Airlines That Allow Snub-nosed Dogs and Cats: How to Fly With a Pug, French Bulldog, Persian Cat, or Other Brachycephalic Breeds - Pets Around the World (2024)

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There are ways you can fly with your snub-nosed pet, especially if they are a smaller breed. This guide can help you take on the challenge of finding an airline that allows snub-nosed dogs and cats.

The adorable snub-nosed breeds like pugs, bulldogs, and Persians, have unique respiratory systems that make air travel particularly challenging for them.

As a result, many airlines have specific policies and requirements limiting the transportation option for these pets. If you’re a pet owner with a snub-nosed breed, it’s understandable that you may be feeling worried or overwhelmed about the prospect of air travel.

If you are considering getting a dog, check out which breeds are best for flying.

I have flown domestically and internationally with my dogs, so I know how important it is to have a furry friend along for the journey. I have terriers, so their noses don’t present the same problems. But, I definitely understand how important it is not to leave your pets behind especially if you are moving across oceans.

I am dedicated to helping people travel around the world with their pets. It might take some extra effort to figure things out and make it work, but this should cover everything you need to know about flying with a snub-nosed dog or cat. I’ll also provide tips for making the journey as smooth as possible. We’ve got you covered.

Can you fly with a snub-nosed dog or cat?

The short answer is yes, you can fly with a snub-nosed dog or cat, but it’s important to be aware of the specific policies and requirements of your airline. Many airlines do allow snub-nosed pets to fly but may have restrictions.

Here’s a list of complications you have to consider with brachycephalic breeds:

• Airline policies – just because an airline allows pets doesn’t mean they allow snub-nosed breeds
• The size of your pet – many airlines allow flat-faced breeds in the cabin but not in the hold, so cats and small dogs have a much easier time finding a flight
• Method of flying – some airlines will allow snub-nosed breeds in the cabin but not under the plane making for a lot of extra research for the owner (unless you read this post and have me do the research for you)
• Weather – all airlines limit pets in high heat or cold if they are flying excess luggage or cargo, but hot weather is extra dangerous for snub-nosed breeds, so you have to consider the weather when planning flights
• Tropical or hotter destinations – since breathing problems tend to get worse in hot weather and high humidity, some destinations such as tropical islands won’t accept flat-faced breeds

Why do airlines consider brachycephalic breeds to be at higher risk?

Airline companies think that snub-nosed breeds are more likely to have problems during flights. These dogs, like pugs, bulldogs, and boxers, have a respiratory system that is different from other breeds.

They have shorter nasal passages and a compacted respiratory system that can make it difficult for them to breathe, especially in stressful or high-altitude environments. Snub-nosed dogs are also more prone to overheating and heat stroke, which can happen more easily during air travel.

That’s why airlines have specific rules for the transportation of these breeds to keep them safe and healthy while flying. This includes the method of flying, the time of year, and what destinations are available.

Pet owners should keep these policies in mind and talk to their vet and the airline before booking flights with a snub-nosed pet. I’m no expert on breathing treatment for brachycephalic breeds, but I do hear from a few owners of these types of dogs who have received treatment that makes a significant improvement for their dog’s breathing, so it is definitely something to check out with your vet well in advance of your trip.

Many airlines also require a health certificate to be issued by a vet in order for your pet to fly. When you get the certificate, it might be a good time to check with the vet on how best to support your pet on the flight.

🐶 Thinking of getting a dog? Take our quiz to help you select the best breed for your travel style

How do summer and hot weather change the rules of flying with short-nosed dogs and cats?

When it comes to flying with snub-nosed dogs and cats, summer and hot weather can pose additional challenges. These pets are more susceptible to overheating and heatstroke, which can be exacerbated by the stress and warm temperatures of air travel.

The USDA provides regulations about how pets have to be treated during flights. All airlines have temperature embargos for all pets in excess baggage or cargo. Meaning your pet can’t fly if the temperature is above 85F degrees or lower than 45F degrees. This includes the time your pet will spend waiting for the flight in a holding area, and being moved from that area to the plane on the tarmac.

Some airlines will put even more strict rules in place for snub-nosed dogs and cats. Even if the airline doesn’t, you are the one who lives with your pet. Do you notice they have any issues with breathing? Have you talked with your vet about it? You might want to self-impose even lower temperatures because of this issue.

If your dog or cat is flying with you in that cabin, you may need to take extra precautions such as providing plenty of water and monitoring your pet’s behavior for signs of distress.

