International Airlines That Allow Large Dogs in Cabin - Pet-Friendly Travel Guide

Traveling to your dream destination is one of the most beautiful experiences, and the most beautiful memory is traveling with your dog, your faithful companion who can go with you anywhere, anytime. So, keeping that emotion in mind, many airlines have been perfect for carrying your large dog in the car. Also, those airlines arrange special facilities so you can be comfortable while flying with a 4-leg companion.

There are many options, but a few of them are suitable flight carriers, and those that have already been shortlisted for you are listed below based on their facilities, rules, other perks, etc. The airlines also take care of health concerns; in the case of some exceptions, they must be informed before traveling with the airline. 

5 International Airlines That Will Take Care of Your Cutie Patootie Dogs

Making a trip with your furry friends will also be a complete hassle, and if you have a large dog, it may be more difficult to carry and travel as required. Many airlines have strict policies regarding pet travel, and some have a soft side for the animals, so they have been flexible in size and weight dimensions. Some airlines offer special facilities for larger dogs, mainly if they are used for service or emotional support animals ( ESAs). 

1. Lufthansa Airline

Lufthansa Airlines is a significant airline that is popular for allowing pets on flights. However, the airline allows some big dogs under certain conditions. The airline also provides service dogs for passengers with mobility issues and emotional support on special requests that you must request in advance. 

2. Air Canada

Air Canada permits service animals to travel with passengers in the cabin regardless of their shape and size. Emotional supportive animals are also allowed if a specific document has been submitted. It is essential to communicate with the airline executive in advance so that they can make necessary arrangements for your dog. 

3. Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines has a policy allowing staff to bring service dogs and emotional support pets into the cabin. The airline authority does not impose weight restrictions for the dogs until they can fit near your seat or lap without obstructing the aisle or other passengers. You can review the Delta Travel Guide for other information about carrying the dog. For more details, check out Delta Airlines' pet policy.

4. United Airlines

United Airlines has proper service dog policies and an emotional support page. As per the airline rule, you can bring up to 2 pets per person, but it may be possible to purchase two seats on the flight and assign the seats next to the second seat to care for both pets. Learn more about United Airlines' pet policy.

5. American Airlines

American Airlines allows big dogs based on animal breed and size. Your pets can travel as carry-on or transported through American Airlines cargo.

Carry-on pets are limited to dogs and cats that fit essential criteria such as size, age, and destination requirements. In specific destinations where large dogs are allowed, that pet must travel on most flights for up to 12 hours and flights to/from select locations. Those locations are within the United States and Canada. For more information, see American Airlines' pet policy.

The U.S. and Canada 

• Alaska 
• MU.S.co 
• Puerto Rico 
• St Croix 
• St Thomas 

International Airlines Policies For Large Dogs in Cabin

• Most airline pet policies require pets to fit inside the pet carrier and be able to move inside it. The airline must also be ventilated, padded, and water-repellent. 
• Your pet dog must weigh less than 15 lbs and not occupy a passenger's seat. Otherwise, you will be assigned a seat in the last row of the cabin class. 
• The pet must not be medically ill or aggressive; otherwise, it can be dangerous and disturbing for the co-passengers.
• If applicable, you must take the necessary medication, and then you can go with your companion to your dream destination. 
• The dog must be vaccinated with proper medicines, and the certificate needs to be submitted at the time of registration so that there will be no delay while booking a seat for your flight.
• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has set criteria for bringing dogs into the United States. These rules apply to all dogs, including service dogs and returning pets. All customers, regardless of citizenship, must follow the CDC's requirements.
• It is necessary to take all the required documents and know about the airlines pets policy forms to the airport and present them at the check-in counter so that the airline authority can verify the dog at the time of the trip. 
• It is required to check whether the dog is coming from a high-risk rabies area within six months before the flight departure schedule. 
• In case your dog is coming from an area that is entirely screwworm, then it must meet the specific requirements set by the U.S. Department of Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ( APHIS) 

Essential Documents for Flying Internationally with Your Large Dog

Taking your pet overseas is quite a hectic and challenging task. The most problematic thing that people face regarding their pet's approval is gaining approval from the concerned airline, and the primary reason for that is the lack of essential documents. The paperwork becomes much more demanding and crucial when carrying animals like giant dogs. Therefore, knowing the document requirements for your pet is vital. Though the paperwork requirement varies from airline to airline and the destination you are flying to, the following are the ones that are generally requested by most airlines for the conveyance of large dogs.

• An international health certificate
• Government export paperwork
• A microchip
• Up-to-date vaccinations
• Blood titer tests
• Parasite Prevention 

Top Tips for Smooth Travel With Your Large Dog

• Specific tips exist, but the simplest has been mentioned below in bullet points for better understanding. These tips will smoothen your trip and make the entire journey full of experience with your fabulous furry friend. 
• It would be best to choose a suitable carrier in which the dog can be fit. The carrier must be designed appropriately with padded and water-resistant material, with enough space to move. 
• You can provide the training so that the dog will not misbehave on the board and stay relaxed and calm, which will not be problematic for you or others. 
• You can bring comfort items like a blanket or a favorite toy so the dog will play with it and feel stress-free. 
• You can also get a health certificate describing how safe and healthy you are to travel with your dog. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the requirements for flying with large dogs in the cabin?

• Passengers must have all the essential supporting documents for their pet's travel, such as the vaccination certificate and government export paperwork.
• You must check whether your pet's ticket is confirmed and also verify whether it will travel in the cabin, in the cargo hold, or as a cargo shipment.
• Your pet kennel must be spacious enough to accommodate your pet appropriately and allow it to stand, turn around, and lie comfortably inside it.
• Passengers must reach the airport on time so that they can process their dog through check-in and other airport steps without any hassle.

What are the fees for flying with large dogs?

Being a sensible and responsible flyer, knowing about all the associated charges related to your flight travel is extremely important. Most travelers neglect to review the pet travel charges, which often inconvenience them and create difficulties in managing their travel budget. Generally, the large dog travel fee ranges from $100 to $300. Please note that the pet charges vary from airline to airline and also depend on other factors, such as the destination you are flying to, the duration of your flight, etc.

What is the safest way to fly with a large dog?

• It would be best to prefer pet-friendly airlines, such as Lufthansa Airlines, Delta Airlines, Air Canada, etc.
• Make sure you visit the veterinarian a few days or weeks prior to your flight journey to verify its health.
• Ensure you choose the right dog carrier that complies with the airline's guidelines and allows your pet to move freely.
• Please carry the essential medications, food and water arrangements for your dog to sustain throughout the flight journey.

What is the maximum size dog can fly in a cabin?

In addition to the essential supporting documents, it is also crucial to know the airline's guidelines regarding pet approval. The most vital factor in this policy is laying out the animal's weight and size limitations. If you are wondering about the maximum size allowance for dogs to travel in the cabin, you have come to the right place for the answer. The size restriction fluctuates from airline to airline; however, the maximum weight of the dog should not be more than 7-10 kg.

Can I buy a seat for my large dog on an airplane?

On average, some airlines allow passengers to fly with their pets, keeping them in the carrier. Whereas, when traveling with large dogs, the airline will allow you to bring them on board at the cost of an additional seat for their conveyance. Please note that the answer to this question totally depends on the airline's pet policy.

Can my dog sit on my lap during a flight?

No, this facility is not provided by the airline. Please note that passengers are allowed to carry their pets inside the carrier when traveling through the cabin, book an additional seat, or be transported as cargo. You cannot make a flight journey with your dog sitting on your lap.