Flying with a Large Dog in 2024: Complete Guide to Stress-Free Travel with Your Big Dog

They say a dog is a man’s best friend, and nothing is more fulfilling than traveling around the world with your bestie. A recent survey with Forbes highlights that at least 33% of dog owners travel with their dogs on planes. While Instagram may be filled with photos of smaller dogs enjoying the view from an airplane window, flying with a large dog is challenging for owners and requires proper planning beforehand. 

This guide has everything you need to know before you travel with your big dog. We will explore travel options, airline regulations, and provide tips for a relaxing and stress-free trip with your four-legged friend. Keep reading this if you are a pet parent planning your next vacation.  

Can Large Dogs Fly on Planes?

While it may depend on every airline’s policy, the answer is generally yes. However, the experience of flying with a big dog is different from traveling with small breeds. Almost all airlines have predefined criteria for size and carrier. Your dog should comfortably fit under your seat in a carrier. This means you can easily take your poodles and pomeranians on board but not Huskies or Retrievers, unless they are certified emotional support or service animals. 

Don’t worry! Plenty of airlines still cater to large dogs and let them travel under certain regulations. You just have to stay updated with your chosen airline’s dog policies, as some may have stricter rules and regulations than others.

Traveling options for Large dogs

There are two ways your large dogs can fly on a plane, i.e., in the cabin, as checked baggage or cargo.

1. Cabin

This is usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think of flying with a large dog. Airlines allow you to take your dogs in an airplane cabin if they weigh under 20 lbs or can comfortably fit in a carrier under your seat. It is a convenient method if you have a small dog, but the under-seat space can vary in every aircraft, and some airlines have restricted the number of total pets allowed on a flight. 

Before booking your adventure, check out our comprehensive guide to all dog airline policies in 2024. This will keep you updated with the latest rules and regulations for traveling with a dog.

2. Checked Baggage or Cargo 

For dogs above 20 lbs, they can still fly in an aircraft but usually not in the cabin. Medium to large dogs usually travel with the passengers’ baggage in the cargo area. This is  a preferred method for many airlines, including Qatar Airways and Emirates, because it ensures the safety of both pets and passengers. Airlines take safety regulations regarding pet transportation very seriously. The dogs are placed in a separate, pressurized and temperature-controlled area of the cargo section. 

This is the most popular method of moving a pet from one place to another. Your beloved dog will be flying on the same flight as you, sitting away from the luggage stacks and any dangerous material.   

Preparing a Large Dog for Air Travel

Before making a booking, it is important to access your dog’s travel history. Have they been anywhere on a long trip? How do they react to unfamiliar people and the environment? How long can they comfortably sit in one place? Some dogs may travel easily, while others show anxiety due to their personality or health. From figuring out where they fly to making the flight relaxing, there is a lot of planning and preparation. We will discuss everything you need to know before flying with a large dog.

1. Visit the Vet

Before any other preparations, your first stop should be a vet clinic. Planning for a successful flight with a pet should begin at least 6 to 8 weeks before your flight and at least two weeks in case of a sudden trip. Check the documents and certificates required by your airline and destination country. These requirements may include:

• Blood tests
• Rabies vaccination 
• Microchips (for identification) 
• Traveling permit
• Health safety certification 

Double-check your dog for any ticks, flees, or contagious infections that could be a potential risk to other animals boarding the aircraft. 

2. Choosing a Pet-Friendly Airline

Pet-friendly airlines are those that have proper pet policies and regulations in place to make sure your pets fly safely and comfortably. Here is a list of some of the most pet-friendly airlines in terms of cost and flexibility: 

• Alaska Airlines: Allows dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds in the cabin (Fee $100)
• American Airlines: Only cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin (Fee $125) 
• Delta Airlines: Cats, dogs, and household birds can fly in the cabin (Fee $200) 
• Frontier Airlines: Dogs, cats, hamsters and household birds are permitted (Fee $99) 
• JetBlue Airways: Only allows cats and dogs in a carrier (Fee $125) 

Note: This fee is usually charged ‘per kennel’, and reservations should be made at the time of booking. For information about cargo transportation, visit the relevant airline’s website.

3. Long Flights vs. Layovers

Taking a direct flight when you are traveling with a pet is usually recommended. Most healthy pets can comfortably handle a 12-hour flight. More stops and layovers mean back-and-forth off boarding, which can be an added stress for large dogs, especially if they don’t get along with unfamiliar people. Also, the dogs are placed at a controlled temperature in the cargo area, and your layover destination’s temperature might not be suitable for them. It is recommended by vets to not expose your pets below a temperature of 45°F.

