Everything to Know About Flying With a Dog
Olga Budrina/Getty
If you’re a pet parent, you’ve probably spent more time than you’d care to admit fretting over what to do with your dog while you’re vacationing or traveling for work. Flying with a dog is one option, but it’s far from a straightforward decision.
Whether you’ve flown with your pup before or this is a first for both of you, the prospect of flying with a dog can be stressful and intimidating. What are the rules around flying with non-service pets? What does flying with a dog cost? Which breeds are allowed on planes? Can you take a dog on a plane, or will they be relegated to the cargo hold? What equipment do you need? And—most importantly—will flying be safe and comfortable for your pet?
There’s a lot to consider before traveling with a pet. However, with enough research (and some good conversations with your veterinarian) traveling with your dog is certainly possible.
We’ve rounded up everything you’ll want to consider ahead of time, from airline policies and paperwork to airport security procedures and more. Before you head to the airport, here’s what you need to know about flying with a dog.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Can I fly with a dog on a plane?
Can my dog fly with me? Yes, in many cases, your dog can fly with you on a plane, either in the cabin or the cargo hold. However, as you might imagine, airlines have tons of specific guidelines for travelers with pets to read up on. It’s important that you understand them all thoroughly, well in advance of your trip, so you know exactly what to expect and can prepare for how to fly with a dog ahead of time.
First, you’ll need to check with your airline to see what type of breeds they allow in the cabin or the cargo hold. Often, certain types of dog breeds are barred from flying in one place or another. For instance, brachycephalic dog breeds with short or snubbed noses (like French bulldogs and pugs) usually can’t fly in the cargo hold because of the potential for breathing issues. Most larger dogs aren’t allowed in the cabin (with exceptions for trained service animals) and will have to fly in the cargo hold. Many airlines have completely banned specific breeds—like pit bulls—from flying at all.
Always book flight reservations for you and your pet at the same time: Most airlines only allow a handful of pets per flight—typically two to six, depending on the type of plane and whether it is a domestic or international flight. Be sure to call and make sure there’s still room for your pet. You might also have limited seating options when flying with a dog. Airlines usually do not allow passengers flying with dogs to sit in bulkhead rows, business or first-class cabins with lie-flat beds, or emergency exit rows.
Beyond commercial flights, you also have the option of booking a private (or semi-private) flight with your dog. In recent years, a handful of new dog-friendly airlines have popped up, including Bark Air and K9 Jets, which offer pay-per-seat private jet service for pups and their humans. In addition, some private jet companies, like NetJets and VistaJet, will gladly roll out the red carpet for pets. Flying private is more expensive, and your carbon footprint will be bigger in most cases, but you may decide that it's necessary for your pet’s comfort.
How stressful is flying for dogs?
Flying can be uncomfortable for all dogs, but it’s especially hard on elderly dogs, as well as pups with health or behavioral issues.
For your pet, airports and airplanes mean loud noises, bright lights, thousands of people, a dizzying array of new smells, changes in air pressure and cabin temperature, and limited bathroom breaks. Dogs who must fly in the cargo hold are also separated from you, their favorite person in the world, in a scary, unfamiliar environment for several hours. “Always consider the pet’s perspective—what might be an exciting trip for you can be a stressful experience for them,” says LaDell Carter, a travel advisor who specializes in pet-friendly trips and the founder of Royal Expression Travels.
Driving to your destination is another option. But road-tripping is only viable if you have enough time to get there and back—and, just as importantly, if your dog doesn’t mind being in the car. (Some pups absolutely love car rides, but others get car sick or anxious.)
Beyond these considerations, think about whether your dog will even be able to participate in all the activities you have planned once you arrive. Is your lodging pet-friendly? Will the destination be too hot or too cold for them to spend time outdoors comfortably? Can you take them to restaurants, bars, and shops? If your pup will spend the entire trip locked inside a hotel room anyway, subjecting them to the misery of a flight probably isn’t worth it.
Bottom line: Unless you have a really solid reason for bringing them with you, it’s probably best to leave your pooch at home. As a pet parent, it’s your responsibility to do what’s best for your pup, even when that decision might make you feel blue for a few days. Hire a dog-sitter, ask a trusted friend or family member to look after them, or book a stay in a reputable boarding facility. “There are very few pros to flying with a dog,” says Jennifer Bruns, a veterinarian at PetSmart. “Bringing your pup on a flight is only recommended if it is absolutely necessary.”
And if you do decide to go ahead with flying with a dog, make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss food, water, exercise, medication, and other helpful strategies well in advance of the trip. Experts are split on whether pets should be sedated before flights (even the American Veterinary Medical Association offers a slightly murky answer to this question), so weigh the pros and cons with a vet who is familiar with your animal specifically. Also keep in mind that there are health risks involved with sedation, and some airlines prohibit this practice or require a veterinarian’s note.
To minimize your pet’s distress, look for non-stop flights with no transfers, and avoid traveling over holiday periods when airlines—and airports—are busier than normal, to help reduce the risk of anything going wrong.
