What Size of Dog Can Fly In Cabin? (Breeds, Height & Weight)

Traveling with a dog, primarily through the airways, can prove overwhelming for many.

And because there are endless paperwork, regulations, and policies, the experience of flying becomes hectic for many.

However, the most important thing to know before any consideration is, “Is my dog allowed to fly In Cabin with ‘X’ airlines?”.

Or, “What Weight of Dog Can Fly In Cabin?”. Queries like such are very common among pet parents, evident as well.

What Weight of Dog Can Fly In Cabin?

Typically, airlines consider the weight of the pet and the carrier as the total allowed ‘Pet’ weight in the aircraft.

This means that if the responsible airlines allow pets up to 20lbs, it will contain the weight of a pet and carrier both.

Most airlines allow 16lbs maximum pet weight in their aircraft. Along with that, the remaining weight includes that of a pet carrier as well.

Though 20 to 22 lbs are the maximum allowed weight for the airlines, not all of them follow the same pattern.

The weight consideration also depends upon the size of the aircraft you are traveling with.

What Height of Dog Can Fly In Cabin?

Airlines don’t impose any specific regulations on dogs’ height when it comes to pet flying.

However, the authorities insist on having a carrier big enough for the dog to stand on its feet and move around to change positions.

Though generally, depending upon the under-seat space, dogs with a height of up to 12 inches can easily fly in commercial aircraft.

Dogs that Can Fly In Cabin (Breeds, Height & Weight)

1) West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terrier, also known as Westie, is a fluffy white canine. They are basically big dogs in little dogs’ bodies and the tallest in the category.

Average Height: 10inches to 11 inches

Average Weight: 15lbs to 21lbs

Westies are short and long (their height isn’t vertically but horizontally long). They would require a large crate for flying comfortably on the flight.

2) Papillon

Papillion is a playful and active toy breed that loves companionship. It may appear as a lap dog, though a Papillon will not enjoy sitting in your lap all day. It is a breed for individuals who are willing to give affection, time, and attention to their pets.

Average Height: 8 inches to 11 inches

Average Weight: 4lbs to 9lbs

When it comes to air travel, Papillion is perfectly sized. In addition, their overall temperament makes a flight bearable for both pet and owner.

3) Japanese Chin

Japanese Chin is a beautiful dog breed with a refined appearance. The breed is popular for its appearance as well as its friendly attitude. It can adapt to apartment life and make it even with first-time pet parents.

Average Height: 8 inches to 10 inches

Average Weight: 5lbs to 10 lbs

Considering their size, Japanese Chin are easy to fly. However, since this breed is mainly Brachycephalic and has shortened heads, flying isn’t very safe for them.

In addition, these dogs can have breathing problems due to atmospheric pressure inside the plane.

4) Toy Poodle

Toy Poodle is an impressive breed that is known for its elegant and clever behavior. These dogs are known as the most intelligent dogs in the world. Toy Poodles are highly trainable and can learn to aby skill a master would teach them.

Average Height: 7 inches to 10 inches

Average Weight: 6lbs to 9lbs

Poodles come in three different sizes (Toy, Miniature, and Standard). Considering their size, only Toy and Miniature Poodle are fit to travel, while the latter is too big to fit in the aircraft’s under-sea.

Besides that, Toy Poodles aren’t difficult to take a flight of, but a little tricky, definitely. Since they can develop breathing problems easily, a Vet visit before a flight is recommended for them.

Also, it is advisable to trim your toy poodle’s hair before the flight. This will help them feel a little lighter and generate less breathing difficulties while they are under the seat, inside a carrier.

5) Havanese

Havanese is a popular American dog breed. It is known as an excellent travel companion and can make up for pretty much any trip.

Havanese is known for its smart and silly extrovert behavior, where they tend to become friendly with most humans they meet.

