What airlines let huge dogs in the cabin?

While owners of smaller breeds of dogs can easily pack their furry companions in carry-on luggage, doing so with a big-sized one is more difficult. However, that doesn't mean you have to abandon your pet (which is something you want to avoid if you're traveling alone or moving to a new city). There are many choices for travelling with a large dog, whether you are relocating, going on holiday, or traveling for business. We will help you answer the question “What airline allows biggest dogs in cabin?”

Here is what you need to know.

Guidelines for Flying with a Big Dog

Flying with a pet is not as common as flying with a young child. Planning is necessary to understand how to fly with a pet, especially a large dog. You don't want to try to figure things out on the fly on the day of the event. Look into the airline you are flying with allows to find out if they let large dogs in and what their policies are. Although some airlines offer crates, the majority demand that you bring your own.

If you don't already have a crate, you should allow yourself enough time to look for one, buy it, and teach your dog not to freak out when they're in it.

Three Ways Dogs Fly On Planes

• As Carry-on: Puppies and several smaller dog breeds are permitted as carry-on luggage. Unfortunately, you will need to come up with alternative strategies if you own a huge dog breed. For most flight, dogs must weigh no more than 20 pounds.

• As Checked Bags: Crated dogs are often accepted as checked baggage by most airlines. This means that you must check-in with your dog's crate together with the rest of your luggage, and your dog will be transported in the same manner as the other bags on the airline.

• As Cargo: Some airlines may mandate that large dogs travel as cargo, depending on the size of your dog and the airline you use to fly

Airlines that allow large dogs in cabin

Most airlines will make some kind of accommodations for your pet. Air Canada, Air France, American, Delta, Emirates, Hawaiian, Lufthansa, Sun Country, Swiss International, and WestJet are a few of the better, more affordable airlines.

American Airlines

Due to its reputation for having simple pet-friendly procedures, American Airlines is a favorite among pet owners. Large dogs are also permitted in the cabin, but the pet parent (guest) must reserve a seat well in advance.

Large canines are welcome in the cabin on a first-come, first-served basis with American Airlines. Booking a spot with Customer Service at 433-7300 is necessary nonetheless, as there are only 7 dog kennels/carriers allowed within a flight.

A large dog and kennel cannot weigh more than 25 pounds together. The Kennel cannot be larger than 48 cm X 33 cm X 22 cm at the same time.

NOTE: American Airlines does not allow dogs to fly when the outside temperature is 45 degrees or more than 85 degrees.

Additionally, it limits the import and export of dogs to and from Venezuela, Bolivia, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, and Hawaii. Additionally, it prohibits snub-nosed dogs from traveling with passengers.

Air Canada

Air Canada is one of the more accommodating airlines when it comes to flying with large dogs. You can check your dog at baggage so long as it weighs 100 pounds or less. Any more, and it will need to go into cargo. The fees range from under $130 for domestic flights and under $320 for international.

The cargo service of Air Canada is commonly known as A.C. Animals. It allows traveling live animals, including dogs, cats, etc. 

The IATA's Center of Excellence for Independent Validators for Live Animal Logistics (CEIV Live Animals) Certification was first given to Air Canada. Its professionally trained team guarantees the highest level of care and comfort for your pet throughout the flight.

Pet owners must make a reservation through a licensed IPA agent in order to ship large pets overseas with Air Canada. The agent will examine the pet's documentation, determine whether the kennel is appropriate, and inform the pet owner of all rules and restrictions.

NOTE: Air Canada has a high limitation on domestic cargo services for pets. Cats and Dogs are only allowed in Cargo if the flight is to/from/ via Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and Calgary.

Also, Air Canada does not accept dogs in Cargo on flights to/ from Mexico.

JetBlue Airlines

Medium to large dogs are welcome in the cabin of JetBlue Airlines' aircraft. Additionally, given that the distance traveled isn't very far, airlines allow larger dogs on both domestic and international routes (nor should it require changing flights in between).