If your pet has to fly in cargo, also be mindful of the weather at your destination. For trips to warm-weather locales, look into early morning or late evening flights when the temperatures won’t be quite so hot; conversely, in cooler climates, book flights in the middle of the day, when temps are warmest. Also note that some airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines, have strict rules about dogs flying in the cargo hold based on outdoor temperatures along the route. If it’s too hot or too cold, they may not accept your pet—and you’ll be left scrambling to make alternate arrangements.
Can I buy my dog a seat on a plane?
Most airlines do not allow passengers to buy their dogs a seat on a plane. However, depending on the dog’s size and breed, as well as the specific airline’s rules, you may be able to pay to have your dog fly with you in the cabin.
Usually, only allow small dogs are allowed to fly in the cabin. Some outline specific weight limits, but most simply require carry-on pets to fit comfortably in a soft-sided carrier that can go under the seat in front of you. The carrier must remain under the seat for the entire flight—you can’t get your pup out for snuggles mid-journey, unless you want a stern talking-to from a flight attendant. The pet carrier counts as either your personal item or carry-on bag, and it must be roomy enough for your pup to be able to stand up and turn around when it’s zipped shut.
A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet. Dogs must still fly in a carrier and fit under the seat to be stowed for taxi, takeoff, and landing (on Etihad, carriers can take up more space if being used with an additional seat); outside of those flight phases, passengers are generally allowed to put the dog carrier on their lap or in the seat next to them that they purchased.
Unfortunately, larger pet dogs have to fly in the cargo hold, along with all the luggage and freight. Most airlines describe this as “shipping” your pet. (Yikes.)
While airlines say they try their best to make dogs comfortable in the cargo hold, it’s bound to be an unpleasant experience for your pet nonetheless. Plenty of animals fly in cargo every year without incident, but travelers have also shared horror stories about their pets being injured, becoming very sick, or even dying.
If you’re curious about the risk, here are some statistics to consider: According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 188,223 animals flew on U.S. airlines in 2022 (the newest data available). Among those, seven animals died, one was lost and one was injured, which translates to an overall incident rate of 0.48 per 10,000. That’s low to be sure, but if your pet was one of those unlucky few, how might you feel?
Additionally, once you check in your dog for the flight, they are entirely in the hands of airline personnel. Your dog will be loaded by baggage handlers who are trying to get all of the luggage and other items into the cargo hold quickly and efficiently. Although they may adore pets, it’s not their job to comfort, pet, walk, or otherwise pay special attention to your dog.
So, do the benefits of “shipping” your dog in the cargo hold outweigh the downsides? The answer to that question depends on your situation, your dog, and your tolerance for risk. “There are many situations that are beyond your control when your pet flies in cargo,” says Bruns. “Putting your dog in cargo, even on a pet-friendly airline, can be a very risky situation.”
What are the rules for flying with a dog?
The rules for traveling with dogs vary widely based on the airline, where you’re traveling, and what type of dog you have. Always do research in advance of every trip—even if it’s not your first time flying with a dog—to ensure you have all of the latest information and regulations.
“One common misconception is that all airlines have uniform policies regarding pet travel,” says Carter. “In reality, policies can differ greatly between airlines and even between international and domestic flights. Knowing these details upfront ensures a smoother booking process and helps set realistic expectations for the journey.”
Look at airlines’ websites carefully to be sure you’re reading all the correct information you need. You can also try calling an airline customer service line to get more detail on their specific rules. Here are the pet travel pages for Delta, American Airlines, United, JetBlue, Southwest, and Alaska Airways. (If your dog is a trained service animal, then a totally different set of regulations will apply.)
Airlines typically require a health certificate—issued by an accredited veterinarian following an office visit that includes a physical examination—stating your dog is healthy and up-to-date on her vaccinations. The certificate is only good for 30 days, and you’ll need it for both your departure and return. (Many airlines require that your dog's clean bill of health be no more than 10 days old.) If the duration of your trip is longer than your certificate will be valid for, you’ll also have to schedule a vet visit while on your trip to meet the return flight requirements. Dogs must also typically be at least eight weeks old to fly, says Bruns.
You’ll typically pay between $95 to $125 each way for your pet to fly in the cabin with you, though the pet fee varies by airline. The cost of shipping your pet in the cargo hold depends on the combined weight of your dog and their crate, as well as how far they’ll be flying—most airlines offer online calculators for getting an estimate.
Wherever your pet will spend the flight, airlines typically require an appropriate pet carrier or crate. The International Air Transport Association, whose guidelines most airlines follow, has a list of pet carrier requirements (we've also rounded up our favorite airline-approved pet carriers). Generally speaking, the crate needs to be durable and have plenty of ventilation, strong handles, and a leak-proof bottom.
Clearly mark the pet carrier with the words “Live Animal” and arrows that show which way is up, with a label containing your name, phone number, address, and destination contact information. Also, double-check the zippers or other closure mechanisms, even if you’ve flown with this specific carrier in the past. “You don’t want to be TikTok famous when your pet escapes on the airplane,” says Philippa Pavia, a veterinary surgeon and vice president of medical operations for Thrive Pet Healthcare who often flies with her Chihuahua mix, Pierre.
