Airlines That Allow Snub-Nosed Dogs in Cabin

Since adopting my Pug, I’ve spent many hours looking for airlines that allow snub-nosed dogs. We’ve now flown across four continents, so it’s more than possible!

Snub nosed breeds face extra rules, so read the American Airlines pet policy before booking with them.

Puglo is a pug and I fly him into Europe often, including the trips in my guide to flying into France with a dog.

Yes, plenty of airlines let snub-nosed dogs like pugs and bulldogs fly in the cabin. The strict breed bans you have probably read about mostly apply to the cargo hold, not the cabin. Delta, United, American, JetBlue, Alaska, Air Canada, WestJet, Aeromexico and KLM all allow small snub-nosed dogs in the cabin. As a pug mom, I can tell you flying in cabin is by far the safest choice for a flat-faced breed.

Two of those carriers fly the routes I use most between Mexico and Canada, so I broke each one down in detail. Here is my full Air Canada pet policy guide and my Aeromexico pet policy guide, with current in-cabin carrier size limits, fees, and the exact booking steps.

For breed-specific details, see my guides on flying with a pug, the American Airlines pet policy, and European airlines that allow dogs in cabin. When you are ready to plan the trip, you can find pet-friendly hotels on Booking.com here.

If you have a snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog, you’ve probably heard the horror stories: airlines banning them, sudden policy changes, or health risks from heat and stress during travel. These breeds are more vulnerable in flight, and navigating the maze of airline rules can feel overwhelming.

If your snub-nosed pup is small enough for the cabin, check my guide to flying United with your dog for their current rules.

Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of airlines, and many still allow snub-nosed dogs in the cabin.

In this guide, I’ll share exactly which airlines allow them and what their policies look like in 2025. By the end, you’ll know how to get your brachy breed from point A to B safely.

Disclaimer: Airline pet policies change frequently and can vary by route, aircraft, and season. Always confirm the most up-to-date rules directly with the airline before booking your trip.

Need help planning your dog’s trip? check out my Dog Travel Blueprint for personalized guidance.

Can Snub-Nosed Dogs Fly? (Why Airlines Restrict Them)

Snub-nosed dogs, also called brachycephalic breeds, have shorter skulls and flat faces that can make breathing harder, especially in stressful or hot environments. Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and English Bulldogs are some of the most common examples.

Most airlines ban these breeds from flying in cargo because the combination of reduced air circulation, higher temperatures, and the stress of transport increases the risk of breathing difficulties. Unfortunately, this has led to incidents in the past, which is why airlines have tightened their rules.

The good news is that most commercial airlines still allow small snub-nosed dogs to travel in cabin, as long as they fit within the airline’s size and weight limits for under-seat carriers. This is the safest way for brachycephalic breeds to fly, since the temperature and air pressure in the cabin are regulated and you can keep an eye on your dog during the journey.

I’ve flown with my pug, Puglo, in cabin countless times from countries like Mexico to destinations all over the world. While the paperwork and airline rules vary from place to place, planning ahead and booking with carriers that accept brachy breeds in cabin has allowed us to travel smoothly.

These experiences have taught me that while the logistics can feel overwhelming at first, flying with a snub-nosed dog is absolutely possible with the right preparation.

Airlines That Allow Snub-Nosed Dogs in the United States

Most major U.S. airlines allow small snub-nosed breeds to travel in the cabin if they meet the size and weight requirements for under-seat carriers. This includes carriers like Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Southwest, among others.

This is not an exhaustive list, and airline rules can change quickly. Always check the most up-to-date pet policy for your specific route before booking.

Delta Airlines

Delta allows small dogs, including snub‑nosed or brachycephalic breeds, to travel in the cabin as long as they meet their carry-on pet requirements. That means your dog must fit comfortably inside a soft‑sided kennel that goes under the seat and remains in the kennel at all times, from the airport through landing. Delta suggests kennel dimensions of about 18 × 11 × 11 inches to fit most aircraft types.

There’s no mention on the policy page of a weight limit for the dog plus carrier, only that your pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in a kennel and have the ability to move around without touching or sticking out from the sides. You can read Delta’s pet policy here.

