Flying with your pet can be a memorable experience, but it can also be a bit challenging, especially if you’re unsure how to make it comfortable for them. Fortunately, with the right guidance, you can make your trip enjoyable for both you and your furry companion. In this article, we’ll provide you with some helpful tips for flying with your dog in 2023, so you can feel confident and well-prepared for your upcoming adventure.
6 Steps When Flying with a Dog
When flying with your furry friend, it’s essential to prepare well in advance. Here are our six crucial steps to make your dog’s travel experience comfortable and stress-free.
Step 1: Do Your Research
Not all airlines allow dogs, and some have strict rules about which breeds can fly in the cabin. Be sure to check airline policies and restrictions before booking your trip. We list a few airlines, scroll down and you’ll see them!
Some airlines only allow small dogs and cats in the cabin, while larger dogs must travel in the cargo hold. Some airlines have breed restrictions or require health certificates and other documentation. You must check the airline’s pet policies and procedures before booking your trip to ensure a smooth journey.
"Different airlines will have specific rules and restrictions in place. "
For international destinations, more planning will be required. Some countries have their own regulations and requirements for traveling with pets, so it’s important check the US’s official website on international pet travel before you book any tickets.
Step 2: Get a Health Checkup
When planning to fly with your dog, it is important to ensure that your dog is healthy and fit for travel. Here are some things to consider regarding your dog’s health check-up:
- Schedule a veterinary check-up to have your dog thoroughly examined and ensure they are healthy enough to fly.
- Obtain a health certificate from your vet, if required by your airline or destination, stating that your dog is in good health and fit to fly.
- Consider any breed-specific health concerns that may impact your dog’s ability to fly, such as snub-nosed breeds having difficulty breathing in the cargo hold.
- Speaking to your vet about medications or supplements. Some pet owners have found success in using CBD supplements to help reduce their dog’s anxiety. However, it’s important to consult with your vet before giving your pet any new supplements or medications, including those like CBD. We like ElleVet Sciences offers CBD supplements since they are designed specifically to help alleviate your pet’s anxiety.
Overall, it’s important to prioritize your dog’s health and well-being when flying. By taking the necessary precautions and working with your veterinarian, you can help ensure a safe and comfortable trip for your pet.
Step 3: Desensitize Your Dog to Noise + Getting Used to a Travel Carrier
After confirming your dog’s fitness for flying with your veterinarian, the next step is to buy a travel carrier and to desensitize them to the noises they might face at the airport and on the flight. This is crucial in ensuring that your furry friend remains calm and relaxed throughout the journey.
Here's how you can do it:
- The first step towards desensitizing your dog to flying is travel carrier training. This involves gradually getting your dog accustomed to being in the travel carrier for periods of time. You want your pet to feel safe and comfortable in the carrier. Practicing with short car rides or mock airport scenarios can also help prepare your dog for the flight ahead.
- Start with low-level sounds: Begin with low-level sounds (we recommend Youtube videos like this one). Gradually increase the volume over time to help your dog become accustomed to the noise.
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats and praise every time they are exposed to the airport sounds, this will help them associate the noise with positive experiences.
- Be patient: Desensitizing your dog to noise takes time, so take things slow and be patient with your pup. By following these steps, you can help your dog feel more comfortable with loud noises and make the flying experience less stressful for both you and your furry friend.
Step 4: Give Your Dog Plenty of Exercise Beforehand
After successfully desensitizing your dog or pet to the sounds they might encounter during the flight, the next step is to ensure they have plenty of exercise before the journey. This is important for their physical and mental well-being during the trip. Here are some tips to help you prepare your pet for a comfortable and enjoyable flight experience.
A few different ways to do this are:
- Take your dog for a long walk or run to burn off excess energy and help them relax.
- Play interactive games such as fetch to get your dog moving and tired out before the flight.
- Consider visiting a dog park or open space where your dog can play off-leash to get plenty of exercise and socialization.
- Take your dog on a sightseeing tour or outdoor adventure before your flight. This can also help them get used to different terrains and build their confidence with new environments.