Average Height: 5 inches to 11.5 inches

Average Weight: 7lbs to 13lbs

Havanese are known as excellent co-passengers on a flight. Since they are incredibly eager to learn, they can quickly get into flight mode with some general training. Havanese can also take it easy inside an aircraft’s Cabin.

6) Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier is a brave and loving breed known for its small size. However, what’s popular in their appearance isn’t their height but their pointy ears.

Australian Terriers always are high on energy, are delightful companions, and are known for their obedience.

Average Height: 8 inches to 11 inches

Average Weight: 15lbs to 20lbs

Australian Terrier fits easily in a plane’s Cabin and is an excellent travel buddy.

This breed usually doesn’t show any difficulty while flying and makes it easier for fellow passengers as well.

Upon exercising well before the flight, they can make it up most way by sleeping.

7) Pomeranian

Pomeranian, a true toy breed, is one of the most common and favorable pets to have.

Coming in a wonderful array of light colors, they have a fluffy and soft coat and a small appearance. They are active, perky, and generally friendly.

Average Height: 8 inches to 11 inches

Average Weight: 3lbs to 7 or 8lbs.

Pomeranian, due to its size, is generally allowed in most airlines. They will easily fit inside a small carrier in the under-seat space.

And since they are quite small, they always have enough space to walk inside the carrier alone.

Certain airlines allow pet owners to travel with their Pomeranian on their lap as well.

Do Airlines weigh dogs in the Cabin?

Yes, when you check in with your pet, airlines will weigh your dog before allowing boarding.

The responsible staff will weigh both the pet (separate) and the pet with a carrier.

Though most of the time for regular passengers, the staff generally take a look at the pet and determine if it is fit to travel.

Can I bring a medium-sized dog on a plane?

As long as your dog’s weight and height are not more than the maximum pet weight/ height recommended for flight, you can bring the dog on a plane.

Usually, most airlines accommodate small to medium-sized dogs inside their aircraft’s Cabin.

Though in the case when the dog is big enough to fit in the under-seat space, the pet owner would have no option but send it into the cargo.

What size dog can you carry on a plane?

A dog who is below 12 inches and weighs no more than 18lbs to 20lbs is fit to travel in the cabin of an aircraft.

As long as your dog fits in the under-seat space of the aircraft, you can take them in the Cabin.

Is my dog small enough to fly in a cabin?

Rules for pet flying vary from airline to airline.

If your dog’s size is small enough to fit inside an airline’s approved carrier, it can fly in a cabin.

Any dog larger than that will have to go through the cargo way. Pet flying through cargo is also known as ‘Shipping.’

Which Airlines Allow dogs in Cabin?

Here is a list of popular airlines that allow dogs to fly in Cabin. Have a look:

Air Canada

Maximum Size and Weight (Including Dog and Carrier)

22 lbs and 27 x 40 x 55 cm (soft-side crate) & 23 x 40 x 55 cm (hard-side crate)

Flying Cost

$100 to $118 CAD for International flights

$50 to $59 CAD within Canada & USA

Check Air Canada Pet Travel and Assistance Guidelines

Aegean Airlines

Maximum Size and Weight (Including Dog and Carrier)

17.6lbs and 55 x 40 x 23 cm

Flying Cost

60 EUR for International travel

30 EUR for domestic travel

Check Aegean Airlines Pet Travel and Assistance Guidelines

Alaska Air

Maximum Size and Weight (Including Dog and Carrier)

20lbs and 43 x 28 x 24 cm (soft-side crate) and 43 x 28 x 19 cm (hard-side crate)

Flying Cost

$100 each way (It may increase depending upon the route).

