How to Fly With a Dog: A Detailed Guide

Flying with a dog involves many moving parts, but careful planning ensures a safe, comfortable journey for your pet. From selecting the right airline to preparing your dog for travel, we’ve prepared a detailed guide to help you fly confidently.

Some complex situations may require calling in reinforcements. We’ll help you navigate that as well. With the right preparation, you and your pet can make it to your destination worry-free. 

Understanding Airline Policies

Rules and regulations for pet travel vary by airline. Some airlines don’t allow pets at all, and others, like Delta Airlines, limit pets in cargo to U.S. military personnel only. Generally, airlines that allow dogs require that pet owners obtain a health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian. If your pet is flying domestically, there may be other requirements that vary by destination state.

Pets traveling internationally may face additional requirements depending on the origin and destination countries, especially for pets flying from countries with a high risk for rabies. Pet fees and total costs are higher with international pet travel.

If you’re flying with a pet, book well ahead of travel and make sure space is available for them before planning an itinerary. Direct flights are always best. This is safe, even preferred, and reduces the amount of flight time for your pet. Sadie Cornelius, an expert from Canine Journal, is a frequent flyer with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs and also recommends you book flights at off-peak times if possible to avoid crowds and to keep your dog’s meal and sleep schedule into account when traveling. “Be prepared for the inevitable delays and have extra treats and a meal packed just in case,” says Cornelius.

Our goal is always to help your pet enjoy the least stressful journey possible, even if that means you’re not on the same flight.

Manifest Cargo vs. Checked Luggage vs. In-Cabin

There are three main ways for dogs to fly:

• Manifest Cargo: Pets fly on a unique itinerary in the cargo hold of the plane.
• Checked Luggage: Pets fly in cargo on the same itinerary as their owner.
• In-Cabin: Pets small enough to fit under the seat fly with their owner. 

Many pet owners ask us about whether or not their pet may travel in-cabin with them. However, it’s often less comfortable for your animal to travel this way, and we rarely recommend it. Let’s take a closer look at your options.

Manifest Cargo

Dogs flying as manifest cargo fly in the climate-controlled cargo hold of the plane. In most cases, it means you won’t be traveling with your pet. That’s OK. In fact, it’s preferred if it means your pet is getting to where they need to go in a more efficient, safer way.

Airlines use strict requirements for pets flying as manifest cargo, and in almost every case, this is the safest way to fly with a dog. Manifest cargo ensures your pet is on the most direct route to their destination and makes it easier for families with multiple pets to keep pets together.

If you work with a professional pet shipper, you can arrange to have your pet picked up and dropped off to simplify the process and relieve the stress of getting pets to and from the airport. 

Checked Luggage

Dogs flying as checked luggage, or excess baggage, are booked on the same ticket as their owner. That means you and your pet will be on the same flights. Just like manifest cargo, they fly in a pressure-controlled environment in the cargo hold of the plane.

While this may sound good, it can quickly become complicated in the case of flight delays or on bookings with multiple layovers. That’s why some airlines have moved away from this model in favor of pets flying as manifest cargo. 

Most importantly, some countries like Australia or New Zealand won’t allow dogs to arrive as excess baggage, but they will allow pets flying in as manifest cargo. 

In-Cabin

For some service animals and small dogs, you may choose to have your dog fly in-cabin with you.

Keep in mind that airline pet policies may not allow for in-cabin pets at all or limit the total weight of the carrier and pet to no more than 15-20 pounds (excepting service animals). All in-cabin pets must be kept inside their carrier underneath the seat in front of you at all times. 

Here is a list of airlines that typically allow dogs to fly in the cabin, should you determine this is the best option for your use case:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Alaska Airlines
• Air Canada
• WestJet
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Air France
• British Airways
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Aer Lingus
• Qatar Airways
• Emirates
• Singapore Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic
• Iberia
• Austrian Airlines
• Turkish Airlines
• SAS Scandinavian Airlines

Pre-Flight Requirements for All Travel Methods

Preparations before a flight can vary depending on your origin point, destination, and even the size and breed of your pet. Generally, here is what dog owners should expect to navigate once they’ve found an airline to transport their dog:

• Flight itinerary: Choose a route that limits the amount of time your pet is in the air. This often means flying separately to reduce connections and long layovers for your pet.
• Flight reservations: Book directly with an airline and ensure your dog is listed on your booking. All airlines limit the number of pets that can travel on each flight.
• Health checkup: Your dog must be healthy enough to fly, up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, and have an ISO microchip to fly internationally.
• Health certificate: All pets traveling internationally and many pets traveling domestically need a health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian with the information above.
• Airline-specific documents: You may need to fill out additional documents from the airline at booking or check-in. 
• Destination-specific documents: Ensure you meet all import or destination-specific rules before your dog’s flight. That may include a rabies titer test (a simple blood draw measuring for antibodies) if you’re traveling to places like Hawaii and other CDC requirements if you’re coming from high-risk rabies countries.
• Appropriate crates and carriers: For dogs flying in cargo, crates must be large enough, sturdy, and well-ventilated. Some may require a custom crate, depending on their size and breed. Pets flying in-cabin must meet airline-specific pet carrier requirements. 

Getting overwhelmed by the hoops to jump through? That’s why we’re here. Tailwind Global Pet is an IPATA member, and we’ve helped dogs fly around the world for over 40 years. We can help you navigate the process with much less stress.

Seating Arrangements (for In-Cabin Dog Travel)

Unless you are flying private, most airlines have strict limits and specific requirements on purchasing an extra seat for your pet. 

