If you’ve ever tried to fly with a large dog, you already know how frustrating it can be to find airlines that allow large dogs in cabin. I have a medium-sized dog who’s been to 12 countries, and across the US from Alaska to Hawaii, and there are times even I’ve felt like pulling my hair out. Larger dogs present even more challenges.
Most airlines only allow in-cabin dogs that are small enough to fit under the seat, which leaves non-chihuahua owners wondering what to do.
There are many good reasons to want your dog, regardless of their size, with you when you fly:
- You’re both less stressed out
- Your dog needs special observation
- Your dog is a snub-nosed breed not allowed in cargo, but too large for under the seat
- You want to know the temperature and conditions your dog is experiencing firsthand
- Your dog will have you there if there is an emergency
- Your dog is relocating with you and has never flown before
- You will avoid the rare but tragic situations that can sometimes happen in cargo with unexpected delays, changes in temperature, noise, stress, and low oxygen.
Choices are slim, but the good news is that there are a few airlines that actually let you fly with your large dog in the cabin.
While the vast majority of traditional commercial airlines still restrict large dogs, there are growing exceptions — from semi-private flights to dedicated dog-friendly charters.
In this post you’ll find a complete up-to-date guide to airlines that allow large dogs in cabin, weight restrictions, space limitations, and airline route maps for North America, Europe, and beyond.
Why So Few Airlines Allow Big Dogs in Cabin
Before we dive into the list, it helps to understand why most airlines don’t allow larger dogs in the cabin.
- Weight restrictions: Commercial airlines typically limit in-cabin dogs to 8 kg (18 lbs) with a few allowing heavier dogs that still fit under the seat in front of you.
- Space limitations: Cabin design is barely comfortable for people most of the time, and doesn’t allow room for medium or large dog carriers.
- Safety regulations: FAA and IATA guidelines restrict animals outside carriers during flight.
Still, people are traveling with their pets more and more, and the pet travel industry is evolving quickly to accommodate. A few airlines and private services now make it possible to bring your large dog in cabin, some even without a carrier.
Airlines That Allow Large Dogs in Cabin
1) JSX (US and Mexico)
JSX is one of the only semi-private airlines that allow large dogs in cabin. Dogs up to 79 pounds (36 kg) can fly on board when you purchase an additional seat.
Your dog can sit or lie at your feet with no carrier required, but they can’t sit on the seat. So basically you are buying the floor room to allow your pet to stretch out.
For medium-sized dogs, they also allow dogs up to 30 pounds to fly in cabin under the seat. This weight limit is much larger than standard.
JSX currently operates between select U.S. cities and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Quick Facts
- Weight limit: 79 lbs on floor, 30 pounds under seat
- Carrier required: None for floor dogs
- Seat purchase: Yes, but dog remains on the floor. No extra seat purchase for medium dogs.
- Best for: Large and medium dogs, short-haul routes between US and Mexico
🐾 JSX Pet Policy
🗺 JSX Route Map
2) Bark Air (US, UK, and France)
Bark Air is a dog-first airline, designed entirely around canine comfort. There are no weight, breed, or carrier restrictions. Dogs simply sit or lie on the floor beside you.
Routes include New York, Los Angeles, London, and Paris, with expansion plans underway. It’s a premium experience, but ideal for travelers who want zero stress for their large dogs.
Quick Facts
- Weight limit: None
- Carrier required: Optional
- Seat purchase: Included
- Best for: International routes, anxious or older dogs
3) K9 Jets (US and Europe)
K9 Jets offers shared private jet charters where you purchase individual seats rather than renting the entire aircraft. There are no size or weight limits, and your dog can sit on the floor, on your lap, or in the adjacent seat if you buy an extra ticket.
Routes include: major U.S. cities; the UK; Frankfurt; Germany; and Nice, France.
Quick Facts
- Weight limit: None
- Carrier required: No
- Seat purchase: Per human/dog
- Best for: Transatlantic travel, relocation, luxury comfort
4) Villiers Private Jets (Global)
Villiers connects travelers with private jet charters and discounted “empty-leg” flights. You can book short or long-haul routes worldwide and fly entirely with just you and your pet in cabin – your own private jet.
No carrier or breed restrictions apply, and you can customize seating, temperature, and meals.
Quick Facts
- Weight limit: None
- Carrier required: No
- Seat purchase: Private or empty-leg
- Best for: Long-haul luxury travel, relocations
✈️ Villiers Jet Charter Website
5) Etihad Airways (Europe, Middle East, and Asia)
Etihad is one of the few major international airlines that allow large dogs in cabin if you purchase an extra seat. Depending on your class of service, your pet can ride either beside you in a carrier or under the seat. The size of the carrier is the limiting factor.
