You want to go on vacation, but don’t want to leave your furry friend at home.
if you one large breed over 8 kg the question arises as to whether you are allowed to fly with a large dog in the cabin.
In this article you will find out where and how you can take your big friend with you.
In a nutshell: Can you fly with a large dog in the cabin?
For safety reasons, your fur nose is usually only allowed to weigh eight kilograms, the transport box is involved.
The size of the transport box is 50 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm. At least that’s the rule for German airlines.
The only exception are guide and assistance dogs.
If you are dependent on an assistance dog, you must register it with the relevant airline in good time.
Are there airlines that allow large dogs to be transported in the cabin?
For safety reasons, German airlines do not allow dogs over 8 kg including a transport box in the cabin. On the other hand, there are opportunities abroad.
The only exception is service and guide dogs. Outside of Germany, however, there are airlines that have less strict rules.
However, most providers are only in the US airspace employed.
- JSX Airlines: This American airline operates only in the United States and allows dogs up to 36 kg (79 pounds). However, you have to book a separate seat for your furry friend so that it can spread out in front of it.
- Tradewind: This American airline allows all large dogs of all breeds and sizes. If your four-legged friend weighs more than 45 kg (100 pounds), you must also book a second seat.
- La Compagnie: This French operator only flies in France and the USA and allows dogs up to 15 kg in weight to fly in the cabin. As long as the fur nose fits into a flight transport box with the dimensions 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm.
- Spirit Airlines: The airline only flies in the US and allows dogs up to 18 kg (40 pounds) to fly in the cabin.
Transporting a large dog in the hold – yes or no?
Dogs over 8 kg can only be transported in the cargo hold in Germany. However, you should only do this in an emergency, as it puts a lot of stress on your dog.
There are a few advantages that speak in favor of transport in the hold:
- Your darling and you can experience something beautiful together and he is only separated from you during the flight.
- Transporting dogs in the hold has become routine for staff. You can trust that they know what to do.
- You have less stress than when your furry friend has to go into the cabin with you. When boarding and alighting, people jostle because everyone wants their seat first.
But there are also some disadvantages that you need to be aware of. Transport in the cargo hold is designed for objects such as suitcases and not for living beings.
This comes with some problems:
- Nobody enters the hold during the flight. If your darling is feeling bad during this time, no one will notice and he will suffer for hours on his own.
- Your dog will need to pee in the same crate that contains their toys, food and drink – which may result in them refusing food.
- Your furry friend is terrified. She is separated from you, has to face loud noises and has to deal with strange smells and animals.
Here’s what you can do to make your furry friend feel better:
- Train two months in advance by regularly napping and feeding your dog in the crate.
- Stay with your loved one before and after the flight and show them your love.
- Outfit the box with a blanket, his favorite food and toys, and a worn t-shirt of yours. Your smell can calm him down.
Conclusion
You can take your fur nose with you on many airlines. But you should be aware that every flight means physical and mental stress for your darling. It’s best to think about whether it’s easier for your furry friend to be away from you for a few days or to survive the flight.
A few days at friends, family or in a kennel means a lot less stress for your darling than flying separately from you in the cargo box.
Taking your fur nose with you has advantages and disadvantages. You are not separated and you can have a good time. However, it can affect your dog’s psyche in the long run, so you should think twice about it.
Have you ever flown with your dog or do you know someone? Share your knowledge with us in a comment!