What airlines allow large dogs in cargo? Expert Advice

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet-Friendly Private Jet Services

Private Jet Services are services that help connect travelers with the private aviation industry. These services are often used by travelers who are seeking specific air travel amenities including:

  • Flying on their own
  • Establishing a dedicated pilot for air travel
  • Dedicated and flexible flight schedules that work with the travelers schedules
  • Avoiding crowds and airport security
  • Reducing the stress of air travel for infants, toddlers, and pets
  • Individualized amenities on flight
  • If you have the disposable income for it, flying a private jet is the safest and most comfortable way for your pets to fly with you.

    Three Ways Dogs Fly On Planes

  • As Carry-Ons: Many smaller dog breeds and puppies are allowed to travel in carry-on luggage. Unfortunately, if you have a large adult dog breed, you will need to make other plans! Dogs usually need to be 20 lbs or less to fly with you inside the plane.
  • As Checked Bags: The majority of airlines allow crated dogs to fly as checked bags. This means you will bring your dog’s crate to check-in like your other baggage, and he or she will be weighing and transported like the rest of the plane’s bags.
  • As Cargo: Depending on the size of your canine and the airline you fly with, some may require that large dogs fly as cargo. This is not really something you need to worry about as you and your dog will still end up in the same place.
  • American Airlines accepts most dogs for cargo shipment, excluding those that are stub-nosed, such as boxers, mastiffs and pugs, as well as pets that have been sedated before the flight. Dogs must be accompanied by a health certificate dated within 10 days of travel, a current rabies vaccination record, and shipped in a USDA or International Air Transport Association-approved kennel. Dogs should also travel with a collar and leash with an I.D. tag. Cargo flights can be arranged through the American Airlines website and must not be more than 12 hours long. Dogs may not be shipped to certain international locations, including China and the United Kingdom. Dogs are only accepted as cargo when the temperature is expected to remain between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Delta accepts dogs as cargo through its Pets First program. All dogs flying must be in a USDA-approved kennel and may only travel when temperatures during travel are forecasted to remain between 10 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Stub-nosed dogs may only fly as cargo when the temperature is expected to remain below 75 degrees. Dogs may be sedated in advance of the flight, as long as you have written consent from your veterinarian. Before travel, you must complete Deltas pet-travel checklist to ensure your pet is ready for its flight.

    Based in Florida, Mandi Titus has been writing since 2002. Her articles have been published on sites such as Goodkin, Go Green Street and Living the Healthy Way. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Stetson University.

    When purchasing a new puppy or traveling long distance with a large dog, it may be necessary to ship your pet as cargo. While not all major airlines provide this service, American, Continental, Delta and United each offer cargo transport services for dogs, as long as airline safety requirements are met.

    United Airlines ships dogs though its EXP cargo service. While most dogs may travel as cargo year round, the United website notes that stub-nosed breeds may not fly as cargo between June and September. All dogs flying as cargo in United must be placed in a USDA or IATA-approved crate and with a current health certificate. Cargo bookings must be confirmed within 24 hours of your pets flight as poor weather conditions may alter the flight plan.

    ANIMALS on PLANES? Is your PET SAFE flying in CARGO??? Explained by CAPTAIN JOE

    When purchasing a new puppy or traveling long distance with a large dog, it may be necessary to ship your pet as cargo. While not all major airlines provide this service, American, Continental, Delta and United each offer cargo transport services for dogs, as long as airline safety requirements are met.

    American Airlines accepts most dogs for cargo shipment, excluding those that are stub-nosed, such as boxers, mastiffs and pugs, as well as pets that have been sedated before the flight. Dogs must be accompanied by a health certificate dated within 10 days of travel, a current rabies vaccination record, and shipped in a USDA or International Air Transport Association-approved kennel. Dogs should also travel with a collar and leash with an I.D. tag. Cargo flights can be arranged through the American Airlines website and must not be more than 12 hours long. Dogs may not be shipped to certain international locations, including China and the United Kingdom. Dogs are only accepted as cargo when the temperature is expected to remain between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Continental Airlines accepts dogs as cargo as part of its PetSafe program. Dogs shipped as cargo must travel in USDA or IATA-approved cargo and have a current (dated within the past 10 days) health certificate. Pets that have been sedated before travel will not be accepted for a flight. Owners are able to track the dogs flight path and may contact Continentals Live Animal Desk at any time of day. In addition, pets receive frequent flyer miles when flying as cargo through the PetPass program.

    Delta accepts dogs as cargo through its Pets First program. All dogs flying must be in a USDA-approved kennel and may only travel when temperatures during travel are forecasted to remain between 10 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Stub-nosed dogs may only fly as cargo when the temperature is expected to remain below 75 degrees. Dogs may be sedated in advance of the flight, as long as you have written consent from your veterinarian. Before travel, you must complete Deltas pet-travel checklist to ensure your pet is ready for its flight.

    United Airlines ships dogs though its EXP cargo service. While most dogs may travel as cargo year round, the United website notes that stub-nosed breeds may not fly as cargo between June and September. All dogs flying as cargo in United must be placed in a USDA or IATA-approved crate and with a current health certificate. Cargo bookings must be confirmed within 24 hours of your pets flight as poor weather conditions may alter the flight plan.

    Based in Florida, Mandi Titus has been writing since 2002. Her articles have been published on sites such as Goodkin, Go Green Street and Living the Healthy Way. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Stetson University.