Where to Seat Large Dogs on an Airplane – Tips for Flying with Your Big Furry Friend

Flying with Fido: What You Need to Know About Transporting Large Dog Breeds by Air

Whether you’re relocating, taking a vacation, or have an emergency that requires air travel, transporting your big breed dog on a commercial flight can seem daunting. As an avid traveler with large dogs, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges getting my pooches to their destination by plane. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know to make flying with your furry friend as stress-free as possible.

Figuring Out Regulations

The first step is understanding airline regulations for canine passengers. Most carriers only allow dogs in the cargo hold or as a carry-on in the cabin if they meet specific size and breed restrictions. From my experience, regulations can vary between airlines so it’s important to check requirements for your selected flights well in advance. Pay close attention to dimensions like height, length and weight limits.

Many airlines only accept dogs under 20 pounds as cabin pets that can sit at a passenger’s feet under the seat in front of them. If your pooch exceeds this, they’ll need to go in the cargo hold as checked baggage. Some carriers make exceptions for service or emotional support animals with proper veterinary documentation.

Booking Process

Once you know your dog qualifies to fly in-cabin based on size, the booking process typically requires:

1. Purchasing a ticket for your pet just like a passenger. This usually costs $100-200 each way depending on airline.
2. Providing veterinary health records showing vaccines are up-to-date, especially rabies.
3. Supplying a suitable carrier or crate that fits under the seat in front of you for takeoff and landing.

Be sure to book pet tickets early as some flights may have limited space. I’ve found it’s best to purchase at the same time as your own ticket to ensure you all end up on the same flights. Notify the airline if you need to make changes later on.

Preparing for the Big Day

Getting your pet accustomed to flying takes diligent training well before your trip. From my experience, starting crate training early is key so they associate it with comfort, not punishment. Get them used to carrier travel by taking short pleasure trips to get them accustomed to car and airport noises.

Be sure to follow pre-flight fasting guidelines which usually require withholding food for at least 4-8 hours before a flight to reduce vomiting risk from anxiety or pressure changes. Also consider anti-anxiety medications prescribed by your vet if your dog tends to get freaked out easily.

On travel day, arrive at the airport extra early to allow time for check-in. You may need to use a pet relief area before security screening. At the gate, have leash, pee pads, water and treats ready to keep your pooch occupied in-flight.

In-Cabin or Cargo?

For large dogs, cargo hold transport is usually inevitable due to cabin size restrictions. While it may seem risky, modern pressurized holds are temperature controlled and equipped with video monitoring. The time spent in cargo is also usually quite short for direct flights.

However, conditions can vary between airlines so it’s understandable to worry. If possible, try booking nonstop itineraries to minimize total cargo time. Adding an anxiety wrap or pheromone diffuser may also help soothe your pet. Most experts agree properly crated cargo travel poses minimal threat to healthy dogs.

The final choice depends on your comfort level and individual dog. With ample training and precautions, cargo transport need not be overly traumatic. But if your pet has known anxiety issues, in-cabin may worth pushing the size limits or requesting emotional support documentation.

Arrival and Beyond

Upon arrival, be among the first to de-plane if your dog is traveling in-cabin. For cargo, inquire about estimated pickup times and head straight there. Check that your pet’s crate matches the assigned ID tag before opening. Give them water and take them directly outside if needed.

Monitor your dog closely for signs of distress in the days following any air travel. Extra love, playtime and healthy foods can help them relax after the experience. Most pups bounce back quickly once the initial stress wears off. But contact your vet promptly if issues like vomiting persist.

Planning, training and account for contingencies goes a long way toward smoother canine air travel. By putting in the preparation legwork upfront, you give your furry friend the best shot at enjoying the journey. Safe travels to both you and your pet! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Further Resources

For additional reading on flying with dogs, here are some trusted sites to check out:

• TSA Pet Transport Guidelines – Comprehensive rules on service and support animals as well as pets flying as cargo or in-cabin
• AKC Flying Tips – Excellent primer on regulations, training exercises and best practices from the American Kennel Club
• The Humane Society Air Travel Advice – Recommendations on health certificates, carriers, and general preparedness

I hope this overview helped provide clarity on flying with large dog breeds. Feel free to reach out if you have any other specific concerns

Traveling with Big Dogs by Airplane

Dog Weight	Where Big Dogs are Allowed on Airplanes
Over 20 lbs	Must travel in cargo hold as checked baggage. Exceptions may apply for service animals.
Over 50 lbs	Most airlines will require big dogs over 50 lbs to travel in cargo hold.
Dogs in Cargo	Make sure dog crate is IATA-approved. Allow extra time and paperwork for cargo check-in.
Exceptions	Emotional support animals or service dogs may be able to travel in cabin, depending on airline policy.
International Travel	Requirements and paperwork vary by destination country. Consult airline policies and check for vaccinations needed.

FAQ

1. Can big dogs fly in the cabin on airplanes?

   Most major airlines in the US and Canada allow dogs to fly in the passenger cabin as emotional support or service animals as long as the dog is house trained, remains on the floor at the passenger’s feet, and behaves properly. They need official documentation from a medical professional. Flying a big dog in cargo holds is risky due to weather extremes.

2. What size dogs are allowed in the airplane cabin?

   Airlines have different size and weight restrictions for animals in the cabin. Most allow dogs under 20 pounds on laps. Dogs over 20 pounds must have their own ticket and sit in a seat, usually the limit is around 70-80 pounds. Any larger and they’ll need to go in cargo, which is risky for the pup’s safety and comfort level.

   

3. Do dogs need a carrier on planes?

   Federal guidelines require all animals to be kept safely inside an enclosed carrier during the flight. The carrier needs to fit under the seat in front of the passenger. Carriers provide security and make boarding with pups basically effortless. Some airlines supply loaner carriers if you happen to forget yours at home.

4. What paperwork is necessary for an emotional support dog?

   Letters from medical professionals are a must to prove the pooch is truly an emotional support animal and not just a pet. Documentation should be recent and on official letterhead stating you have a disability and the pup provides emotional support. Airlines may ask for vet health records too. Don’t try sneaking in untrained pets!

5. Can I sit with my dog on my lap during flights?

   Unfortunately most large and extra large dog breeds cannot safely sit on a person’s lap during the full flight. Pups over 20 pounds must have their own seat and sit under the seat in front of you in an approved carrier. However, you may be able to hold smaller dogs on take-offs and landings if the carrier won’t fit.

6. What should I bring for my dog on the plane?

   Be sure to pack water, treats, toys, poop bags, possibly a collar and leash too. A lightweight blanket helps anxious pups feel cozy. ID tags on collars let crew assist if separated. For longer flights, lightly sedated dogs may snooze easier than rowdy ones. But sedatives require a vet’s consent. Fresh food and potty breaks are difficult mid-air, so try not to overload little bladders!

7. Is it worth it to fly with a large dog?

   Flying large dogs has challenges, but for some owners the convenience outweighs risks. With planning and precautions like practicing calm behavior in carriers, physically fit pups tolerate flying basically as well as we do. However, dramatic pressure and climate changes in cargo holds appear more stressful without human contact. But do dogs really enjoy flying as a fun “vacation”? Maybe not.

8. What are some alternatives to flying with big dogs?

   If a huge Husky seems too stressful on a plane, train travel allows stretches, potty breaks and you ride together. Driving yourself allows control over stops and pacing, great for huge novelty-seekers. However, gas and lodging drive costs way up! Animal transport services professionally chauffeur canine clients in luxury vans, easing worries. Boarding them where you’re going eliminates travel fatigue, as does leaving larger dogs with relatives.