In my post on How dogs go to the bathroom on planes, the suggestion is to limit water before and during the flight so your pup doesn’t need to use the bathroom as much. This advice may need to be adapted for any dog who has difficulty regulating its body temperature.

Can Bulldogs fly on a plane safely?

While I doubt anyone thinks flying is a fun activity for your pet, it generally falls more in the category of stressful and uncomfortable. As someone who experiences claustrophobia, has restless legs and hates lines, I also find flying to be a little stressful and uncomfortable. I would prefer not to fly, but the end result is usually worth it. If you are relocating or traveling long-term, that sentiment is probably true for your pet as well.

I try not to fall into the trap of fear-mongering. With an emotional topic like this, it is important to look at the actual number of serious incidents. A review of the2022 Air Travel Consumer Report for the US Department of Transportationshows very few incidents with pets.

[Trigger Warning] I’ve read through the consumer reports, and that helped me understand why airlines are so strict about flying brachycephalic breeds under the plane. There are so few serious incidents for flying pets it is hard to find any patterns, but a small one does emerge. Tragically, a few bulldogs died en route to or from a hotter/humid destination. I’m sure their owners were devastated, and the airlines are trying to limit liability.

If you have a larger snub-nosed breed, you are probably pulling your hair out trying to figure a way to get to your destination. However, by reviewing the incident reports, it starts to make sense why airlines are more cautious with the combination of heat, changing altitudes, and pets with breathing challenges.

You might be thinking: Ok, I know my dog will have a harder time, but I’m moving to Europe in a couple of months. I need to know which airlines will fly my pets. So, let’s jump into that next.

Airlines that allow snub-nosed pets

Can Pugs fly on a plane domestically? Airlines that fly flat-faced dog or cat in the United States

This is not an exhaustive list of options. Many popular carriers such as Southwest will accept flat-nosed breeds in the cabin, but the airlines never provides cargo or excess bag services for pets, so I didn’t list them here.

If you have a smaller snub-nosed dog, rest assured that many airlines will accept snub-nosed dogs in-cabin. It is the larger dogs (20lbs+) that present so many challenges.

I also reviewed other articles writing about this topic that you also may have seen on your way to this post. I compared some of the information presented in those other posts to the information on the airline websites, and it didn’t always match up.

Airline policies change regularly, so you will want to verify this information directly with the airline directly. This post is a good starting place, but it is too important just to take our word for it.

Check the list of breeds for each airline carefully because the breed restrictions are not the same across all airlines

Alaska Airlines’ pet policy on flying snub-nosed dog and cat breeds

Can French Bulldogs fly on a plane to Hawaii?

Pacific Air Cargo

This is not a passenger airline. Pets will fly as cargo from LA to Honolulu

Importing any pet to Hawaii is complex and has a lot of rules not limited to snub-nosed breeds

Can Shih Tzus fly on a plane internationally? Commercial airlines that fly snub-nosed breeds

If you are traveling or relocating with a pet to another country, take a look at our ever-growing countries page to see the import requirements for the country you are headed to.

Air France and KLM pet policy on flying snub-nosed dog and cat breeds

Other transportation options for flat-nosed pets when traditional airlines don’t work

You may have read through the list of airlines and become very discouraged. If you have a small snub-nosed dog such as a Shih Tzu, you are probably okay, but for those people who have medium to large dogs, there are truly not a lot of options.

That means it doesn’t make sense to take your dog on a short trip or vacation. However, if you are moving, we want to consider what other options are available to you since if you read this far, you are the type of person who is willing to put in a lot of effort not to leave your pet behind.

Driving your snub-nosed dog or cat

Drive yourself– you may need to drive yourself even across the country since options especially for breeds who don’t fit in the cabin are really limited.

If you are driving one way to catch a flight, you will need to rent a car. Click here to check out the rates and availability for Discover Cars car rental

Experienced traveler tip: Since there are more international options than domestic flights, one solution people take is to drive to a major airport. For example, they drive from Ohio to JFK in New York to get their flight to Europe. Instead of getting a rental car with high one-way drop-off fees, they actually rent a small u-haul.

Ground transportation – If for some reason it isn’t possible to drive yourself, you can hire a pet shipping company to drive your dog to your new home.

