Can I Buy a Seat for my Dog on a Plane? [Yes – Here’s how]

Taking a dog on a flight with you is possible nowadays, with many airlines allowing dogs in-cabin. However, when flying with most airlines you cannot buy a seat for your dog on a plane. Most airlines only permit dogs on flights, if they travel within a travel carrier that fits underneath the seat in front of you. 

There are some airlines that will allow you to buy a seat for a dog on a plane. However, it is important to note there are strict rules and regulations you must adhere to.

In this article we will list the airlines that will allow you to buy your dog a seat on a plane, as well as general airline policies for flying with dogs in cabin.

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Can I Buy a Seat for my Dog on a Plane?

Whether you can buy a seat for a dog on a plane depends on the airline, but if you’re flying a major public airline the answer is typically no.

The ability to buy a seat for your dog on a plane largely depends on the airline and the specific rules they have in place regarding pets. It’s important to note that the policies can vary significantly between different airlines, so it’s crucial to do thorough research and understand the guidelines before making any travel plans. 

One of the main factors influencing this decision is the size of your dog. Most public airlines only allow very small dogs to travel in the cabin with their owners. Larger dogs are usually required to travel in the cargo hold. This is primarily due to space limitations in the cabin and safety concerns.

For those with small dogs, some semi-private airlines offer the option to purchase an additional seat for your furry friend. This allows you to keep your pet close to you during the flight and ensures their comfort and safety.

Related post: Flying Dogs in Cargo: How Safe is it?

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Which airlines allow you to buy a seat for your dog on a plane?

There are some semi-private airline companies that may allow you to buy an extra seat for your dog on a plane. These small companies fly to limited locations, typically in smaller-sized planes. Their size allowances for dogs are usually more generous than major public airlines.

The following semi-private airlines may allow you to buy a seat for your dog on a plane:

Aero: Small dogs weighing 20lb or less (including carrier) can travel in a carrier with a pet travel charge of $300. For medium or large pets over 20lb you must purchase an additional full-price seat which can be done by contacting their Concierge team. There is no maximum weight limit for large pets however you must ensure they can remain in their seat for the duration of the flight.

BLADE: On by-the-seat BLADE Airport flights, pets under 25 pounds can sit in a carrier on their owner’s lap for a pet fee of $50. On all other by-the-seat rotorcraft flights, pets under 25 pounds can sit in a carrier on their owner’s lap for a pet fee of $95. For a dog heavier than 25 pounds, owners can buy an extra seat on the plane.

JSX: JSX permits small dogs to be transported by customers in-cabin for free, as long as they are inside a secure carrier. Larger dogs under 65lbs (30kg) are also welcome inside the cabin, as long as they are leashed and customers purchase a window seat in addition to an aisle seat to allow room for the dog.

Surf Air: A fee of $50 (+tax) will be charged for all dogs that do not occupy a seat. Animals over 20 lbs must occupy a seat with the purchase of a single-use flight pass.

Tradewind Aviation: Pets of all sizes, including large-breed dogs, are welcome to fly with Tradewind Aviation. They only permit one dog pet flight and owners can buy an extra plane seat for a dog weighing over 100 ibs.

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What are the rules and regulations for flying with dogs in cabin?

The rules and regulations for flying with dogs in cabin vary between airlines, however generally public airlines state the following:

1. Dogs must be no more than 11 inches tall and 18 inches long. 

As stated above, most airlines generally require that your dog can fit comfortably in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you during the flight. Although the carrier requirements vary between airlines, this usually means that your dog cannot be more than 11 inches tall or 18 inches long.

2. Dogs must usually weigh less than 9kg / 20 pounds.

Most airlines state that dogs and their carrier combined, weigh no more than 9kg or 20 pounds. 

This does vary slightly between airlines. For example, American Airlines requires that the combined weight of your pet and the carrier cannot be more than 9kg at the time of check in. On the other hand, Air Europa have a limit of 8kg. Delta and Southwest have no limit on the weight, however they state that dogs must fit comfortably in their carrier, under the seat in front of you. 

3. Dogs must stay in their travel carriers at all times. 

Generally, you are not permitted to take your dog out of their kennel in the airport or whilst boarded the plane. This does mean no potty breaks, so make sure your dog goes to the toilet before entering the airport. 

With that said, some airports have specific areas designated for dogs to stretch their legs and go potty. 

4. Dogs must be at least 10 weeks old. 

In order to travel domestically, dogs must generally be at least 10 weeks old. If you are traveling internationally, your dog must generally be at least 16 weeks old.

5. Only one pet per kennel.

Only one pet is allowed per kennel except in the following conditions:

• One female dog is traveling with her unweaned litter of puppies who are between the ages of 10 weeks and 6 months. There is no limit on the number of puppies in the litter so long as the weight limits are not exceeded. 
• 2 pets of the same breed and size between the ages of 10 weeks and 6 months may share a kennel.

