Ultimate Guide to Flying with Large Dogs in Cabin

We know firsthand how difficult it can be to travel long distances with a large dog. We’ve often swapped flights for marathon road trips just to bring our own pup. While we wouldn’t trade the time with him for anything, it’s not always practical. As we finalize our foreign residency, we need to find solutions for traveling with our large dog between the U.S. and Europe. We are uncomfortable putting our dog in a kennel under the plane, especially for long flights. Thankfully, things are changing and there are more and more options for flying with large dogs in the cabin. Our goal with this post is simple: to share the extensive research we’ve done so other pet owners can more easily plan trips that include flying with large dogs in the cabin—whether you’re traveling within the Americas or Europe or planning a big adventure overseas.

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Can Large Dogs Fly in the Cabin?

Most commercial airlines have strict size restrictions, limiting in-cabin travel to small dogs under 20 lbs (8 kg) in an airline-approved carrier. However, some airlines now allow large dogs in the cabin, either with an extra seat purchase or on semi-private or chartered flights.

For those traveling with service dogs or emotional support dogs, see our dedicated section below. You may still want to consider a dedicated pet airline, though you have more options available to you. If you want to fly with a large dog in the cabin, you’ll need to choose one of the following:

• Dedicated pet airlines or semi-private airlines who specialize in dog-friendly flights.
• Pet-friendly airlines that accommodate large dogs in the main cabin.
• Charter flights that provide pay-per-seat options for pets of any size.
• Airlines accommodating large service dogs or emotional support dogs

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Best Airlines for Flying with Large Dogs in Cabin

Dedicated Pet Semi-Private and Charter Airlines

Note that all costs are based on current available data in March 2025 and are subject to change. Please check the airline website for the latest price information.

Tip: Alaska Air is quite pet friendly, and they even allow you to buy a seat and put the pet carrier on the seat. That said, the maximum crate size is 24 x 20 x 19 inches, which is quite small for any larger dog to fit into, unfortunately. This could be a solution for those who have a small dog who doesn’t meet the typical cabin weight restrictions.

Bark Air

The recent launch of Bark Air flights opened up exciting possibilities, with in-cabin options for dogs on U.S. and transatlantic routes. They started with limited flights, though continue to expand due to their popularity. Flights are currently available for U.S. domestic routes (New York to LA and New York to Ft. Lauderdale primarily) and international routes between the New York and Europe (London, Paris, Madrid, and Lisbon). Some important notes to consider:

• Flights typically depart from secondary airports, so that you don’t have to navigate through large commercial terminals.
• Most flights are on Gulfstream G5s and G4s, though they have partnered with Air Wisconsin to begin flights on larger planes for some routes (such as New York to Ft. Lauderdale).
• Costs between New York and Ft. Lauderdale start at US$1,350, while transatlantic flights begin at US$8,000.
• For transatlantic flights, there is typically one flight at most per month. This can be a good solution for extended stays or relocation, but is likely not ideal for a shorter stay.
• They do offer pet chaperone services (for an additional cost) if you are not able to accompany your dog.

K9 Jets 

Specializing in pay per seat private flights, K9 Jets allows large dogs in the cabin on international routes between the U.S. and Europe.

• Flights typically depart from secondary airports, so that you don’t have to navigate through large commercial terminals.
• Most flights are on Gulfstream G-IVSP and G-V.
• Costs between New Jersey and Europe start at US$8,925, while New Jersey to Dubai starts at US$18,850+.
• There are typically 1-2 flights per month per route. This can be a good solution for extended stays or relocation, but is likely not ideal for a shorter stay.

RetrievAir

Offering dog friendly travel across the U.S., RetrievAir flies to more locations within the U.S. than JSX (see more information below). They offer 3 classes of travel, depending on your dog’s size.

• Lap dog fare (under 40 pounds): purchase a seat for the person traveling and the small dog can sit on your lap.
• Family plus fare (all dogs up to 75 pounds with 2 people traveling): buy the ticket for 2 people, and the dog can travel for free when sitting in the legroom between the seats.
• Premium pup fare (all dogs 75 pounds and up or who want a seat for the dog): buy 1 seat for the person and 1 additional seat for the dog.

We found flights between Chicago and NYC from US$899 per seat, while Denver to NYC was $1789. This is quite a bit more expensive than JSX, but it also flies to more locations within the US.

Important note: RetrievAir is a very new service (Spring 2025), and we have not been able to find reviews. While we included this in our list, please check for traveler reviews prior to booking.

Pet-Friendly Semi-Private Airlines and Charter Flights Allowing Dogs in the Cabin

JSX	Semi-private Operates flights within the U.S. and to Mexico	Must buy a seat for the dog if they are too large to fit in an approved pet carrier under the seat (max. 13″ wide x 11″ high x 17″ long). Maximum dog weight 79 pounds (35.8 kg).
Tradewind Aviation	Private and semi-private Operates private flights and pay per seat scheduled flights in the US and Caribbean	Limit one party with pets per flight and seats must be purchased for dogs over 100 pounds (45.3 kg).
Surf Air	Private and semi-private Operates private flights in the US and and pay per seat scheduled flights primarily in California	Limit one animal per flight. They give priority to service animals. A US$50 animal fee is charged for all non-service animals that do not occupy a seat. Animals over 20 lbs. must occupy a seat (you need to purchase a seat for them).
GlobeAir	Private charter flights within Europe	3 pets max per flight. Only one pet weighing more than 8kg (17.6 lb) is permitted on any flight. Max pet weight is 25kg (55 lb), except for Guide Dogs. See website for details on limits on number of people with dogs on board. Your dog must be kept on a leash, wear a muzzle and be fastened in.
VistaJet’s VistaPet Program	Private charter flights flying globally	Experiences will be customized based on your needs

