Looking for an airline that allows a large dog that isn’t a military, service, or emotional support dog? Me, too. Since 2020 most airlines in the United States have suspended travel for dogs that don’t fit in the cabin. This is entirely problematic for dog owners seeking to move from one US state to another where it’s too impractical to drive or too ridiculous for a holiday. In this post, discover which airlines still offer US flights for large dogs that don’t meet in-cabin requirements and the US airlines that don’t.
Save for later – Airlines, road trips, and other pet transportation options in the USA
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Table of Contents
Airlines that fly large dogs in 2026 within the continental US
Four US airlines fly large dogs within the continental US that aren’t service, military, or emotional support animals. If you’re looking for commercial airlines that ship your dog overseas, read International Pet Shippers.
What defines a large dog for an airline? A dog that is too big to stand up under the seat in front of you in a pet carrier and turn around comfortably without hitting their head or shoulders. For perspective, our 4 month old Labradoodle was about 2-months too old to meet the in-cabin requirement. Even if he was small enough to make the in-cabin flight to Maine at 4 months, we were certain he’d be too big by the time of the return at 6.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines offers a cargo option and also the option to fly with you if the aircraft can fit your dog’s kennel size. To find more information, read Alaska Airlines Pet Connect animal travel service.
Highlights for flying with your large dog on Alaska Airlines:
- If your large dog can travel with you on the same plane, the dog’s plane ticket only costs $150 one-way.
- The weight of the dog and kennel cannot exceed 150 lbs.
- If your large dog travels alone via the cargo option, contact Alaska Airlines for a quote.
As of January 2025, a cargo flight on Alaska Airlines (dog is traveling alone) from Houston (via Seattle) to Boston is estimated at $1550 one-way.
- Call Alaska Airlines at 1-800-225-2752 for your pet travel questions and an estimate to ship your dog if it’s traveling alone.
- Call Alaska Airlines at 1-800-252-7522 to book a passenger ticket if your dog is traveling with you.
American Airlines
For dogs that don’t meet cabin requirements, American Airlines Pet EmBark offers a cargo service.
American Airlines has a program called Pet EmBark where your pet travels on a cargo-only plane.
- Passengers and animals can not travel on the same American Airlines plane.
- You have to make a reservation by calling 800-227-4622.
- The weight of the dog and kennel cannot exceed 100 lbs.
- Use the Rate Calculator to estimate shipping cost for your dog.
- To get information about pet travel on AA or to book a cargo ticket, PetEmbark@aa.com.
JSX Airlines
JSX Airlines is a public charter airline that updated its pet policy to permit larger dogs, up to 79 lbs, to travel in the cabin. You are required to buy an extra seat next to your own to allow space for your dog during the flight. Your well behaved dog must lie on the floor and not sit in the actual seat. A maximum of 5 pets are allowed on any one flight.
- JSX operates short-haul regional flights with focus cities including Dallas, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Burbank.
- To book a ticket for you and your large dog, call JSX Customer Support at 1-800-435-9579.
Bark Air
Bark Air is a luxury airline designed specifically for dogs and their companions. The first inaugural flight took off in May 2024 between New York and Los Angeles. Bark Air US destinations include major US cities New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and even Kailua-Kona. London and Paris are Bark Air’s primary international cities.
- 100% dog-friendly, dog-first airline.
- The ticket price covers the dog and one human. Additional human travelers require additional tickets.
- There are NO weight restrictions or breed restrictions on Bark Air.
- Book a ticket for you and your dog online.
Airlines that do NOT offer domestic flights for big dogs 2026
Airlines as of January 2025 that do NOT offer flights within the continental US for large dogs not qualifying as military, service, or emotional support dogs:
- Air Canada – Flights that allow large dogs are not available for USA, only within Canada.
- Delta Airlines – Delta Cargo has a household pet embargo in effect. Despite being able to book a reservation for your big dog online, that reservation goes into a queue for a Customer Service Agent to call you back. The only exception is for active military.
- JetBlue
- Frontier
- Southwest
- Spirit
- United Airlines
United Airlines has been our family’s trusted dog transportation service for every move – both within the USA and overseas. Although they have suspended household pet service since 2020, keep checking back for updates on when PetSafe will resume again.
