While your first thought might be that the banned breeds are those stereotyped as “aggressive,” that’s not the case for most of these banned breeds. Instead, airlines don’t allow dog breeds that are brachycephalic — or in simpler terms, a snub-nosed breed. If you own a snub-nosed breed, you won’t be able to check them into the cargo area of the plane. Delta Airlines, , and United Airlines all have similar policies for snub-nosed breeds. It’s worth pointing out that United Airlines has also placed restrictions on “strong-jawed” breeds, which essentially means those breeds that get a bad rap for being aggressive — pit bulls, American Staffordshire terriers, and other similar breeds.
Also, airplane models do not allow dogs to fly in cargo either. Also, temperatures on the tarmac and in the cargo hold are a factor, no matter what the breed.
Is There An Alternative to Flying in the Cargo Area?
However, if the dog is small enough — and many brachycephalic breeds are — you may still be able to fly with them in the cabin area. Don’t assume that your airline will allow you to bring your snub-nosed dog into the cabin. Instead, be sure to call well in advance and check with the airline to find out. Many airlines have different policies when it comes to allowing these sorts of dogs on the plane.
What Does a Snub-Nosed Dog Breed Mean?
Snub-nosed dogs have shorter snouts and a different facial structure than most other breeds. Essentially, their faces are more condensed. While their smooshy faces make them appear adorable, it can lead to serious health consequences when in the cargo area. And while their snouts are shorter, that doesn’t mean they lack any anatomical features of other breeds. They have nasal passages, sinuses, and a hard palate, but in a much smaller space.
Why Do Brachycephalic Breeds Have a Higher Health Risk on Planes?
Because of their condensed facial structure, brachycephalic breeds have respiratory difficulties. Snub-nosed breeds tend to have a narrow trachea, larger-than-average soft palate, and smaller nostrils.
Struggling to breathe can lead to two issues: First and most obvious, they won’t get enough oxygen during the flight. These dogs already have a small windpipe, and when they get stressed and breathe hard, they can collapse. The American Veterinary Medical Association has an excellent metaphor for this phenomenon. Imagine the windpipe as a straw — if you suck on it gently, you’ll have no problems, but if you suck hard through the straw, it tightens up and won’t allow any liquid (or, in the dog’s case, air) through. This problem is made even worse when the dog is overweight or obese.
The other secondary issue is that the dog won’t be able to cool itself properly and is at risk of overheating during the flight. Flying in the cargo area is stressful for any dog, but it’s even more upsetting when it’s having a hard time breathing.
Why are airplane cargo areas hazardous? Yes, the cargo area is pressurized, and the air is generally the same as what’s circulating in the cabin. But because these breeds are sensitive to breathing issues, even slightly less-than-ideal circulation can significantly impact their respiratory system. Plus, your dog is in a carrier, which can also restrict airflow. And finally, there are no humans in the cargo area, so if your dog has a medical emergency, nobody will know until after the plane lands.
Before the ban on snub-nosed dogs on airlines, the statistics were alarming. About half of all dog deaths during airplane travel over the previous five years were brachycephalic breeds. English bulldogs alone made up almost a quarter of the deaths — 25 of 122 dogs.
Dog Breeds Banned by Delta Airlines*:
- Affenpinscher
- Lhasa Apso
- American bully (all breeds)
- Mastiff (all breeds)
- American pit bull terrier
- Pekingese
- American Staffordshire terrier
- Pitbull
- Boston terrier
- Pug (all breeds)
- Boxer (all breeds)
- Shar Pei
- Bull terrier (all breeds)
- Shih Tzu
- Brussels griffon (Petit Brabancon)
- Staffordshire bull terrier
- Bulldog (all breeds)
- Tibetan spaniel
- Chow Chow
- English toy spaniel
- Japanese chin (Japanese Spaniel)
- King Charles Spaniel (Cavalier King)
Dog Breeds Banned by American Airlines*:
- Affenpinscher
- American Staffordshire terrier
- Boston terrier
- Boxer (all breeds)
- Brussels Griffon
- Bulldog (all breeds)
- Cane Corso
- Chow Chow
- Dogue De Bordeaux
- English toy spaniel
- Japanese chin
- Lhasa apso
- Mastiff (all breeds)
- Pekingese
- Pitbull
- Presa Canario
- Pug (all breeds)
- Shar Pei
- Shih Tzu
- Staffordshire bull terrier
- Tibetan spaniel
* Keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive list of restricted breeds. Make sure you call the airline before you book your tickets to confirm your dog can fly.
How Can I Transport My Large Snub-Nosed Dog?
You may ask yourself, “If I have a large dog that’s not allowed to fly, how can I transport it?” The good news is that there’s an easy way — ground transportation. While you can drive with your dog alone, it’s better to leave this to the pros by hiring a transporter. Professional dog carriers know how to keep your pup comfortable on the road, when and where to make stops, and have experience being on the road for hours. Best of all — most dog transportation professionals don’t have any breed restrictions!
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