Weight Limits for Dogs on Planes

Traveling with a dog by plane requires careful planning, no matter its size. While smaller dogs have more options for flying in-cabin or in the hold, most larger dogs are limited to flying as cargo. 

Airlines can also have varying policies for maximum dog size limits, and jumbo-sized pets may need special accommodations. Understanding these rules in advance helps avoid last-minute surprises and ensures a smoother trip for you and your pet.

Pet Carrier Requirements

Pet carrier and crate requirements depend on the size of your dog. Small dogs flying in-cabin are limited to carriers of up to about 20 inches or less in length. Smaller domestic carriers may only allow pet carriers of up to 17 inches. 

Most airlines don’t have weight restrictions as long as your small dog fits comfortably inside their travel crate, but others may list limits of about 20 pounds or less for both your pet and their carrier. Assume that your pet’s approved carrier is your carry-on bag for that flight. 

You may be entitled to one more personal item (but that depends on the airline), and your pet won’t be allowed in the exit row or bulkhead, no matter its carrier size.

Dogs traveling in cargo must do so in an IATA-approved crate. These crates meet International Air Transport Association standards for safely transporting pets by air. Aggressive, strong-jawed breeds may be restricted from traveling at all or limited to specialized, more secure crates. 

At Tailwind, we provide custom-built CR82 crates for breeds that need them. These are travel crates with additional reinforcements to address safety or escape risks during flights.

IATA standards also ensure your crate is well-ventilated, secure, and spacious enough for the pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. The airline may ask you to demonstrate that your pet can do those things at check-in.

From here, airlines have varying rules on the maximum size of pets allowed in the cargo hold. All flights have limits on the number of pets allowed in the hold, so it’s important to book your pet’s travel as soon as you have set dates. 

Domestic carriers may be more limited on the maximum weight of your pet and their travel crate or kennel. It’s safe to assume that 150 pounds total — that’s for your dog and their crate — is the upper limit for even the big international airlines.

It’s important to note here that even if your pet is small enough to fly in-cabin, they may benefit from flying to their destination in the cargo hold of the plane. It can mean a more efficient, safer itinerary, and that’s always ideal for traveling pets.

Each Airline Is Different

Some airlines only allow pets in the cabin. Others limit pets to cargo travel only. The list below isn’t exhaustive, but it will give you an idea of your options when traveling with your dog by air, both on domestic flights and on international flights:

• Air Canada: Carriers for in-cabin pets must not exceed 17 inches on most flights. (Smaller planes have limits of 14.5-16 inches.) The max weight in the baggage compartment for dogs and their kennels is 100 pounds. Air Canada Cargo can fly larger dogs.
• Alaska Airlines: In-cabin pets should fit comfortably in carriers no larger than 17 inches. The max weight for pets and their crates is 150 pounds in the baggage compartment. Larger pets may be able to fly on the airline’s Pet Connect service.
• American Airlines: Small pets traveling in-cabin should be no more than 20 pounds and fit in a carrier with a maximum of 18 inches. Larger dogs may use the airline’s American PetEmbark service. 
• Delta Air Lines: Small pets should fit in a carrier that does not exceed more than 18 inches. Delta’s cargo service is limited to military personnel at this time.
• Frontier Airlines: Carriers for in-cabin pets are limited to 18 inches in length. Frontier doesn’t have a cargo option for larger dogs. 
• Hawaiian Airlines: In-cabin pets are limited to carriers of up to 17 inches. Kennels for dogs traveling as excess baggage are limited to 36 inches in length and a total of 70 pounds. Larger pets may fly as Hawaiian Air Cargo.
• JetBlue: In-cabin pets are limited to carriers of up to 17 inches. JetBlue doesn’t have an option for larger pets traveling as cargo.
• Lufthansa: In-cabin pets and their carriers should not exceed 17.6 pounds (8 kg). Lufthansas has no posted weight restrictions for pets traveling as checked bags or cargo, but these limits may vary by destination.
• Southwest Airlines: Carriers for in-cabin pets should not exceed 18.5 inches. Southwest does not have an option for larger pets traveling as cargo.
• United Airlines: Carriers are limited to a max size of 18 inches for in-cabin pets. The airline’s PetSafe program is limited to U.S. military service members.

Some airlines have additional restrictions on snub-nosed, or brachycephalic breeds, like pugs, bulldogs, and Boston terriers. If they’re small enough, they may be able to fly as carry-on pets. Certain strong-jawed breeds or dogs considered dangerous may also face additional restrictions. 

Assume your dog should have a microchip, be at least 8 weeks old or even 6 months old, and be up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations to travel on most airlines.The airline policies above can change at any time. Don’t wait until you’re at the ticket counter to double-check on size requirements for traveling dogs. In some cases, active duty service members may be eligible for reimbursements covering pet relocation expenses.

Service Animals and Larger Dogs

Service animals are generally exempt from airline weight restrictions and can fly in the cabin regardless of their size. These are dogs trained to help a traveler with a disability that requires their assistance.

Most airlines require that travelers fill out a U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form for service dogs as part of their booking. This form asks for vaccination information and proof of training for their behavior and the specialized tasks.

These rules don’t cover emotional support animals (ESAs), as many airlines have moved away from allowing ESAs on airplanes. You can still fly with an ESA on a pet-friendly airline, but if it’s larger than in-cabin allowances, it will travel like any other dog in the cargo hold. 

For non-service dogs that exceed in-cabin weight limits AND cargo limits, you’ll need to seek out airlines that fly larger, often custom-built crates for jumbo pets. These are typically the cargo arm of a major airline, as those have more space for big dogs and other larger animals.

A pet relocation specialist can help you navigate the complexities of travel with a big dog.

Reservations and Fees

When flying with a dog, reserving a spot for your pet in advance is essential. Airlines typically have a limited number of in-cabin and cargo spaces for pets per flight. Some airlines allow reservations during online ticket booking, while others require calling customer service. 

Fees for flying with a dog vary widely depending on the carrier and itinerary. In-cabin pet fees generally start around $150 per flight one-way segment per pet on top of your own ticket price. 

The costs for dogs traveling in the cargo hold are higher, starting at around $200. Costs can go up from there, depending on the dog’s size, crate dimensions, and flight distance. 

International travel and flights to regions with strict rabies requirements, like Hawaii, may include additional fees covering import permits, health certificates, and other required documentation. 

Every airline has different policies and pricing structures, so the best way to find the exact fees and reservation requirements is to check with the airline itself. 

FAQ

Tailwind Provides Expert Help for Pet Travel

Planning air travel with your dog can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re navigating weight limits and varied airline policies. Our experts at Tailwind can help simplify the process with guidance tailored to your pet’s unique needs.

Whether your dog qualifies for in-cabin travel or requires a trip in cargo — we maintain this is often the safest, most efficient mode of transport for most pets — we’re here to help.

Ready to get started? Each pet relocation situation is different, so to get an idea of the costs involved, fill out a quote request.