Which Airlines Permit Large or Oversized Dog Travel: Pet Policies Compared

Airlines That Allow You and Your Large Furry Friend to Fly

Whether you’re moving to a new home, going on an important business trip, or taking a family vacation, many travelers want to bring their dogs along. But if you have a large dog over 20 pounds, finding an airline that will accommodate Fido can be tricky. In this article, I’ll break down your options for flying with a big pup and answer all the common questions large dog owners have when considering air travel.

What qualifies as a “large” dog?

Airlines generally define “large dogs” as those over 20 pounds or about the size of a Beagle or Corgi. Some carriers may have even lower weight limits around 15-18 pounds depending on the specific breed. Always check the size restrictions for carry-on dogs with the airline before booking your flight to avoid issues at check-in.

Which airlines accept large dogs as carry-on items?

Your best bets for flying with a big pooch in the cabin are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and United. Here are some details on each carrier’s pet policies:

1. Alaska Airlines: Allows dogs and cats over 20 pounds as cabin pets in approved hard-sided or soft-sided kennels that fit under the seat. Fees are $125 each way within the continental U.S.
2. American Airlines: Pets must be in carriers that fit beneath the seat. There is a maximum weight limit of 100 pounds for cats and dogs combined with handler. Fees are $125 each way within the U.S.
3. Delta: Dogs and cats over 20 pounds can fly in the cabin if their kennel fits under the seat. Fees range from $125-250 each way depending on destination.
4. JetBlue: Lets dogs and cats over 20 pounds in cabin pet carriers that fit under the seat. Fees are $125 each way within the U.S.
5. United: Pets over 20 pounds can travel in the cabin in carriers that fit stowed under the seat. Fees are $125 each way within contiguous U.S.

Is my large dog allowed as checked baggage?

While carry-on is preferable for your pooch’s well-being, some carriers will accept dogs too large for the cabin as checked baggage. Here are the main airlines that transport pets in the cargo hold along with any size/breed restrictions:

1. American: Dogs under 100 pounds total with handler. No brachycephalic (short-snouted) breeds in hot weather.
2. Delta: Dogs under 150 pounds total and no breed restrictions.
3. United: Dogs under 125 pounds total and no breed restrictions year-round.
4. Alaska: Dogs under 100 pounds or certain brachycephalic breeds year-round.
5. JetBlue: Checked pets not accepted but can travel as carry-on.

From my experience, check-in rules vary between airports so call ahead if traveling with an animal near the maximum size limits.

Can I buy an extra seat for my large dog?

While not all airlines permit it, you may be able to purchase an extra seat for a very large dog that cannot fit in the cabin as a carry-on. Policies on oversized pets include:

• Alaska and JetBlue do not allow additional seats for pets of any size.
• American, Delta, and United may allow an extra seat to be purchased for dogs over a certain weight, generally 50-80 pounds. An animal ticket is required.
• Contact the airline well in advance for approval if needed an extra plane ticket for an oversized pooch. Availability is limited.

Buying an extra seat does not guarantee your dog can sit there unrestrained, so always verify seating arrangement specifics beforehand.

What paperwork and vaccinations are required?

No matter which airline you choose, all pets need proper documentation to travel including:

• A health certificate from your vet within 10 days stating your dog has been vaccinated against rabies and is healthy to fly
• Proof of a flea/tick treatment if traveling between May and October
• International travel may require additional health exams and import permits
• Contact information for your vet in case records are needed
• Kennel must be cleaned, secure, well-ventilated, big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around, and have water available

I’d bring original documents plus extra photocopies in case lost. A microchip can also help ID your pup if misplaced.

What could go basically wrong? Potential issues to be aware of

While most pups arrive safely at their destination, flying with your furry companion does carry some risks. To be prepared:

1. Pets can be delayed, lost temporarily, or even injured in transit. Have contact numbers in place for transport issues.
2. Aircraft cabin pressure changes or noise could possibly spook sensitive dogs. Consider calming aids like CBD or pheromones.
3. Summer heat poses a threat, even in cargo holds without proper airflow. Avoid air travel on excessively hot days if possible.
4. Kennel size restrictions mean not all pets are comfortable inside carriers for 6+ hours. Keep expectations realistic.
5. Strict check-in times or gate changes could cause you to miss a flight if delayed getting through security in time. Allow extra minutes.

Insuring your pet for travel gives peace of mind in case of costly vet care. But honestly, large dogs sort of fly under the seat safely most of the time.