United Airlines

United Airlines allows small dogs, including snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, to travel in the cabin as long as they are in an approved hard-sided or soft-sided carrier. There are no weight or breed limitations for in-cabin pets, but the pet must remain in the carrier for the duration of the flight. The maximum size for a soft-sided carrier is 18 × 11 × 11 inches, which can fit under most United aircraft seats.

United does not accept brachycephalic breeds for travel in the cargo hold. This restriction is in place due to the increased breathing risks these breeds face in cargo environments, where temperature and ventilation can be harder to control. You can read United Airlines’ full pet policy here.

American Airlines

American Airlines allows small snub-nosed dogs, such as pugs, French Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus, to travel in the cabin as long as they meet the airline’s size and weight requirements. Pets must fit comfortably in an approved soft-sided or hard-sided carrier that can be stowed under the seat in front of you.

The carrier must meet American’s maximum dimensions, which are typically around 18 × 11 × 11 inches for soft-sided carriers.

American Airlines does not accept brachycephalic breeds for travel in the cargo hold under any circumstances.

You can read American Airlines’ full pet policy here.

JetBlue

JetBlue allows small dogs, including snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, to travel in the cabin as long as they fit comfortably in an FAA-approved carrier that can be placed under the seat in front of you. The carrier cannot exceed 17 × 12.5 × 8.5 inches, and your dog must be able to stand up and turn around inside with ease. Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are accepted, but they must be leak-proof and well-ventilated.

JetBlue does not transport large dogs, and there is no cargo option for pets, which means brachycephalic breeds can only travel in the cabin.

You can read JetBlue’s full pet policy here.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines permits small dogs, including snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, in the cabin, provided they remain in an approved carrier that fits under the seat and keeps them fully enclosed.

The soft-sided carrier must not exceed 17 × 11 × 9.5 inches and must be clean, leak-proof, well-ventilated, and secure enough to prevent escape. Pets must stay in their carriers during boarding, deplaning, and for taxi, takeoff, and landing. See Alaska Airlines full pet policy here.

Airlines That Allow Snub-Nosed Breeds in Canada

For a full breakdown of Canadian airline policies, including fees, carrier dimensions, and booking tips, see my detailed guide on airlines that allow pets in cabin in Canada.

Air Canada and Snub-Nosed Dogs

Air Canada welcomes small dogs, including snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, in the cabin, provided they’re transported in a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Carriers must allow your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, with no part of them extending outside the carrier.

Starting June 1, 2025, only soft-sided carriers are allowed for in-cabin travel. Carriers count as your one standard carry-on item, and you must register your pet in advance when booking, ideally within 24 hours, to ensure space availability.

Air Canada does not allow snub-nosed breeds in the baggage compartment, due to their heightened risk of heat stroke and respiratory issues in such environments.

WestJet

WestJet allows small pets, including snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, to travel in the cabin as carry-on. Your pet must fit comfortably in a soft-sided airline-approved kennel placed under the seat, must be able to stand, sit, and move naturally, and no part of the animal should protrude from the carrier.

The kennel must measure no more than 16 × 10 × 8.5 inches (41 cm × 25.4 cm × 21.5 cm) and must be soft-sided, leak-proof, secure, and well-ventilated

For checked or cargo travel, WestJet has banned all snub-nosed breeds from being transported as checked baggage.

Airlines That Allow Snub-Nosed Dogs in Latin America

Aeromexico

Aeroméxico accepts small dogs and cats, including snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, for travel in the cabin if they meet the size and weight requirements. Pets must be in a flexible, well-ventilated carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, with a combined weight of pet and carrier not exceeding 9 kg (about 20 pounds).

The carrier must have a leak-proof base and allow your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Aeroméxico also permits dogs and cats to travel as Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) if they weigh no more than 12 kg (about 26 pounds) and measure no more than 22 inches long by 12 inches tall.

You can review Aeroméxico’s full pet policy here.

LATAM

LATAM allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on flights operated only by LATAM (no interlining or codeshare). Your pet must stay in a secure transport container that fits under the seat in Economy or Premium Economy, and must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Approved soft-sided transport bags must not exceed 40 × 28 × 25 cm, and hard-sided kennels must stay within 36 × 33 × 19 cm.

Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not allowed in the hold – they are restricted from being transported that way due to increased breathing risks.

LATAM also allows Emotional Support Animals and trained Service Dogs in the cabin, provided the necessary documentation and notification are submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Copa Airlines

Copa Airlines accepts only small dogs and cats, including snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, for travel in the cabin. The pet and its container together must not weigh more than 10 kg (20 lb), and this will replace the passenger’s carry-on baggage allowance. Only one pet per container is permitted, and passengers must travel on the same flight as their pet.

The airline allows only soft-sided carriers that are sturdy, well-ventilated, and secure enough to prevent escape. The carrier must be large enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally, with no part of the pet protruding from the container. Safety latches must be easy to open without special tools.

Copa Airlines also accepts emotional support dogs weighing up to 22 lb on routes where they are recognized by the country’s regulations, currently to or from Colombia and Mexico.

You can review Copa Airlines’ full pet policy here.

Airlines That Allow Snub-Nosed Dogs – European Airlines

Most European airlines that allow pets in the cabin set a maximum combined weight of 8 kg (17.6 lb) for the pet and carrier. This limit applies to both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers, though many airlines recommend soft-sided carriers because they can better fit under the seat.

The 8 kg threshold is consistent across major carriers like Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, SWISS, Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, SAS, and Aegean Airlines. Though a few, such as Vueling, allow dogs up to 10 kg (22 lb), including the carrier.

Because cargo holds are generally off-limits to snub-nosed breeds on European carriers, meeting the in-cabin criteria is the only safe and approved option. Travelers should always confirm the airline’s latest dimensions for under-seat carriers and book pet reservations well in advance, as space for animals in the cabin is typically limited to only a few per flight.

This is not an exhaustive list, and policies can change depending on the route, aircraft type, and season. Always review the airline’s current pet policy before booking your ticket.

KLM

KLM allows small dogs and cats, including snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, to travel in the cabin when flying in Economy Class (or Business Class within Europe). The pet and carrier together must weigh no more than 8 kg (17.6 lb). The carrier must be closed, fit under the seat, and not exceed dimensions of 46 × 28 × 24 cm (18 × 11 × 9 in).

Most snub-nosed breeds are not permitted in the hold, as KLM cites a higher risk of breathing issues due to heat and stress. You can review KLM’s full pet policy here.

Lufantha

Lufthansa allows small dogs and cats, including snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, to travel in the cabin if they meet the requirements for additional carry-on baggage. Pets and their carrier must not exceed 8 kg in total weight, and the animal must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Minimum age requirements are 12 weeks for most flights, 15 weeks for flights from or via Germany, and 6 months for travel to or from the United States.

Since January 1, 2020, Lufthansa has banned the transport of snub-nosed breeds in the cargo hold due to their increased risk of breathing difficulties and circulatory problems.

You can review KLM’s full pet policy here.

Airlines That Allow Snub Nosed Dogs – Asia/Middle East

Flying with a snub-nosed dog in Asia can be particularly challenging. Many major carriers in the region do not allow pets in the cabin at all. Airlines like Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and Japan Airlines generally require pets to travel in the hold, which is not safe or permitted for brachycephalic breeds.

For the airlines that do allow pets in cabin, the weight limit is usually 7 kg or less including the carrier. While this works for very small snub-nosed breeds such as some pugs or Shih Tzus, it excludes most French Bulldogs and other heavier brachycephalic dogs.

Because these breeds are often banned from cargo due to their higher risk of breathing difficulties, meeting the strict in-cabin weight limit is often the only viable option for flying within Asia.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines allows small dogs and cats, including snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, to travel in the cabin if the total weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 8 kg (17.6 lb). The carrier must be well-ventilated, leak-proof, and large enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It must also fit under the seat in front of you.

Snub-nosed breeds are not accepted for transport in the cargo hold due to their higher risk of breathing difficulties in that environment.

You can read Turkish Airlines’ full pet travel policy here.

