How to Fly With a Snub-Nosed Dog

Snub-nosed, or brachycephalic, dogs are breeds with short snouts and compact airways that make them more prone to breathing issues. Because of these health risks, airlines have stricter rules and, in many cases, outright bans on flying these breeds.

If you’re planning to ship a brachycephalic dog, you’ll likely be met with some challenges no matter the destination. This guide details everything you need to know about flying with snub-nosed dogs, including tips about transporting these sensitive breeds safely. 

Why Flying Is More High-Risk

Pet travel with snub-nosed dogs may carry added risk because of the unique structure of their airways. The shortened nasal passages and narrow windpipes of these flat-faced dogs make it harder for them to breathe efficiently, especially in times of stress or excitement, like air travel. 

While the cargo hold is completely safe for most pets (and generally our preferred mode of transport, as it often means the most efficient routes), these breeds may need extra precautions. This is to account for potential breathing difficulties from changes in air pressure and temperature. 

Snub-nosed dogs are more sensitive to overheating and aren’t able to cool themselves as well as other dogs, even in mild heat. The same is true if they become overexcited. Their breathing and airflow can become erratic, leading to a higher risk of breathing problems in the air.

That’s why many airlines restrict travel for these breeds to cooler months if they allow them to travel at all. High temperatures are dangerous for all breeds, but especially for snub-nosed dogs. Airlines may also ask pet owners to account for these challenges with precautions like extra breathing room in their crates and additional fit-to-fly assessments from their vet. 

That all said, guidance is constantly changing around these pets. The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) has even developed a Brachycephalic Fit-To-Fly Assessment for snub-nosed breeds. This is for vets to determine how affected each dog is by their anatomical structure.

Dogs identified by this assessment as having true Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) should never fly in cargo. It’s just too risky regarding potential respiratory problems in the air. The good news is that most snub-nosed dogs wouldn’t meet the criteria for the condition and may be able to fly with added precautions.

Common Brachycephalic Breeds

Here’s a list of snub-nosed dog breeds that commonly face airline restrictions:

• Affenpinscher
• American Bully
• Boston Terrier
• Boxer
• Brussels Griffon
• Bulldog (all breeds, including English bulldogs and French bulldogs)
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Chow chow
• English Toy Spaniel
• Japanese Chin
• Lhasa Apso
• Mastiff (including Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Dogue de Bordeaux, and Presa Canario)
• Pekingese
• Pug
• Shar Pei
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Spaniel

Some of these breeds may overlap with airlines’ bans or restrictions on dogs defined as “dangerous.” That includes pitbull-type dogs and mastiffs. Neither category takes precedence over the other, but if your pet is able to fly, they may have additional restrictions if they’re considered a strong-jawed breed.

Restrictions cover hybrids or mixed-breeds, as well as brachycephalic pets like Burmese, Persian, Himalayan, and Exotic Shorthair cats.

Airline Policies 

Many carriers have placed restrictions or even outright bans on flying these dogs in cargo, while some may allow them in-cabin under certain conditions. These rules are in place to prioritize the safety of your pet, even though the extra obstacles can feel cumbersome. 

Common airline policies for snub-nosed breeds include:

• Bans on flying these breeds in cargo holds.
• Seasonal or temperature-based travel restrictions.
• Additional veterinary health certificates and clearance forms.
• Use of a larger, well-ventilated travel crate.

Airlines are much more likely to allow snub-nosed dogs in the cabin. Of course, this is only good news for breeds small enough to fit under the seat in front of you as a carry-on pet. They may still face additional paperwork to ensure they’re fit enough to fly, even in-cabin.