Choosing the Best Flying Carrier

Flying carriers or crates are the containers that are used to carry pets on flights and in cargo. You will have to bring your own carrier for the cabin dogs. Here are a few factors to consider before buying the best cabin carrier for your dog.

1. Size 

As we have already discussed, your dog must fit into a carrier placed beneath your seat for cabin traveling. Most airlines have strict regulations about the carrier size you can bring into the cabin to ensure animal comfort. If you are traveling with United Airlines, the maximum carrier size allowed is 17.5″ × 12″ × 9″. Similarly, American Airlines has restricted the kennel size to 18 x 11 x 11 inches (for soft-sided kennels).

Apart from airline compliance, choose a comfortable kennel or carrier for your dogs that allows them to sit, stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

2. Material

Ideally, a pet carrier should be lightweight and easy to carry. If your dog travels through cargo as check-in baggage, choose a reliable and sturdy material that doesn’t bend and stays firm during long flights. As for in-cabin dogs, a nylon and plastic carrier with soft inner linings makes your dog comfortable and snuggly. A good quality carrier should have ventilation from at least three sides. 

3. Acclimation

Your pet has to sit inside an enclosed box for multiple hours (sometimes 12 hours). This restricted movement can be overwhelming for dogs because they are naturally social and love interacting with others. If you are a frequent traveler, introduce your pet to a carrier and travel when they are young is one of the best ways to train your pet for travel. Start by driving around the city while keeping them in their carrier. This will gradually familiarize them with sitting for long hours in a confined space, reducing anxiety during air travel.  

Enjoying a Stress-Free Flight With a Large Dog

1. Exercise Before Flight

Provide plenty of exercise and physical activities for your dogs before a flight. This will help them burn excessive energy and remain calm on the flights. Most probably, they will keep sleeping for a long time.

2. Food And Water Intake

Feed your pets lightly before a long flight. A small snack with limited water intake is enough. The U.S. Department of Transportation suggests that you should not give your pet any solid food six hours before a flight. This is necessary to avoid an upset stomach or frequent need for relief in the crate.  

3. Calming Techniques

Air traveling is unpredictable at times, so are the pets. Dogs are extremely sensitive to pressure. Therefore, situations like flight turbulence can increase their anxiety and make them unsettled.

Consider keeping their favorite or familiar stuff in the kennel to ease their discomfort. It could be anything from their favorite toy, a familiar scent, or a blanket they love. These little techniques will reassure them that they are in a safe space.

Conclusion

Flying with a large dog needs planning and preparation. Understanding airline regulations, choosing the appropriate travel method, and prioritizing your dog’s comfort ensure you and your furry friend have an exciting traveling experience. Remember, a smooth flight starts on the ground. Vaccinate your dog, set up a comfortable kennel, prepare your dogs for flying in advance, and you two are now ready to explore the world together.

FAQs: Flying With A Large Dog

Can I take a large dog on a plane? 

Taking large dogs on planes as carry-on is usually not an option on most commercial flights. Airlines typically allow small dogs in a carrier with certain restrictions. 

What is the best airline to fly with a large dog?

While some airlines allow large dogs as checked baggage, there is no single ‘best airline’. It depends on factors like your route, pet fees, and pet comfort policies. Research pet policies of different airlines to find the best fit for you and your furry friend. 

What is the maximum size for a dog on an airline?

Airlines allow small dogs that fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat. Typically this would be a dog weighing about 20lbs. It is better to check the pet policy of the airline you are flying with for the latest information.   

Can I purchase a seat for a large dog on a plane?

Airlines don’t allow you to purchase extra tickets for your dog. While a few airlines might allow you to purchase an extra seat, your dog will remain confined in its carrier and not sit directly on the plane seat.   

Is it safe for dogs to travel through cargo? 

Cargo compartments are climate-controlled and pressurized, almost mimicking the environment of a cabin. However, it is important to consult your vet for a checkup to ensure your dog is healthy enough for cargo transportation.  

Is flying stressful for dogs? 

Flying can be stressful for dogs. It is an experience filled with unfamiliar sounds, sights, and confinement. You can minimize their travel anxiety with acclimation, calming techniques, and pre-flight exercises.