Another important thing to research? Local animal import laws for each airport you’ll be stopping at along the way. This is especially important if you’re traveling internationally or somewhere like Hawaii, which has strict customs rules. Many places have painfully complicated processes and long quarantine periods—which could mean you'd be separated from your pet for most or all of your trip.
Some destinations do not allow pets to fly in the cabin, even if your dog is small enough to be a carry-on; there are even some countries and states that prohibit pets from flying to, from, or through on a connection, period. Others have specific requirements that may take a while to coordinate, so it’s best to start your trip-planning process extra early if you want to bring your dog. “Some countries require testing and treatment for disease months in advance of travel, so timing is of the utmost importance,” says Bruns.
Also note there are special requirements for dogs traveling to the US from a country the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deems high risk for rabies. For example, dogs that have been vaccinated against rabies in the US by a US-licensed veterinarian may return from a high-risk country if they have proof of rabies vaccination and a microchip; are at least six months old; are healthy upon arrival; and arrive at one of 18 specific airports with CDC quarantine facilities. These rules are slated to change on Aug. 1, however, so bookmark the CDC’s webpage for the latest requirements. The CDC also has an interactive question-and-answer tool, called DogBot, that can help you determine which specific rules apply to your pup.
Before your trip, thoroughly research the departing and arrival airports, paying close attention to any pet relief areas. If your pet isn’t crate-trained or you’ve purchased a new travel carrier, spend time training or familiarizing your pup with the kennel well in advance of your trip. You might even consider taking your dog to the airport’s departure area a few times so they become slightly more comfortable with this strange place. “Every time I fly with my dog, I look at the terminal map—both the one I'm leaving from and the one I'm landing at—to see if there is a pet relief area,” says Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer with Rover. “This way, if my flight is delayed, I can give him another chance to go. And as soon as we land, I know where to head.”
Flying with a dog: Day-of travel
On travel day, follow the action plan you created with your vet for food, water, and exercise. “I recommend feeding a small, easily digestible meal a few hours prior to the flight and decreasing water consumption,” says Pavia. “I also recommend exercising your pet before going to the airport so they’re ready for a nap.”
When it’s time to head to the airport, be sure to arrive extra early so you don’t feel rushed or frazzled. If your pet is flying cargo, most airlines require you to arrive at least three hours before departure for domestic flights and at least five hours before international flights. You’ll likely need to take your pet to a separate cargo drop-off location at the airport. These are usually special hangars on the outskirts of the airport property, and your airline should have a list of locations and hours. This is also where you’ll pick up your pet after the flight, too, so review your departure and arrival airport maps ahead of time to know where to go.
If your pet is small enough to fly in the cabin, go to the passenger check-in desk, where an agent will ask to see your dog’s required paperwork. Once you’ve got the all-clear and paid the pet carry-on fee, head to security. Deal with your shoes, liquids, laptop, and other items before tending to your dog. Then, remove your dog from the kennel and place the carrier on the conveyor belt to go through the X-ray machine. When it’s your turn to go through the metal detector, TSA says to carry or walk your dog through. You’ll need to remove your dog’s collar or leash if any part of it is metal, to avoid setting off the alarm. “If your pet could escape, you should have a collar and leash that can remain on them through the metal detector,” says Pavia.
You’ll also want to read up on the TSA’s rules around dog food, especially if you want to bring a little wet food in your carry-on bag. The agency considers both dry and moist dog food as solid food, which means they’re both allowed in carry-on bags. As with all food items, however, a security officer may ask you to remove the food from your bag to get a clearer picture of the other contents in your carry-on.
If the dog is flying as cargo, make sure to attach a current photo of her to the outside of the carrier, as well as a small bag of food so airline personnel can feed it in case of a long delay. Keep a current photo of your dog handy on your phone, too, in case the airline accidentally misplaces your pet—it's not likely, but it’s better to be prepared. (Getting your pet microchipped can also help in the event that your pet gets lost.) Once you touch down at your destination, grab your checked baggage (or, to speed things up while traveling with dogs, only bring a carry-on) and head straight to the airline’s cargo location.
Dogs who fly cargo are typically available two hours after the flight’s arrival. You must pick them up within four hours of arrival, or airline staffers will take them to a veterinarian or boarding facility.
Whether your pet flew in cargo or the cabin, take your pup for a walk right away and be sure to give her lots of praise, cuddles, treats, toys, or whatever other positive reinforcement rewards they prefer. (If you're flying with a dog in the cabin and have a layover, stretch your legs—and your pup's—at a pet relief area in the airport.) Though the journey can be complicated, you'll breathe easier once you've both arrived safe and sound.
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
The Latest Travel News and Advice
Want to be the first to know? Sign up to our newsletters for travel inspiration and tips
Cruise Etiquette: How To Get the Most Out of Shore Excursions
This Airport Lounge Was Just Voted Best in the World—Here's What It's Like Inside
This New Multi-Nation Visa Will Grant Tourists Entry to Six Gulf Countries
