Flying with a Large Dog in the Cabin – Is it Possible? The short answer is no. Large breeds can't fly inside the cabin. Weight limits vary airline-to-airline (and we'll include some examples below), so there may be some wiggle room with small-to-medium dogs.
Can large service dogs fly in cabin? Yes, large service dogs can fly in cabin. The information in this post is about flying with dogs classified as pets, meaning non-service animals. Service animals do not have to adhere to the same rules as pets.
Many airlines won't let sensitive breeds like bulldogs and pugs fly. The reduced pressure in the cabin makes it harder for pugs to breathe and several major airlines don't want to take the liability risk. Be sure to call the airline and let them know the breed of your dog and ask them if they have any restrictions.
Both cats and dogs can be brought in cabins as pets, subject to fees and the airline's own rules.
Your pets are part of your ohana and their comfort and safety are important to Hawaiian Airlines. We accept dogs or cats as pets traveling in the cabin, and are happy to accommodate your pet in our pressurized, temperature-controlled cabin compartment of our aircraft following the policies outlined below.
No pets are permitted to fly in the cabin on any flight into the UK, or even as checked baggage. However, there are a small handful of airlines that allow dogs to fly in the cabin or as checked baggage when leaving the UK. (Many airlines simply don't allow pets in both directions.)
To travel in the cabin dogs must fit inside soft-sided carriers that can fit under a plane seat. This automatically rules out bigger breeds. You can't fit a Labrador or Alsatian under a plane seat. According to Travel and Leisure, that means nothing exceeding 18 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches.
The good news is that Frenchies are allowed to fly on a plane in the cabin with passengers, but they cannot fly in the cargo area below the plane. Due to health reasons, French Bulldogs and many other brachycephalic breeds have been banned from flying in the cargo area.
Airlines allow your dog to travel in the cabin or cargo hold area of the airline based on the dog's weight.Some of the standard small dog breeds that are often permitted to travel in the plane's cabin area include:
In-cabin. Generally, if your dog in its carrier can fit under the seat in front of you, it can go in the cabin. So that means a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.
Spirit Airlines pet policy specifies that the combined weight of the pet and carrier may not exceed 40 pounds (18.14 kg). La Compagnie, a French boutique airline, allows small dogs and cats (under 15 kg, or 33 lbs) who can travel with you in the cabin at a fee equal to 10% of your ticket fare.
Large or medium sized dogs are generally not allowed in the cabin, even crated, if they are not service animals. Pups that cannot fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you will have to ride in cargo, which, though usually perfectly safe, can be more stressful for your pup.