Airlines That Let You Fly with Your Big Furry Friend
If you’ve got a large dog and need to travel by air, finding an airline that will accommodate your big furry friend can seem like a challenge. From my experience traveling with dogs both large and small, airlines often have size and breed restrictions that leave many pets and their owners stranded. But with a bit of research, there are actually some great options for flying with oversized dogs.
Delta Airlines
Delta is one of the most pet-friendly major carriers. They allow dogs over 20 lbs in the aircraft cabin as long as the kennel fits under the seat. The maximum size is determined by a measurement of length + width + height that cannot exceed 50 inches total, so Great Danes, Mastiffs and other giant breeds are often okay. Delta even offers a “Pet Safe Program” with climate-controlled kennels for an extra fee.
I’ve traveled with my Rhodesian Ridgeback on Delta a few times with no issues as long as his kennel fit the specifications. The flight attendants were also very accommodating when I asked for extra water. Just be prepared to show vaccination records and pay the pets fee ($125 each way for domestic flights). Overall Delta provides a reliable option for flying larger dogs domestically.
Alaska Airlines
At Alaska Airlines, dogs over 20 lbs can fly in-cabin as long as the kennel dimensions are no more than 28 inches long x 17 inches wide x 23 inches tall. This allows for dogs up to about 50-60 lbs. I know someone who flies their Bernese Mountain Dog puppies on Alaska several times a year with no problems. The fees are similar to Delta at $125 each way.
Another plus is Alaska Airlines’ policy of only one pet per passenger instead of two, so large breed owners won’t be competing for limited cargo space. Advance notice and vaccination records are required. In my experience, Alaska is a great West Coast option for traveling with mid-sized and smaller large breed dogs.
American Airlines
Unfortunately, American Airlines is the least friendly to giant breed dogs. Their maximum size restriction is much smaller at only 18 inches long x 14 inches wide x 9 inches tall. This pretty much rules out flying any dogs over 30-40 lbs in cabin on American.
However, they do allow checked pets up to 100 lbs in the cargo hold on domestic flights as long as the kennel fits in a specific cargo container dimensions. While not ideal due to the stress of being separated from owners, American cargo is temperature controlled for pet safety on grounded flights. Just know your pet will not be with you during the journey.
On the plus side, fees are lower than cabined pets at $125 each way for dogs up to 50 lbs. So it can work for medium to large breeds that don’t quite fit in-cabin on other airlines. Just be cautious of potential travel delays which are more risky for pets in cargo versus in the passenger area.
United Airlines
Similar to American, United has a very restrictive maximum kennel size for pets flying in-cabin of just 17 inches long x 10 inches wide x 7 inches tall. This size usually tops out at around 15-20 lbs depending on the dog’s dimensions. So most large breeds need to go as checked baggage on United.
The good news is like American, United allows dogs up to 100 lbs in their temperature-controlled cargo pet program on domestic flights for $125 each way. Now from my experience, United’s cargo process seems pretty disorganized compared to other airlines. Check-in times differ by airport and handling feels less seamless. So I’d rank them towards the bottom for large dog-friendly service.
International & Cargo-Only Options
Most international carriers and domestic cargo carriers like UPS have even stricter size policies around pets since safety regulations tend to be tighter. But hey, at least some options exist. For example, while Lufthansa bans pets over 14kg/30lbs internationally, you can usually fly larger pets than average on domestic European routes.
Cargo-only carriers like Pet Airways specialize in transporting pets over 40 lbs door-to-door with advance booking. Expect higher rates ($500+) but highly-trained staff and dedicated climate-controlled aircraft compartments. So these “air pet taxis” are worth considering for special situations like relocating or retiring very large dogs by air.
Make Sure to Prepare & Plan Ahead!
Regardless of which airline you choose, thoroughly read all policies and restrictions before your trip. I’ve heard too many horror stories of folks showing up at the airport with an oversized pet, no paperwork and getting denied boarding. Also consider the stress on dogs from travel when deciding if flying is worth it.
A few other tips from my experiences flying large pets: provide plenty of breaks during drive to airport, give sedative calming aids if needed to make them easier in kennel, pack kennel sides with opaque covering/blankets versus all plastic or wire doors. With some homework, you can often find airlines to accommodate flying man’s best furry friend no matter how big!
In summary, for in-cabin pets Delta and Alaska are generally top choices for larger dogs, while United and American offer checked baggage options. But do your research, prepare documents, acclimate pets to kennels and be willing to pay higher fees. With care and planning, we people and pets can continue to travel safely together by air.
Let me know if you have any other questions! Wishing peaceful travels for you and your companion whether staying on the ground or ready for take off to new adventures together. Size should never limit love when it comes to traveling with our canine family members.
Airlines That Allow Large Dog Travel
| Airline | Max Weight | Crate Size | Advance Notice | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | 70 lbs | Underseat or cargo | 48 hours | $125 each way |
| American | 70 lbs | Underseat or cargo | At least 48 hours | $125 each way |
| United | 100 lbs | Overhead bin or cargo | At least 48 hours | $200 each way |
| Alaska | No limit | Overhead bin or cargo | At least 48 hours | $125 each way |
| JetBlue | 70 lbs | Overhead bin or cargo | At least 48 hours | $125 each way |
FAQ
- Which airlines allow large dogs as cargo or in the cabin?
American Airlines, Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines basically let you bring dogs as cabin pets on some flights if they meet size and weight limits. On the other hand, dogs above a certain size must ride in the cargo hold. Dog owners ought to check the specific rules for each airline to ensure their pup meets guidelines. - What is considered a large dog by airlines?
Generally, airlines think of dogs weighing over 20 pounds or measuring over 18 inches tall as large dogs. However, the cutoff can differ by company. Most don’t let dogs above around 70 or 80 pounds fly as cabin pets. You gotta check the exact dimensions with each airline. - Do large dogs have to travel as cargo?
For the most part, yes – dogs exceeding size limits must go in the cargo hold below rather than the cabin. Nevertheless, emotional support animals or service dogs for disabled people may kind of get an exemption. Contact the airline in advance to verify the conditions for large dogs as support animals. - What are the risks of flying a large dog as cargo?
Flying a dog cargo means they’re in the unpressurized hold where temperature changes can be shocking. Too much noise down there also stresses animals out. Sadly, some dogs have gotten loose or injured on flights. However, most make it safely with the right precautions like a vet check, crate, and ID tag. You just worry more with large pooches down below. - Is it better to drive with a large dog than fly cargo?
Driving allows you to keep an eye on Fido in the car, stopping for walks and comfort breaks. Nevertheless, long road trips wear dogs out and come with driving dangers too. At the same time, cargo flights can stress dogs despite airlines’ care. Perhaps the safest choice depends on trip length versus your dog’s personality.
Consider Talking to an Expert
On the one hand, most vets and dog trainers basically say training a dog to feel at ease traveling, be it car or plane, takes lots of positive conditioning. Furthermore, an experience animal behaviorist may assist in reducing travel fears. But is it worth spending big bucks on that sort of special counseling? You’d have to decide whether the potential benefit outweighs the cost for your pooch!