Policy Snapshot
- Economy: under-seat carrier only
- Business Class: carrier may sit on the adjacent seat
- Maximum size: 50 x 43 x 50 cm (approx. 19.5 inches tall)
Quick Facts
- Weight limit: Limited by carrier size
- Carrier required: Yes
- Seat purchase: Required
- Best for: Europe–Middle East routes, some North America, Africa, Australia, Asia routes
🐾 Etihad Airways Pet Policy
🗺 Etihad Route Map
6) RetrievAir (US)
RetrievAir is another new pet-centric air carrier designed for people traveling with large dogs, including breeds that other airlines often ground or consign to cargo. Flights operate on 30-seat regional jets (through partner carrier RVR Aviation) and depart from private-style terminals from a select group of cities within the United States.
Initial routes (from May 2025) include major U.S. metro areas: New York (Farmingdale), Los Angeles (Van Nuys), Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Chicago (Waukegan), Salt Lake City, Tampa, Palm Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Quick Facts:
- Size limit: none
- Seating: Side-by-side with owner; pets sit in the window seat.
- Pricing: significantly less than private charter
- Best for: Large dogs in cabin, US travel
*Delta and United Airlines for Multiples & Mediums (US and International)
Both Delta and United permit extra “comfort seats” to make room for one or two pet carriers. While these policies don’t accommodate truly large dogs, they can help travelers flying with multiple small pets or medium-sized dogs who fit comfortably in an under-seat carrier.
Delta Airlines is my airline of choice for overseas travel with my 22 pound frenchie. Normally this is considered overweight for most airlines, but Delta does not have a weight restriction if your dog fits comfortably in the carrier under the seat. I’ve flown across the Atlantic six times with Delta Airlines and a dog in cabin, and every trip has been pleasant with smooth logistics.
For big breeds, you’ll need to explore the semi-private or charter options above.
Quick Facts
- Weight limit: Dog must fit comfortably inside the carrier under the seat
- Carrier required: Yes
- Seat purchase: Comfort seat
- Best for: Multiple small-medium dogs, domestic and international routes
🐾 Delta Airlines Pet Policy
🐾 United Airlines Pet Policy
Alternatives if No Airline Allows Your Large Dog in Cabin
If none of these fit your travel plans, there are still a few good alternatives:
- Shared charters: Split the cost of a private flight with other dog owners.
- Pet transport services: Use professional ground relocation across the US or EU.
- Multi-route travel: Combine a commercial flight with a ground or cruise/ferry segment for smoother transfers.
- Other methods: Consider ferry, cruise, rental car, or train travel if that’s an option for you
If you are relocating and moving to a new home (domestically or internationally) with your dog, you may want to weigh out the cost differences between using a pet transport service vs. one of the special dog charter flights above.
Even though some of these options are more expensive, they may still be less expensive than utilizing a relocation service, and your dog will be able to stay with you.
The Future of Flying with Large Dogs
Airlines that allow large dogs in cabin are still rare, but the demand is there. Semi-private and boutique carriers like JSX, Bark Air, and K9 Jets are proving that big dogs can travel safely and comfortably alongside their owners.
Etihad’s policy also shows that major airlines may begin to follow suit, especially for business-class travelers and international relocations.
If your dog is small-to-medium-sized, or you’re curious about purchasing a seat on a standard airline, check out my related post which covers how major airlines handle small pets in cabin and explains how “comfort seats” can give both you and your dog more space.
➡️ Can You Buy Your Dog a Seat on a Plane?
The challenges of traveling with a big dog are real, but with some creative thinking, and expanding possibilities for in-cabin travel a solution is always possible.
Other Posts You May Find Interesting:
- How to Fly With Your Dog In Cabin – Top Tips
- Staying With Your Dog in a Hotel – Top Tips
- Can You Buy Your Dog a Seat on a Plane? These 10 Airlines Say Yes!
- European Airlines That Allow Dogs in Cabin: Your Ultimate Guide
- US Airlines That Allow Dogs in Cabin: Best Guide
- Can French Bulldogs Fly? Your Ultimate Guide to Safe Frenchie Travel
- Flying Alaska Airlines with a Dog in Cabin – Your Comprehensive Guide
- Flying Volotea Airlines With a Pet in Cabin – Your Comprehensive Guide
- Flying With a French Bulldog on Delta Airlines
- Flying With a French Bulldog on Southwest – Your Ultimate Guide for Success