Where Do Dogs Go When They Fly?

Dogs can travel on airplanes in either the cabin with their owners or in the cargo area. Before leaving for a trip, it is important to know the requirements and restrictions that your airline might stipulate. Tips for traveling with your dog on an airplane include preparing your dog, what to pack, flying with dogs as carry-on or checked baggage, and making your furry companion comfortable during the journey.

For dogs considered pets, most airlines allow fully-trained service dogs to ride in. On a plane, your dog will either be in the cabin with you or in the cargo area with all the luggage. Kennels must be durable, well-ventilated, and have a waterproof bottom. It is also incredibly important to research the location you’re heading to and any stopover destinations if necessary.

While there are general TSA and USDA guidelines for dog travel, each airline has its own regulations and fees. Be sure to call and familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations. Most airlines will allow pets to fly in the cabin as luggage or in the hold as excess luggage so long as you’ll be flying on the same flight and they meet size and weight restrictions. However, some do require all pets to be checked through the PetSafe program or fly pets in cargo, unless traveling as active-duty military or with the State Department.

Pets traveling to an international destination are placed in a pressurized and temperature-controlled area of the cargo hold of the aeroplane. Not all airlines transport dogs, but the vast majority do at least accommodate small dogs in the cabin area. A select few also allow dogs of any size.

Carry-on pets are allowed on most airlines, but they must pay the carry-on pet fee. The pet stays in the pet carrier and under the seat in front of you the entire flight. Small dogs may be allowed in the passenger cabin as long as the carrier fits under the seat. Soft, airline-approved, carry-on kennels, sometimes called carry-on kennels, are available for these pets.

Can my dog sit on my lap during a flight?

On-board, your small pet must remain in its carrier at all times, and it cannot be removed during the flight. Carriers must be stored under the seat in front of you and cannot be stored on your lap or in an overhead bin. Airlines have the right to remove you and your pet from a flight or deny boarding if your dog acts aggressively towards staff or other travelers. Larger pet dogs over 20 pounds must travel in the cargo hold of the plane, unless they are emotional support or service dogs.

Not all airlines offer this option, so it’s essential to check if your airline offers this option. Cargo-hold travel differs from in-cabin travel in that you won’t have access to your pet during the flight, as your dog will spend the entire flight in the cargo hold, which can be affected by temperature fluctuations.

How traumatic is it for a dog to fly in cargo?

Dogs can fly long distances, but they can be stressful due to the change in air pressure. A 12-hour flight in a cargo hold can be more unnerving for them than a 1-hour flight in a pet carrier. Ensure your dog is given comfortable surroundings, sleep, and opportunities to eat and drink. Pet travel specialists can handle your dog correctly and treat them like their own pet. PBS Per Travel works with reliable airlines for safe pet travel.

Dogs can experience painful ear popping due to changes in air pressure, which can make the flight more stressful. Chew toys and gentle petting can help relieve pain and distract your dog. Altitude sickness is also a possibility for dogs, and check for signs of discomfort through barking or body language.

Altitude sickness is not always likely to happen, but it can be a sign that something is not right. It is important to ensure your dog is comfortable and well-cared for during their journey.

How long can a dog fly on a plane?

Pets are permitted on most 12-hour flights within the 48 contiguous United States, the United States and Canada, and Alaska.

Can I take my 50 lb dog on a plane?

No, it is not possible to fly with a large dog in a cabin during a flight. Most airlines require dogs to fit inside a carrier underneath a plane seat, which excludes medium-sized to large dogs like Huskies or Labradors. Smaller dogs can travel in the cabin, but only with trained or certified emotional support animals or service dogs, accompanied by legitimate documentation. Flights can be stressful for most people, and those who require service animals may find it difficult to travel with their pet owners in the cabin.

Are dogs safe flying in cargo?

Flying your pet in a cargo hold can be dangerous due to the potential for accidents, such as heat, cold, poor ventilation, and improper handling. Most U. S. airlines report all companion animal incidents in the cargo hold, and it’s important to review the airline’s performance record before flying. However, one incident doesn’t necessarily reflect the entire airline, and human error can also cause mistakes. To increase the chances of a safe flight for your pet, follow these tips:

1. Keep your pet in a cool, dry place, and avoid leaving them in hot or cold temperatures.
2. Keep your pet well-hydrated and well-fed, and avoid feeding them food that may cause diarrhea.

How safe is it for dogs to fly in cargo?

Flying your pet in a cargo hold can be dangerous due to the potential for accidents, such as heat, cold, poor ventilation, and improper handling. Most U. S. airlines report all companion animal incidents in the cargo hold, and it’s important to review the airline’s performance record before flying. However, one incident doesn’t necessarily reflect the entire airline, and human error can also cause mistakes. To increase the chances of a safe flight for your pet, follow these tips:

1. Keep your pet in a cool, dry place, and avoid leaving them in hot or cold temperatures.
2. Keep your pet well-hydrated and well-fed, and avoid feeding them food that may cause diarrhea.

Where do they put dogs on a plane?

Pet dogs and cats are placed in a pressurized and temperature-controlled area of the cargo hold of an aircraft for international travel. They are not stacked on top of baggage and their crates are secured to the aircraft to prevent tumbling or movement. The pressure in the cargo hold is the same as in the cabin. Pet-friendly airlines ensure your pet receives the best care. The cargo hold is climate-controlled, and airlines often have temperature embargoes in place to deal with extreme temperatures. These embargoes prevent airlines from boarding pets if the temperature at the origin or destination is too hot or cold, ensuring their safety.

How do dogs fly internationally?

Pets are permitted to travel on planes as in-cabin, accompanied baggage or cargo. However, it should be noted that some airlines and countries may not allow pets in-cabin entry, in which case they can be booked on a separate flight.

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, but some may allow passengers to have their dog fly with them in the cabin. Small dogs are typically allowed to fly in the cabin, and carry-on pets must fit comfortably in a soft-sided carrier that can go under the seat in front of the passenger. The carrier must remain under the seat for the entire flight, and the pet carrier must be roomy enough for the dog to stand up and turn around when zipped shut.

Some airlines, like JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers to buy an extra seat for their pet, but they must still fly in a carrier and fit under the seat for taxi, takeoff, and landing. Outside of these flight phases, passengers can put the dog carrier on their lap or in the seat next to them.

Is it safe for dogs to fly in cargo?

Flying your pet in a cargo hold can be dangerous due to the potential for accidents, such as heat, cold, poor ventilation, and improper handling. Most U. S. airlines report all companion animal incidents in the cargo hold, and it’s important to review the airline’s performance record before flying. However, one incident doesn’t necessarily reflect the entire airline, and human error can also cause mistakes. To increase the chances of a safe flight for your pet, follow these tips:

1. Keep your pet in a cool, dry place, and avoid leaving them in hot or cold temperatures.
2. Keep your pet well-hydrated and well-fed, and avoid feeding them food that may cause diarrhea.

Do dogs travel well on planes?

Dogs typically travel well without medication, but some may experience significant stress during air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog. Strategies to de-stress canine flights include using a Thundershirt® swaddle, Adaptil® pheromone calming collar, or prescribed medications like Trazodone, gabapentin, and alprazolam. Test the medication at home before your trip to gauge your dog’s reaction.

If your dog experiences motion sickness in a car, your veterinarian may prescribe a medication specifically to avoid it during your flight. With proper planning, attention to detail, and consultation with your veterinarian, flying with your dog can be a great experience.