Which Airlines Allow Dogs in Cargo Hold: A Guide to Pet-Friendly Airline Policies for Transporting Animals

Airlines That Permit Dogs in the Cargo Hold: Your Complete Guide

Whether you’re relocating across the country or taking a dream vacation, traveling with your furry companion can be stressful if you don’t know the rules. This guide will answer all your questions about which airlines let you bring Spot along in cargo.

Understanding Regulations for Pets in Aircraft Cargo

Before getting into specific carriers, it’s important to understand regulations governing pets in cargo. All airlines must follow guidelines set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to ensure animal safety. Here are the key rules:

• Only dogs and cats are permitted as cargo, no other pets.
• Animals must be at least 8 weeks old.
• A health certificate from a vet is required, usually within 10 days of your flight.
• Carriers provide temperature-controlled pressurized containers in the belly of the plane.
• Dogs cannot be in cargo during extremely hot or cold weather.

The containers are specifically designed with ventilation, usually a few dozen pets per flight. However, animals cannot be with you in the cabin due to safety and spacing constraints. Now that the basics are clear, let’s explore specific airline policies.

Major US Airlines Allowing Dogs in Cargo

From my experience of flying with pets several times, the big three US carriers – American, Delta, and United – all permit properly certified dogs in the cargo hold. Here are some key things to know about each:

American Airlines

American has a reputation for being very pet-friendly. They allow up to six pets per container to help socialize fearful fliers. However, extreme heat or cold could mean your pup sits the flight out. Check weather and blackout dates carefully. Fees range from $200-400 each way depending on route.

Delta Air Lines

Delta is most flexible regarding weather restrictions. If it’s too hot or cold at your destination, they may hold your pet onboard until conditions improve. This provides more reassurance. But Delta’s fees tend to be on the higher end at $250-500 each way.

United Airlines

United requires a health exam within 10 days of departure, tighter than others. But they are usually very on time and allow advance booking of pet space. Costs are reasonable at $200-300 each leg. Overall United strikes a solid balance of rules and value.

Major International Carriers with Pet-Friendly Cargo Policies

Flying across borders with pets adds another layer of documents and health checks. Here are a couple major international options:

Lufthansa

Throughout Europe and to many international hubs, Lufthansa allows dogs in the main cabin or cargo. Fees are about €75-150 each way depending on route, which is kinda affordable for international travel. They also have an online tool to check pet requirements country-by-country.

Air Canada

Within Canada and between the US and Canada, Air Canada transports dogs as cargo. Their fees are $200-350 CAD each leg, and they have helpful resources for documentation needs between nations. Service has always been smooth in my experience.

Low-Cost and Regional Airlines May Not Support Pet Cargo

Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier often don’t permit pets onboard or in cargo due to size limitations. And some smaller regionals flying puddle jumpers also restrict pets. It’s best to call and double check policies if you spot a cheaper fare.

Alternatives If Your Airline Doesn’t Fly with Pets

What if the one carrier serving your route has a no-pet policy? Here are some options:

1. Drive: For short-haul trips under 500 miles, consider driving with your dog in the car.
2. Fly a connecting route: Book multiple flights on pet-friendly carriers even if it takes longer.
3. Use a professional pet relocation service: They fly your dog commercial as extra luggage and meet you at the destination. Costs $500-1000 typically.

Tips for a Smooth Airline Pet Cargo Experience

To give your pooch the best flying experience possible, here are some recommendations from my practice:

• Book well in advance since carriers limit pet space each flight.
• Arrive hours before departure for check-in, paperwork review, and time in airport kennels.
• Provide favorite toys/blankets, but no food within 4 hours of travel.
• Consider calming supplements from the vet to help with stress.
• Discuss special needs like ESA letters if flying internationally.

With the right preparation, flying with pets cargo is very safe based on industry statistics. But it definitely takes more coordination than flying without animals. I hope this guide provides clarity on airline policies and what to expect.

Let me know if you have any other questions! Safe travels to you and your pup. Bon voyage!

Airline Pet Policies for Flying Dogs in Cargo

Airline	Accepts Dogs	Age Requirements	Crate Requirements	Health Form Requirements
Delta	Yes	Over 8 weeks	Hard-sided, ventilated	Vet health form
American	Yes	Over 10 weeks	Hard-sided	Vet health form
United	Yes	Over 10 weeks	Hard-sided, ventilated	Vet health form
Alaska	Yes	Over 10 weeks	Hard-sided	Vet health form
JetBlue	No	N/A	N/A	N/A

FAQ

1. Which airlines allow dogs in cargo?

   Many major airlines like United, American, and Delta allow dogs to be transported in the cargo hold as long as certain requirements relating to size, breed restrictions, health certificates, and container rules are met. Basically, dogs under a certain weight are allowed to travel as cargo on most big airlines.

2. What are the size limits for dogs in cargo?

   Size limits can differ by airline, but as a general rule, dogs must be small enough to fit in an International Air Transport Association (IATA) compliant pet carrier under the seat in front of you. Most airlines permit dogs up to around 20 pounds to travel in the cabin and larger dogs must go in the cargo hold, which sometimes has a weight limit of 100 pounds. Dog size is an important factor to check.

3. Are there breed restrictions?

   Certain dog breeds are banned from air travel altogether usually due to potential aggression. For cargo, some airlines prohibit brachycephalic (short-snouted) breeds like pugs or bulldogs on account of health risks from lower oxygen levels in the cargo hold. So, kind of like an individual airline’s policy on emotional support animals, restrictions based on breed do apply, unfortunately.

4. What health documents are needed?

   All dogs traveling as cargo must have a certificate from a vet saying they are fit to travel. The exam and certificate usually need to happen within a certain number of days of the flight. Some airlines also require a health certificate for rabies vaccination. Vets can provide the right documentation, so be sure to plan ahead and leave strong time for medical exams and paperwork.

5. What type of container is required?

   To be checked as cargo, dogs must be transported in an IATA-approved hard-sided kennel that complies with size and strength testing. Soft-sided carriers and bags don’t provide sufficient protection, so a sturdy kennel labeled with “Live Animal” stickers is basically mandatory for flying a dog in the cargo hold. The kennel must have good ventilation and be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably.

   

6. Is it safe to transport dogs as cargo?

   On the one hand, traveling with dogs in cargo does subject them to potential risks like extreme temperatures, loss of oxygen, and poor handling during loading and unloading. However, millions of pets do make the journey by air each year with no problems when proper protocols are followed. Air cargo is still considered safer than other modes of transport over long distances by land. Perhaps the key is doing thorough research to pick an airline with an excellent record on animal welfare and making sure all requirements are strictly adhered to.

7. What else should I consider when shipping a dog?

   Talk to your vet, search online reviews, and check directly with the airline to understand their policies and track record. It’s also important to consider things like avoiding very young, old, pregnant or nursing dogs for air travel if possible. Try to book nonstop flights to reduce risks of mishandling whenever you can. Maybe microchip your pet as an extra precaution in case of lost animals. Questions about tranquillizers are best discussed with your vet. Let me know if you have any other questions!