How to choose the best airline when flying with a dog

The airline you choose matters

Not all airlines treat dogs the same. Some airlines let dogs fly in the cabin with minimal paperwork and easy to understand rules while other airlines have heavy restrictions or only transport via cargo. Picking the right airline will determine if your dog flies in the cabin or in cargo, the chance of delays or denied boarding, and most importantly the comfort and safety of your dog.

We created a handy airline dog policy database you can use to search, filter and sort airlines to help narrow down your search. It is updated twice a year and I don’t use AI to build the data either. It is all manually researched and verified using only the airlines official policy pages.

Step 1: Decide how your dog will fly

Before you can start comparing airlines you need to decide if your dog will travel in the cabin with you or in cargo. Cabin vs cargo travel means different requirements, restrictions, and risks. Larger dogs have to fly as checked baggage or cargo while smaller dogs can fly in the cabin provided they meet weight and carrier requirements.

Step 2: Check route availability

Depending on the route you are taking to your destination you will need to check the availability of pet transport. Not all airlines allow pets on every route they fly. Some countries may have restrictions that come into play, and some aircraft do not even allow pet travel. Availability can depend on the departure and arrival country, if you have layovers or connections, and the aircraft type.

Step 3: Compare key factors

Not all airlines are equal when it comes to being pet-friendly. The differences usually boil down to a few key factors that impact your dog’s safety and the overall experience.

Pet Policy Clarity

A good airline will have a clearly explained pet policy. You should be able to find out size limits, fees, and restrictions. If an airline has a vague pet policy, you may run into problems at check-in.

Temperature Restrictions

This is something you will want to look into if your dog is flying in the cargo hold. If temperatures get too hot or cold at any point in the journey, airlines usually will not transport pets. This is a very common reason for dogs to be denied boarding.

Breed Restrictions

If you are like me and have a flat-nosed or brachycephalic dog, they are almost certain to be restricted from traveling in the cargo hold. This is due to the breathing and temperature regulation risks.

Cost

The pet fee varies. In cabin fees are usually in the $75 to $300 USD range depending on airline and route. Cargo costs can range anywhere from $200 to $1000+ USD. Higher cost doesn’t necessarily mean you are getting better service. Likewise ultra-cheap options can be risky.

Step 4: Compare actual airlines

Once you know what to look for, the next step is to start comparing airlines. You can narrow the list of airlines based on factors that make sense to you such as dog size, route, and travel style. We are launching our searchable airline database next week where you can instantly filter airlines by factors that matter to you.

Red flags to avoid

Avoid airlines that:

• Have unclear or inconsistent pet policies
• Regularly change rules without notice
• Don’t allow pets on common international routes
• Have poor customer support when handling pet travel

If something feels uncertain or off, you are likely to run into issues.

Pro tips for choosing the right airline

A few things I have learned during our travels. Book early. Airlines have limits of how many pets can fly in cabin or cargo and the spots fill up quickly. Always choose a direct flight whenever possible. It is less stressful an experience for your dog. If your dog has to fly in cargo avoid extreme weather seasons. And I always do a quick double check that everything is in order a week or two before our flight.

Flying with a service dog

Beckham is a service dog which means he follows a different set of rules than normal dogs. In most cases service dogs are allowed to fly in the cabin regardless of size provided the dog lie or sit at your feet without blocking walkways or other passengers. In my experience you will have to notify the airline 48 hours before your flight. Some airlines let you add a service dog when you book your ticket, most do not. Often there are airline specific forms and documentation. Some airlines let you register your dog for future fights which is a time saver if it is an airline you frequently use. And your dog has to be well behaved.

Not all airlines recognize emotional support animals. If you are traveling with an emotional support dog and the airline doesn’t recognize them, your dog will fall under the regular in-cabin or cargo requirements.

Because policies vary between airlines and some countries have specific service dog policies, you should also confirm things with your airline before booking. If you travel with a service dog, choosing the right airline is even more important.

Policies vary significantly between airlines and countries, so it’s important to confirm requirements directly with your airline before booking. If you’re traveling with a service dog, choosing the right airline becomes even more important due to these differences.

Frequently Asked Questions