If you enjoy cuddling your dog, it might be emotional to watch it under your suit or isolated in the cargo hold during a flight.
The first I traveled with Ben, he was forced to stay in the cargo hold because of his weight. I tried everything possible to bring him inside, but the airline policy didn’t allow a dog of 50lb to stay in the cabin.
Years later, I got a Pom and was excited that I could lap the dog during our flight. Unfortunately, I was denied that desire. Can my dog sit on my lap during a flight? The rules set by airlines when it comes to flying with dogs are straightforward.
Before I travel with dog, I have to talk to the airline about what I should know about their pet policies. I have listed some of the things you should know about flying with your pet.
What should I expect when flying with a dog?
I had it differently when I flew with my dog to Japan from Paris. While the local traveling doesn’t overwhelm me, international flights with my dog often do. Truth be told, flying internationally with a dog is not as easy as it sounds.
There is a lot of work to be done from researching the perfect airlines to meeting the requirements needed so that your dog can be allowed to board the flight.
Not only can this be very stressful for the pet owner, but it can also be hard for your pet. However, once you are knowledgeable about the things to expect before and after a fling with your dog, it becomes a whole lot easier.
It may seem unfair that you need to spend such an amount of money for your dog to travel at the bottom of a plane as cargo, but these are strict regulations that must be adhered to.
From experience, traveling with your dog in cargo is not a terrible experience although many pet owners can be skeptical about it for the first time.
Do Your Research and Talk to Your Vet
If you plan on flying internationally with your dog, one of the most important things you have to do first is to check with your vet to make sure that your dog is healthy enough to fly.
Airlines usually require that you present the health documentation of your dog several times throughout the journey. This proves that your dog is healthy and is up to date on their vaccinations.
In addition, some dog breeds are not permitted to fly because of their snub nose. Snub-nosed breeds are likely to get respiratory problems because of their body mechanics.
If you are in the US, you can check with your local USDA before booking an appointment with your vet. Alternatively, you can check your local national agricultural government arm to ensure the vet is an accredited veterinarian.
The USDA must endorse a certified veterinarian. In absence of any endorsement, the paperwork is invalid.
You can also enquire on whether they have worked with persons that have travelled internationally with their pets. If they have, then expect the process to be a lot easier and smoother as they have knowledge on the requirements, and what you need to do.
Booking Your Flight
Before I book the flight, I contact the airline and enquire about the rules and regulations concerned with pets.
Most airlines only allow a certain number of animals on a flight. As such, I have learned to send my request early to my intending airline.
Moreso, if you decide to fly your dog in the cargo area, ask if it is air-conditioned as it can affect your dog’s health. Many airlines impose temperature restrictions that disallow flying dogs if the forecasted temperature is below 45℉ or above 85℉.
It is ideal to find a flight, which gets to your end destination in the morning or late at night. Several airlines, which have passengers traveling with their dogs as cargo, require a minimum three-hour layover. Ensure that you do your research on the airline’s rules regarding dogs and layovers.
The staff may take the animals to the dog area where they are fed, walked, given water, or taken to the bathroom between flights during the layover. Check if the airline you are booking offers this service.
On the other hand, if your dog is flying in a cabin, you can allow your pet to stretch and take a bathroom break during the layover. Many airports in the US provide pet relief areas. Make sure to check for the nearest location with the staff.
As soon as I have booked my flight with an airline, I do not forget to inform them that I will be bringing a dog on my flight. I remind them as often as possible.
FAQs
Can my dog sit on my lap during an international flight?
If you intend on traveling with your dog abroad, your dog can be transported:
- In-cabin
- As cargo hold
Dogs that are small and can fit into a travel carrier under the seat cab travel in-cabin while bigger dogs have to fly in an airline-approved pet carrier or kennel at the bottom of the plane.
Size is not the only thing that can determine whether your dog flies in a cabin or not. Many airlines do not permit dogs in the cabin if the flight is more than eight hours.
Can my dog sit on my lap during a flight?
During a flight, all pets are expected to remain in their carrier and kept under the seat in front of you.
What airline can my dog sit on my lap?
With the number of airlines available to take you around the world, they have varying, but similar policies about how to fly with a pet. As far as we are aware, the only airlines that will allow passengers to buy plane tickets for their dogs to have a seat are United and Jet Blue.
Jet Blue state that passengers are only permitted to fly with one dog in the cabin. You are able to purchase an additional seat next to you, to place your dog carrier.