Travelling on a plane with my small furry friend is easy as she can comfortably fit into a carry-on luggage or carrier.
I place her carrier under my seat and the both of us feel comfortable. However, when it comes to bigger breeds, this is quite difficult. Why can’t large dogs fly in the cabin?
If you are permanently moving to a new place and must travel with your pet for one reason or another, there are options for flying with large dogs.
I have listed things you should know when flying a large dog.
The Basics of Flying with a Large Dog
Travelling with a dog is not as easy as travelling with a child. There are a lot of procedures and things to be done before you can travel with a pet especially if your dog is large.
Flying with dogs requires planning prior to the day of the flight. You have to research the airline you are flying with, whether they accommodate large dogs, and their regulations.
Some airlines do not provide crates for pets and expect that you get a crate for your pet while others do.
You can place your dog in the crate with some treats and some of its favorite toys for a few hours a day so that your dog can become familiar with the crate before the day of the flight.
Three Ways Dogs Fly On Planes
Below are three ways your dog can fly with you on a plane:
As Checked Bags:
Most airlines allow dogs in crates to fly as checked bags. This simply means that you will be required to bring your dog’s crate to check in just like the rest of your luggage. After that, your dog will be weighed and transported like the rest of the bags on the plane.
As Cargo:
Depending on your dog size and the airline you are going with, larger dogs are only allowed to fly as cargo. You may not need to worry too much about this as you and your dog will still end up in the same destination.
As Carry-Ons:
Usually, smaller breeds and puppies are permitted to travel in carry-on luggage. On the other hand, this is not so for much bigger dogs. Many airlines do not allow dogs that weigh more than 20 lbs to fly with you inside the plane.
Can You Fly with Large Dogs?
As long as your dogs are properly crates and have been prepared to fly, you can travel on a plane with your large dog. Some of the things required before your dog can travel on a plane include:
- Your pet must be in a proper crate as required by the airline
- Your dog must be calm, and clean
- Your pet must be at least eight weeks old. Younger dogs are considered too fragile for long flights
- Your pet must not have fleas, ticks or any infectious disease
The Cost of Flying a Dog
For small dogs flying in cabins, you may incur a fee of about $125 each way. On the other hand, for larger dogs that are travelling in either bag check or cargo, you may incur a fee of about $200 to over $1,000 depending on the airline.
As such, do not forget to do your research or call the airline directly and inquire on the cost before booking your ticket for the trip.
Some of the factors that affect the cost of flying with a large canine are listed below:
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Airline:
Before booking a ticket on an airline, it is important to compare the process with other airlines as their prices vary.
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Destination:
For people travelling to a remote location or to places where a smaller plane would preferably be used, flying your pet will be more expensive.
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Dog Size:
The size of your dog greatly affects the cost of flying. Big, large dogs like the Great Dane will travel as cargo and require other accommodations.
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Cabin, checking, or cargo:
Flying your dog as cargo is usually the most expensive option. Flying your dog through a bag check, is, however, more expensive than a carry-on.
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National or international:
Similar to the cost of the tickets, travelling with your dog on domestic flights is way cheaper than on international flights.
Flying with Large Dogs Internationally
Traveling with a large dog on a plane is possible although you will have to go through several procedures. For instance, you will be required to get a stamp on your passport from the Department of Agriculture for your dog before you can board an international flight.
Different airlines and countries have their own requirements which you must go through before you can travel with your dog in a plane.
FAQs
How tall can a dog be to fly in a cabin?
Most airlines such as American Airlines, permit passengers to use a cabin carrier kennel of 19 inches in length, 9 inches in height and 13 inches in width for non-collapsible carriers. Collapsible carriers can be larger in size.
Before traveling with your dog on the plane, many airlines and animal experts advise pet owners to reduce stress in their dogs by acclimating the dog to the kennel before the flight.
Can I buy a seat for my large dog on an airplane?
No. A passenger is not allowed to buy an extra seat for their dog. You can only travel with your large dog as a piece of carry-on luggage, which costs less than travelling in the belly of the pain.
Regardless of whether you are travelling with your dog in its carrier, your pet will still be considered as a carry-on bag.
Why can’t large dogs fly in the cabin?
Generally, most airlines do not allow large dogs in the cabin. Instead, your pet will have to travel in the cargo area, which can traumatize your dog.
Due to the size of large dogs cannot fit into the small carriers, which are usually available for small dogs and placed under the seat in front of you based on the airline’s roles and future FAA regulations.