Airlines aren’t quite sure when they will bring cargo services back for pets that don’t meet in-cabin requirements. Let’s hope they aren’t gone forever so that pet owners of big dogs have more flight options.
Other pet transportation options in the US
There are third-party pet transportation options to get your large dog from one US state to another which might be entirely worth it compared to the hassle or stress on your dog flying.
Rates vary significantly from one pet travel agency to the next. Depending upon the from and to the destination city, moving rates can start at a minimum of $4500 one-way. Find a registered IPATA pet shipper for a free quote, or check out Starwood Pet Travel and other preferred pet shippers used by Americans moving a pet overseas.
Final tips on airlines that allow large dogs 2026
The kennel size is the determining factor for whether or not your large dog can fit on the aircraft. A large kennel size may limit flight options from your origin to your destination city. Be sure to measure your large dog precisely the way the airline has instructed and buy the proper kennel to fit your dog. This is the airline kennel we used for our big dog.
The flight might not be direct but if you can travel with your dog on the same flight, it might be entirely worth it compared to a coast-to-coast road trip with the entire family. While I’ve done it before, I’m excited for the airlines to welcome large dogs on board again.
Any other airline recommendations for flying a big dog in 2026? Share in the comments.
Looking for more moving with dogs resources? Try these.
- How to Move A Dog To The UK (costs, too!)
- How To Find Rentals That Allow Dogs In The UK
- Moving abroad? Use my ultimate MOVING ABROAD CHECKLIST
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6 comments
Hi Lori!
We plan to spend several months on the island of Puerto Rico and are trying to figure out how to bring our 35lb Border Collie along. Seattle to Miami, then Miami to PR. We were assuming she could fly in the cabin if we bought first class tickets. Sending her as cargo would be too traumatic for our sensitive girl. Any tips?
Hi Linda! You can get there on Alaska Airlines with a dog in the First Class Cabin but your Collie would need to be able to comfortably fit in a carrier that is 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″. Because I’ve only had big dogs (70 lbs+), I’m not sure if a 35 lbs dog can fit those dimensions. Otherwise, your dog would have to fly in the baggage compartment of Alaska Airlines (on the same plane as you). I’m sure that is concerning (we’ve flown twice with our dog from Oregon to Texas and Texas to London, so I completely understand your fear) but of all the airlines to use, I would think Alaska would be the best given they transport more dogs than any other US commercial airline. It’s in their branding so I have to believe they are very good at handling and transporting the dogs. Otherwise, you’d have to use another option which is ultimately a cargo option. I wouldn’t think twice about using Alaska Airlines. In fact, I tried to use them from Houston to Boston, but the route is too long with an overnight stay and so we end up driving instead (every year to Maine). Good luck! x
Is there a weight limit on the large dog in cargo? I have a nine month old mastiff who needs the 48 inch crate the largest that is allowed but I’m finding it hard to find an airline that will ship anything over 150 pounds come on Saint Bernards Neo mastiffs, there are a lot of dogs over 150 pounds. What do they do?
Hi Susan! I think it varies by airline/shipper but it’s not clear if any of the commercial airlines have a 150+ option. To your point American Airlines has a max of 100 and Alaska Airlines a max of 150 lbs. I would contact one of the pet shippers, like Starwood, and consult with them on options so you know how to proceed (a consultation or quote is free). They reference crating Great Danes with custom crates requiring fork lifts so there has to be an option for your dog. Good luck and please let me know! I’m sure others are seeking the same information.x
What do I do if I get on a airline that allows my xl dog crate size but if I have to change planes.. the next plane doesn’t??? I’m trying to bring my 2big german shepherds from Alaska to Texas! HEELLLLP
Hi Melissa. Where is your connection? Truthfully, I think you have only 2 options:
1) Rent a car at wherever your 2nd flight is and drive the rest of the way to Texas. Trust me, I get it. I drive from Texas to Maine and back every summer now because airlines are making it impossible to travel with big dogs now. It’s painful but you can make it enjoyable…it’s how I manage travel every summer.
2) Contact a pet transportation company – I recommend Starwood but you can call anyone on the list (they offer domestic too). Calling and talking to someone about your situation should be free so definitely get a free consultation and see if they recommend anything different.
Good luck!! x