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Find Shared Charter Flights for Large Dogs

Though private charter flights are appealing, the costs certainly aren’t. If the solutions mentioned above don’t meet your needs, consider other options for shared charter flights. There are a number of Facebook groups that help travelers arrange shared charter flights for dogs (and in some cases, other pets). The one that we have experience with is Chartered Air Travel With Pets. Effectively, they connect pet owners who are organizing charter flights. Keep in mind that they are not a charter company; rather they provide a platform for pet owners to find other pet owners to join in their private charters. One of the positives of this specific group is that they are very selective about the charter firms that can be used for these flights.

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Tips for Flying with a Large Dog in Cabin

• Book Early: Airlines and charter flights limit the number of large dogs in the cabin—book your flight and reserve your spot well in advance.
• Carefully Select Your Seat: Some airlines require extra seat purchases for large dogs.
• Check Vaccination & Documentation: Many airlines and destinations require health certificates and up-to-date vaccinations for dogs flying internationally.
• Plan for Airport Relief Areas: Ensure you have a plan for pet relief areas at departure and arrival airports.
• Bring Comfort Items: Pack a blanket and familiar toys, treats, and food to help your dog feel secure. We like to bring along a dog friendly hiking water bottle, that our dog can drink from.

Flying with Service Dogs and Emotional Support Dogs

Airline policies vary depending on the airline and country of travel.

Flying with Service Dogs

Service dogs—trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities—may be allowed in the cabin for free on most major airlines. Key points to consider:

• No weight or size restrictions – Service dogs are not subject to airline pet weight limits on most commercial flights.
• Airline Documentation Requirements – Many airlines require advance notice and documentation verifying the dog’s service status.
• Behavior Expectations – Service dogs must be well-behaved and remain in the handler’s foot space without blocking aisles. Most airlines do not allow dogs to be on seats.

Flying with Emotional Support Dogs

For a while, it seemed that every flight had emotional support dogs onboard. Clearly, people were taking advantage of this policy to bring their dog on the plane, as minimal documentation was required. Many airlines no longer recognize emotional support animals (ESAs) as service animals. However, some international airlines still allow ESAs in the cabin under specific conditions. Be prepared with a recent Emotional Support Animal letter from a mental health professional, issued on letterhead, including the specialist’s professional license number.

Airlines That Allow Emotional Support Dogs

• Avianca (South America) – Allows emotional support dogs on flights to/from Colombia with proper documentation.
• Lufthansa (Global) – Large service dogs can fly in the cabin for free, and emotional support animals may be permitted on select flights.
• Volaris (Central and South America) – Allows ESA’s on flights up to 26 pounds (pet + carrier), with proper documentation.
• LATAM (Latin America) – ESA’s are allowed in countries that recognize ESA’s (flights from or to Argentina, Mexico and Colombia). Dogs will need to wear a muzzle, and have proper documentation.

 Important: If your ESA does not qualify under an airline’s policy, you’ll need to book travel under their standard pet-in-cabin rules or explore pet-friendly carriers like JSX, Bark Air, or pet charters that allow large dogs in the cabin.

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Final Thoughts: The Best Options for Flying with Large Dogs in Cabin

While most commercial airlines still restrict in-cabin travel for large dogs, pet-friendly airlines like JSX, Bark Air, and K9 Jets are making it possible. For long-haul trips, Bark Air, charter flights and shared private jets provide comfortable and stress-free travel for large dogs. If you’re looking for the best way to fly with your large dog in the cabin, consider a semi-private airline or pet-friendly charter service—your dog (and your stress levels) will thank you!

What did we decide to do for our transatlantic travel with our dog? We briefly considered taking the Queen Mary 2 cruise from New York to the U.K., but the idea of our dog staying in a kennel for the duration wasn’t ideal—and the journey is lengthy. We are waiting to see if Bark Air creates more flights for the route and dates we need. If this doesn’t work, we will use a flight organized via the Chartered Air Travel With Pets Facebook group.

FAQ: Flying with Large Dogs in the Cabin

Can I fly with my large dog in the cabin on a commercial airline?
Most commercial airlines only allow small dogs in cabin. Large dogs must travel in the cargo hold, unless they are certified service animals (and in a few cases, emotional support animals).

What’s the best airline for flying with large dogs in the cabin?
JSX and Bark Air allow large dogs in the cabin on U.S. domestic and international flights. 

How much does it cost to fly with a large dog in the cabin?
It varies by airline and route. JSX charges for an extra seat (this could be as low as US$99, depending on the route). Bark Air and K9 Jets offer luxury pet travel, starting at $1,350 per flight (see details above under each airline).

Can I take my large dog on an international flight in the cabin?
Yes! Bark Air, K9 Jets, JSX, and some charter flights allow large dogs in the cabin on international routes.

What’s the cheapest way to fly with a large dog in the cabin?
JSX is the most cost effective way to fly with a large dog in the cabin based on our research. Beyond this, shared private jet charters or flights on Bark Air are often more affordable than booking an entire private jet.

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