Check Alaska Air Pet Travel and Assistance Guidelines

Air Europa

Maximum Size and Weight (Including Dog and Carrier)

17.6lbs or 13.2lbs (on flights operated by ATR) and 55 x 35 x 25 cm

Flying cost

$27 to $55 for domestic flights inside Europe

$165 for International flights and long haul flights

Check Air Europa Pet Travel and Assistance Guidelines

Air France

Maximum Size and Weight (Including Dog and Carrier)

17.6lbs and 46 x 28 x 24 cm

Flying cost

40 EUR for domestic flights

30 to 125 EUR for International and Long Haul flight

Check Air France Pet Travel and Assistance Guidelines

American Airlines

Maximum Size and Weight (Including Dog and Carrier)

20lbs and 48 cm X 33 cm X 22 cm

Flying Cost

$125 each way

Check American Airlines Pet Travel and Assistance Guidelines

Delta airlines

Maximum Size and Weight (Including Dog and Carrier)

There is no upper limit on the dog’s weight as long as the pet is comfortable and can fit in the under-seat space.

Besides that, the carrier’s maximum dimension also depends upon aircraft to aircraft.

Flying Cost

$75 for flights to/ from Brazil

$125 for flights within North America

$200 for International flights

Check Delta Airlines Pet Travel and Assistance Guidelines

Lufthansa

Maximum Size and Weight (Including Dog and Carrier)

17.6lbs and 55 x 40 x 23 cm

Flying Cost

50 EUR for domestic flights

60 EUR for International within Europe

80 EUR to 110 EUR international outside Europe

Check Lufthansa Airlines Pet Travel and Assistance Guidelines

Southwest

Maximum Size and Weight (Including Dog and Carrier)

There is no upper limit on the dog’s weight as long as the pet is comfortable and can fit in the under-seat space. 43 x 34 x 21 cm

Flying Cost

95 USD each way (No international flying for pets)

Check Southwest Airlines Pet Travel and Assistance Guidelines

Can I buy a seat for my large dog on a plane?

Which airline will let you buy a seat for your dog? Multiple airlines allow passengers to buy an extra (Adjoining) seat for their dogs. However, passengers can’t let the dog or the carrier be on that extra, or any aircraft seat for that matter.

Instead, buying an extra seat comes in handy when a passenger is traveling with more than one pet carrier. And since pet carriers can only go on the under-seat space, having one for each becomes compulsory.

Which airline is the most pet friendly?

Airlines that allow pets to travel in-cabin are known as pet friendly. But in true means, the term pet friendly comes in function for airlines that provide the best services and comfort to the pet. And here are a few airlines that fall under this category:

• Alaska- 5*
• American- 4.6*
• Hawaiian- 4.5*
• Frontier- 4.5*
• Southwest- 4.3*

Can large dogs fly in a cabin?

No, Large dog breeds can’t fly inside the Cabin. Instead, pet owners with large breeds can ship their dogs via cargo. But, realistically, large dogs can’t fly inside the Cabin due to less space.

Dogs who fly inside the Cabin get under-seat space throughout the journey. And since the under-seat space isn’t big enough to accommodate a large breed, in-cabin flying is a big No for them.

Can I take a 25 lb dog on a plane?

Airlines, including Delta and Southwest, have no upper limit on a dog’s weight. However, for 25lbs precise, one must first confirm with the respected airlines.

Usually, 25lbs is weight beyond the maximum allowed for flying in-cabin with dogs. Most of the pet-friendly airlines that allow dogs inside their Cabin accommodate dogs up to 20 lbs only. Besides that, the weight of the carrier falls under the same weight limitation.

Is it possible flying with a 25 to a 70-pound dog in Cabin?

No, dogs weighing up to 70 pounds are too big to fit inside an airline’s approved carrier. And since they can’t fit inside the carrier, they can’t fly inside the Cabin.

• 8 Airlines That Allow Big Dogs in Cabin or Cargo?

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping up…

Upon moving toward the end of this article, we believe all your doubts about dogs flying in the Cabin are clear now. The information on the dog’s weight and height ideal for a comfortable in-cabin trip are well explained.

However, before planning for the trip, always cross-check with the responsible airlines for once. Every airline has a different set of rules when it comes to traveling with pets.

These rules also tend to change depending upon season and temperature. Thus instead of facing an unusual situation at the airport, go prepared by planning everything beforehand.