Traveling by plane can be a daunting experience, not just for humans but for our four-legged companions as well. For dog owners who frequently fly, choosing the right breed can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth journey. Whether it’s their size, temperament, or adaptability, certain breeds are naturally better equipped to handle the challenges of air travel. In this guide, we explore the nine best dog breeds for plane travel, ensuring both you and your furry friend can embark on your adventures with confidence and comfort. Discover which breeds make the skies friendlier for your canine companion.
Flying with your dog is more than just a way to get from point A to point B—an adventure waiting to happen! Whether you’re jetting off for a vacation or visiting family, having your furry sidekick by your side makes the journey much better. And let’s be honest, with the right prep and the perfect dog breed, air travel can feel like first-class for you and your pup.
Not all airline pet policies are created equal—some airlines may not allow pets in the cabin or cargo hold on certain flights due to restrictions or liability concerns. From pint-sized pros like Chihuahuas and Yorkies to adventure-ready companions like Portuguese Water Dogs and Australian Terriers, these breeds offer you the best travel experience.
So grab your leash, pack the treats, and get ready to take off with your perfect co-pilot!
Is Flying Right for Your Dog?
Flying with your dog can be a fun adventure but requires extra planning. For couples with a lovable pooch in tow, the journey is half the fun, and you’ll make memories that last a lifetime—especially if your pup gets to lounge in the lap of luxury in “Cuddle Class!”. AKC (American Kennel Club) suggests flying with the dog is fine if you take all the essential steps on time.
Not all airline pet policies are created equal—trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way! Different airlines have different policies! While many airlines roll out the red carpet for your furry friend with posh options like “Cuddle Class” in first class (yes, that’s a thing!), others act like your dog isn’t even on the guest list. And it’s not just about space—some airlines refuse to let dogs fly in the cargo hold because of liability concerns.
If you and your partner are planning a getaway with your pup, the first step isn’t booking tickets—it’s booking a vet appointment. You’ll want to ensure your dog is fit to fly and has all the necessary paperwork so there are no surprises at the check-in counter.
Health Checklist: Preparing Your Dog for Air Travel
Here are some essential steps you need to take before packing your bags:
Schedule a visit with your veterinarian to ensure your dog is healthy
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Assess your dog’s temperament and discuss calming aids or medications with your vet if needed.
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Get an airline-approved carrier that’s comfortable and spacious for your dog.
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Keep your dog hydrated and avoid large meals before the flight to prevent motion sickness.
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Exercise your dog before the trip to help them relax during the flight.
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Pack essentials like food, water, bowls, toys, blankets, waste bags, and medications.
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Research your airline’s pet policies to understand cabin and cargo requirements.
Check for breed restrictions, especially for brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds.
Essential Items to Pack When Flying with Your Dog
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An airline-approved carrier that’s comfortable and meets regulations.
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Food and water to keep your dog nourished and hydrated during the journey.
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Collapsible bowls for easy feeding and drinking on the go.
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Favorite toy or blanket to provide comfort and reduce anxiety.
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Waste bags for quick and easy cleanups.
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Medications your dog may need, including calming aids if recommended by your vet.
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Health certificates from veterinarians and vaccination records as required by the airline.
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Leash and harness for secure handling at the airport and destination.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Dog Ready for a Flight
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Ensure your dog is healthy and vaccinations are current, and obtain the required health certificate.
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Get an airline-approved carrier that allows your dog to stand, turn, and lie comfortably.
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Familiarize your dog with the airline by letting them explore and spend time in it before the flight.
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Ensure your dog’s ID tags and microchip details are up to date with your contact information.
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Give your dog a long walk or play session to help burn off energy and relax them.
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Include food, water, bowls, waste bags, toys, blankets, medications, and health documents.
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Avoid feeding a large meal before the flight, and ensure your dog is hydrated.
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Arrive early to allow time for check-in and ensure your dog is calm and ready.
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Stay Calm and Reassuring
Navigating the Airport with Your Dog
Navigating the airport with your dog can be a breeze with some preparation. Arrive early to allow time for check-in, security, and a pre-flight potty break at the designated pet relief area. Keep your pup secure with a leash and harness, and ensure their carrier meets airline regulations.
At security, you must remove your dog from the carrier while it’s X-rayed, so stay calm and reassuring. Offer water and comfort while waiting to board, and take advantage of pre-boarding if available. Once on the plane, follow crew instructions to settle your dog safely for the journey. You and your furry friend will be ready for takeoff with these steps!
Best Dog Breeds for Plane Travel
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may be small dog breeds, but they’re big on personality and the best little travel companions to take on a plane!
If your Chihuahua isn’t used to long trips, a little preparation goes a long way. Start with short car rides to help them get comfortable with the motion, sound, and idea of being in a small space. It’s like a warm-up for the big adventure!
