Snub-nosed dogs and cats have become very popular in the past few years. This is largely because these dogs are generally very affectionate, loving creatures that enjoy being around people. If you have one, you probably already know this! As a result of their popularity, more and more airlines are allowing snub-nosed dogs onto flights instead of just certain breeds.
Almost all airlines have specific restrictions on certain breeds of dogs and cats, including snub-nosed or short-nosed dogs and cats. Generally, these shorter-face or “snub-nosed” pets are more difficult to oxygenate when flying at high altitudes. Therefore, many airlines have a blanket ban on snub-nosed dogs and cats in an attempt to ensure that their safety is guaranteed.
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Here is a list of the airlines that currently allow some form of travel with Snub-Nosed dogs and cat breeds.
1. American Airlines
American Airlines does not have restrictions on snub-nosed dogs and cats. The airline just asks customers to provide the kennel dimensions before booking a flight to ensure that the animal will fit and be comfortable in the airplane’s cabin. The maximum size for an approved dog or cat kennel is 20in (L) x 14in (W) x 9in (H). Flight attendants will generally look for signs of distress, such as heavy panting or other indicators, and will make adjustments accordingly.
2. Delta Airlines
Delta also does not place any restrictions on Snub-Nosed breeds as long as pets traveling without their owners are officially designated as “traveling companions.” For those flying with their pets, the airline recommends that customers purchase a kennel that is “IATA-approved.” The kennel must also be large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position.
3. JetBlue Airways
JetBlue allows both snub-nosed dogs and cats on its flights with no additional requirements. However, the airline does recommend that customers notify them at least 48 hours before departure so that they may make arrangements for the pet in the event of an emergency.
4. Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines also permits Snub-Nosed breeds on its flights without any additional restrictions. Like JetBlue Airways, they recommend that customers notify them in advance so that they can make the necessary accommodations if necessary.
5. United Airlines
United Airlines has a more restrictive policy when it comes to snub-nosed breeds. The airline will only allow these pets on its flights if the customer can provide a letter from a veterinarian stating that the animal is in good health and will not have any problems during the flight. In addition, the kennel must meet IATA requirements and be large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position.
6. Virgin Atlantic Airways
Virgin Atlantic Airways also has restrictions on snub-nosed breeds and requires customers to provide a letter from their veterinarian stating that the pet is in good health and fit to fly. The kennel must also meet IATA requirements and be large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position. In addition, the airline only allows dogs on its flights because cats traveling without their owner have a “100 percent mortality rate.”
7. AeroMexico
AeroMexico allows snub-nosed breeds on its flights but requires that customers purchase a second seat next to their pet’s kennel for safety reasons. The kennel must also meet IATA requirements and be large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position. If necessary, the airline will ask passengers to sign a waiver before permitting them to travel with snub-nosed pets.
8. Air France
Air France places a restriction on snub-nosed breeds and only allows dogs to fly with them if they weigh at least 5 pounds (2.25 kilograms) and can fit in a carrier under the seat in front of the customer. Customers are also required to sign a form acknowledging that the airline is not responsible if the pet has an accident or becomes ill during the flight.
9. Air Canada
Air Canada allows snub-nosed breeds only when used as emotional support animals and prohibits them from taking up space in an emergency exit row or other location where they may restrict another passenger’s access. the kennel is a must and has to meet IATA requirements.
10. Air Transat
Air Transat has similar restrictions regarding snub-nosed breeds as does Air Canada. Passengers are also required to provide documentation from their veterinarian stating that their pet is healthy and fit to fly at least 48 hours before departure. The kennel must also meet IATA requirements and be large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position.
11. British Airways
British Airways allows snub-nosed breeds on their flights with a few restrictions. The kennel must meet IATA requirements, and the pet must be at least 8 weeks old and traveling with its owner.
12. Cathay Pacific Airways
Cathay Pacific Airways allows passengers to travel with dogs and cats that have a “normal snout” but prohibits those with a “pug nose” from boarding their planes.
13. Emirates
Emirates has a detailed list of restrictions governing the travel of snub-nosed breeds. The kennel must meet IATA requirements and be large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position. In addition, the pet must be at least 8 weeks old and traveling with its owner.
14. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines also requires that customers provide documentation from their veterinarian stating that their pet is healthy and fit to fly at least 48 hours before departure. Cats are not allowed on KLM flights.
15. Lufthansa
Lufthansa allows passengers to travel with dogs and cats that have a “normal snout” but prohibits those with a “pug nose” from boarding their planes. The kennel must meet IATA requirements to comfortably suit the pet. In addition, passengers must provide documentation from their veterinarian stating that their pet is healthy and fit to fly at least 48 hours before departure.
16. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines also has a detailed list of restrictions governing the travel of snub-nosed breeds. The kennel must meet IATA necessary requirements and be large enough for the pet to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position. In addition, the pet must be at least 8 weeks old and traveling with its owner.
17. WestJet
WestJet does not have any restrictions governing the travel of snub-nosed breeds. However, the kennel must meet IATA requirements and be comfortable enough for the animal. Pets are not allowed to travel in the cabin of WestJet planes.
The above airlines all allow passengers to travel with dogs and cats that have a “normal snout” but prohibit those with a “pug nose” from boarding their planes. The kennel must meet IATA requirements. In addition, passengers must provide documentation to their veterinarian stating that their pet is healthy and fit to fly at least 48 hours before departure.