Step 5: Monitor Your Dog’s Food and Water Intake
After giving your furry friend plenty of exercise before the flight, it’s essential to monitor their food and water intake. This is crucial in ensuring that they remain hydrated and comfortable during the journey.
A couple of tips around this are:
- Limit food intake before the flight: Feed your dog a small meal a few hours before the flight and avoid feeding them anything for at least 1-2 hours before the flight to prevent digestive issues.
- Provide water: Keep your dog hydrated by providing water before the flight, during any layovers or stopovers.
- Use a spill-proof water bowl: If you plan on providing water during the flight, use a spill-proof water bowl to prevent spills or accidents. We love this one from Amazon.
Step 6: Make Your Dog Comfortable During the Flight
Flying with your dog can be a stressful experience for both you and your pet. However, with a little bit of preparation, you can ensure that the trip goes smoothly. Here are some tips to help you make your dog as comfortable as possible.
- Choose the right carrier: Ensure the carrier is well-ventilated, secure, and meets the airline’s requirements. We review our top 5 soft travel carriers for 2023 here.
- Bring essentials: such as food, water, medication, toys or a familiar blanket. BarkBox, a toy and treat subscription service for dogs, is offering a free box for new subscribers, which you can bring one of those items with you!
- Keep your dog calm: Consider using a natural calming supplement. Please ask your vet about this before making any decisions. What worked for our dog Bodhi, may be different for yours!
- Monitor your dog’s behavior: Watch for signs of distress or discomfort during the flight, such as excessive panting, whining, or pacing. If you notice any signs, speak with the flight attendant.
Flying with your furry companion can be a wonderful adventure, but it requires careful planning and preparation to ensure their comfort and safety.
Check out our recommended Amazon products that we don't leave home without when traveling with our dog.
Now, Pack your Bags!
Now that you’ve followed these six crucial steps, you’re on the right track to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for you and your furry friend. Traveling with a pet can be challenging, but it can also be a wonderful experience with proper preparation. By taking things slow and being patient as your furry friend adjusts to each new environment, you can both enjoy the journey together stress-free.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bring my dog on a plane?
Yes you can bring your dog on a plane. Below are some of the airlines you can bring your dog and fly in cabin with them in 2023. You can click on the links to each airline to be taken directly to their pet policy page.
- Aegean Airlines
- Air Canada
- Alaska Air
- American Airlines
- Delta
- JetBlue
- TAP Air Portugal (We do not recommend flying with them. We experienced a lot of issues with this airline.)
- United Airlines
It is also important to note that you will need to buy a soft carrier for your pet if you plan on traveling in cabin with them. We rated the top 5 best dog carriers for 2023 here if you want to check that out!
Can I take a 25 lb dog on a plane?
Most “normal” commercial airlines will not allow dogs over 25 pounds to sit with you in cabin, however semi-private airlines do welcome large dogs in the cabin.
Aero, a US-based airline offering flights from L.A. to Aspen, Las Vegas, Jackson Hole, and Sun Valley. Aero jets across the US accommodate well-behaved medium to large dogs weighing over 20 pounds. To ensure your dog’s comfort, you’ll need to purchase an extra full-priced seat next to you.
BLADE, offers helicopters, seaplanes, and jets between exclusive destinations. On their rotorcraft flights, dogs under 25 pounds can sit on your lap in a carrier for a pet fee of $95. For larger dogs, purchase an additional seat. On BLADEone jet flights, each passenger can bring one dog under 35 pounds for an additional $300 fee, with a maximum of two dogs per additional seat.
JSX, an independent US air carrier, caters to medium to large dogs traveling with their owners. Complying with all applicable laws and regulations, passengers with big dogs must purchase an adjoining seat for their furry friend.
Surfair, a Connecticut-based air service, operates scheduled and on-demand flights across the US and the Caribbean. Surf Air welcomes registered service animals on our flights. With a priority for Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals, one animal per flight is allowed. Please notify them at animals@surfair.com 48 hours in advance to secure animal priority and accommodate other members’ allergy concerns. For animals not occupying a seat, a $50 (+tax) fee applies. For dogs over 20 lbs. you must buy them a single-use flight pass.