Though small, don’t think they are tiny enough to carry on luggage!
When it’s time to fly, these small dogs are perfect for cabin travel—they’re pint-sized, so they fit easily in a carrier under your seat, and staying with you ensures their safety and comfort. To get them ready, introduce them to their carrier well in advance, give them a good play session or walk before the flight to burn off energy, and double-check that their vaccinations are current.
If your pet gets a little nervous mid-flight, no worries! Speak to them softly, offer a favorite treat or toy, and keep them close to reassure them.
And if you think they might need extra help staying calm, your vet can recommend ways to manage anxiety. Their adorable size and loving nature make every flight feel like a first-class experience!
2. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are the world’s most fabulous travelers—making them the ultimate breed to take on a plane! These intelligent, fun-loving pups are natural travelers, and their friendly, adaptable nature makes them perfect companions for sky-high long journeys.
Plus, with their hypoallergenic coat, even your fellow passengers will thank you for bringing this flying fluffball along!
To get your Portuguese Water Dog prepped for takeoff, start by familiarizing them with their travel carrier—think of it as their personal first-class cabin. Before the flight, give them plenty of exercise to burn off energy so they can settle down for the journey.
A quick trip to the vet will ensure their vaccinations are up to date and that they’re in top shape for the journey.
Onboard, these social butterflies will charm everyone with their calm demeanor and adorable personality. If they get a little restless, a favorite toy or treat will keep them entertained. Need some reassurance? These ideal travel companions are people pleasers at heart—they’ll handle the flight like pros if they’ve got you by their side.
3. Bichon Frise
Flying with a Bichon Frise to new destinations is like traveling with a little cloud of happiness—they’re the best breed to take on a plane! These small, charming pups are cabin-approved, so they’ll get to stay right by your side during the flight. Just make sure their carrier is cozy enough to stand, turn around, and feel like they’re in their first-class suite.
Packing for your Bichon? Don’t forget the essentials: food, water, medicine, toys, and a leash. (Oh, and a can opener if you’re bringing wet food—no one wants to deal with a hangry fluffball at 30,000 feet!) Long international flights can be tricky, but if you have a layover by the airline, check if your pup can come out of their carrier for a quick stretch. European airports are especially pet-friendly, and walking your Bichon on a leash will be the highlight of their day after being cooped up.
And let’s face it, with their cheerful demeanor and calm nature, Bichons handle travel like little pros. They’ll charm everyone they meet, including flight attendants, and turn your trip into a feel-good adventure. But you will have to train your dog first!
4. Border Terrier
Flying with a Border Terrier is like bringing your tiny adventure buddy on board—they’re hands-down the best travel companions to take on a plane! These scrappy, adaptable little pups are the perfect size for cabin travel, meaning they can snuggle right under the seat in front of you (or at least in their carrier, no matter how much they’d rather sit in your lap).
PetPlan classifies it in small to medium-sized breeds, making it an excellent choice for frequent flyers to carry around as the most beautiful accessory ever!
Border Terriers are natural-born explorers, so they’ll approach flying with curiosity and maybe a little excitement. To keep them comfortable, make sure their travel carrier is spacious enough for them to stand, turn, and settle in. A quick romp before the flight is key to traveling comfortably as it would burn off that signature energy of this dog breed.
And don’t forget the travel essentials! Pack snacks, fresh water, their favorite toy, and maybe a blanket to make them feel at home. Suppose you’re lucky enough to have a stopover. In that case, airports with pet relief areas will be your Border Terrier’s favorite discovery because even the most demanding little adventurers need a potty break, a quick stretch, and to get involved in some outdoor activities!
These feisty yet sweet pups are surprisingly chill with their humans in travel tips and airplanes. Whether a short flight or a long-haul trip, your Border Terrier will make the experience fun, memorable, and full of cuddles. Who needs in-flight entertainment when your furry sidekick steals the show?
5. Maltese
Flying with a Maltese is like traveling with a tiny, fluffy VIP, and trust me—they’re the best little jet-setters you could ask for! But one thing you can’t overlook is their carry crate. It’s got to fit snugly under the seat in front of you—because, let’s be real, placing your precious pet in the luggage compartment isn’t just a bad idea; it’s a no-go. Missing your flight? Also, it’s not an option when traveling with the cutest companion ever!
A canine diaper is a lifesaver on long flights to keep things fresh and your pet comfy. Nobody wants to be stuck in a small space with an “oops” moment. A diaper ensures your pup stays clean and cosy, and you, as a pet owner, won’t have to deal with any embarrassment.
And let’s talk about those pesky ear pops during takeoff and landing—they can bother dogs just like humans! Pack a durable chew treat for your dog, and not only will it ease the pressure, but it’ll also keep them happily occupied.
