If you’ve ever tried to move or travel by flying with a pug, Boston terrier, French bulldog, or other snub-nosed breeds, you know these guys are up against far stricter restrictions than other pups. It can be very frustrating! 

This is because brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are far more susceptible to heat exhaustion and breathing abnormalities, which can be exacerbated by traveling if certain precautions aren’t taken. In the summer, United Airlines banned pugs, french bulldogs, and more than 25 other breeds from flying with them, making options a lot more limited. Many more have seasonal restrictions around flying these breeds because of heat sensitivity. Since 2021, travel for snub-nosed pets has become even more restricted as airlines like United Airlines are canceling their pet programs. 

Snub-nosed breeds are susceptible to respiratory difficulties during air travel due to their unique anatomy. As the plane takes off and gains altitude, air pressure decreases, and oxygen levels drop, exacerbating breathing difficulties in these breeds. Conversely, air pressure increases during landing, causing discomfort to snub-nosed breeds. To help alleviate these issues, it's crucial to keep your pet calm and comfortable, by ensuring they are crate trained and ensure that they are well-hydrated throughout the flight. It's important to consult with your veterinarian and airline to determine whether air travel is safe for your pet and what steps you can take to ensure their comfort and safety during the journey.

Since breed restrictions can change abruptly and are different for every airline here are our tips for flying and traveling safely with pugs and other snub-nosed dogs! 

Domestic Airlines & Ground Transport Options

rules for flying with pugs The only domestic airlines that currently fly snub-nosed breeds in cargo are: 

  • Aloha Air Cargo

  • Amerijet (aside from seasonal heat-related restrictions Amerijet has on English Bulldogs)
  • Hawaiian Air
  • Pacific Air Cargo

Even these airlines have very limited routing between the Mainland US, the Hawaiian Islands, some Caribbean islands, and Puerto Rico, so moving cross-country with these breeds is still difficult. This doesn’t include airlines like Southwest and Allegiant, which don’t have specific restrictions but will only fly pets in-cabin. Most in-cabin rules require pets to be small enough to fit in a carrier under a seat, excluding many snub-nosed dogs. 

The following major domestic airlines DO NOT allow flying pugs or other snub-nosed breeds at any time:

  • United Airlines

  • American Airlines

  • Delta
  • Alaska Air

flying with your boxerHow About Flying to or Within Hawaii?

As mentioned above, Hawaiian Airlines is accommodating to all snub-nosed breeds! The airline will allow these pets to fly as long as they travel in a crate that is one size larger than needed. This extra space helps improve air circulation. Aloha Air is another snub-friendly Hawaii airline, which only allows these breeds to fly between the Hawaiian islands. 

Ground Transportation Could be YOUR Best (or Only) Option

Because domestic airline restrictions are getting stricter for pugs and other snub-nosed breeds, we’ve been helping more clients move their snubs by ground transport—even if it’s a cross-country move. You can reference the IPATA directory for qualified pet ground transport vendors. If you hire PetRelocation for a domestic move, we have our network of trained ground transport partners. 

International Airline Regulations

The international airlines that allow flying pugs and other snub-nosed breeds year-round are:

  • Amerijet (aside from a current heat-related restriction Amerijet has on English Bulldogs). Note: Amerijet mostly flies from the U.S. to the Caribbean and South America. 
  • British Airways for snub-nosed breeds other than pugs, bulldogs, Pekingese, and their cross-breeds (Note: British Airways has heat embargoes restricting dogs from flights out of hot places like Phoenix and Dallas Fort Worth).
  • KLM allows snub-nosed dogs other than English Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers to travel in cargo.  
  • Lufthansa, Etihad, Gulf Air, and Copa also fly snub-nosed breeds in the winter months or under certain temperature conditions only.

traveling with a french bulldog The following major international airlines DO NOT allow flying pugs or other snub-nosed breeds:

  • Swiss Air—was previously known for accepting sensitive breeds but changed its rules to ban them, including pugs, on January 1, 2019. 
  • British Airways—does not accept pugs, bulldogs, Pekingese, or their cross-breeds, but will accommodate other snub-nosed breeds in a larger kennel.
  • Emirates Airlines— previously flew snub-nosed pets other than bulldogs between October and April, but as of December 2020, placed a permanent embargo on snub-nosed animals. 
  • Korean Air— does not accept most breeds considered snub-nosed as of January 2021. 

If you’re planning for an international move with your dog, it could also be helpful to read the stories of some snub-nosed pups we’ve transported by air:

If you want to hire PetRelocation to transport your sweet snub nosed breed, check out our process and pricing information! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, How-To Guides

Pet:

Snub-Nosed Breeds

Country:

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