Larger dogs will need to fly as checked baggage. Each airline has specific requirements you'll need to follow regarding making the reservation, checking in and how your pup needs to travel. Read them carefully before booking flights and contact the airline ASAP to let them know you're traveling with your dog.
Several airlines do accept large dogs by storing them in the plane's cargo. The hold is temperature-controlled and pressurized, so it is a humane way to transport them. For most airlines, pets weighing 17 pounds or more qualify as large and must travel in the hold.
Best travel carrier for large dogs
To have an airline approved travel carrier, it must be an IATA compliant crate as they are a more durable and high-quality material. This will ensure that your dog is kept safe throughout the flight and reduce the possibility of them escaping.
Flying with a large dog in the cabin is currently not allowed by any airline, for obvious reasons. Dogs are only allowed to travel with you as carry-on luggage if they weigh not more than 20lbs. And still, they have to be carried inside an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat.
While most animals flown in the cargo area of airplanes are fine, you should be aware that some animals are killed, injured or lost on commercial flights each year. Excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation and rough handling are often to blame.
Dogs and cats flying in cargo must travel in a well-ventilated, rigid (a.k.a. hard-sided) kennel. Soft-sided carriers are not allowed for safety reasons.
Where will my pet travel in the aeroplane? Pet dogs and cats travelling to an international destination are placed in a pressurised and temperature-controlled area of the cargo hold of the aeroplane. Even though it is part of the cargo hold, your per will not travel stacked on top of the baggage.
Dogs can fly long distances, but they can find it a little stressful. A 12-hour flight with them in a cargo hold is going to be much more unnerving for them than a 1-hour flight in a pet carrier on the seat next to you.
Large enough for your pet to stand, turn, sit and lie down in a natural position (without touching any side or the top of the container) Must not exceed maximum size requirements of the aircraft you're traveling on. Must not exceed maximum weight (combined pet and kennel) of 100 lbs. / 45 kgs.
Flying pets in cargo domestically on a pet-friendly airline, owners can expect to spend an average of $300 for a smaller pooch. Bigger breeds will cost up to $1,000. On top of the cargo fee, owners must also ensure they purchase an airline-approved cargo carrier, which can be an additional $100+.
Traveling with Larger Pet Dogs
Dogs over 20 pounds, unless they are emotional support or service dogs, will have to travel in the cargo hold of the plane. Not all airlines offer this option since the cargo hold needs to be pressurized to allow pet travel.
Generally, if your dog in its carrier can fit under the seat in front of you, it can go in the cabin. So that means a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.
There is no maximum weight limit for large pets however you must ensure they can remain in their seat for the duration of the flight. Dogs must be at least 4 months old. Dogs must be capable of not relieving themselves for the entire duration of the flight.
The cost to fly a dog in the cargo hold ranges between $50 to $500. Added together with an approved crate, this can reach up to $1,000. Make sure you check with your airline's reservation or cargo department.
The majority of airlines allow crated golden retrievers to fly as cargo. If your golden retriever is a certified service animal, all airlines are required by law to allow your dog to travel with you in the passenger cabin.
Air Europa
Their policy allows you to travel with a dog up to 8kg but adds an extra 2kg for the carrier. Meaning your dog and carrier can weigh up to 10kg. The size of the bag is also quite generous at 55 x 35 x 25 cm.
As loving pet parents, we want to ensure the best possible travel experience for our furry friends. That's why the American Veterinary Medical Association strongly advises against using tranquilizers or sedatives. In fact, airlines won't even accept sedated or tranquilized dogs and cats.
The cargo area of the plane is pressure and temperature controlled and, with pet-friendly airlines pets are the last to be loaded and the first to be removed upon arrival. They are situated securely and carefully with the pet's safety and comfort in mind.
How does earache occur in dogs traveling by plane? As with humans, animals can also experience barotrauma when traveling by plane. This injury is caused by an imbalance between the environmental pressure inside the aircraft and the pressure inside the middle ear cavity.
Dogs can survive a 12-hour flight, but it's important to take steps to ensure their safety and comfort during the journey. Before the flight, it's important to prepare your dog properly by providing them with plenty of food, water, and opportunities to exercise.
Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights. Regardless, you'll have to line their carrier with something absorbent - a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet's own crate pad or thin blanket.
A common standard is 10 days. Some states have specific health requirements as well. Check with both the destination state and your departure state to ensure you have the necessary documents ahead of time.
Your pet will be loaded into the cargo hold, though their crate will be secured in an area apart from the rest of the luggage. The USDA also requires that you give your pet food and water within 4 hours of check-in, but not within 4 hours of the actual flight.
Pets are placed in “hold 5”, at the rear of the plane. It is part of the cargo area underneath the cabin, but it is separated and it is heated. It is kept at the same temperature and pressure as the cabin, since the captain is notified of animals on board, and will make sure of this.