Michael is a big dog! When I walk with him, people step out of the way for us, while the bold ones touch him. However, I have a problem when I want to travel on a flight because I have no one to take care of him.
As a result, I find it challenging to look for the most suitable airline to fly us. Can I take my 50 lb dog on a plane?
When it comes to pet shipping, a very common issue pet owners encounter is the condition of the airplane cargo.
Many pet owners are even scared of transporting their pets in this manner and may opt for another means of transportation or leave their pets with a friend as a result.
Flying Large With Large Dogs
Since I have a big dog, I don’t have an option that allows the airlines to decide where they will want him to stay.
Dogs that weigh about 40 pounds and above are usually not allowed to travel in-cabin as they are considered too large. As such, they are usually redirected to travel as cargo.
However, dogs that are sometimes allowed to join their owners in-cabin include:
- Smaller pets,
- Support dogs that have proper documentation
- Trained and certified service dogs
Without the necessary certifications and documentation that your dog is an assistance or support dog, you may not be able to fly your pet in a cabin.
According to Travel and Leisure, dog sizes exceeding 18 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches cannot be flown in-cabin.
Different airlines have their own regulations concerning pet travel. Before booking, make sure to check the rules related to it and always check it before traveling back as information can change quickly.
Once I consider traveling with your dog internationally, there are specific paperwork or pet passports required. I have to contact the necessary authority in the country that I intend on traveling to as they will provide me with all the information I may possibly need for the journey.
However, there are some exceptions where larger dogs are allowed to travel in-cabin. For instance, large trained service dogs may be allowed to travel with their owners, but the airline must be contacted before booking. These service dogs have an important role to provide support for their owners with physical disabilities or health issues that require attention and monitoring.
The Department of Transportation, in December 2020 made changes in the rules due to incidents that were concerned with ESAs on flight. Some of these rules included:
- Dogs going to the bathroom on the plane
- Pets showing aggressive behavior or being anxious and causing harm to passengers or the crew
Some passengers to avoid paying for their pets used most of these ESA rules and the Department of Transportation took note of this. Many passengers began to bring in peacocks, St Bernard and miniature ponies into the plane.
ESAs do not need training like regular service animals. Regardless, airlines have argued that they deserve the right to refuse passengers that abuse or do not follow the system.
Now, airlines impose their own different policies and regulations. Some airlines do not allow passengers to carry ESAs but this affects the genuine passengers who rely on their larger dogs as ESAs.
Ensure that you contact the airline with the necessary certifications before planning a trip with your large emotional support dog.
Alternatives to Fly In-Cabin
Flying is undoubtedly one of the fastest means of transportation and it is a really good option for both you and your dog. Car rides can get frustrating and if you’re traveling a far distance, spending so many hours on the road with your pet is not exactly ideal.
If your dog is too large to be flown in-cabin, here are some other suitable alternatives you can consider:
Fly with a Charter Company
For a fee, there are small private charter firms that can fly your dog cross-country. Some of these charter firms can even move your dog from one place to another.
While this option is a bit expensive, you can rest assured of your dog’s safety.
Using smaller planes
This is also ideal as they land at small airfields that can be closer to your final destination.
Leaving your dog with a trusted sitter
If you are not comfortable with boarding your dog on a separate plane, then you can leave your dog with a trusted sitter or a friend. However, if you are going away permanently, you may want to reconsider this option.
Long term boarding
If you intend on going away for a long time, you can board your dog in a hotel or resort built for dogs.
Since I have traveled with Michael a number of times, it has become easier for us to adjust. I ensure that the airline I am flying has a conducive environment for pets. Also, I prepare Michael ahead of time for such a movement.
You can help your dog be acclimatized to flying by training it with a crate. Put the dog in a crate for some minutes and start increasing the duration the dog stays.
The training could end a few days before your scheduled departure and keep it ready for the cargo travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my 50 lb dog on a plane?
Dogs that weigh 50 pounds are considered too large and many airlines will not allow such dogs to travel in-cabin. Hence, your dog may have to ride as cargo.
Exceptions to this include trained and certified service or support dogs that have proper documentation.
Can I take a 45 lb dog on a plane?
Dogs that can be allowed to travel in-cabin should weigh about 20 lbs or less.
How do you fly with a 40 pound dog in the cabin?
Generally, many airlines allow crated dogs to fly as checked bags. This simply means that you will come along with your dog’s crate to check inCan I Take my 50 lb Dog on a Plane? like the rest of your belongings. Your dog in its crate will then be weighed and transported like luggage in the plane