[Updated May 2026]

Flying with a dog is easier than most pet owners think. The key is choosing an airline-approved carrier, preparing your dog before travel day, understanding your airline’s pet policy, and arriving early. Most small-medium dogs can travel safely in the cabin as long as they fit comfortably inside a carrier that fits under the seat.

I can’t imagine most of our trips without our dogs – they bring so much joy (to us and to others!) and are totally part of the family. We’ve already decided a long time ago we won’t have children, so we literally treat our frenchies like our kids. They go everywhere with us!

Over the years, I’ve flown with my French Bulldogs on domestic and international flights, including trips to Paris, Mexico City, and New York!

Read post: Traveling To Paris With Your Dog

Read post: Flying to Mexico City With Your Dog

Before traveling with your dog, make sure your pup is ready for it. It can be stressful and anxiety-inducing for your pup and sometimes not worth it. Ask yourself: Is my pet too old or too young to handle the stress of traveling? Is my pet in good health? Is my pet okay in a carrier?

To find out how I pack for dog-friendly travel, check out my post here.

Can French Bulldogs Fly on Airplanes?

Yes. French Bulldogs can safely fly in the cabin on most airlines as long as they fit inside an airline-approved carrier. Because French Bulldogs are brachycephalic, they are not allowed to fly in cargo and should always travel in the cabin whenever possible.

First, choose your airline:

Good news! Many major U.S. airlines, including American, Delta, United, Alaska, Southwest, and Frontier, don’t have strict pet weight limits. Instead, they focus on whether your dog can comfortably stand up, turn around, and lie down inside an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat. Usually, the size of your dog’s carrier is more important than their actual weight. This is great news for stocky breeds like French Bulldogs, which can weigh over 25 lbs, but still fit comfortably in an approved carrier. Before booking your flight, always check your airline’s carrier dimensions and measure your dog while they’re standing and lying down to ensure a comfortable fit.

Buy your dog a ticket:

To bring your dog in-cabin, most airlines charge $150 each way for a “pet ticket” and all you need to do is bring them in an airline-approved carrier (Sherpa Medium) as a carry-on.

Make sure to check the airline’s pet policy page and get the maximum measurements for pet carriers. Here are the most popular domestic pet-friendly airlines below with their max carrier measurements:

• UNITED – 18 inches length x 11 inches wide x 11 inches height
• AMERICAN AIRLINES – 18″ x 11″ x 11″
• JETBLUE – 17″ x 12.5″ x 8.5″
• SOUTHWEST – 18.5″ x 13.5″ x 8.5″
• DELTA 18” x 11” x 11”
• ALASKA AIRLINES 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″

My list of the best dog airline carriers. 

If your dog does not fit in a carrier, they must go in cargo (underneath the plane) –  cargo is not available for flat-nosed breeds, such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Shih-tzu’s.

Read my post: Is It Safe to Fly with a French Bulldog?

What If Your Dog Is Over The Weight Limit?

If your dog is over 20-25 pounds, it can be frustrating to travel with them since most airlines and even hotels have weight restrictions. JSX is a great option if you’re close to any of their departure airports – most are located in large cities like Burbank, Dallas and Miami. It’s semi-private and all pets are allowed. They will be allowed to lay on the floor directly in front of your seat.

JSX currently serves destinations across the West Coast, Texas, Florida, New York, and select cities in Mexico. Popular departure cities include Burbank, Orange County, Oakland, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, Houston, Austin, Miami, and New York.

These jets have 30 seats and are located in hangars where you literally show up 15 minutes before your flight and hop on. No security lines – or lines in general – and you’re at one city to the next in less than an hour and a half, in most cases. 

Get $20 off with my referral code: GPMOJX

Private Air Travel for Dogs

Another option worth looking into is BARK Air, a luxury dog-first airline experience designed specifically for dogs and their owners. Flights operate on private and charter aircraft, allowing dogs to remain in the cabin throughout the journey. BARK Air currently offers select routes between cities including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Paris, Madrid, and Lisbon, with a focus on creating a low-stress travel experience for larger dogs and brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs.

BARK Air is definitely a luxury option, with most flights costing several thousand dollars, but for owners of larger dogs who cannot fly commercially, it offers a unique experience where pups can remain in the cabin throughout the journey and fly with you!

What to bring…

If you’re flying international, make sure to go to your vet and get a health certificate. This certificate says that your pet is up to date on shots, is healthy to travel and will bypass the country’s quarantine laws.

It’s a short visit at the vet and usually costs $50-80 (however much the vet charges for an office visit).

Most domestic airlines don’t require a health certificate anymore so be sure to check with your airline.

During security, you’ll add their collar and leash in the bin to go through the security machines and then carry them through the x-ray with you. They do a swab test on your hands and that’s it!

Bring treats, extra poo bags, disinfectant wipes (incase they accidentally poo inside the airport – it happens!), potty pads, and their favorite bone/toy they like to chew on.

If our flight is early in the morning, we skip the breakfast so they fly on an empty stomach and be comfortable.

Most airports now offer pet relief areas once you get past security and to the gates. Fira has even used a pet relief room that had a grassy patch and a flush button! When we “flushed,” the mini fire hydrants turned into sprinklers and cleaned the area. Cool. (American Airlines; Miami Airport)

Common Mistakes People Make When Flying With a Dog

After flying with my dogs for years, I’ve noticed that most travel issues can be avoided with a little planning. Here are some of the most common mistakes pet owners make when flying with a dog:

Waiting Too Long to Reserve Pet Space

Most airlines only allow a limited number of pets in the cabin on each flight. Even if you’ve purchased your ticket, your dog does not have a spot unless you’ve added it to your reservation. As soon as I book my flight, I call the airline and reserve the space both ways. 

Using the Wrong Carrier

Not all pet carriers are airline approved. Before your trip, double-check your airline’s size requirements and make sure your dog can comfortably stand up, turn around, and lie down inside the carrier.

Skipping Carrier Training

One of the biggest mistakes is waiting until travel day to introduce the carrier. In the weeks leading up to your flight, leave the carrier out at home and encourage your dog to nap, play, and relax inside it. Throw treats inside and their favorite toy to make it fun. I also add one of my t-shirts so it smells familiar and safe for them!

Feeding a Large Meal Before Takeoff

If it’s a morning flight, I don’t feed my pup (maybe a super light meal or treats). A full stomach combined with travel stress can lead to nausea, vomiting, or an upset stomach. Or worse- a big poo on the flight! I like to leave several hours between my dog’s last meal and takeoff so they have time to digest, potty, and settle in comfortably for the flight.

Not Exercising Your Dog Before the Flight

A long walk or play session before heading to the airport helps your dog burn off energy and settle down during the flight. A tired dog is usually a calmer, better traveler.

Happy flying!

Other Related Posts:

How I Pack Lightly + Travel With My Dog

Traveling To Paris With Your Dog: everything you need to know

Is It Safe to Fly with a French Bulldog?