Ethiad

Etihad Airways permits small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin, as long as they weigh no more than 8 kg (including the carrier) and meet size requirements. The carrier must be ventilated on at least three sides, escape-proof, leak-proof, and lined with absorbent material. It must also allow the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

It’s important to note the cost: traveling with a pet costs USD 1,500 or 215,000 Etihad Guest Miles per flight, making it a notably expensive option.

You can read Etihad’s full pet travel policy here.

Korean Air

Korean Air allows small dogs and cats, including snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, to travel in the cabin if the total weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 7 kg (15 lb). Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, and the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.

The maximum carrier size is 32 cm (12.5 in) wide × 45 cm (17.5 in) deep × 19 cm (7.5 in) high. Soft-sided carriers up to 25 cm (10 in) high are permitted as long as they can be compressed to no more than 19 cm in height to fit under the seat.

You can read Korean Air’s full pet policy here.

Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines allows small dogs and cats, including snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, to travel in the cabin, provided they are healthy, fully vaccinated, and clean. Each pet must be in a single transport cage, and the combined weight of the pet and kennel must not exceed 6 kg.

If the total weight exceeds 6 kg, the pet must be checked in as baggage, which is not recommended for snub-nosed breeds.

You can review Vietnam Airlines’ pet travel policy here.

Airlines That Allow Large Dogs in Cabin (No size restrictions)

If your snub-nosed breed is too big for standard in-cabin pet limits, there are now a few options in the U.S. that allow dogs of any size to travel beside you. New services like Bark Air and RetrieveAir operate as private or semi-private flights designed for dogs, with layouts that accommodate pets in the passenger cabin without the need for carriers.

These flights are far more expensive than commercial airlines, but they remove the size restrictions and cargo risks that make travel challenging for larger brachycephalic dogs. They also offer a more relaxed boarding process and dog-friendly amenities.

You can read more about these options in my post on flying with large dogs in cabin.

Choosing International Routes

When flying internationally with a snub-nosed dog, keeping the journey as simple as possible is the best strategy. Minimize the number of stops and choose direct flights whenever you can. Fewer connections are less stressful for your dog and reduce the risk of delays, missed flights, and unexpected policy issues at transfer airports.

A direct route is also easier from an import and export standpoint. Each additional country you transit through can add its own entry requirements, such as health certificates, vaccination rules, or quarantine checks. Simplifying your route means fewer documents to prepare and fewer potential complications.

From the United States to Europe or Asia, it is possible for small snub-nosed dogs to fly in cabin on certain airlines. However, once you are within Asia, cabin travel becomes much harder unless your dog is small enough to meet the strict size and weight limits, often 7 kg or less including the carrier. For larger brachycephalic breeds, you may need to consider alternative travel options such as ferries, trains, or overland transport.

I’ve had to get creative with this myself. When I traveled to Thailand with Puglo, we flew into Bangkok, but there were no in-cabin options to get him on a connecting flight to Chiang Mai because of the weight restrictions. Instead, I hired a private driver for the 10-hour journey north. It was a long trip, but it meant Puglo could ride comfortably beside me in air conditioning with regular stops.

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Alternatives to Flying

If flying isn’t possible for your snub-nosed dog due to size limits or destination restrictions, there are other ways to travel together safely.

• Private car or driver – Ideal for long-distance trips within a country or across borders where driving is possible. I’ve done this myself in Thailand, hiring a private driver from Bangkok to Chiang Mai when there were no in-cabin flight options for Puglo.
• Pet-friendly trains – Many rail networks in Europe and parts of Asia allow dogs, sometimes with size limits or muzzle requirements.
• Ferries and boats – On some routes, pets can ride in cabin or on deck with you, making this a good option for island travel.
• Pet relocation services – Professional companies can coordinate ground or air charters specifically for pets, often used for long-distance moves.
• Charter flights – More expensive, but allows you to bypass commercial airline restrictions entirely, and your dog can travel beside you.

These alternatives may take longer, but they can be far less stressful for brachycephalic breeds and give you more control over your pet’s comfort.