Specialty airlines that accept flat-nosed pets

JSX pet policy

This pet-friendly airline has a few routes on the US West Coast and South. If the route works for you, it is an excellent option because you can buy a seat for your medium or large dog (up to 79 lbs) to go with you inside the cabin.

While it isn’t cheap, it isn’t outrageous to include in your relocation costs. Even if they don’t go exactly where you are trying to get to, it may be worth it to get to the general region of your final destination.

It would probably cost around $800-$1000 to get the 2 seats you and your larger dog need for your trip. The way costs can add up is you may have to purchase up to 2-3 flight legs x 2 seats to get from one coast to the other.

La Compagnie Airlines pet policy

This all-business-class airline flies from Newark to a few European locations. They allow dogs up to 33 lbs to fly in the cabin.

This might be a good option for those with a pug or Frenchie that can be small but heavy. Most people love the flight experience with this airline. The biggest complaint I’ve heard are the extra fees. I’ve seen flights on sale starting at $1500 but doubling that amount + fees is a more realistic expectation.

Hire a private jet

You may have laughed when you saw this option. I know I scoffed the first time I heard about it assuming there is no way I could afford a private jet.

While it is very costly, it may be cheaper than you first imagined. I’ve seen flights starting around $5000 and topping out around $11k depending on the route. The price usually includes one person and one pet, but each flight has its own rules.

There are numerous Facebook groups dedicated to this task. You can find one focused on the area you are trying to fly to. The idea is that a number of people all band together to charter the jet and they can bring their pets with them inside the plane.

This is often a solution people use for larger snub-nosed breeds, giant breeds, and dogs with health issues, etc. In other words, this tends to be a last resort for people with complications or people who have extra money for flying. You have to be very flexible as there are often only 1-2 flights per month leaving from major hubs.

Experienced traveler tip: The whole family doesn’t have to fly together. One adult can go with the special needs pet. The rest of the family, including less sensitive pets, can fly commercially to make the flight more affordable.

Ships and Ferries

The Queen Mary pet travel

This cruise ship makes a transatlantic crossing ending in England. They have 24 kennels in a pet room where your dog sails the seas with you. This takes some serious advanced planning often requiring a reservation a year in advance or tenacity to continue checking for cancellations.

You can bring your dogs on ferries in Europe

There are too many different companies to list here. If you are already in Europe there are probably a hundred routes. You can take ferries all over including to Greek Isles and from England to the continent and back. Ferries are also another way to get to the African continent.

If you decide you can’t bring your snub-nosed pet with you, consider what options you have to care for your pet while you travel.

Flying with dogs and cats – 6 Tips to Prepare for the trip

1. Plan your trip and route carefully

When flying with a snub-nosed dog, it’s important to consider the temperature of your departure and arrival cities, as well as the length of your flight. For example, if you’re flying into San Francisco International Airport during the summer when temperatures average around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, you may have fewer temperature-related restrictions compared to flying into Sacramento, which is only a two-hour drive away but has temperatures that can easily reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Choose flight times for early in the morning or redeyes.

Additionally, you’ll want to research the availability of pet relief areas and lay-over times. Since you don’t want to limit snub-nosed water intake as much as other dogs, they may be more likely to need to use the bathroom.

2. Purchase the right size crate for your breed

When traveling with a snub-nosed dog, it’s important to select the right size crate for their comfort and safety. In general, snub-nosed dogs require a crate that is one size larger than what is recommended for their size. This is because these breeds have shorter snouts, which can make it more difficult for them to breathe in confined spaces, especially if they become stressed or overheated during the journey. A larger crate can provide your dog with more breathing room, which can help reduce the risk of respiratory issues and make the journey more comfortable overall.

Additionally, a larger crate can also provide more space for your dog to move around, stretch, and change positions during the flight, which can also help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

When selecting a crate, be sure to check with your airline for specific guidelines and requirements to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your furry friend.

3. Get your dog familiar with the crate

You will want to crate train your dog starting as soon as possible.

It can help your dog become more comfortable and familiar with their crate, which can make the journey less stressful and more enjoyable for them. Additionally, crate training can help your dog learn how to relax and feel safe in confined spaces, which can be especially important during air travel. By crate training your dog, you can also help reduce the risk of anxiety, fear, and other behavioral issues that can arise during the journey.

4. Practice and desensitize your dog to anything that they will experience that might cause stress

Traveling can be stressful for anyone, including our furry friends. To help prepare and reduce stress for your snub-nosed dog for the journey, it’s important to practice and desensitize them to anything that might cause stress or anxiety.