Some airlines allow you to buy adjoining seats to make it more comfortable for an in-cabin pet or accommodate a second pet, but that pet must still be able to fit underneath the seat. Pets are never allowed in an exit row and most airlines have strict limits on pets in first class.

If you’re traveling with a larger dog, they must travel in cargo. The only exception is a service animal. Most airlines recommend purchasing an extra seat for large service dogs so they have more room at your feet for the entire flight. 

Crate & Pet Carrier Requirements

Requirements for cargo crates and pet carriers can vary by airline, but there are some general rules to consider as you plan for your pet’s travel.

Pet Crates

For pets in cargo, airlines have specific rules to ensure the safety and comfort of the animals. All crates must be International Air Transport Association (IATA)-approved. This means they meet certain standards regarding size, ventilation, and sturdiness.

Most airlines will check whether a crate is the appropriate size by asking owners to have their pets stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably at check-in. 

The IATA provides the following formula for measuring crate size:

• Container length: Combine the length of the dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail with half of the height from the ground to their elbow joint.
• Container width: Multiply the dog’s width across the shoulders or the widest point (whichever is the greater) by 2.
• Container height: This is the height of the dog in a natural standing position from the top of the head or the ear tip to the floor (whichever is higher) plus their bedding.

All crates must have leak-proof bottoms that are either lined with absorbent material or designed to contain spills, and free of any objects inside that could harm the pet. Food and water containers should be attached inside and accessible from the outside without opening the door.

Identification and contact information, including the pet’s name and owner’s details, should be clearly marked on the crate. The airline may provide any additional paperwork to attach to your pet’s crate depending on the origin point and destination.

Making sure your crate meets all of these requirements ensures that your pet is ready to fly. If this feels overwhelming, we offer IATA-compliant crates for all pet sizes and breeds. All crates come with the hardware, bedding, pads, and other accessories needed for a comfortable flight. 

We also provide custom-built CR82 crates for breeds that require it. These are crates that provide additional safety and security for dogs that may not be allowed to fly otherwise.

In-Cabin Pet Carriers

Generally, a pet carrier for small dogs flying in-cabin should be around 20 inches or less in length. Most airlines limit the combined weight of the pet and carrier to between 15 and 20 pounds. 

Pets flying in-cabin must be able to stand up and turn around inside their carrier. Carriers must fit underneath a standard seat and count toward your carry-on bag allowance. Materials vary, but approved carriers are typically made of soft-sided materials with adequate ventilation. 

Weight, Size, and Breed Restrictions

Weight, size, and breed restrictions vary by airline. Size and weight allowances are more accommodating in cargo. Most airlines have an upper weight limit for dogs, including their crates, of around 165 pounds.

Crate restrictions vary by airline and plane size, but the upper limit for jumbo pets on long-haul flights is 48 x 32 x 35 inches. A crate of this size should weigh around 50 pounds.

If you’re traveling on domestic flights with a larger dog, you’ll need to check on size restrictions before booking your flight. Some flights cannot accommodate jumbo breeds due to more limited space in the hold, even if they allow pets on board. 

Some airlines do not allow certain breeds, such as brachycephalic dogs (e.g., French or English bulldogs and pugs), due to the potential health risks associated with air travel for those breeds. Others may have specific guidelines for those snub-nosed breeds. 

Traveling with Multiple Dogs?

Pet policies for traveling with multiple dogs vary by airline. Many airlines allow up to three pets per booking in the cargo hold, but it can depend on the number of pets already confirmed for that flight. Airlines typically limit how many animals they transport per flight. 

Most airlines only allow passengers to bring one dog with them in the cabin. Some allow up to two.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Service Dogs

Airlines must allow service dogs on flights within the United States or on flights returning to the United States from abroad, but ESAs don’t legally count as service animals. American airlines flying to foreign countries must follow the laws of that country, and not all countries allow service dogs on flights.

All airlines are permitted to deny transport to a service dog if they aren’t safe to fly. If they’re too big for the cabin, a safety threat to others, or disruptive, they may not be allowed to fly in-cabin.

Service dogs may also be denied boarding if they don’t have the necessary paperwork detailing their training and certification. Most airlines no longer allow ESAs in-cabin, and they are not legally obligated to do so.

Preparing Your Dog for Travel

Acclimating your dog to their first time in the air involves gradual exposure and positive reinforcement. Use treats and praise to create positive associations with the crate. Gradually extend the time spent inside.

Anxious dogs may benefit from extra practice. Take short car trips with pets in their crate to simulate travel conditions. Plan to include a personal item with your scent inside their crate. Avoid sedatives, which are strictly prohibited for dogs traveling by air (due to safety concerns). Talk to your veterinarian about additional tips for calming a nervous dog.

Give your pet plenty of exercise the night before or the day of their flight. A tired pet is a less anxious pet. Generally, it’s best to refrain from feeding pets 4-6 hours before a flight. This is to reduce the dog’s need to pee or poop during transit and to prevent motion sickness.

Sips of water are fine up until your pet’s flight. Water dishes should be accessible to staff from the outside of the crate. If you’re flying with your pet, use a pet relief area just before check-in. 

For even more peace of mind, use a professional pet shipper to help you navigate every step of the process. Whether you’re dealing with a complex itinerary or just want to ensure safe, worry-free transport, we’re here for all of your pet needs. 

Read Next: How to Fly With a Cat: A Detailed Guide

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