Traveling can be a magical experience, especially when you share that adventure with your best friend. From exploring uncharted territory together to sight-seeing in new cities, having your dog by your side makes for a memorable travel experience. At Mikojet, we understand that planning dog travel can be overwhelming – particularly if it is your first time flying with your dog, but we are here to help every step of the way.
The decision to fly your dog in-cabin or in cargo can be a difficult one, and determined by a variety of factors, including dog size, breed, airline, and even price. Of course, being able to fly with your dog in cabin, by your side, provides some much-needed peace of mind, reducing your furry friend’s stress and anxiety levels, and affording you their companionship every leg of your shared journey.
Whether it's your dog's first time flying either in cabin or in cargo, it is nonetheless important to thoroughly prepare your dog before the flight. Indeed there are a number of factors to consider before flying with your dog and ensuring their comfort — from airline policies and country-specific entry requirements to packing their favourite toys and making sure they’ve been exercised pre-flight.
This guide will help you navigate the skies with your four-legged companion with both confidence and comfort, equipping you with all the information you need to make the best air travel decision for your dog.
Flying with a Large Dog in Cabin vs. in Cargo
From the size of your dog to specific breeds, airlines put a number of restrictions in place travellers should be aware of when planning dog travel and deciding whether to keep their pet in cabin, or in cargo.
In Cabin
While most airlines do not allow passengers to purchase a seat for their dog, there are certain instances where dogs can fly alongside travellers in cabin. Typically, dogs that fly in cabin – also known as carry-on pets – must be able to comfortably fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
For large dogs, however, airline restrictions differ significantly. In fact, dogs over 8 KG are not allowed to fly in cabin. Large dogs, as a result, usually have to travel in the cargo hold, where they are placed in a climate-controlled and pressurized environment.
When flying with a large dog in cabin, the importance of finding a pet-friendly airline cannot be understated. This is the case as once your dog has been checked in for the flight they are in the hands of the airline personnel until you reach your destination. But what exactly does cargo flying look like for your pet?
In Cargo
If your dog does not fit in the seat in front of you, or exceeds the airline’s weight limit, they must then travel in cargo, also known as the “hold” of the plane. These dogs essentially fly as checked bags on the same flight as you. However, each airline has their own set of unique pet policies, particularly as it relates to kennels.
Be sure to consult your airline’s policy regarding dog travel and kennels well ahead of your departure date. Typically, airline-approved kennels must feature at least three sides for ventilation as well as a solid top and are then placed below the aircraft cabin. In fact, soft kennels are not allowed for international dog travel.
The cabin itself is a climate-controlled and pressurized environment, stored away from luggage and cargo. If your dog is flying in cargo, it is crucial to familiarize them with their kennel before the flight, reducing their stress and anxiety levels on the flight.
Benefits of Flying with a Large Dog in Cabin vs. in Cargo
When deciding whether or not to fly with Fido, pet parents are tasked with a difficult decision. Flying with your dog in cabin is ultimately the most comfortable and safest way to travel with your furry companion, keeping them within touching distance at all times.
Comfort and Safety
Flying with your dog in the cabin is the most convenient option for pet parents and dogs alike, ensuring your furry companion remains safe and within your sight at all times. When flying in cabin, you can easily monitor your dog’s well-being, reducing separation anxiety compared to when flying in cargo.
Whether you need to calm your dog during turbulence, or simply want to reassure them half-way through a long flight, flying with a dog in cabin gives you the ability to keep your pet away from the unfamiliar cargo environment, including away from loud noises, bright lights, and unpredictable changes in air pressure.
When flying in cargo, large dogs are often at the mercy of airline personnel discretion for their care and handling. This includes everything from loading your dog in cargo to monitoring their food and water intake throughout the flight. Indeed, flying with your dog in cabin represents the safest and most comfortable option for dog travel.
Emotional Support
Flying with your dog in cabin can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels for both pet owners and dogs alike, particularly over longer flights. Having your dog in close proximity gives you the ability to reassure them during turbulence and unforeseen circumstances such as changes in air pressure.
In cabin dog travel is particularly ideal for pets who are prone to separation anxiety, offering a sense of security and comfort. If you are flying with your dog in cabin, it is always recommended to advise airline personnel beforehand, giving them ample time to make the necessary accommodations, ensuring a seamless travel journey.
Avoidance of Cargo Hold Delays
Flying with a dog in cabin also helps avoid cargo delays, keeping them in close proximity from boarding all the way to landing. For example, when dogs are checked as cargo, they are subject to the same delays that affect luggage. This can include but is not limited to, waiting on the tarmac in potentially extreme temperatures or the risk of being misplaced during layovers.
Flying with your dog in cabin eliminates the potential for cargo hold delays and potential confusion, ensuring your dog is boarded and deplaned with you, without unnecessary waiting. This not only minimizes the time your dog spends in a confined space but also reduces the stress and health risks associated with prolonged stays in the cargo hold.
Health Monitoring
Flying with your dog in cabin is the most effective way of monitoring its health and well-being throughout the flight – particularly for longer journeys. When dogs fly in cargo, airline personnel are solely responsible for monitoring your dog’s water and food intake, as well as observing your pet’s behaviour.
Put simply, being in close proximity allows you to observe your pet's behavior and well-being in real-time, ensuring quick action if they appear uncomfortable, anxious, or unwell. This is especially important for dogs with medical conditions that require regular attention. Indeed, flying with your dog in cabin provides direct oversight into your pet’s food and hydration levels, as well as any signs of discomfort or health issues they may experience during the flight.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is yet another factor pet parents must take into consideration when debating whether to fly with their dog in cabin or in cargo. Aircraft cargo temperature can be subjected to significant temperature fluctuations, which might be uncomfortable or even dangerous for your pet. In fact, pilots also have the discretion to adjust the temperature based on the “load” in the cargo hold, thereby affecting your dog.
Flying with your dog in cabin, by contrast, results in a much different and seamless experience. In-cabin temperatures are much more stable, ensuring your dog’s comfort and safety throughout the flight. Maintaining a consistent temperature is particularly crucial for breeds sensitive to temperature changes (i.e. brachycephalic breeds and cold-weather breeds) or pets with health conditions affected by extreme heat or cold.
It is therefore crucial for owners of these breeds to consider the risks of placing their dogs in cargo, where temperatures can vary significantly and explore in-cabin dog travel options.
Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Last but certainly not least, being in a familiar presence greatly soothes pets, who might otherwise feel frightened and disoriented in the cargo hold's isolated and noisy environment. The comfort of physical closeness allows dogs to remain calm and secure, sensing their owner's reassuring presence. For pet owners, the peace of mind knowing their furry friend is safe and comfortable is invaluable, making the journey all the more pleasant.
Flying with a dog in cabin gives passengers the ability to provide immediate reassurance and care, especially during takeoffs, turbulence, and landings, and helps in keeping their stress and anxiety at bay.
Flying with your Dog in Cabin vs. in Cargo
Debating whether to fly with your dog in the cabin or in cargo? Ultimately, the choice is a difficult one, heavily dependent on a variety of factors including your dog’s size, health, stress and anxiety levels, as well as airline regulations.
When flying with your dog, either in cabin or in cargo, it is always recommended to advise the airline ahead of time about your intention to travel with a pet, allowing them to make the necessary accommodations. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the airline’s pet policies is essential and could ultimately influence your decision. These policies vary and can include restrictions on breed, size, and the number of pets allowed in the cabin.
We hope we answered all your questions about flying with your dog in cabin vs. in cargo, including what it is as well as different benefits for in-cabin dog travel, but in case we didn’t, get in touch with us and we’d be happy to discuss!
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