• 06 Sep, 2024
  • Travel tips
  • Travomint

Traveling to your dream destination is one of the most beautiful experiences, and the most beautiful memory is traveling with your dog, your faithful companion who can go with you anywhere, anytime. So, keeping that emotion in mind, many airlines have been perfect for carrying your large dog in the car. Also, those airlines arrange special facilities so you can be comfortable while flying with a 4-leg companion.

There are many options, but a few of them are suitable flight carriers, and those that have already been shortlisted for you are listed below based on their facilities, rules, other perks, etc. The airlines also take care of health concerns; in the case of some exceptions, they must be informed before traveling with the airline. 

5. International Airlines That Will Take Care of Your Cutie Patootie Dogs

Making a trip with your furry friends will also be a complete hassle, and if you have a large dog, it may be more difficult to carry and travel as required. Many airlines have strict policies regarding pet travel, and some have a soft side for the animals, so they have been flexible in size and weight dimensions. Some airlines offer special facilities for larger dogs, mainly if they are used for service or emotional support animals ( ESAs). 

1. Lufthansa Airline

Lufthansa Airlines is a significant airline that is popular for allowing pets on flights. However, the airline allows some big dogs under certain conditions. The airline also provides service dogs for passengers with mobility issues and emotional support on special requests that you must request in advance. 

2. Air Canada

Air Canada permits service animals to travel with passengers in the cabin regardless of their shape and size. Emotional supportive animals are also allowed if a specific document has been submitted. It is essential to communicate with the airline executive in advance so that they can make necessary arrangements for your dog. 

3. Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines has a policy allowing staff to bring service dogs and emotional support pets into the cabin. The airline authority does not impose weight restrictions for the dogs until they can fit near your seat or lap without obstructing the aisle or other passengers. You can review the Delta Travel Guide for other information about carrying the dog. 

4. United Airlines

United Airlines has proper service dog policies and an emotional support page. As per the airline rule, you can bring up to 2 pets per person, but it may be possible to purchase two seats on the flight and assign the seats next to the second seat to care for both pets. 

5. American Airlines

American Airlines allows big dogs based on animal breed and size. Your pets can travel as carry-on or transported through American Airlines cargo.

Carry-on pets are limited to dogs and cats that fit essential criteria such as size, age, and destination requirements. In specific destinations where large dogs are allowed, that pet must travel on most flights for up to 12 hours and flights to/from select locations. Those locations are within the United States and Canada. 

The U.S. and Canada 

  • Alaska 
  • MU.S.co 
  • Puerto Rico 
  • St Croix 
  • St Thomas 

International Airlines Policies For Large Dogs in Cabin

  • Most airline pet policies require pets to fit inside the pet carrier and be able to move inside it. The airline must also be ventilated, padded, and water-repellent. 
  • Your pet dog must weigh less than 15 lbs and not occupy a passenger's seat. Otherwise, you will be assigned a seat in the last row of the cabin class. 
  • The pet must not be medically ill or aggressive; otherwise, it can be dangerous and disturbing for the co-passengers.
  • If applicable, you must take the necessary medication, and then you can go with your companion to your dream destination. 
  • The dog must be vaccinated with proper medicines, and the certificate needs to be submitted at the time of registration so that there will be no delay while booking a seat for your flight.
  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has set criteria for bringing dogs into the United States. These rules apply to all dogs, including service dogs and returning pets. All customers, regardless of citizenship, must follow the CDC's requirements.
  • It is necessary to take all the required documents and know about the airlines pets policy forms to the airport and present them at the check-in counter so that the airline authority can verify the dog at the time of the trip. 
  • It is required to check whether the dog is coming from a high-risk rabies area within six months before the flight departure schedule. 
  • In case your dog is coming from an area that is entirely screwworm, then it must meet the specific requirements set by the U.S. Department of Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ( APHIS) 

Top Tips for Smooth Travel With Your Large Dog

  • Specific tips exist, but the simplest has been mentioned below in bullet points for better understanding. These tips will smoothen your trip and make the entire journey full of experience with your fabulous furry friend. 
  • It would be best to choose a suitable carrier in which the dog can be fit. The carrier must be designed appropriately with padded and water-resistant material, with enough space to move. 
  • You can provide the training so that the dog will not misbehave on the board and stay relaxed and calm, which will not be problematic for you or others. 
  • You can bring comfort items like a blanket or a favorite toy so the dog will play with it and feel stress-free. 
  • You can also get a health certificate describing how safe and healthy you are to travel with your dog. 

So it has been observed that having a good International airline and a dog will make your journey safer and more enjoyable. You must take all the necessary steps for your dog to make it more convenient.