While commercial airlines often limit pet travel to small dogs, some exceptions exist. Spirit Airlines, La Compagnie, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Southwest Airlines allow dogs without a specific weight limit.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on a plane?
Airlines typically charge a pet fee of $100 to $250 each way, but costs vary by destination and airline. Always review the airline’s pet policy before booking to ensure your pet meets size and breed criteria; otherwise, they won’t be allowed to fly.
Can you bring a 50 pound dog on a plane?
Most larger dogs will have to fly in the hold or in cargo. While commercial airlines often limit pet travel to small dogs, some exceptions exist. Spirit Airlines, La Compagnie, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Southwest Airlines allow dogs without a specific weight limit.
Most commercial airlines often limit pet travel to this policy, semi-private airlines may allow you to fly in cabin with with your larger dog. You will need to review each of the semi-private airline’s restrictions and pet policy.
Aero, BLADE, JSX, and Surfair, are the few semi-private airlines that may allow pets of over 50 pounds to fly with you on the plane.
How do I travel on a plane with my dog?
In many cases you are able to fly with your dog in cabin or have them sit in the hold/cargo section of the plane.
For in cabin travel, pets generally must travel in a hard or soft carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. One pet per carrier, with enough room to stand up and turn around. Our blog breaks down in detail how to fly with your dog in cabin.
Please also check the answered questions above regarding what different airlines allow you to fly with your dog.
How much does it cost to have a dog fly on a plane with you?
Airlines typically charge a pet fee of $100 to $250 each way, but costs vary by destination and airline. Always review the airline’s pet policy before booking to ensure your pet meets size and breed criteria; otherwise, they won’t be allowed to fly.
This of course if mainly for commercial airlines, for semi private & fully private jets airlines you can expect this range to be more along $50-$1,000+.
Can I get a seat for my dog on a plane?
For most airlines, only small dogs and cats can be carried on board, and you may need to pay to store them under your seat. If you desire more space, certain airlines offer the option to purchase an extra seat, which could accommodate your pet’s carrier during the flight.
Check out some of the above questions for more information.
Do any airlines let you fly with a dog?
Several airlines permit pets as carry-ons in the cabin, as long as they remain in a carrier that fits under the seat. Southwest, Alaska, United, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Frontier are among the carriers allowing pets as carry-ons.
What airline allows dogs in first class?
First-class pet policies vary significantly between airlines, depending on the route and aircraft. If you plan to travel with your dog or cat in first class, start by confirming if your chosen airline permits in-cabin pet travel. Next, contact the airline’s customer service team to ensure that pets are allowed in first class on the specific route and aircraft you’re flying.
As a general rule of thumb — you should always call the airlines and ensure you can fly with your dog or cat in first class before booking your trip.
American Airlines offers pets to fly first class on A321T aircraft. The service is available on select cross-country routes most recently cost $125. When flying in First/Business on an A321T, pets must remain in their kennel. The combined weight of the carrier and pet should not exceed 20 lbs. / 9.07 kgs. Kennels are limited to 1 in First Class.
Delta Airlines also allows pets in first class. Pets are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. However please note that Domestic First Class (Canada, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam); Domestic Business Class; Domestic Delta One; and International First Class allow up to 2 pets in first class with flat-bed seats. For international business class, international Delta One and Delta Premium Select they do not permit any pets in first class.
United Airlines allow up to 2 pets in their premium cabins which are considered their first class seats. Pets in first class are only allowed on specified aircraft models such as the: Airbus 319, Airbus 320, Boeing 7371, Boeing 757-300ER, Bombardier CRJ, EMB 175, and EMB 145.
Peace out,
Bodhi The Wiener 🐶
Did this post help you sniff out some useful info for your furry friend?
If so, don’t be shy, give us a bark in the comments section! We love hearing from our fellow dog lovers on the go.
