Everything you should know about flying with dogs, including where they can sit and the cost involved

Traveling today can be tricky with the added complexity of pandemic protocols and growing flight delays and cancellations affecting passengers. Bringing a dog along only adds to the stress of an already challenging journey.

Whether you're a frequent traveler with your furry companion or considering it for the first time, here's the ultimate guide to flying with your dog.

Not all dogs are allowed to fly, and those that are have specific areas designated for them on the plane. Think of it as a kind of pet class system.

A dog's ability to fly largely depends on its breed, weight, and the airline you'll be traveling with.

Where on the plane can your dog be seated?

According to Zoo Logistics, a Dutch company assisting with pet travel, "Your pet can fly in three different ways: in the cabin as hand luggage with you, as excess luggage in the cargo hold, or as cargo in the hold. The options available to your pet depend on factors such as breed, size, airline, aircraft type, destination, and whether you're traveling on the same flight."

Most airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin or in the cargo hold as excess luggage, provided they meet the size and weight limits and are traveling on the same flight as you. However, some airlines require pets to travel as cargo. Be sure to check the airline’s pet travel policies before booking your flight.

If your pet is flying with you as luggage, they may either stay with you in the cabin or be transported as excess luggage in the aircraft’s cargo hold. According to Zoo Logistics, these holds are both ventilated and heated for your pet's comfort. If your pet cannot fly with you or is traveling alone, they will be treated as cargo. While it’s possible for pets to travel as cargo, many pet owners find this option less desirable.

Before bringing your dog on board, make sure to "choose a solid, compact pet carrier that meets the size requirements for all airlines you use," recommends TPG senior writer Katie Genter.

The carrier not only needs to be the correct size, but also strong enough to endure the rigors of flight, particularly if your dog is prone to chewing through carriers.

"I've flown with Murray several times, and it's generally been smooth, except for that one time he tore his carrier — we had to improvise with a shoestring to secure it," recalls TPG senior aviation reporter David Slotnick about his 4-year-old miniature goldendoodle. "He weighs 18 pounds, so we always fly him in the cabin, following all airline guidelines, and we typically fly Delta."

Which dog breeds are eligible to fly?

Certain dogs (and cats) are not permitted to fly at all, particularly snub-nosed breeds like French bulldogs and Boston terriers, which have respiratory issues. These breeds are banned on specific airlines, such as United and Delta, and face restrictions on others like Lufthansa, Swiss Airlines, and KLM.

To confirm that your dog is eligible to fly, always review the airline's pet-in-cabin policy, advises pet transport service Pets2Fly, which also points out that "traveling in the cabin is often the safest option for certain breeds."

For instance, American Airlines permits cats and dogs to fly if they meet specific size, age, and destination criteria, on most flights lasting under 12 hours. The airline charges a $125 pet fee, and your pet must remain in the kennel under the seat in front of you during the flight.

"If your pet is too large to travel in the cabin, it must be shipped via American Airlines Cargo," according to the airline, with fees varying. Keep in mind, many pet owners discourage flying their pets as cargo, especially during warmer months.

Due to these breed restrictions, TPG senior writer Vikkie Walker typically chooses to travel by Amtrak when taking her 4-year-old pug, Migo Jameson Walker, with her.

"Since Migo can’t fly with certain airlines, we opt for Amtrak instead. He’s a nervous traveler, so I give him medication, peanut butter, and keep him within my sight during the journey," Walker shared. "During our Thanksgiving trip on Amtrak, he tried to make a break for it on the train. Honestly, I don’t enjoy traveling with him and prefer to leave him with a sitter whenever possible."

Weight restrictions for flying with dogs

Many airlines impose weight limits on pets traveling in the cabin, typically set at 20 pounds.

"Traveling with my 24-pound dog Chilly Willy is always a challenge," says TPG senior editor Clint Henderson. "I constantly worry Chilly might not be allowed to board, but thankfully, Delta and Alaska don’t enforce any official weight limits."

If you have a larger dog, it might be more difficult to find an airline that will allow your pet to stay in the cabin with you. However, there are still some options available.

Last week, TPG senior aviation reporter Ethan Klapper and his girlfriend flew with their rescue Labrador for the first time on JSX, a semi-private airline.

"For an upcoming TPG review, my girlfriend and I flew with Patty from Houston Hobby (HOU) to Dallas Love Field (DAL). I was a bit nervous since Patty can be anxious — she hates elevators and the sound of garbage trucks. But JSX’s pet policy is fantastic, allowing medium- and large-sized dogs out of their crates for the price of a second seat. All we had to do was fill out a simple form. The staff, from Hobby to the flight attendants to those at Dallas Love, were all incredibly friendly and great with dogs. She even got a JSX pet bandana! While JSX has a smaller (but expanding) network, I definitely recommend them if you’re traveling with a larger dog."

Watch for Klapper’s complete JSX review, coming soon.

Additional paperwork and fees

"What many people may not realize is that when traveling with a pet, some airlines require you to check in at the airport to pay your pet travel fee and verify your paperwork," explained TPG director of content Andrea Rotondo. "Make sure to allow plenty of time for this."

American, Delta, and Alaska all specify on their websites that you must check in at the airport to pay your pet fees, which typically range from $100 to $125.

"One inconvenience is that you can't check in online for your pet, you’ll need to visit a counter to pay the in-cabin pet fee and receive a carrier tag," said Slotnick. "It's frustrating that you still need to pay a fee for a pet that counts as part of your regular checked baggage allowance."

In addition, you'll need to provide proper identification for your pet.

Increased scrutiny

If you've traveled with a pet recently, you may have noticed a rise in the scrutiny of pets traveling in carriers, even when paid for.

"Airlines have certainly become stricter about dogs being too large for carry-on since the pandemic," says Mark Lindsay, a senior software engineer at TPG. "My wife nearly got denied boarding (once on Delta, once on United) for transcontinental flights last fall. After some pleading, the dog was allowed to fly, but we’re never taking that chance again!"

The bottom line

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether traveling with your pet is worth the extra effort. There are several steps you'll need to take to ensure your pet can board the plane without a hitch.

If you're feeling anxious about traveling with your dog, Slotnick suggests consulting your vet.

"There are options like anti-anxiety medications or even a bit of children's Benadryl that can help calm your dog," he said. "Another trick that makes traveling more enjoyable for Murray is in-cabin snacks. We always make sure to share some Cheez-Its and pretzels by slipping a few into the carrier."