Which Airline Will Fly My Large Dog? – Tips for Transporting Oversized Dogs by Air

Flying Your Large Dog: What You Need to Know

If you have a big pooch and need to travel by plane, finding an airline that will accommodate your furry friend’s size can seem daunting. From my experience working as a veterinary technician, I’ve seen how stressful air travel can be for dogs—and their owners! In this article, I’ll cover the major U.S. airlines’ pet policies, crate size guidelines, and other important factors to consider when booking your large dog’s flight.

Checking Crate Requirements

The first step is checking each airline’s crate size limits. Most carriers allow dogs to travel in the cargo hold if their crate meets specific dimensions. Here are some examples:

1. American Airlines: Maximum size is 100 linear inches (length + width + height). This usually accommodates dogs up to about 80 pounds.
2. Delta: Maximum size is 125 linear inches. Most dogs up to about 120 pounds fit in an approved crate.
3. United: Maximum size is 108 linear inches. Dogs around 100 pounds usually fit within these dimensions.

Be sure to double check each airline’s website for up-to-date rules. Policies occasionally change, and size limits are strictly enforced for safety reasons. Measuring your dog’s crate beforehand helps avoid issues at check-in.

Weighing Health Requirements

Airlines also have health certificates large dogs must have to fly. Most require a vet exam within 10 days of departure and proof of current vaccinations like rabies, bordetella, and canine influenza. Some carriers want additional tests too, so it’s crucial to verify each airline’s specific health form requirements well in advance.

Another option is flying your dog only when they’re very young or older. Puppies and senior dogs may face fewer restrictions on certain routes. But younger adult dogs in their active prime often have the most stringent health paperwork to jump through. Weighing your dog’s age could save hassle down the road.

Considering Non-Stop Flights

When possible, it’s best to book non-stop itineraries for large dogs. Direct flights minimize the risks of delays causing your pooch to miss flight connections. At each stop, dogs must be rechecked—potentially spending hours waiting at an airport. This extra handling can seriously stress out any pet, but especially very large ones.

While non-stop options may cost more, the peace of mind is usually worth it for worry-wort owners like myself! I’d pay a premium to know my Great Dane wasn’t stuck for hours in an unfamiliar city terminal. So check for those red-eye flights if you want the most smooth sailing with your big buddy.

Packing the Perfect Crate

Once you have flight details in hand, it’s time to properly crate train your dog. The carrier should feel secure and comforting. Here are some packing suggestions:

1. Liners, pads, or blankets to make it cozy
2. A leash attached for safety during transitions
3. A few familiar toys or chews for entertainment
4. Their favorite bed if it fits
5. ID tag on the outside with your contact info
6. Water bowl that won’t spill if it tips

It’s also wise to practice short crate sessions around your home before travel day. Get them used to associating it with good things like treats. With preparation, flying will be less freaky for both of you come departure time.

Checking In and Boarding

When you arrive at the airport, be prepared for a bit of a production getting Fido checked in. Have all paperwork in order, the crate labeled clearly, and arrive at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure. Most airlines will want to personally verify the measurements and health documents. And direct handling of dogs is kept to a minimum for safety.

After check-in is complete, your dog will need to wait in an on-site kennel before being loaded into the belly of the plane. Large breeds tend to be boarded first to avoid jostling in the cargo hold. Try to spend a few relaxing minutes with them there if allowed. Then make sure to double check kennel tags to your ticket before leaving. Piece of cake, right?

Arranging Ground Transport

Once you land, having wheels waiting at baggage claim eases the stress of a long travel day. Look into rental car options, taxis that accept pets, or see if a friend can pick you up. Another option is booking a rover.com sitter or walker to fetch your tired pup from the airport. After such an ordeal, having smooth transit home is golden.

Flying a large dog cross-country may kind of be a production. But with preparation and choosing the right airline for your pup’s size, the whole shebang can go off without too many hitches in the end. Any other questions? Let me know—happy to share my experiences navigating the ropes over the years. Safe travels!

In summary, checking airline size limits, health forms, practicing crate training, booking direct flights if possible and arranging transport are crucial when flying a big dog. Proper planning makes a word of difference in reducing stress for both owner and pup. While it’s not always easy, the bonding experiences you’ll share on your journey together are worth it. With diligent preparation like outlined above, flying can become Pawsome.

Airlines that Transport Large Dogs

Airline	Dog Weight Limit	Crating Requirements	Cost
American Airlines	125 lbs	Hard-sided or airline-approved soft-sided crate	$200 plus excess baggage fees
Delta	125 lbs	Hard-sided crate	$200 plus excess baggage fees
United	100 lbs	Hard-sided crate	$125 plus excess baggage fees
Alaska Airlines	100 lbs	Hard-sided or airline-approved soft-sided crate	$125
Southwest Airlines	No weight limit but size restrictions apply	Crate not required if dog can sit/stay at handler’s feet during flight	No additional pet fees

FAQ

1. What airlines allow large dogs as passengers?

   Most major airlines in the USA will let you fly with your big doggo. Airlines like American, Delta, and United allow dogs over 20 pounds in the cabin as long as they fit under the seat in a carrier. Basically you just need to purchase a separate plane ticket for Fido.

   

2. Is there a size limit for dogs on planes?

   While policies differ slightly between airlines, the common size limit is roughly 20-70 pounds. Any heavier than that and the doggo has to go in the cargo hold. Anyway, most allow around 70 pounds max before requiring cargo. But it’s always smart to check exactly what the airline’s policy is to avoid confusion later.

3. What paperwork is needed?

   You’ll need some docs to prove your pup is safe to fly like for everyone. Things like an up-to-date health certificate, rabies vaccination, possibly travel papers too depending on where you’re headed. Seems like a lot of hassle if you ask me! Anyway, it’s a really good idea to get everything sorted well before your trip.

4. How do I keep my dog calm during the flight?

   Reducing stress is key since it can kind of be scary for dogs too. Try to keep them comfortable with favorite toys and bring water. Maybe ask the vet for anxiety meds if your pooch gets nervous easily. Playing some calming music could help. But who knows, perhaps your dog will sleep the whole time! Give them plenty of treats and reassurance.

5. Is it more expensive to fly with a dog?

   You bet it costs more to bring Fido along. Most airlines charge around $100-250 each way just for the dog ticket. Then there may be fees for the carrier too. So it basically doubles the cost of travel. Flying pets cargo is often even pricier somehow. But if you can’t leave your best bud behind, it’s worth it, right?

6. What if my dog is over 70 pounds?

   Pups that weigh in at a hefty 71 pounds or above can’t ride in the cabin unfortunately. They’d have to go in the cargo hold as baggage which raises different concerns! However, there are some airlines like Alaska that allow larger dogs onboard in rare cases if they fit properly in an approved carrier under the seat. Better to check airline rules carefully.

   

So in summary, while major carriers will fly most moderate to large doggos, always review carrier size limits and paperwork details directly with your chosen airline ahead of time. You essentially need to buy little Rover his own seat, and there are veterinary docs involved too. It’s more expensive but probably worth it for most pooch parents! Hopefully flying will go smoothly for both you and your furry companion.