Pets aren’t cargo. Unfortunately, many airlines have not gotten the message. Not only are conditions in a cargo hold cruel, but several airlines have actually killed dogs by leaving them on the hot tarmac, with United being the worst offender.
The only humane solution is for pets to fly in the passenger area, but many airlines either don’t allow it, or have very specific rules for it. This makes flying with a large breed dog a frustrating endeavor, but we’ve scoured the internet for answers to find you some real options!
Airlines That Allow Large Dogs In Cabin
Unfortunately, none of the major airlines allow large dogs in the cabin. If you want to fly with your large breed dog you’ll need to look for smaller providers. Here are a few options to help you get started, but be warned that many of them have limited routes, and most of them aren’t cheap.
Linear Air
If you don’t mind traveling on a smaller plane, then Linear’s Air Taxis could be a good option. They allow your furry friends in the cabin, and they don’t seem to have any restrictions.
You can book a small private plane for as little as $4,200 or go for a larger one if you have more passengers. Larger planes or executive taxis will run you $7,000 to $9,000. (That’s the total plane cost, not per person, by the way.)
If you are flexible, then you can also snag a good deal on a seat using their “One way deals”. Large dogs are also allowed on these shared flights, but only one dog is allowed per charter flight, so you’ll need to call and make sure another pet is not already traveling on your flight this way!
However, if you can fit it in your travel plans, you can save a lot this way. At the time of writing some of these shared flights were listed for as little as $340! They’re probably your best bet for transporting a large breed dog in cabin.
Private Fly
Private Fly helps you compare quotes for different private flights. They offer a variety of planes, and their pricing starts at around $4,000 to book a private plane with their service if it’s a smaller one.
They also have a generous pet policy, and your pup can fly with you regardless of size or breed. Private Fly allows you to travel with your dog within the US and even to several European countries.
JSX
JSX is an up and coming airline that offers small planes. These flights can have as little as 15 passengers on them, and you only need to arrive within 20 minutes of flight time! These flights cost around $300-500, but can be as little as $90.
Small dogs and cats are allowed to fly for free if they fit in an under seat carrier, but you’ll need to purchase an additional ticket for a larger dog. Your dog can then travel laying in front of “their seat”.
While JSX has limited destinations, they are on of the only options for travelling with a large breed dog in the cabin on a shared flight. Dogs up to 65 lbs. are accepted on JSX flights.
Blade
While this solution is certainly not cheap, it is available. You will also likely have to call and check up on this one, but Blade reportedly will allow you to purchase an additional seat to transport a dog over 35 pounds in the cabin.
How much does this cost? Well, that depends. Blade allows you to book a flight all to yourself, private jet style, or they also have a “shared” method which allows you to wait for others to purchase a seat on your flight, reducing the cost. Doing it this way you can get a ticket on one of their private planes for as little as $2,000.
Tradewind Aviation
This small airline has routes in the Caribbean and the North East. While their routes are extremely limited, they do allow dogs of any size. Dogs up to 100 pounds fly for free even!
XO Airlines
If you can afford a private flight, then XO has you covered. If you pick the right date, you can charter a private plane for as little as $10,000. While this isn’t pocket change, it becomes more do-able if you can share the flight with friends or family.
Unfortunately, XO only allows service animals to fly on their public “shared flights”. They also have breed restrictions for several breeds like huskies, dobermans, Chows, and others. But, they offer many flight locations if you can swing it.
Victor Airlines
Victor is a private jet operator. They don’t have the same options available as some of the others on our list, but you can get some pretty affordable “empty leg” flights here if you’re flexible.
You could find a private flight for you and your furry friend for as little as $2,700 on a smaller plane. Victor does not seem to have any restrictions on dog breeds or weight, but they ask that you contact them prior to booking, as not all planes may allow pets.
However, buyer beware. Empty leg flights are not the most reliable, and they could be cancelled suddenly if the main leg gets cancelled! Don’t book one if you have a really tight schedule without much wiggle room.
Evo Jets
Evo Jets offers private charters and empty leg specials. Though their pricing is not quite as attractive as other options, they are very welcoming to your large breed dog. The cheapest empty leg we found for them was $7,000 on a 4 seater plane.
What If I Can’t Find A Flight For My Dog!?
If you can’t get a flight, then ground transportation is always an option. For those that can’t drive their pup themselves, courier services will transport your pup in their air conditioned vehicle so they can avoid planes.
The cost for this service starts at around $1,000 and for some breeds which can’t handle cargo travel at all, like snub nosed dog breeds, it’s the only way to get them anywhere if you can’t get a cabin spot for them. You can use a site like Citizen Shipper to get ground transportation quotes.
How much this costs will, of course, depend on location, but also on where the dog gets dropped off. Dropping off and picking your dog up at a hub, like the airport, costs less than having them brought to your home.