This could include things like the sound of the airplane engine, being moved around while they are in a crate, or encountering new smells and sights in the airport. By exposing your dog to these experiences gradually and positively, you can help reduce their fear and anxiety and promote a more relaxed and enjoyable journey.

5. Find products that will help keep your pet cool

If you dog is flying in the hold, there may be limits to what you can or should put in their crate.

If your dog or cat gets overheated at home, you may want to think about what helps them cool off that you can put in their crate if they are flying in the cabin with you.

A small fan that plugs into the USB port could help. You could place a cooling mat inside their carrier.

6. Check in with your vet

If you’re planning to travel with a snub-nosed dog, it’s important to check in with your vet beforehand. These breeds are known to be at higher risk of respiratory issues and heat stroke, which can be exacerbated during air travel.

Your vet can help assess your dog’s overall health and provide recommendations for preparing them for the journey. This could include things like checking their breathing and heart rate, and providing guidance on feeding, hydration, and medication during the trip.

By checking in with your vet before you go, you can help ensure that your furry friend is healthy and prepared for the journey ahead, and you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re doing everything you can to keep them safe and comfortable.

FAQs

What breeds of dogs are brachycephalic (snub nosed)?

The AKC put together a Guide for Flat-faced Dogs

What breeds of cats are brachycephalic (snub nosed)??

• British Shorthair
• Burmese
• Exotic Shorthair
• Himalayan
• Persian
• Scottish Fold

Can my dog fly if it is a mixed breed?

If you review the list of restricted breeds from the airlines listed above, you will see many of them include mixed or some variation of the breed on the list.

Mixed breeds can have unexpected features. Your dog might have some snub-noes breeds as part of its pedigree. However, the actual nose on your pet might have more snout and be less flat. If your vet agrees that breathing issues are not a concern for your pet, you can discuss which breed to list on your paperwork.

Are crate Sizes different for snub-nosed breeds?

Yes! Airlines that allow snub-nosed breeds in cargo require the crate be one size larger than is normally required. This provides more air flow and reduces the chance of the pet overheating.

Should I sedate my brachycephalic pet before traveling?

The general recommendation is not to give dogs and cats sedatives when flying. If you are worried your pet will be stressed, there is a lot you can do prior to flying to prepare your dog to stay calm during a flight. [Disclaimer: I’m not a vet!] My basic understanding is that sedatives slow down breathing and heart rates. This can be incredibly dangerous for brachycephalic dogs, so they should never get sedatives for flying.

Can my snub nosed service dog or emotional support animal (ESA) fly with me in the cabin?

If you have a trained service dog who is a snub nosed breed, the same regulations apply as they do for all other breeds.

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer recognized by the majority of airlines. The airline policy is ESA animals follow the pet guidelines. So, if your dog or cat are of the weight and size to go in the cabin, they can accompany you. If they are too big/heavy, other arrangements will need to be made based on the pet policy for the airline you are flying.

Can snub-nosed dogs fly in cabin?

Yes, snub-nosed dogs can fly in the cabin, but it depends on the airline’s specific policies and guidelines. snub-nosed breeds such as Shih Tzu’s and Pekingese will likely meet the reuirements. Most airlines limit the carrier size and weight of your pet. See the size limits in Flying with a Dog under the Airplane Seat.

Can checking your pet into cargo of a commercial flight be dangerous?

The safety record for pets flying in cargo is very high (see incidents here 2022 Air Travel Consumer Report for the US Department of Transportation). However, the few deaths that do occur tend to be with snub-nosed dogs. That is why so many limits are placed on flying with these breeds.

Final Thoughts on Airlines That Allow Snub-nosed Dogs and Cats

Figuring out how to fly with a snub-nosed dog can be a challenging and stressful experience.

These breeds require special attention and precautions to ensure their health and well-being during air travel.

However, with proper preparation, research, and communication with your veterinarian and airline, it is possible to safely transport your furry friend to your desired destination.

If traditional air travel is not a viable option, you might have to think creatively about other options. While it may be difficult to adjust travel plans and accommodate the needs of a snub-nosed pet, their safety and comfort should always be a top priority.

I’m not going to offer pithy solace since figuring out what to do for snub-nosed breeds over 20 pounds is very complex with limited options. My hope is that even if it isn’t the most convenient or affordable option, you find a solution that keeps your pet safe and your family together.