Large dogs are permitted to board JetBlue planes as long as they weigh no more than 20 pounds (including carrier). The airline is specific about the maximum weight even though the Pet could appear to be larger in size. Additionally, the Pet (with Kennel) must fit without difficulty under the passenger's seat.

The kennel's dimensions cannot be greater than 43 cm X 41 cm X 21 cm. If a similar (size) Kennel cannot be found, travelers may purchase one at the airport.

NOTE: For bringing your dog on a JetBlue flight, the minimum pet cost is $125 for one flight. Although it costs a little extra, the facilities offered by the airlines make up for it.

Also, a maximum of two dogs per person (in a separate carrier) and six pets in each flight are allowed. Considering the seats aren’t many, book your slot as early as possible.

Delta Airlines

As long as they can fit within a carrier or kennel that has been approved by the airline, Delta Airlines will accept large dogs in the cabin. There is no maximum size restriction for dogs as long as they can fit in front of your seat without discomfort (in the foot space).

There is a cap on the number of animals that can travel in the cabin, which is 4 in the main cabin, 2 in business class, and 2 in first class.

It is strongly advised by Delta Airlines that travelers bring a robust kennel with a solid top and good ventilation. The individual aircraft and its interior space have a significant impact on the Kennel's size. The kennel ought to have enough room for the dog to stand, lay down, and turn around without feeling cramped.

NOTE: If the dog is too big to fit in the under-seat space, Delta will possibly shift it to the cargo space.

Also, since Delta allow only a limited number of pets inside the cabin, make sure you book your spot early. Contact their customer support service for more precise information.

Southwest Airlines

When it comes to airlines that allow large dogs in cabin, Southwest is one of the pet friendliest airlines. Passengers may consider taking their medium- to large-sized pets inside the cabin since there is no maximum weight for a dog.

The maximum size of the carrier that passengers may bring their dog within is 47 cm X 22 cm X 34 cm. Additionally, the carrier or kennel needs to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and be leak-proof and sufficiently ventilated.

NOTE: A pet carrier is considered a personal or carry-on item by Southwest Airlines. This requirement applies to any passenger bringing a pet into the cabin.

General Tips for Flying with a Large Dog

Here are some important tips for traveling by air with a big dog:

• Feed your dog two to four hours before you leave.
• Prior to your flight, give your dog extra exercise than usual.
• Before putting your dog in its travel carrier, let them out to use the restroom.
• Place your dog's preferred toy inside its kennel.
• Include a dish of ice or place it in your dog's kennel if the flight will last more than a few hours. While your dog is in the cargo hold, this will melt and provide them with water.

FAQ

Is it possible to fly with a huge dog in the cabin?

It is extremely doubtful that any airline will let you bring a really large dog into the cabin. However, if your dog weighs up to 20 pounds, you have options like Delta Airlines. They also have relatively little travel needs.

Can I bring my pet (a puppy) in the cabin?

Most of the airlines do not generally allow newborn puppies inside of their cabins. According to international laws, pups that have just been born are not permitted to fly at all. However, if your puppy is older than 4 or 6 weeks, several airlines will let them fly.

Can I bring my dog inside the cabin on foreign flights?

Depending on the airline you fly with and where you go to/from, you might be able to. On transatlantic flights, certain airlines—like Aegean Air—allow passengers to bring their pets along. On the other side, Southwest does not permit dogs in the cabin on international flights.

Should I have to pay an additional fee to fly with my dog in the cabin?

Almost all airlines impose an additional fee for pets traveling in their cabins. Service and emotional support animals, however, are the exceptions. Most of the airlines do not charge additionally for them to be with the passengers.

Wrap-up!

Airlines allow large dogs in both their Cabin and Cargo compartments. However, the majority of airlines impose size and weight restrictions for dogs due to the restricted space in cabins.

Always make contact with potential airlines in advance if you intend to travel with a large dog. Read reviews written by actual pet owners to learn about their interactions with specific airlines.

Happy travels!

Need some tips? We’re here to help

Although airlines allow large dogs in cabins, always double-check individual airline policies before booking, as these can change.

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