Flying with a pet, particularly a dog, is not always easy. From the necessary documents to health concerns, numerous considerations are there, specifically when traveling with a big ‘boy’. Among all, the biggest challenge is to find airlines that allow large dogs in cabins to travel without any obstacles.

Even though the cargo option is provided by carriers, most dog owners clamor for a more suitable choice like in-cabin travel. Luckily, several popular airlines make it easy to fly with such big felines onboard.

Airlines Allow Large Dogs in Cabins

Avolar Pets, JSX, Tradewind Aviation, and others are some of the airlines to rely on for traveling with large dogs. Mainly, they feature private charter services to meet such requirements of travelers with companions.

10 Airlines that Allow Big Dogs in Cabins

To transport large dogs across states or countries, there are numerous air carriers to choose from. Among these, 10 airlines that allow big dogs in the cabin offer charter services for this purpose. The US, Mexico, Great Britain, Germany, France, and additional countries indicate where these flight services are provided to.

1. JSX or JetSuiteX, Inc.

JetSuiteX, Inc. is a popular American jet service that offers the facility of private flights. JSX is a dog-friendly airline. In addition to this, when one opts for it, one will have swift check-ins and dedicated terminals for travel with companions. But just like any other airline, it has some rules and regulations that a pet owner as well as the pet must abide by.

These include the following:

  • One must bring rabies vaccinations and other health certifications.
  • An online form will need to be filled out by the owner when traveling with a dog.
  • It is one of the pet-friendly airlines for large dogs. While there are no size limits, their weight should not be more than 79 pounds.
  • Dogs, along with the kennel, must fit well inside the space available under the seat.
  • The dog should be properly leashed all the time and on the floor.
  • No dogs will be allowed in the emergency rows or bulkheads.
  • Each flight will only carry 5 pets at a time.
  • JSX has the right to deny or accept a dog from boarding the plane.
  • If the feline shows aggressive behavior or anything unacceptable, the airline can take further action accordingly.

2. Tradewind Aviation

Headquartered in the United States, Tradewind Aviation is one of the ‘go-to’ options for many avid travelers and their big dogs. Specifically when they are planning to fly to the Caribbean from the Northeast, this airline is preferable. It has scheduled private trips with an easy-to-understand pet policy.

However, the airline has certain rules to ensure the ease of fliers and their companions during trips. Below are some of the points of Tradewind Aviation’s pet policy:

  • Dogs of every size are accepted by the airline in the cabin.
  • However, large dogs can only travel in the Pilatus PC-12s and Citation CJ3s flights.
  • The carrier will only allow a maximum of 3 pets per plane.
  • Passengers will need to book a separate seat if the dog is 100+ pounds.
  • This means not every big dog needs an extra seat.
  • As per the policy of this pet-friendly airline for large dogs, felines should always remain in their carriers.
  • If needed or an unexpected circumstance takes place, then multiple pets can board the flight.

3. BARK Air

When comfort is the most vital aspect while flying with your dog, BARK Air is the right choice. This is a recently launched air travel service that is solely dedicated to dogs. Its flights are expected to start in May 2024. BARK Air will be offering facilities to connect the NYC metro areas with Los Angeles and London via White Plains, Van Nuys, and Stansted, respectively.

In order to avail of the perfect travel experience for your dog, you will need to keep the following in mind:

  • To complete the check-in process, travelers with pets will have to reach the airport at least 45-60 minutes before the departure time.
  • The airline has cabins equipped with lavender-scented towels, soothing music, and more.
  • Janitors in the planes are prepped with several essential items such as poop bags, leashes, treats, etc.
  • In case of discomfort, dogs will be offered certain beverages to relax them.
  • Since the airline is dedicated to dogs, all ‘4-legged’ passengers will get delicious surprises onboard.
  • BARK Air is the airline that allows large dogs in the cabin, provided that they are fully vaccinated.
  • One passenger can only bring one pet onboard. However, one can buy extra passes, if needed.
  • A flier should be at least 18 years of age to travel with a pet dog.
  • Crates are not necessary but pets should be restrained safely.
  • Regardless of the size, every dog will be accepted.

