How Do You Travel with a Dog on An Airplane?
Most people like to travel, but many dog owners worry about leaving their dogs with a friend or family member or at a boarding kennel. So, you might be wondering how you travel with a dog on an airplane.
In this article, we’re going to look at everything you need to know about traveling by air with dogs.
How to Travel with Your Dog As Carry On
Most airlines these days, including most of the bigger airlines, allow passengers to travel with their small dog as carry-on, as long as their dog fits comfortably into an approved-size carry-on dog carrier.
Most airlines also have a list of dog breeds that are approved to travel as carry-on, as well as other criteria like their weight and so on. So, it’s always a good idea to speak directly to the airline you’re considering flying on to find out what their policies are.
Your seat and class options might also be limited if you are flying with a dog.
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Can Your Dog Sit On Your Lap During the Flight?
Generally speaking, your dog cannot sit on your lap while you are flying. They’ll have to stay in their designated carrier for the duration of the flight.
Airlines often have to accommodate passengers who have dog allergies too, and keeping dogs contained helps to limit how much potential allergens get into the air during your flight.
How to Travel with Your Dog in the Hold
If you have a larger dog, and it’s not on the list of banned dog breeds (some airlines do ban breeds like pit bulls), there’s a good chance they will have to travel in a crate in the hold.
Most airlines don’t allow brachycephalic breeds (dogs with flat faces) like French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs to travel in the hold at all, though. There’s just not enough oxygen in the air to be safe for them.
So again, you will want to talk to the airline you’re considering booking with before you book your tickets to be sure they’re allowed in the hold and what kind of crate or container you need.
How to Book Your Dog a Seat On the Plane
Many airlines don’t allow larger dogs in the cabin unless they’re registered service dogs, but there are some who are now allowing dog owners to book their dogs a seat on the plane.
Etihad Airways, Alaska Air, and JetBlue are some of the airlines that allow dog owners to buy their dogs their own seats on the plane.
This option also has some restrictions, and of course, your dog will have to be well-behaved and well-controlled during the flight – which is true for service animals, too!
If there is any danger at all that they might react to someone on the plane, consider getting them a comfortable and well-fitting muzzle to keep everyone safe and keep them from getting in trouble with flight staff on the plane.
How Much Does It Cost to Book a Dog On a Flight?
The cost to fly your dog with you to your vacation destination or when moving across the country or the world will vary depending on how they’re flying, but you can expect to pay anything from $100 to $200 each way and upwards.
Travel Papers for Dogs Who Are Flying
The next thing you need to know about how to travel with a dog on an airplane is that you may need to get travel papers for them if you’re traveling to another country.
While the answer to the question of whether your dog needs a passport is usually no, many countries do require vaccination records and sometimes even special travel certificates, so you should always check the requirements for the country or countries you’re visiting in addition to the airline’s travel regulations.
Safety First
The best rule of thumb when it comes to traveling on airplanes with dogs is always to put safety first. Theirs and everyone else on the plane.
If they can’t fit comfortably in the carrier required by the airline, consider putting them on hold.
Visit your vet before you travel with your dog on an airplane to make sure they’re healthy enough for the flight, and if your dog is anxious, consider getting a sedative for the flight. When you give your dog a sedative right before they fly, they’ll probably sleep through the whole experience and wake up ready for an adventure with you!
There may also be additional vaccinations your dog needs to travel to certain places, and you’ll need to make sure they have them about two weeks before you travel.
Avoid meals directly before the flight too, and make sure you’ve done a potty walk right before you board the plane, so they’ve got an empty tank for the flight!
If you do have a dog that is not in a carrier in the cabin of a plane, make sure you always have full control of them, and be considerate to passengers around you.