Destinations With Restrictions on Animals in Cabin

Some countries do not allow pets to arrive in the cabin at all, regardless of airline policy, and will only permit trained service dogs to enter this way. For pet owners traveling with a snub-nosed breed, this can make planning more complicated since cargo is not an option for most brachycephalic dogs.

• United Kingdom – Does not permit pets to arrive in the cabin on commercial flights. Only recognized service dogs can enter this way. Pets must arrive as cargo through approved routes and facilities.
• South Africa – Does not allow pets to arrive in the cabin unless they are service dogs. All other pets must be imported as manifest cargo.
• Australia – Does not accept pets in the cabin on incoming international flights except for service dogs. All other pets must go through approved quarantine entry points as cargo.
• New Zealand – Similar to Australia, pets cannot arrive in cabin unless they are service dogs. Entry is strictly controlled with quarantine requirements.
• Hong Kong – Only recognized service dogs are accepted in cabin. All other pets must enter as cargo under strict import rules.
• Iceland – Does not allow pets to arrive in cabin; they must be transported as manifest cargo, with only service dogs permitted in cabin.

If you are traveling to or through one of these destinations, you will need to plan your route carefully. In some cases, entering through a neighboring country that allows in-cabin pets and then continuing overland or by ferry can be a safer alternative for a snub-nosed dog.

Tips for Traveling With Snub-Nosed Breeds

Flying with a brachycephalic dog requires extra care to keep them comfortable and safe.

• Use an expandable carrier – I always travel with a soft-sided, expandable carrier so Puglo has more room once we’re in the air. It fits under the seat for takeoff and landing, but I can give him extra space when it’s safe to do so.
• Keep them cool during takeoff – Cabin climate control sometimes takes a few minutes to fully kick in. I bring a small battery-powered fan or offer ice cubes in a spill-proof container so Puglo stays comfortable during those first moments.
• Know when to open the top – Officially, pets must stay fully enclosed, but in my experience, many flight attendants will quietly allow you to unzip the top for some air or a quick pet, as long as your dog is calm and not bothering other passengers.
• Book overnight or red-eye flights for long distances – On longer trips, I choose flights during Puglo’s usual sleep hours. He rests more, and the journey feels easier for both of us.
• Exercise before the flight – I make sure Puglo gets a long walk or play session earlier in the day so he’s more relaxed once we’re on board.
• Feed lightly before flying
• Plan for bathroom breaks – I always take him to a pet relief area right before the flight.

These small adjustments have made a big difference in how smoothly our trips go, especially since snub-nosed breeds are more sensitive to temperature changes and stress.

Carrier & Checking In

I travel with a Sherpa carrier and highly recommend it for in-cabin flights. It’s soft-sided, durable, and flexible enough to fit under different seat configurations. In my experience, airlines tend to be more lenient with soft-sided carriers since they can be adjusted slightly to fit in tight spaces.

Always be friendly with the gate agent. They have the final say on whether your pet is allowed to board, and I’ve found that a positive attitude goes a long way. While many agents don’t actually weigh the pet and carrier, some do, and if your dog is right on the edge of the weight limit, unfortunately there’s not much you can do in that moment.

That’s why I always have a backup plan in case we’re denied boarding, whether that’s rebooking on a different airline, taking an alternate route, or switching to a ground transport option. Being prepared makes the process less stressful for both you and your dog.

FAQ: Flying with Snub-Nosed Dogs

Final thoughts: Airlines That Allow Snub-Nosed Dogs in Cabin

Flying with a snub-nosed dog takes more planning than most pet travel, but it’s absolutely possible with the right preparation. The key is knowing which airlines allow brachycephalic breeds in the cabin, understanding their size and weight limits, and choosing routes that keep your dog safe and comfortable.

From my own travels with Puglo across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, I’ve learned that flexibility is essential. Sometimes that means adjusting your route, booking a red-eye, or even swapping a flight for a train or car journey. The extra effort is worth it when you can arrive together without risking your dog’s health.

With careful planning, the right gear, and a solid backup plan, you can continue exploring the world alongside your snub-faced travel companion.

Planning a trip with your dog and feeling overwhelmed where to start? I created a resource just for you!