4. Aero Airlines

Offering travel to Mexico and the USA, Aero is yet another popular jet service that can provide travelers and their pets with more luxurious and relaxed experiences. In areas such as Idaho, Colorado, Texas, Los Cabos, etc., it is among the popular airlines that take large dogs. Although it is a new option, it has gained attraction quite quickly.

However, to travel without any issue with your canine, the following rules of Aero should be remembered:

  • Fliers will need to buy a full-seat ticket if the dog is over 20 pounds of weight.
  • Every flight will only carry 5 pets along with 2 big dogs.
  • Although it is a dog-friendly airline, to bring them in the cabin, pets should be securely leashed throughout the journey.
  • One ticketed flier can only bring 1 large dog.
  • The accepted dogs should be 4 months old or more and toilet-trained.
  • Pet dogs should only sit in the allocated space, not in exit rows or emergency doors.
  • Service dogs can travel free of cost. However, proper documentation should be done beforehand.

5. Surf Air

Anyone looking for a seamless air travel experience with their loving pet dog can consider Surf Air. This Los Angeles-based carrier provides semi-private scheduled flights. Along with this, it offers ‘on-demand’ jet facilities with highly premium seating for Business class flyers. From California, a flyer can have smooth and 5-star-rating trips with his/her furry friend.

For a hassle-free trip, it is necessary to understand the important points listed in its pet policy:

  • Luxurious cabins are accessible by pet dogs.
  • Flyers must inform the airline about their pets at least 48 hours before the travel.
  • This will help the airline to make sure that space is available for the feline.
  • Maximum 1 or 2 large pets per flight are permitted with Surf Air.
  • As per the policy, the pet dog should not weigh more than 100 pounds.
  • If the weight is more than 20 pounds, a separate seat will be needed for the dog.
  • All service animals will be given priority.
  • Every dog should be clean, well-behaved, and fully vaccinated before the flight.

6. NetJets

If you are dreaming of a ‘picture-perfect’ air travel experience with your fur buddy, then no other option is better than NetJets. Hence, it is among the most preferable airlines that allow large dogs in cabins. With the vision of sophistication and elegance in mind, it offers private planes to cater to personalized needs. Speaking about the route network, it spins across the globe.

To fly in ‘style’ with a large dog, you must know a few things before booking seats with NetJets:

  • The facilities are available from the Mediterranean to Southern Europe.
  • Any dog below 150 pounds of weight can sit on the seat.
  • The dog should sit on the floor if they weigh more than 150 pounds.
  • Depending on the needs or size of the dog, you can either allow them to belt, leash, or keep them inside the kennel.
  • The airline offers full-fledged dog meals as well as special pet dining and treats onboard.
  • Please note that no dog will board the flight when no seat is vacant.

7. BLADE Urban Air Mobility

With a strong presence in New York, US, BLADE is an exceptional aviation company that offers private, crowdsourced, and scheduled flights for large-sized pets and passengers. The airline covers several popular destinations such as Miami, The Hamptons, Palm Beach, and Nantucket.

The best thing about this dog-friendly aviation firm is that it offers numerous transportation methods such as seaplanes, helicopters, turboprops, etc. This is among the top-rated pet-friendly airlines for large dogs for the following reasons too:

  • Extra seats should be purchased in seaplanes, turboprops, and helicopters if the dog is more than 25 pounds.
  • In these transportation methods, only 2 pets per carrier are supported.
  • Dogs onboard should be properly leashed or harnessed.
  • In the chartered flights of BLADE, no extra fee will be charged to fly with pets.
  • Passengers must reserve a separate seat when the dog weighs 35+ pounds.
  • Travel with dogs is subject to the approval given by the BLADE Team.
  • This team can accept or reject pets/dogs based on their behaviors, sizes, or weights.

