I have a German shepherd who has never flown on a flight. Like many pet parents, flying their pets for the first time could be scary.
What is the longest flight a dog can take? Initially, the idea may be daunting when you think of putting your pet on a long international flight.
However, it is evident that the more pet owner learns about the process, they become confident that it is better and safer for their pet.
I am motivated by this to plan a successful trip. I have helped thousands of pets move safely and would be happy to share a few tips and facts with you.
Tips to Flying a Dog
The first and foremost rule is that sedation is not allowed or recommended during pet flights. Train your pet to feel calm in a crate during a flight, it’s a practice we do highly recommend.
Helping your dog to see the crate as a comfortable and safe place is very important — please read more about training here (these tips apply to both dogs and cats).
Choosing a pet-friendly airline with dedicated staff and pet-safe practices is very important.
I often use KLM, Lufthansa, United, and British Airways for our client’s pets. I use the airline because of their level of attention to their passengers’ pets, the plane’s cargo area is pressure, and the temperature is controlled.
With pet-friendly airlines, pets are the last to be loaded and the first to be removed upon arrival. They are situated securely and carefully for the pet’s safety and comfort.
Layovers will be a good experience for your pets; it is a time for a bathroom/stretch break that makes a long journey more comfortable.
I often schedule our clients’ flights so they can stop at an animal hotel for a few hours or even overnight, where professionals tend to them.
The layover situation will depend on your chosen route, and we’d be happy to further discuss your options with you if you’d like.
The cabin vs. cargo dilemma is a common question constantly asked by pet owners when they want to ship their pets.
Many pet owners are not aware of the conditions within airplane cargo holds and are afraid of transporting their pets that way. A 40-pound dog is too large to travel in-cabin on most (if not all) airlines and will have to ride as cargo.
Apart from very small pets, only trained and certified service or support dogs with legitimate documentation obtained by their owners, are sometimes allowed to accompany their owners in the cabin.
If your dog is not a certified assistance dog and you are simply trying to find a way around following pet air travel regulations, you will not be allowed to fly your pet in-cabin.
Flying with a Large Dog in the Cabin – Is it Possible?
The short answer is no. Large breeds are not allowed to fly in the cabin due to their weight. Weight limits vary airline-to-airline (and we’ll include some examples below), so there may be some wiggle room with small-to-medium dogs.
Realistically, larger dogs can’t fly in the cabin with their owners. Owners can’t buy them a seat, either.
That’s not the answer you wanted to hear. The thought of putting a dog in an aircraft’s hold will scare some owners. That’s completely understandable.
There are some exceptions. I have included those below, along with some tips for flying with dogs in the hold.
Large Dogs vs. Flying in the Cabin
For a dog to travel in the cabin deck, it must fit inside a soft-sided carrier that can fit under a plane seat. This rule by the airlines automatically disqualifies bigger breeds from flying in the cabin.
It is impossible to fit a Labrador or Alsatian under a plane seat. According to Travel and Leisure, that means nothing exceeding 18 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches. Airline regulations vary when it comes to flying with dogs in the cabin.
Always check before booking (and again afterward). Information can change quickly. What’s written on blogs and websites can quickly become outdated, so your airline should always be your first source of information.
International boarding a plane with a large dog may also require specific paperwork or a pet passport. Contacting the relevant authority in the destination country will give you the most current information.
There are some exceptions. Although most dogs won’t qualify as one, trained service dogs can travel in-cabin.
If your service dog is especially large, contact the airline before booking. Service dogs provide support for owners with physical disabilities or chronic illnesses requiring monitoring.
Things are less clear with emotional support animals. Hence, I recommend that you talk to your airline before boarding. If you have a clear understanding with your airline, it becomes easier to try with your pet.
Finally, you have to ensure that your dog is able to handle long haul flights. You should talk to a vet before flying your dog.
FAQs
Can a dog be on a 12- hour flight?
It is easier for adult dogs and cats to make it through the night without having to relieve themselves. Therefore, your pet can stay all through the night feeling dry and okay on most very long flights.
Regardless, you must line their carrier with something absorbent – a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet’s crate pad or thin blanket.
Are dogs OK on long flights?
Yes, it is OK for dogs to be on board long flights, safety measures are taken by the different airlines to guarantee their safety in the cargo.
In 2018, the United States Department of Transportation reported 0.79 deaths or injuries per 10,000 animals on US carriers.
What is the longest flight a dog can take?
Bigger dogs travel in the Cargo deck of an airplane, they are put inside an airline-approved pet carrier or kennel. Many airlines will not let your dog fly in the cabin if the flight is over 8 hours.