Flying with a dog can be stressful. I have flown with Doris, my Pom for years, but each flight leaves me exhausted.
Doris has not found love with flying and often falls sick after a long-haul international flight. Imagine if my dog cannot fly with me in the cabin.
Pet parents know that bringing their animal friends along for air travel feels like putting their own family in the cargo hold. Although airlines make efforts to make their flights as pet-friendly as possible, travelers need to do a lot of legwork themselves to make flying with a dog comfortable for them and their animal companion.
What size dog can fly in the cabin of the plane? The question determines if you can stay in a cabin with your dog or leave it as cargo.
Can You Fly With Your Dog?
It all depends on your airline, destination, and other relevant rules and regulations. Generally, you can transport small dogs in the cabin of the airplane, whereas bigger dogs must go in the cargo hold.
If you want to carry your pets, they can come aboard in a small carry-on bag—unzipped and open for their comfort—or kennel. Airlines make the cargo compartment for large dogs comfortable for travel, too.
Most dog breeds should be able to fly in either the main cabin or in the cargo hold. Some exceptions include pug-nosed or brachycephalic dogs (dogs with very short snouts), such as boxers, bulldogs, Boston terriers, and Pekingese.
Due to their difficulty breathing, the stress of air travel makes traveling a high risk for these pets. Other breeds—for example, pit bulls—might not qualify for air travel because some deem them breeds that are more aggressive.
If you own a service dog, you might be exempted from paying the usual pet fees when it comes to getting your companion aboard. However, those who own emotional support animals will pay the usual fees.
Ultimately, whether you have a tiny terrier or a mighty mastiff, you’ll need to check the fine print of your airline to know exactly how you can get your pet on board.
Tips for Traveling With Your Dog
Your four-legged friend should have a safe and low-stress flight as possible. These tips will ensure your dog’s day of travel is as easy as possible:
Book a nonstop flight.
I tried to avoid layovers to ease the journey for both of us. This could be important if your dog will ride in the cargo hold. Although airlines can transfer pets from one plane to the next, flying straight from one destination to the next will usually be the easiest option.
If you plan to carry on your small dog, you should try to avoid bulkhead or emergency exit row seating when picking up your tickets. These can lead to additional stress.
Check your destination.
The rules for domestic flights are generally laxer on pet travel than for international flights. For instance, you might need an import permit to fly your dog across borders. The airline should know the rules for traveling from one state or country to the next with a pet, but it is wise to do your own research, too.
Consult your airline’s pet policies.
I study the pet policies on the airline website well before check-in. For instance, I will want to know whether they plan to weigh my pet separately or will take the combined weight of my dog and kennel together.
If you plan to travel with multiple dogs, know the number of pets allowed on board. Ask what the maximum dimensions are for a kennel. Learn everything you need to know about your flight to guarantee ease of travel.
Make a decision between cabin or cargo travel.
Some small dogs can travel with you in the plane’s cabin, whereas big dogs will need to ride in the cargo section—but you should determine what’s best for your pet within these regulations.
For example, perhaps given the aircraft type, a small dog might be more comfortable in cargo than in the main cabin even though they are small enough for you to carry them on board.
Feed your dog in advance of the flight.
Your dog should be hydrated and satiated before the flight, but avoid feeding your pet immediately before take-off. The dog ideally needs to make it the entire duration of the flight without going to the bathroom.
While accidents happen in pet travel, you can do your best to prevent one from occurring by allowing for enough time to feed your pet and take them to a pet relief area so they can purge their system before it’s time to board.
Freeze a bowl of water.
Keep a bowl of frozen water inside your pet carrier so your dog has something to drink as soon as the flight gets underway. It should remain frozen throughout the boarding process to prevent spills, but it will melt while in transit.
Get your paperwork ready.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) formulate and implement rules about what health certificates are necessary for air travel. This applies to people and dogs. Make sure your dog has taken all their shots before traveling.
I advise that you travel with your vaccination certificate and all other relevant paperwork with you to present to the flight attendants.
FAQs
Will I have to pay extra to fly with my dog in cabin?
The airline charge around $125 each way for your pet to fly in the cabin with you, though it varies by airline.
Can I fly with my dog in cabin on international flights?
The airlines welcome cats and pets in both the cabin and cargo hold, as long as their owner has the proper documentation and an approved pet carrier. For the safety of each pet, a health certificate is required on international flights and they must be free of screwworms – understandably so.
What size dog can fly in cabin of plane?
Generally, if your dog in its carrier can fit under the seat in front of you, it can go in the cabin, So that means a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.