Choosing a Pet Friendly Airline for a Large Dog

Hi PetRelocation,

What airlines allow dogs to fly in the cargo area?

When looking online many only outline rules for pets traveling in the cabin, but my 100 lb dog is obviously too big. How do I find out if/what airlines will fly a dog that size?

Thanks,

Courtney

Hi Courtney,

Thanks for your question, it's a great one -- deciding on the right airline is one of the most important parts of planning a safe journey for your pet.

Most airlines now have a section of their website devoted to covering pet shipping options. Some airlines are definitely more pet friendly than others, however, and we have a few that we regularly book flights with.

United is who we typically choose when flying domestically (for international flights we often go with KLM and Lufthansa). United's PetSafe program entails certain procedures, such as making sure pets are the last to board the plane and the first to be removed. And, contrary to what many people assume, the cargo area is pressure and temperature controlled and pets are not simply "treated like luggage."

Because not all airplanes are equipped to hold large pet crates (which your dog will need), it's important to call the airline and check ahead of time to make sure you'll be accommodated. We have flown large dogs with United, but again, check with them before booking your flight because it all depends on the size of the plane they're using for your chosen route.

It's worth mentioning that you don't necessarily need to be on the same flight as your dog. Most of our customers end up flying separately from their pets, which just means you might need to enlist some help on one or both ends of your trip. 

Contact us if you're interested in hiring assistance with your move -- we will help with choosing a pet friendly airline, offer tips for crate training your dog, and discuss any other questions you have relating to pet travel and your upcoming trip.

Good luck and safe travels!

Pet Travel Question Details:

Name: Courtney
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Weimaraner
From: California
To: Texas

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in March 2013 and has been updated with new information.