Airlines That Will Fly With Your Large Dog
As a frequent traveler with my Mastiff, Emma, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges finding airlines that will accommodate her 100-pound frame. From my experience, size restrictions on pets can vary significantly between carriers. In this article, I’ll outline the major U.S. airlines and their policies on large and extra-large dogs to help you plan your next pup-friendly trip.
American Airlines
American allows dogs up to 100 pounds in the aircraft cabin as long as they can sit at your feet under the seat in front of you. The cargo hold is also an option for furry friends over 50 pounds as long as there is available space. As one of the biggest airlines, American has direct flights to many locations, increasing the chances of bringing along your big boy or girl. A health certificate is required if traveling internationally.
Delta Airlines
While Delta has a maximum weight limit of 70 pounds for dogs in-cabin, they do offer a pet-friendly cargo program for larger pups over 50 pounds. I’ve transported Emma on Delta before in cargo with no issues. Just be sure to check in extra early when flying cargo critters to allow time to prepare your pet’s travel crate. Tranquilizers administered by your vet may help anxious flyers stay calm too.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest stands out for allowing dogs up to 75 pounds to ride with you in-cabin at no additional charge, unlike most carriers. The dog simply needs to fit safely on your lap or at your feet for the duration of the flight. This “dog-friendly” policy makes Southwest a top pick for owners of Labradors, Boxers and other medium to large breeds.
United Airlines
While United does accept dogs over 50 pounds as check-in baggage, I’d avoid them if possible due to some not-so-dog-friendly incidents reported in the news. Their size limit for in-cabin pets is also a strict 50 pounds maximum. To play it safe, you may want to consider alternative airlines with more generous pet policies when traveling a hulking hound.
Alaska Airlines
This West Coast airline allows dogs up to 75 pounds to ride in-cabin, which is kind of them. Perhaps their pilots draw inspiration from travelers escorted by sled dogs in Alaska! I also appreciate that pets over 20 pounds are only charged an extra $125 each way. As the saying goes, every dog has its day – even on Alaska Airlines planes.
JetBlue
JetBlue defines a “small” pet as under 20 pounds permitted in-cabin at no charge beyond the regular bag fee. Larger dogs must be checked as freight, which ensures they avoid stress from the unknown cabin environment. However, their freight service is competitively priced at $125 each way for pets up to 99 pounds.
Frontier Airlines
As a strictly budget airline, Frontier enforces tight size limits of 10 pounds or less for in-cabin cats and dogs. So big boys need not apply here. They also charge steep pet transport fees that may exceed typical shipping costs. In summary, Frontier is not the first option I’d choose for canine companions over 20 lbs.
Additional Considerations When Flying With Large Dogs
No matter which airline you end up booking, here are some tips that may help ensure a smooth travel experience for both you and your four-legged friend:
- Consult your vet 4-6 weeks ahead of any trip to obtain required documents like health certificates or vaccinations.
- Reserve your pet’s space early since some airlines limit how many animals are allowed per flight.
- Train your dog to feel at ease in their travel crate well before departure day. Use it as a bed and feed them inside to establish positive associations.
- Consider sedation or calming aids for nervous flyers if recommended by your vet. But don’t drug aggressive dogs.
Also, be sure to review each airline’s policies on extremely large dogs over 100 pounds as restrictions do tighten further for extra-extra-large breeds. With some research and pre-planning, many carriers do offer viable options to include your furry family member on next summer’s beach vacation. Just take the size of your dog into account. With patience, finding an airline match is possible!
In the end, every dog deserves to create lasting road trip memories with their favorite humans. I hope these tips give you some ideas to start exploring flight possibilities with your big precious pup. Don’t hesitate to ask your vet for additional advice tailored to your dog’s individual needs. Safe travels to all canine companions out there!
Airlines That Allow Large Dog Travel
| Airline | Maximum Weight | Maximum Size | Crate Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | 75 lbs | No size limit | Yes, soft-sided only | Soft-sided crate fits under seat |
| American Airlines | 125 lbs | 32″ including paws | Yes | Hard-sided crate checks as baggage |
| Delta Airlines | 100 lbs | 30″ including paws | Yes | Hard-sided crate checks as baggage |
| JetBlue | 150 lbs | 40″ including paws | Yes | Hard-sided crate checks as baggage |
| Southwest Airlines | No weight limit | No size limit | No | No crate required, dog must remain in carrier. |
FAQ
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Which airlines allow big dogs as carry-on?
Most major airlines in the US basically let you bring dogs under 20 pounds as carry-on. Some big dogs might fit in carriers that are permitted as personal items, but you will need to check with the airline directly. Delta and American allow larger dogs if they can fit under the seat in front of you in an approved carrier.
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Is there a size limit for checked dogs?
While policies differ, many carriers limit checked dogs to roughly 70 pounds or less. Nevertheless, some airlines sort of allow pets slightly larger than that if you buy them an extra seat ticket. Always check the airline rules carefully for size and weight limits to avoid unhappy surprises at the airport.
What paperwork is required for an airline pet?
Most airlines demand a health certificate from your vet saying your pet is fit to fly. This certification is valid for a certain period, so double check the dates. On top of that, you’ll need a Transport Isolation Form if your destination requires quarantine. Perhaps obtaining copies of all documents beforehand, through your vet, could save some hassle at check-in.
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Can an emotional support animal fly as carry-on?
While rules differ, an ESA (Emotional Support Animal) may travel with you in the cabin if you have official paperwork from a mental health professional. However, at the same time, airlines are tightening policies as some folks try to pass off pets as “emotional support” to dodge fees. So definitely research the specific rules and bring proper certification to avoid complications.
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Is it difficult to fly with dogs internationally?
Flying with pets outside the country can be tricky due to different quarantine and vaccination rules. You must check well in advance if the destination allows pets at all. Rabies titers, kennel size regulations and microchipping may be required too. All in all, it kind of takes tons of planning to fly abroad with a furry companion. Nevertheless, planning thoroughly can make the overseas trip less stressful for you and your pet.
What steps can be taken to make a pet comfortable on a flight?
Calm your dog beforehand with calm treats or pheromone sprays from the vet. Bring its favorite blanket or toys too for comfort inside the carrier under the seat. Though air travel is exciting for humans, it can be stressful for pets nonetheless. Therefore, taking simple measures like these can help make the experience more tolerable for them. On top of that, ask your vet about safe calming aids for nervous fliers if needed.
Is it safe to sedate dogs when traveling by air?
While sedatives prescribed by your vet can help relieve travel anxiety in some dogs, others argue that tranquilizers may potentially do more harm than good. Experts say natural calming aids may work fine in many situations. Also, sedated animals can overheat quickly or even stop breathing if it’s very hot during the journey. Perhaps the best idea is consulting your vet, who knows your pet’s medical history, when assessing sedation risks versus benefits for any flight.