Which airlines have cargo programs for large dogs?

American Airlines (PetEmbark), Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, and Turkish Airlines all offer cargo pet transport.

How much does it cost to fly a large dog in cargo?

Cargo fees typically range from $200 to $1,000+ depending on the dog's size, crate dimensions, and route distance.

Are there breed restrictions for cargo?

Yes. Most airlines restrict brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers from cargo due to breathing risks at altitude.

What is the safest way to fly with a large dog?

Use an airline with a dedicated pet cargo program. Ensure an IATA-compliant crate, fly during mild weather, and choose direct flights to minimize stress.

Airlines That Allow Large Dogs in Cabin or Cargo (2026)

Which airlines accept large dogs? Compare cabin weight limits, cargo programs, and fees for flying with large dogs on U.S. and international airlines.

Last updated: July 2026

Quick Answer

Large dogs cannot fly in the cabin — most airlines cap cabin pets at 20 lbs including carrier.
American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines offer cargo programs for large dogs.
Lufthansa has a dedicated Animal Lounge in Frankfurt for large pet transport.
Cargo fees range from $200 to $1,000+ depending on size, weight, and route.
Among current carriers, most limit cabin pets to 20 lbs including carrier. Frontier accepts the widest range of species.

Can Large Dogs Fly in the Cabin?

Short answer: No. Almost all airlines limit cabin pets to 20 lbs including the carrier. The pet must fit in a soft-sided carrier under the seat in front of you. For dogs over 20 lbs, cargo is the only option on commercial flights.

Airlines with Cargo Programs for Large Dogs

Breed Restrictions for Cargo

Most airlines restrict brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds from cargo due to breathing difficulties at altitude. Commonly restricted breeds include:

Always check your specific airline's restricted breed list — it varies by carrier.

Pro Tips for Flying with Large Dogs

Cargo Airlines

airline	slug	program	max Weight	fee	routes
American Airlines	american-airlines	PetEmbark	100+ lbs	$200–$600	Domestic + International
Alaska Airlines	alaska-airlines	Pet Connect	150 lbs (crate incl.)	$100–$500	Domestic
Hawaiian Airlines	hawaiian-airlines	Cargo Program	70 lbs	$175–$450	Inter-island + Mainland
Lufthansa	lufthansa	Animal Lounge	165 lbs (crate incl.)	€300–€800	International via Frankfurt
Air France	air-france	Cargo Pet	165 lbs (crate incl.)	€200–€600	International
KLM	klm	Cargo Hold	165 lbs (crate incl.)	€200–€500	International
Turkish Airlines	turkish-airlines	Cargo Pet	75 kg (crate incl.)	$75–$400	International

Frequently Asked Questions

Can large dogs fly in the cabin?: Generally no. Most airlines limit cabin pets to 20 lbs including carrier. The pet must fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you.
Which airlines have cargo programs for large dogs?: American Airlines (PetEmbark), Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, and Turkish Airlines all offer cargo pet transport.
How much does it cost to fly a large dog in cargo?: Cargo fees typically range from $200 to $1,000+ depending on the dog's size, crate dimensions, and route distance.
Are there breed restrictions for cargo?: Yes. Most airlines restrict brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers from cargo due to breathing risks at altitude.
What is the safest way to fly with a large dog?: Use an airline with a dedicated pet cargo program. Ensure an IATA-compliant crate, fly during mild weather, and choose direct flights to minimize stress.