Here are a few examples from airlines that still fly snub-nosed dogs:

• Alaska Airlines: There are no breed restrictions for pets traveling in the passenger cabin, but snub-nosed dogs aren’t allowed to fly in the cargo area.
• American Airlines: Snub-nosed breeds are allowed in-cabin but are banned from the hold and the airline’s PetEmbark service.
• Emirates: Emirates SkyCargo flies snub-nosed breeds with fit-to-fly assessment paperwork between November and April. 
• Hawaiian Airlines: Snub-nosed breeds are not allowed as checked baggage, but may travel in-cabin. However, your French bulldog must be small enough to fit in a suitable pet carrier.
• Lufthansa: Snub-nosed breeds may travel via Lufthansa Cargo if the temperature at the origin and destination airports is below 80°F.
• Turkish Airlines: Brachycephalic breeds may fly through Turkish Cargo in crates one size larger than usual, as long as temperatures are below 80°F. You’ll also need to submit a letter affirming your pet is healthy enough to fly and that you’re aware of the risks.
• Qantas: Snub-nosed dogs can fly as cargo on Qantas Freight when booked through an approved pet travel specialist. 

Keep in mind that airlines change their policies about snub-nosed breeds of dogs often. Airlines with a current embargo or pet policy on these animals may change their minds by the time you need to book your flight. Check airline policies thoroughly and often. 

Working with a pet shipper is also a fail-safe way to ensure you’re not spending time with an airline that won’t allow your pet to fly.It’s also important to note any additional restrictions for all pets traveling to your intended destination. Dogs flying to New Zealand or Australia, for example, spend at least 10 days in quarantine upon arrival. If you choose an airline that is snub-nosed pet-friendly but travels through complex destinations like these, your pet will be subject to those requirements, too.

Precautions to Take 

When shipping a brachycephalic dog, the airline may have additional requirements for you to meet to minimize the risk. Here are a few possibilities, along with more general tips on flying with short-nosed dogs:

• Book early. Airlines often limit the number of pets per flight, and snub-nosed breeds may require special booking steps. 
• Fly direct whenever possible. Direct flights reduce total travel time, limit stress, and avoid potential delays or complications during layovers.
• Consider in-cabin travel options. While it may mean additional travel legs, if your dog is small enough, they may be able to fly in the cabin with you.
• Travel during cooler seasons. Brachycephalic dogs are more vulnerable to heat. The airline may limit your pet’s travel outside of the summer months for you. 
• Use the right travel crate. For pets traveling in cargo, choose a crate that is well-ventilated and larger than the standard size to allow for extra airflow. Most airlines require this for snub-nosed dogs.
• Avoid sedation. This goes for all pets, but sedating a brachycephalic dog is particularly dangerous as far as their risk of respiratory issues in the air.
• Get your pet travel-ready. Help keep your dog’s travel day as stress-free as possible by training them to feel safe and comfortable in their crate. Use treats, short practice sessions, and familiar bedding or a piece of clothing with your scent on it.
• Talk to your vet. Your vet can assess your dog’s health, offer travel-specific advice, and provide any necessary documentation or fit-to-fly certificates.
• Use a professional pet shipper. Consider working with an IPATA-certified pet transport company like Tailwind for snub-nosed breeds, especially for cargo travel. We’re trained to navigate the complexities of flying more sensitive breeds safely. 

When to Consider Alternative Routes

Unfortunately, your options are limited if you’re flying with a snub-nosed dog, especially if they’re too big for the cabin. An added wrinkle is that airlines that will take them may not fly where you’re going. 

Finding an airline that takes short-nosed breeds is just one hurdle in making travel plans for these breeds, though. The timing needs to be right, and most of the time, they’ll need to pass fit-to-fly assessments at the vet. 

If your pet isn’t a good candidate for air travel due to age, health conditions, or routes available to them, it may be best to explore alternative transportation options. That can mean ground transportation, especially for short- to mid-range moves.  

Tailwind Offers Options for Pets Who Can’t Fly

At Tailwind, our team understands the unique needs of these special dogs and handles every detail with care. We’re well-versed in custom crate sizing, route planning, and health documentation, no matter the destination. From shih tzus to jumbo brachycephalic dog breeds, we’ve worked with them all. Whether you’re relocating across the country or across continents, we’re here to help you every step of the way. If flying isn’t an option, we can help you there, too.

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