6. You must have all the required documentation. 

The documents required to fly with a dog in cabin will vary depending on which airline you are flying with, and where you are flying from and to. If you are flying domestically, some airlines do not require any documentation. Southwest, for example. However, other airlines require your pet’s health book. Aegean Air, for example. 

You will need more paperwork if you are traveling abroad, in which cases you will usually require the following:

1. Microchip certificate
2. Rabies vaccination certificate
3. Animal health certificate
4. Additional vaccination certificates
5. Rabies titer test results
6. Parasite treatment certificate

We will go into these requirements in more detail below. 

7. You must be over 18 years old.

An unaccompanied minor may not bring a pet in the cabin with them.

8. Dog’s must be well behaved.

A pet that shows disruptive behavior may be denied boarding. Examples of disruptive behavior include (but are not limited to): 

• Scratching, excessive whining or barking
• Growling, biting, lunging
• Urinating or defecating in the cabin or gate area

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How can I prepare to fly with my dog in cabin?

1. Visit the vets.

Before booking your ticket, have your dog checked out by a veterinarian to ensure they are healthy enough to fly. Experts discourage dogs that are very young, old, in heat, pregnant, have chronic illnesses or poor temperaments from flying.

Not only is a veterinarian health certificate usually a requirement when flying with dogs, you want to ensure your dog is healthy. Flying can be stressful for dogs that are unwell. You don’t want to risk the stress making a dog that is already a little under the weather, even more sick. 

Ask yourself why you are bringing your dog with you and whether it is worth it? Of course, if you are relocating you may have no choice, however if you are planning a quick vacation then you may want to ponder a little longer. It’s important that you feel completely confident that your dog is well enough to travel.

2. Select the right dog carrier.

Airlines have very strict rules and regulations about what pet carriers passengers are allowed to bring on their flights. Each airline has a different size limit on the dog carriers permitted, and some even have restrictions on the materials that are accepted. Additionally, some airlines have different restrictions depending on which aircraft you will be boarding.

When flying with dogs in cabin, many airlines accept both hard-sided and soft-sided carriers, however some only allow soft-sided carriers. We recommend using soft-sided carriers as they generally allow your dog a little more room.

You can get some great dog carriers with expandable sides, so your dog can have some extra room for stretching out when at the airport.

3. Get your dog used to confined spaces.

5. Try to limit access to food and water before your flight.

A dog that needs to go to the toilet is more likely to be distressed on a plane. Try to limit your dog’s access to food and water leading up to your flight. Not only will this reduce the chances of them needing the toilet on the plane, dogs are more likely to experience motion sickness if they eat just before a flight. 

Air Canada suggest feeding your dog four to six hours prior to departure, as a full stomach may cause discomfort during travel. 

If your dog does look like he needs to go to the bathroom when on the flight, ask the attendant for advice on what to do. Make sure you pack some wipes and poop bags in case of any accidents. 

6. Pack paperwork and supplies the night before.

Get everything organised the night before your trip. This will make the whole journey much less stressful for you, which will in turn make your dog more relaxed. 

The documents required to fly with a dog will vary depending on which airline you are flying with, and where you are flying from and to. But generally, you may require any of the following:

7. Familiarise yourself with the airport that you are departing from and arriving to.

Most airports will have a dedicated area for pets and service animals to rest. It is actually a legal requirement that all U.S. airports have pet-relief areas available for working animals and pets to rest. Take some photos of the airport maps, so you don’t have to wander around on the day trying to find a resting place.

8. Bring along your dog’s favourite comforts.

To maximise comfort and minimise stress, pop your dog’s favourite blanket or toy in the travel carrier with them. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, you could even pop one of your t-shirts in the carrier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with my large dog in the cabin?

Unfortunately, most airlines will only allow small and light dogs in the cabin. This is because they usually must comfortably fit underneath the seat in front of you. If you are traveling with a large dog, it is likely that you will need to ship him or her in the cargo hold of the plane. However, there are some semi-private airlines that will allow flying with large dogs.

Can I fly with my puppy on a plane?

Yes, if your puppy is over 4 months (16 weeks) old. Most airlines will not allow dogs under this age to fly on their planes. Some allow younger puppies to travel, for example, Alaska Air require puppies to be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned.

Can I take my dog out of the carrier on the plane?

Sadly no. Your dogs are usually expected to remain in their carriers while in the airport and on board the aircraft.

Can I take 2 dogs on a plane with me?

Possibly, this completely depends on the airline you fly with. Different airlines have different regulations when it comes to traveling with pets.

Conclusion

Unfortunately most airlines will not allow you to buy a seat for your dog on a plane. This is because most public airlines require dogs to travel in a carrier stowed away in the seat in front of you. This is why, usually, only very small and light dogs are permitted to fly in cabin. However, there are some semi-private airlines that will allow you to purchase an extra seat for your dog on a plane. 

Related posts:
Flying Dogs in Cargo: Will my dog be safe?
15 Airlines That Allow Flying With Dogs In-Cabin
Flying with an Anxious Dog? [15 Top Tips!]
21 Dog Breeds That Can Fly in Cabin
Dog Sedatives for Flying: Should I use them?