Which Airlines Allow Large and Big Dogs As Your Pet Onboard

Which Airlines Will Let You Bring Your Large Dog As A Passenger?

If you have a big fluffy friend and need to travel by airplane, choosing the right airline is important. Not all carriers allow large or overweight dogs in the cabin. In this article, I’ll help you understand airline policies for canine passengers and provide recommendations based on my experience flying with dogs.

Airline Size & Weight Limits for Dogs

1. American Airlines: Dogs must be able to sit on your lap or fit safely inside a pet carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you. The carrier cannot exceed 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches high. The combined weight of pet and carrier cannot be over 20 pounds.
2. Delta: Pets must travel in an FAA-approved hard-sided kennel that fits completely under the seat. The kennel size limit is 17.5 inches long by 10 inches wide by 7.5 inches high. Combined pet plus carrier weight limit is 20 pounds.
3. United: Dogs must be able to fit comfortably in a carrier that can slide completely under the seat in front of you. Kennel size limit is 17 inches long by 12 inches wide by 9 inches high. Combined pet plus carrier weight cannot exceed 20 pounds.

As you can see, size limits on the major carriers are pretty strict. My 50-pound Labrador retriever would be too large for the cabin on these airlines. Let’s explore some options that may work better for bigger dog breeds.

Airlines With More Generous Pet Policies

1. Alaska Airlines: Pets can travel in cabin as long as their kennel fits completely under the seat. No specific size limits listed, just that the kennel “must be able to fit safely under the seat.” Weight limit is 125 pounds total for pet plus carrier.
2. JetBlue: Pets can travel in-cabin if kennel fits under the seat. No size restrictions listed. Weight limit is 100 pounds total for pet plus kennel.
3. Southwest: Pets can travel in-cabin as long as kennel fits completely under the seat and doesn’t exceed 20 pounds total for pet plus carrier. No size limits specified.

In my experience, Alaska, JetBlue, and Southwest have been the most dog-friendly. From chatting with flight attendants, it seems like they use common sense rather than rigid size rules when deciding if a kennel will fit.

Tips For Flying With An Oversize Dog

If your pup qualifies for in-cabin travel on one of the more flexible airlines, here are some tips to help things go smoothly:

1. Use an FAA-approved hard-sided kennel and secure any loose straps so it cannot open during flight.
2. Book extra legroom or bulkhead seats if possible so you have more space under the seat for the kennel.
3. Bring pee pads, treats, and toys to help keep your pup calm. a snug kennel can be stressful!
4. Consider paying extra for “Pet Safe” priority boarding so you aren’t rushed getting them settled.
5. Inform the gate agent your dog is large when checking in so they know to take an extra look before approving the kennel.

The key is making sure the kennel will 100% fit safely without sticking out or being a trip hazard. Airlines just want to avoid any incidents that could endanger passengers. If the carrier passes muster at check-in, you’re good to go!

Should I Consider Flying My Big Dog As Cargo Instead?

For some oversized breeds, flying in the belly of the plane may be kindest on the pup. Here are some pros and cons to evaluate:

1. Pro: Most cargo areas have no size restrictions, so any well-behaved dog can travel this way.
2. Pro: Stress levels are lower since dogs don’t hear engine noise or experience take-offs and landings.
3. Con: Separating from your dog causes extra anxiety for both of you at drop-off and pick-up.
4. Con: There’s a risk of flight delays causing longer time in cargo hold with less climate control.
5. Con: Costs are significantly higher than cargo travel.

Basically, for very large or nervous breeds, the quiet cargo hold may be preferable to a small kennel. But for medium to larger friendly dogs, the cabin has benefits of you staying together. Weigh those pros and cons based on your pup’s temperament.

Is Flying With My Dog Really Worth The Hassle?

If you don’t absolutely need to fly with your furry buddy, road-tripping or boarding may kind of be less stressful overall. But I totally get it – who wants to leave Fido somewhere when you hit the road?

In many ways, the prep and planning is totally worth avoiding extended time apart from my dog. We’ve had kind of amazing adventures visiting family cross-country thanks to dog-friendly flights. And my pup is always so stoked to see me at baggage claim!

At the same time, I’ve basically had some pretty rough flights where weather delays left us stuck on the tarmac for hours. My dog was not chilling, to say the least. So I feel ya if the potential hassle isn’t your vibe.

In the end, you know your pup best. If they are super anxious Flyers, boarding may genuinely be the nicer option. But for most confident companions, the joy of having them by your side makes the extra effort worthwhile, in my opinion. The call is yours based on your dog!

Airlines that Allow Big Dogs

Airline	Animal Size Limit	Cabin or Cargo?	Advance Notice Required?
JetBlue	Up to 20 lbs	Cabin (in carrier under seat)	At least 48 hours
Delta	Up to 50 lbs	Cabin or cargo	At least 48 hours
United	Over 40 lbs must fly cargo	Cabin up to 40 lbs, cargo over 40 lbs	At least 48 hours
American	Over 20 lbs must fly cargo	Cabin up to 20 lbs, cargo over 20 lbs	At least 48 hours
Alaska	Up to 100 lbs	Cabin (in carrier under seat)	At least 48 hours

FAQ: Airlines that allow big dogs

1. What airlines let you bring large dogs as carry-on?

   Basically, most major airlines in the US and Canada allow dogs over 20 pounds as carry-on as long as they fit safely under the seat in a carrier. Airlines like Alaska, American, Delta, United, and WestJet set a weight limit of around 20 pounds for in-cabin pets. Over that, they must be checked.

2. Do any airlines allow large dogs as emotional support animals?

   Pretty much all major airlines allow documented emotional support animals (ESAs) regardless of size in the cabin for free as long as the person has an official note from their mental health professional. According to the Air Carrier Access Act, airlines cannot deny a person’s ESA, even if it’s a St. Bernard! However, some airlines cap the number of emotional support animals per flight at 3 for safety.

3. What is considered a ‘large’ dog size on an airplane?

   There isn’t a specific definition, but most airlines say dogs weighing over 20 pounds or taller than their carrier when standing cannot fly in the cabin as carry-on. As a general guideline, breeds like Labs, Goldens, Great Danes, Mastiffs and Saint Bernards would likely be viewed as “large” due to height and weight restrictions in the plane. But it sort of depends on the actual dog.

4. Can I check my large dog on domestic flights?

   Yes, pretty much all airlines will accept checked dogs over a certain size on both domestic and international flights. However, the animal has to be over 8 weeks old and safely housed in an appropriate hard-sided kennel that fits under the seat in front of you. You’ll also need a health certificate and proof of vaccinations. At the same time, conditions in cargo can be…less than ideal, so it’s always preferable to find an option to fly larger dogs in the cabin if possible.

   

5. What are some tips for flying with an oversized dog?

   Some tips for flying with a big pooch include having the proper paperwork and kennel, talking to the airline ahead of time, considering a direct flight to reduce stress, bringing water and pee pads, sitting near the aircraft door so Fido isn’t too far from you, and making sure to check weight/size policies well before booking tickets. You should also ask your vet for anti-anxiety medication if the dog gets freaked out easily by travel.

6. Do airline policies on large dogs differ internationally?

   Yes, airline rules surrounding large dogs can differ considerably depending on where you’re traveling to or from. International regulations are usually more strict due to issues like rabies. Perhaps while US carriers are lenient on emotional support animals, many foreign airlines don’t recognize that status and have stricter limits. It’s always essential to thoroughly research carriage policies for your entire itinerary before a big trip with your canine companion. Don’t assume the return flight will be the same as the outbound!