Pet Flight Restrictions: What You Need to Know Before Flying with Your Dog

When it comes to pet flight restrictions, the rules airlines enforce for traveling with animals, including weight limits, carrier requirements, and travel methods. Also known as airline pet policies, these restrictions vary wildly—and getting them wrong can mean your dog misses the flight, gets stuck in cargo, or even faces health risks. It’s not just about size. It’s about safety, paperwork, and knowing which airlines actually care about your pet’s comfort.

Most airlines treat pets like checked baggage if they’re over 20 pounds, which means your dog can’t sit with you. That’s where pet cargo travel, the process of sending pets in the cargo hold under controlled conditions. Also known as animal cargo transport, it’s not as scary as it sounds—if you prepare right. But here’s the catch: not all carriers are created equal. Airlines like Delta, United, and American have strict airline pet carrier size, the exact dimensions allowed for in-cabin or cargo pet carriers. Also known as pet travel crate size, and they measure them at the gate. If your box is even an inch too big, you’re out of luck. And yes, they check. One owner brought a carrier that looked fine at home—until the agent pulled out a metal measuring frame. Boom. Missed flight. No refund.

Weight matters too. A dog airline weight limit, the maximum combined weight of dog and carrier allowed for in-cabin travel. Also known as carry-on dog weight, is usually 20 pounds total. That includes the crate. So if your dog weighs 18 pounds and the carrier is 3 pounds? You’re over. No exceptions. And if you’re thinking about flying your pet for free—good luck. Only service animals get that perk. Emotional support animals? They’re treated like regular pets now, even with paperwork.

What about the cargo hold? Is it safe? It can be—if your dog is healthy, the weather’s not extreme, and you pick a pet-friendly airline. But it’s not for every dog. Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs? Many airlines ban them outright. Older dogs? Dogs with heart conditions? You’ll need a vet clearance letter. And you can’t just show up. You need to book ahead, pay extra, and sometimes even fly during off-peak hours.

And here’s the thing most people miss: flying isn’t the only option. If your dog hates travel, or the restrictions feel too risky, there are better ways. Road trips with pet-friendly stops. Professional pet transport services that drive your dog door-to-door. Even ferries across the UK or to Europe. Sometimes, the safest flight is the one you don’t take.

Below, you’ll find real, tested advice from pet owners who’ve been through it—what worked, what didn’t, and how to avoid the mistakes that cost time, money, and stress. Whether you’re planning a cross-country move or just a holiday trip, you’ll find the details you actually need—not the fluff.