What Airlines Allow Pitbulls in 2024? Challenges in Flying Pitbulls
Your Pitbull has become an integral part of your family, and it therefore comes natural to want to bring him along with you anywhere you travel.
Whether you are traveling for business or for leisure, you are willing to go through all the necessary requirements involved with taking your dog along with you on a flight, from purchasing the perfect airline-approved dog crate to getting all the necessary documents ready.
You may find it quite shocking to discover that many airlines may refuse to fly your Pitbull. This may be either because he's considered a "dangerous dog breed" or because he's categorized as being brachycephalic, just like the Pug and the English and French Bulldog.
Think it's frustrating? It really is, especially when you are short of options and there are companies out there willing to take advantage of your desperation to scam you or offer to fly your dog for ridiculously high prices.
What's even more frustrating is that there are very few airlines willing to fly a Pitbull, but then once you reach out to pet relocation businesses all types of flight opportunities open up as long as you are willing to dish out the money.
Problems Flying Pitbulls in 2024
Whether you own an American Pitbull terrier, an American Staffordshire terrier, an American Bully, a Staffordshire bull terrier or a Pitbull mix, you may be shocked to learn how difficult it has become nowadays to fly with these dog breeds (and any Pitbull-like dogs and their mixes).
With these dog breeds, there are two main obstacles: the fact that these dog breeds are recently being classified as brachycephalic and the fact that they are considered dangerous. Let's take a closer look at both of these problems.
Different types of "pitbulls"
Brachycephalic Dog Breeds
Brachycephalic dog breeds are simply dogs known for their short heads, wide skulls and distinctive pushed-in faces.
Dogs (and cats) featuring brachycephalic traits are prone to a variety of health problems leading to the umbrella term "brachycephalic airway syndrome (BOAS).
Pets with BOAS share several problematic features such as narrow nasal openings, elongated soft palates, thick, fleshy tongues, larynx (voice box) abnormalities and narrowed windpipes, which can cause rather serious breathing difficulties.
After several deaths due to suffocation, more and more airlines no longer allow many brachycephalic dog breeds to fly in their planes. Why are brachycephalic dogs at risk for suffocation?
Because most adult Pitbulls are quite large and unable to fit in a carrier in front of the passenger's airline seat, they will need to travel in cargo (unless they are a service dog)
In the cargo hold, there are risks that all the stress, coupled with pressure or heat can increase the risk of suffocation and breathing problems.
On top of this, it's important to consider any potential temperature extremes of the departure and arrival airports. A plane sitting on the tarmac for some time can cause concerns due to temperature variations.
Are Pitbulls Brachycephalic?
While the risks for suffocation are quite high for dog breeds with intense brachycephalic features like the English Bulldog, French Bulldog and Pug, there are chances that some dog breeds are not as high risk as others and some organizations have begun questioning whether some dogs may need to be evaluated on an individual basis.
Interestingly, the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) has been working on a Brachycephalic Certification Program where a specialized group of veterinarians are being specifically trained and qualified to perform Fit to Fly Assessments where dogs are individually screened for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).
According to IPATA, less than 5 percent of brachycephalic dogs are severely affected by BOAS, with the most dogs at high risk being English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs and Boston Terriers.
Pitbull- type dogs compared to traditional brachycephalic dog breeds
Dangerous Dog Breeds
You may find it surprising to learn that your sweet Pitbull, who has no mean bones in his body, is classified as "dangerous," and therefore requires to travel in specialized crates in the cargo hold.
These special crates may seem crafted for transporting a lion or a bear, as they must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure that the animal can't escape.
If you are planning to fly with a young Pitbull though, consider yourself lucky. Pitbull puppies aged between 3 and 6 months can travel in standard airline approved crates. If they are young enough to be rather small and fit in a small carrier, they may even be allowed to be transported with you in the cabin! However, check with your airline as every company may have its own rules.
What Airlines Allow Pitbulls in 2024?
These are some airlines that may allow Pitbull to fly in the cargo hold. Please conduct your own research before making travel arrangements.
JSX
The JSX airline is quite unique in that it allows medium-to-large dogs (weighing up to 79 pounds) to fly in the cabin. For dogs who are too large to fit under the seat carrier, customers must purchase an adjoining seat and the dog is allowed to lay on the floor directly in front of the seat.
