✈️ Preparing to Travel on a Plane With Your Dog

Waiting to board the plane.

Flying with dogs can feel like an adventure long before you ever reach the airport. Between airline rules, vet visits, and the emotional prep for both human and canine, it’s not something to take lightly. I’ve been deep in this process lately as I get ready to travel with Lyla, my 13-year-old mini poodle and service dog, and Queenie, my 3-year-old Yorkie-Chihuahua mix who will travel as my companion pet. Each of them has a very different personality and set of needs, which has made the experience both humbling and educational.

When it comes to air travel, every dog’s situation is unique. Service dogs like Lyla are allowed to accompany their handlers in the cabin under the protection of federal law, but airlines require documentation—specifically the Department of Transportation’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form. It’s a bit of paperwork, but it ensures the airline knows she’s trained and ready to perform her tasks during the flight. Queenie, on the other hand, doesn’t qualify as a service animal. She’ll be flying in the cabin in a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of me. Most airlines allow small dogs like her, as long as the combined weight of dog and carrier is under about twenty pounds.

Before I even booked our tickets, I spent hours researching airline policies. The rules aren’t the same across carriers—some limit the number of pets allowed in-cabin per flight, while others have stricter temperature restrictions for dogs traveling as cargo. When I was shopping for tickets, I made sure before booking through a travel site that both airlines on our route—Delta for the trip out and Alaska for the flight home—would allow me to fly with both Lyla as my service dog and Queenie as a companion pet. I also called the airline directly to verify every detail rather than relying on the website alone. This turned out to be the smartest move; a representative helped me confirm seating options that would give Lyla space to lie quietly at my feet without blocking an aisle.

A veterinarian visit was next on the checklist. We needed a copy of both dogs' vaccination records for our trip, and I wanted to make sure they were in good shape for travel. Lyla’s already in excellent health for her age, but Queenie’s a little more sensitive and tends to get nervous when routines change. My vet helped me create a simple travel plan for both of them, including hydration guidance, meal timing, and how to handle bathroom breaks during long travel days. We also decided that a small dose of trazodone would help Queenie stay calm during the flight without making her overly sedated. We made sure their microchips were current and that their ID tags listed both my home address and phone number.

Crate training in the smaller carrier has been a big part of Queenie’s preparation. Even though she’ll be right under the seat in front of me, I wanted her to feel comfortable in her carrier rather than trapped. For the past few weeks, I’ve been feeding her meals inside it and setting it up for naps during the day so she associates it with positive experiences. Lyla, on the other hand, has been on a plane several times and is well versed in long periods of stillness and focus in public places. She’s always been a natural at her job, but airplanes come with challenges—tight spaces, unfamiliar noises, and sudden turbulence—so we’ve been practicing leading up to the trip in the car.

Comfort is a huge part of our travel plan. I always avoid sedatives, especially since they can interfere with breathing at altitude. Instead, both girls will wear their familiar harnesses, and I’ll pack a small blanket that smells like home. The day before our flight, they’ll both get extra exercise and plenty of calm downtime so they start the day relaxed and ready. We are flying at night. 

Flying with a larger dog brings an entirely different set of requirements and responsibilities. Dogs too large to fit in an under-seat carrier must travel in the pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo hold. It’s not the same as standard luggage — airlines treat live animals as special cargo, with specific safety protocols in place. The key is preparation. You’ll need an airline-approved, hard-sided crate that’s large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, with secure metal fasteners and ventilation on at least three sides. The crate must be clearly labeled with your contact information, “Live Animal” stickers, and arrows indicating upright positioning. For large service dogs you have to purchase on or two extra seats so they have room to lay on the floor.

Before travel, most airlines require you to arrive 3 hours early for check-in, and some have restrictions on certain breeds, especially short-nosed dogs, due to their increased risk of breathing difficulties at altitude. Weight limits and temperature policies also vary; for example, airlines may suspend cargo pet travel during periods of extreme heat or cold. You’ll need to provide a recent veterinary record confirming your dog is healthy enough for flight, along with proof of vaccination.

While I won’t be using cargo travel for this trip, it’s something I’ve researched carefully, especially thinking about what clients would do if they ever needed to move long-distance with a larger dog. It’s absolutely possible to do safely, but it takes planning, patience, and trust in your airline’s pet handling team. The goal is always the same — to make sure your dog arrives as calm and healthy as they were when they left your arms.

On travel day, my goal is to keep things as predictable as possible. We are flying at night so both dogs will eat a light dinner a few hours before we head to the airport with some cbd. I’ll bring their health documents, wipes and collapsible bowls to get us through security and boarding without anyone melting down. We are also traveling with our doggy wagon to make walking to our gate through crowds easier. I always arrive early when traveling with dogs; you can’t rush this process. Once we check in with person at the desk, I’ll confirm that Queenie is listed as an in-cabin pet and that Lyla’s service status is correctly noted in the system and wait to board our flight. 

After the flight, my focus will be on decompressing. Dogs experience travel differently than we do—they may look fine in the moment but show stress later. I plan to give them plenty of water, time to stretch, and a quiet space to settle before we head to bed for the night.

I am very thankful to all of the wonderful people that have helped us to prepare for our adventure. They girls and I are excited. Lyla’s steady confidence balances Queenie’s nerves perfectly, and seeing them adapt to each new step has been rewarding. Flying with dogs isn’t effortless, but it’s absolutely doable with planning and compassion. Understanding airline policies, communicating with your vet, and taking the time to help your dogs feel secure can make the difference between a chaotic trip and a calm one. Whether your dog rides under your seat or by your side as a service animal, preparation is the bridge between stress and success.

We are ready for take off