Alternative transportation if air travel is not an option

For those with 100+ pound pups or brachycephalic breeds barred from flights, other options include:

1. Driving your pup to the new location, taking several rest stops along the way for snacks, water, and potty breaks.
2. Hiring a professional pet transportation service van to drive Fido for you with a experienced handler riding along.
3. Putting your pet on a train in an approved kennel if making a continental U.S. move and your dog is small enough for train travel.
4. Relocating separately from your dog and having a friend or pet sitter drive or fly your pet once settled in at your destination.

Driving allows flexibility and your dog to stretch its legs periodically. Just be sure to plan extra time on the road for safety. Trains provide a gentler ride than planes, though cargo areas may not have heating/AC like airline bellies.

Final considerations for your large dog’s air travel

In summary, if you choose to fly with your big pup, thoroughly research airline pet policies, get certified paperwork in order, practice crate-training beforehand, and prepare for contingencies. But don’t forget that with some planning, it is absolutely possible for large breeds to enjoy airplane adventures too! Best of luck to you and your furry friend.

I hope this detailed guide has addressed all of your concerns and questions about transporting larger dogs via commercial air travel. Please let me know if any other issues come to mind – I’m always happy to help dog owners and their pets. Safe travels!

Major Airlines that Accept Large Dogs as Cabin Pets

Airline	Dog Size Limit	Cabin Restrictions
Alaska Airlines	70 lbs or under	In carrier under seat or in cargo hold; non-stop flights only
American Airlines	40 lbs or under	In carrier under seat; some breeds prohibited
Delta Airlines	50 lbs or under	In carrier under seat; non-stop flights only
Hawaiian Airlines	20 lbs or under	In carrier under seat; non-stop flights from mainland to Hawaii
JetBlue	Maximum 16 in carrier	In carrier under seat; online check-in required
Southwest Airlines	No size limit	In carrier in customer lap; non-aggressive breeds only
United Airlines	70 lbs or under	In carrier under seat or in cargo hold; advance notice and fees may apply

FAQ

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

   Basically, not very many airlines want a big ol’ dog in the cabin with you. However, some do allow certain large dogs to fly in the cabin if they meet size and training rules. Airlines like Delta and Alaska will let dogs up to 20 pounds ride in the main cabin with you as long as you pay a fee and show proof the pup is housebroken and well-behaved.

2. How big can a dog be to fly in the cabin?

   Most airlines set a weight limit around 20 pounds for dogs in the cabin. Alaska and Jetblue let dogs up to that size come along, while United’s limit is lower at just 16 pounds. But weight ain’t everything – the dog also can’t be too tall when standing! The usual height limit is around 9-10 inches. So it’s a close call for some big ol’ retrievers and German shepherds.

3. What are the restrictions for emotional support animals?

   Airlines are getting kinda stingy about emotional support animals these days. Now they want to see documents from your therapist saying you truly need Fido by your side to deal with anxiety or whatever. And despite rumors, airlines don’t have to let any animal over a certain size fly as an ESA. So it’s really only smaller critters like cats and pocket pups that get special privileges. Sorry big fellas, the gig may be up!

4. Can you bring dogs in the cargo hold?

   Putting your pup in the belly of the plane is an option, but it ain’t the best one if you can help it. Conditions down there can be rough – it’s loud, pressurized, and there’s no AC or bathroom breaks. In fact, some experts say the stress can even be fatal for certain dogs. However, if Fido is too huge or you have no other choice, most airlines will ship dogs over 20 pounds in the cargo area. You just need to use an IATA-approved carrier and check requirements for health papers, vaccines, and handling fees.

5. Is it safe to travel with large dogs by air?

   Well now, safety is always a concern when pal-ing around with pooches at 30,000 feet. But according to experts like vet behaviorists, flying with well-trained dogs under 20 pounds is pretty darn safe overall, and the risk of problems goes way up with bigger breeds. At the same time, some 80-pound mutts seem to take air travel just fine too. So perhaps it depends more on the individual pup than pure statistics. The key is knowing your dog’s limits, preparing properly, and choosing an airline that will treat them with care.

   

6. Are there rumors about smuggling dogs onboard planes?

   To be honest, the idea of sneaking a dog past airport security sounds like more trouble than it’s worth! But some claim it can be done by disguising larger pooches as service animals. ‘Though that seems a bit sketchy, as fooling screening staff risks serious fines or jail time if caught. It’s also kinda unfair to legit service dogs and their owners. Still, who knows – has anyone here successfully brought Fluffy onboard in a purse “just this once”? Let me know your stories, for research purposes of course!