With their calm demeanor and affectionate personality, Maltese dogs are the ultimate travel companions. They’ll charm everyone on the plane, quietly nap by your feet, and make you the envy of every other passenger.
6. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are the ultimate companions and the best breed to take on a plane! But before you both take to the skies, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your Lab has a smooth and comfortable flight.
First, check the airline’s pet policies for crate size, required documentation, and any extra fees. Many airlines list them on their websites. Trust me, crate training your Lab ahead of time is a game-changer. Their travel crate will feel like a cozy, familiar den when departure day rolls around. WebMD claims they are easy to train, so that won’t be much of an issue for you!
And don’t skip that pre-flight vet visit—your Lab needs to be in tip-top shape and up-to-date on vaccinations for their adventure. In case of a minor problem, follow the prescription diet!
Packing for your large dog is a breeze: collapsible food dishes, a favorite toy, treats, prescription medications, and maybe even a calming blanket or stuffed animal. These little touches can make all the difference, especially if your Lab is new to flying.
With your Labrador by your side, every flight feels like first class. They’ll nap, cuddle, and make the journey as unforgettable as the destination.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are the ultimate travel pros and, hands down, the best breed to take on a plane! These pint-sized pups are usually welcomed on board with open arms—not just on the plane, but right in the cabin with you. Thanks to the airline’s policies that favor these small dogs.
And let’s face it, their tiny size and adorable demeanor make them perfect for in-flight companionship. Orvis says they are super curious and adaptable.
Grab a soft-sided carrier that fits easily under the airline seat to make your Yorkie’s trip as smooth as its silky coat. These carriers are great because they’re cozy for your pup and flexible enough to conform to the airline’s specific requirements regarding weight limit.
Pro tip: as responsible dog owners, get the carrier ahead of time and let your Yorkie explore it at home—it’s like giving them their own little “VIP lounge” before the big trip.
On flight day, arrive at the airport early to keep things stress-free. This gives you time to handle surprises and helps your British dog acclimate to all the new sights, sounds, and smells. With their brave little hearts and adaptable nature, Yorkies handle flying like total champs, and you would never want any more road trips with this pet, just air travel!
8. American Hairless Terrier
Traveling with an American Hairless Terrier on an airplane is like traveling with your quirky, adventurous sidekick—they’re the ultimate companions and the best breed to take on a plane! But before you two set off for the skies, a little prep will ensure your pup is ready for the journey of a lifetime.
Start with a quick vet trip to ensure your terrier is healthy and cleared for takeoff. And don’t forget the all-important travel accessory: a secure collar with an updated ID tag with your contact info—because your stylish little terrier needs to be fashionably safe!
Next, introduce your dog to the travel carrier before the big day. Turn it into their mini-resort by tossing treats, toys, and comfy bedding.
Packing? No problem!
Create a special bag with all your terrier’s essentials: their favorite food, collapsible bowls, meds, grooming supplies, waste bags, and a trusty leash for those much-needed airport potty breaks. With everything in place, your American Hairless Terrier will feel like they’re flying first class (and honestly, they deserve it).
9. Australian Terrier
Australian Terriers are pointy-eared, energetic adventurers who are made for air travel, and trust me, they’re the best breed to take on a plane. With their adaptable nature and fearless attitude, they handle flying like pros.
Whether navigating the bustling airport or settling into their cozy carrier, Australian Terriers bring their signature blend of spunk and charm to every step of the journey. Their compact size makes them perfect for cabin travel for long periods, and they’ll happily stay close by, making you feel like you’ve got the ultimate travel buddy.
And here’s the best part: their affectionate personality means they’ll snuggle up and make even the longest flight feel like a breeze.
Conclusion
Flying with your dog is about creating memories, sharing adventures, and turning every journey into an unforgettable experience. Thanks to their size and adaptability, small breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Brussels Griffons are ideal for in-cabin travel. Whether snuggled in a cozy carrier or charming every passenger on the plane, these amazing breeds prove that the best travel companions always have four paws and wagging tails.
From the fearless Australian Terrier to the cuddly Bichon Frise and golden retriever, the perfect dog can make flying a breeze. So book that ticket, and embark on your next adventure together. With your loyal pup by your side, the sky’s the limit!
When selecting a dog breed for plane travel, it’s essential to prioritize temperament, size, and adaptability to ensure a smooth journey. Breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, and Chihuahua are often ideal due to their compact size and calm demeanor. Additionally, hypoallergenic breeds such as the Maltese and Poodle can be beneficial for travelers with allergies. Ultimately, the best breed for flying depends on individual dog characteristics and specific travel requirements. Proper preparation and training, combined with careful breed selection, can significantly enhance the comfort and ease of air travel for both pets and their owners.