Air Canada
Air Canada has brachycephalic rules but the Pitbull isn't listed as a brachycephalic dog breed (yet).
However, this airline classifies the following dog breeds as "strong": American Pit-bull, American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff), British Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
These strong dog breeds are required to travel in special reinforced crates. This rule doesn't apply to puppies ages 3 to 6 months.
Bark Air
Bark Air currently serves mostly the metro areas of New York City (HPN), Los Angeles (VNY), London (BQH), and Paris (LBG). Flights currently include the following:
Los Angeles -New York and New York-Los Angeles
London-New York and New York-London
New York-Paris and Paris-New York
Bark Air accepts dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds including snub nose dogs, and all dogs who have never had an opportunity to fly. Please be warned that the ticket may be quite pricey, but it includes one person flying with the dog.
Avianca
Avianca offers various international destinations. Although this airline doesn't fly brachycephalic dog breeds, the Pitbull terrier is not listed among them.
KLM
KLM cannot transport dogs in any of their Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft and on several KLM Cityhopper flights. They have a snub-nosed list that includes the American Bully and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, but the Pitbull is not listed.
However, if you think your dog might be snub-nosed and it's not listed, they suggest calling KLM's Customer Contact Centre.
ITA Airways
This Italian Airline warns about the risks of flying snub-nosed pets in cargo due to the risks of stress and heat. It lists the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier as brachycephalic, but recommends assessing the dog's general state of health and acknowledging the risks associated with this type of travel.
Are Emotional Support Pitbull Terriers Allowed on Flights?
Sadly, in 2021, the Department of Transportation has stopped accepting emotional support animals on flights as they are classified now as pets and are not considered service animals.
Desperate Times Trigger Desperate Solutions
Sadly, between brachycephalic bans and dangerous dog breed lists, it has become more and more challenging to travel with pets.
These challenges often trigger people to fake having a service dog so that they are able to transport their pet across the country.
This only creates more problems in the long run than solving them, considering the potential for more stringent rules (like the recent decision to no longer allow emotional support dogs on flights).
On the other hand, owners of Pitbull mixes sometimes may get away with the strict rules by having the vet change the dog’s paperwork from Pitbull mix to Lab mix or any other breed.
Some Alternate Options
There are several other options for moving pets that may be worth considering.
Driving
Driving cross country may not be thrilling, but it may be a compromise to settle for given the little options.
If you want your Pitbull to be extra comfy, you can even rent a Camper.
Ground Transportation
There are companies that will move dogs from one place to another by ground transportation (typically vans). Make sure that they are specialized in animal transport and that they are insured and bonded.
Citizen Shipper can connect you to professionals who can transport your dog door to door.
Chartering a Plane
There are some Facebook groups where it is possible to charter a plane, but this can be quite a pricey option, unless there are other people willing to go on the same route/flight which can help split costs. It's also important to be wary of scams.
Professional Shippers
IPATA offers a list of professional shippers specializing in snub-nosed dog breeds. Here is a directory: IPATA Certified BOAS (Snub-Nosed) Pet Shippers.
Transatlantic Crossing
Cunard allows dogs on their transatlantic crossing to and from Southampton, New York, and Hamburg.
They have a pet policy where very large dogs cannot travel due to the limits on their kennel sizes.
Advanced reservations are a must. I tried to book with them once and they were fully booked for the entire year!
What About the Train?
Sadly, Amtrak only allows dogs and cats up to 20 pounds (that's the combined weight of the pet and carrier) and can only be taken along for trips no longer than seven hours.
Navigating the Unfriendly Skies of Pitbull Owners
For Pitbull owners, air travel has become an uphill battle with the many airline regulations being anything but friendly.
As the debate over breed bans and airline restrictions and policies continue, one thing is for sure: the current landscape leaves much to be desired for Pitbull owners.
Disclaimer: Please note that airline policies and regulations are subject to change very frequently. It is important that you verify current rules directly with the airlines before making any travel arrangements. Always conduct your own research to ensure compliance with the most up-to-date requirements.
Disclaimer: this article is not meant to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice or behavioral advice. If your dog is acting sick or aggressive please consult with a qualified professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
