French bulldogs flying in the main cabin with you.
Delta
Delta is generally pet-friendly when it comes to Frenchies. They allow dogs under 20 pounds to fly in the main cabin as long as they remain in an approved pet kennel that fits under the seat. The kennel must be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Delta charges a non-refundable $125 pet handling fee each way. From my experience, Delta flight attendants are used to seeing small dogs on board and will check that your pet kennel is properly secured during takeoff and landing.
American Airlines
American Airlines has a weight limit of just 18 pounds for pets to fly in-cabin. That extra 2 pounds could make a difference for some larger Frenchie breeds. Like Delta, American requires pets be kept in an IATA-approved kennel intended to fit under the seat. They also charge $125 each way. I’ve found American flight crews can be a bit more strict about disturbing other passengers, so a calm, well-behaved Frenchie is a must.
United
United Airlines has one of the lowest weight allowances at just 10 pounds for in-cabin pets. This makes United a no-go for most full-grown French bulldogs, unfortunately. You could potentially fly a very small Frenchie puppy in the cabin on United, but fully grown dogs would need to travel as cargo at significantly higher rates.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines breaks the 10-pound barrier by allowing dogs and cats up to 20 pounds to fly with owners in the main cabin. They require pets travel in an approved soft-sided carrier that fits completely under the seat. Like other carriers, Alaska charges a $125 pet handling fee each way. From my experience, Alaska flight attendants tend to be very pet-friendly and make an effort to check on furry passengers regularly during flights.
JetBlue
JetBlue passengers get a pet-friendly perk – dogs over 4 months and under 20 pounds can fly for free in the main cabin when traveling with their owners. JetBlue does not impose pet fees like other airlines. The tradeoff is pets must remain in an FAA-approved carrier at all times. Based on stories I’ve heard from JetBlue frequent fliers, their flight crews really embrace the no-fee pet policy and like interacting with well-behaved canine cabinmates.
Southwest
Southwest is one of the most liberal airlines when it comes to French bulldog cabin travel. They have no weight limit as long as your dog can sit quietly at your feet or on your lap for the entire flight without bothering other passengers. While this freedom is nice, some Frenchies tend to get anxious without the security of a carrier. Southwest also does not charge pet travel fees. From personal travel mishaps, I can say lap dogs on Southwest need flawless manners not to risk being banned from future flights.
Frontier Airlines
Unfortunately, Frontier does not allow any pets at all in the passenger cabin, even small dogs like French bulldogs. Your only option is to book your Frenchie as cargo at high rates. If flying Frontier, you’ll need to plan for pet-sitting or kennel boarding while traveling. While it’s too strict an approach for me, I can see why Frontier aims for pet-free cabins to appeal to those with pet allergies or fears.
Allegiant Air
Like Frontier, Allegiant has an outright no-pets-allowed policy in the cabin. Even well-behaved service dogs need to travel as air cargo on Allegiant. Their flights often have tighter legroom as well, so most dog owners likely avoid Allegiant altogether for their furry companion’s comfort and sanity during travel. Perhaps pets just aren’t part of Allegiant’s budget-focused approach.
Additional Tips for French Bulldog Cabin Travel
- Book early advance purchase economy fares: Most airlines reserve a few pet-friendly bulkhead rows at the front with extra legroom. These tend to sell out first.
- Bring documents: Make copies of vaccination records, health certificate if required, and be prepared to show ID for service or emotional support dogs as needed.
- Secure the pet carrier: Test it fits snug under the seat and can’t slide or shift during turbulence. Use zip ties if needed during takeoff and landing.
- Prepare your Frenchie: Work to desensitize them to carrier, noises, and being handled. Bring entertainment and water in an approved bowl to keep them content.
In summary, the airlines most pet-friendly to flying French bulldogs in the passenger cabin are Delta, Alaska Airlines, American, and JetBlue – as long as breed standards are met. The best route is booking nonstop flights on one of these carriers when possible to minimize stress on dogs. And of course, responsible pet ownership means only flying fit, healthy, well-trained dogs to avoid disturbing fellow travelers.
I hope this detailed breakdown of major US airline policies helps you determine the best options for transporting your French bulldog companion on future air travels. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any other questions! Wishing calm tailwinds for you and your Frenchie wherever life’s journeys may lead.
Airlines that Allow French Bulldogs in Cabin
| Airline | Requirements | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | Must fit under the seat in a carrier. Weight under 20 lbs. | $125 each way |
| American | Must fit under the seat in a carrier. Weight under 20 lbs. | $125 each way |
| United | Must fit under the seat in a soft-sided carrier. Weight under 20 lbs. | $125 each way |
| Alaska | Must fit under the seat in a soft-sided carrier. Weight under 20 lbs. | $125 each way |
| JetBlue | Must fit under the seat in a soft-sided carrier. Weight under 20 lbs. | $125 each way |
FAQ
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Which airlines allow french bulldogs in the cabin?
A decent number of major airlines allow french bulldogs in the cabin as emotional support animals or service dogs. This includes Delta, United, American, and Alaska. However, some smaller budget airlines may have stricter policies.
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Do I need any paperwork for my french bulldog on the plane?
Yes, in most instances you’ll need paperwork from your vet or doctor proving your french bulldog is healthy and trained. The paperwork must often be dated within a year. Airlines may ask for evidence your pup is not causing issues and stays under your full control at all times on the flight.
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Are there size or weight limits for cabin french bulldogs?
Sometimes. A lot of major airlines will allow french bulldogs under 20 pounds in the cabin, but it depends on the airline. Technically, many have a size limit of around 8 inches for when they must be in a carrier under the seat. However, smaller frenchies are usually fine roaming freely on your lap.
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What if my french bulldog starts barking or crying on the plane?
At the same time, most airlines have policies stating emotional support animals must remain under control and not disrupt other passengers. If a french bulldog starts causing a real ruckus despite your best efforts to calm them, flight staff may ask you to put them in a carrier or even be removed from the flight. Basically, well-behaved pups are permitted but no one wants a yappy pooch making a scene at 30,000 feet.
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Is it safe to fly with a french bulldog?
Despite possible doubts, many professional dog handlers and trainers agree it can be safe if you take proper precautions. Make sure your pup is accustomed to their carrier, keep them hydrated, and don’t overfeed them beforehand. Also, ask your vet for tips on keeping them comfortable through takeoff and landing when pressure changes can perhaps hurt tiny dog ears. Most frenchies tolerate flight just fine when properly prepared.
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Any success stories or funny anecdotes about cabin french bulldogs?
Of course, as always, your mileage may vary. You sometimes hear amusing tales of french bulldogs bringing a smile to passengers’ faces mid-flight and even posing for pictures with overjoyed fans. Then again, not every french bulldog is down for airborne selfies or high-altitude cuddles. And one friend recalls her frenchie stunningly chomped an entire bag of honey-roasted peanuts when she wasn’t looking! Nevertheless, responsible owners usually ensure happiness and hilarity without hassle.
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What should I do if the airline denies my french bulldog from flying in cabin?
As a strong advocate for dogs, I encourage being polite yet persistent. Kindly ask airline staff to double check policies and give valid reasons for refusal in writing. Several consumer groups can advise whether the denial seemed unjust or discriminatory. And if their explanation does not satisfy, explore alternative flight options or file a respectful complaint. Working together constructively often gets better results than heated arguments.