8. XO Private Jet by Vista Global

Operating as a part of Vista Global, XO Private Jet is included in the top airlines that fly large dogs. offering innovative air travel options for your pooch. The airline proudly offers private seats through personal jets so that you can easily travel with your dog. When it comes to the areas covered, you can head to Los Angeles, Tampa Bay, Malta, Accra, etc., with XO.

Passengers can pick between private jets and private flights based on their needs. Irrespective of it, they must familiarize themselves with the rules of traveling with big dogs on XO:

  • For private flights, any pet dog weighing 25+ pounds should securely be leashed throughout the journey.
  • A muzzle should be placed on the mouth if you have a dog whose breed is listed as restricted.
  • Travelers must keep their dogs on the floor if their weight is more than 100 lbs.
  • A veterinary examination certificate is needed.
  • The airline will ask travelers to submit the vaccination and related documents.
  • All the ‘federally-accredited’ certificates or documents should be obtained at least 10 days before the flight.
  • The hound should have a microchip with essential details.
  • In XO Private Jet, only service and emotional support dogs are allowed.
  • Any service dog with 25 pounds or more weight should have a separate seat reserved.
  • All up-to-date documents will be needed to travel in private jets.
  • The airline offers special gift packs to ‘pow-bow’ passengers that include water-free shampoo, rope toys, treats, etc.
  • On some routes, cozy sleeping mats can also be provided.
  • While traveling to an international destination, additional documents may be required.

9. K9 Jets

Established in July 2022, the objective of K9 Jets is to offer relaxed and stress-free air travel options to every 4-legged companion. To achieve this goal, the airline has an extensive route network covering regions such as London, Paris, Los Angeles, and New Jersey.

While this is an airline that accepts large dogs, to have a smooth transition, a flier should get familiar with its pet policy:

  • Crates are not necessary as medium-sized dogs can travel by sitting by the owner’s side on their lap.
  • For a confirmed booking, the airline needs the capacity of 75% of passengers’ reservations.
  • However, separate bookings will be required for dogs heavier than 51 pounds.
  • For chartered flights, 2 seats will need to be booked when two pet dogs are traveling.
  • The airline will ask the pet owner to show documents such as health and vaccination certificates.
  • K9 Jets can also help in arranging pet-friendly cabs or taxis.
  • This carrier is committed to offering comprehensive travel solutions to owners.

10. Avolar Pets

An excellent airline to take your big feline with you is Avolar Pets. This is the newest airline and its inaugural flight took place in April 2024. Although it is new, it ensures comfortable and luxurious chartered flight services. This air operator knows that for some people, their pets are just like their family. Thus, it provides a smooth transition while keeping their furry needs in mind.

Here are some essential points one should remember before flying with Avolar Pets:

  • Every dog should be well-leashed and sit on the floor right next to the owner.
  • All documents related to the pet should be submitted to the airline at least 4-6 days before the departure.
  • Seat arrangements for the dogs are subject to their age, breed, behavior, and availability.
  • Seating adjustments are possible even during the ‘meet and greet’.

Important Tips to Ensure Stress-Free Travel with Large Canines

Before you book tickets and directly head to the airport, you must know a few important tips to ease the transition with airlines that allow big dogs in cabins.

  • Always visit the vet clinic beforehand to make sure your companion is healthy enough for air travel.
  • Collect all the documents, i.e. health certificates and vaccination cards to submit to the airline.
  • Make sure that the pet dog has an up-to-date ID along with a passport (if needed).
  • Familiarize your big furry companion before the flight to avoid restlessness.
  • Never give heavy meals to your pooch before the departure.
  • Avoid giving lots of water right before the flight.
  • Reach the airport before the time given so that your feline can adjust easily.
  • Whenever possible, take your doggo for the treats or bathroom breaks.

Traveling with large-sized dogs is not an easy task. However, some airlines that allow large dogs in cabins make it simple. These airlines can ensure positive travel experiences, provided that their pet policies are abided by. Also, depending on these policies, the best carrier can be determined for big dogs.

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