Travel Tips for Flying With Pugs

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Whether you’re relocating or heading on a dog-friendly vacation, there are many reasons why pug owners need to take their pet on a plane.

Flying with pugs is possible, but there are some essential items you need to know to keep your dog happy and healthy. We’ll walk you through them here.

Are Pugs Allowed on Planes?

Many airlines allow pugs to fly. However, you should never put your pug in the cargo section of a plane. Instead, you must carry your pug in the cabin with you.

The reason being is that they’re brachycephalic, meaning they have short snouts and a flattened face. As cute as their stubby noses make them look, it can have devastating consequences for their well-being in the cargo section of a plane.

The reasons that you should bring your pug in the carry-on section of the plane include:

• Better air circulation
• More regulated temperature
• You’ll be able to monitor them

The good news is that you shouldn’t have to worry about convincing an airline not to put your pug in cargo; airlines know that pugs are a sensitive breed and often have no-cargo policies for them.

Which Airlines Allow Pugs in Cabin?

Airlines understand that pug owners sometimes need to fly with their pets. So, many airlines offer the option to fly with pugs in the cabin. 

Some examples include:

• Air Canada
• Air France
• Avianca
• Copa Airlines
• Delta
• Frontier
• Interjet
• Jetblue
• TAP
• Turkish Airlines
• United

These are a small sample of the many airlines that offer such an option. So, if you don’t see the airline you want to take on this list, type in “(Airline) pet travel” in Google to see what its policies are. 

Flying with pugs in cabin international is sometimes more complicated than domestic flights, as it depends on the length of the flight. Every airline has its own policies, so we recommend reaching out to them.

Tips for Flying With Pugs

Whether you’re hopping on a 30-minute flight or crossing continents, several items can help you prepare for flying with your pug. We’ll highlight the most important ones here.

Tip #1: Keep Your Pug From Overheating

There’s no way around it—flying is stressful on a pug. Therefore, it’s your job to ensure they stay as cool and comfortable as possible. You can do so by aiming the air vent on the plane towards your pug’s carrier.

Also, consider bringing some zip lock bags on the plane. The flight attendant can then fill them with ice, and you can set them in your pug’s carrier to help them cool down.

Tip #2: Have Your Pug Let Out Their Energy

Whisking your pug off to the airport after they just woke up from a nap isn’t wise. Instead, take them on a walk or play with them in the yard before packing them up in their carrier.

Even if your flight is short, your pug will be spending a lot of time in their carrier, so give them this last opportunity to stretch their legs. 

Tip #3: Choose a Carrier Wisely

There are many carriers on the market for flying with a dog. But since pugs can have difficulty breathing even when they’re not flying, choosing a carrier with a zippered top is crucial.

That way, you can open the top of the carrier when you’re waiting around at the airport so your dog can get some extra air. Choosing a carrier with lots of mesh for airflow is also important.

Read more: Recommended dog carriers for pugs

Tip #4: Check With Your Vet

If you have concerns about your pug’s health, bring them to the vet before booking a flight. That way, your vet can give you their opinion on whether it’s safe for them to fly.

Your vet may also prescribe your pug anti-anxiety medicine.

Tip #5: Secure Your Tickets in Advance

Most planes have restrictions on how many dogs can fly in the cabin. Therefore, before you book a dog-friendly hotel and tour, make sure you can get a seat on the plane.

Furthermore, many airlines won’t let you book a carry-on dog at the last minute. So, planning early on is critical to a smooth trip.

Tip #6: Have Your Pug Spend Time in Their Carrier

Your pug will be spending a lot of quality time in its travel carrier. So, to decrease their stress the day of your trip, have them acclimate to it before traveling. 

You can do so by putting their favorite toy in the carrier and feeding them in it. Ideally, you should start doing this a couple of weeks before traveling.

How Do You Carry a Pug on a Plane?

When flying with pugs in cabin, you’ll need to purchase a carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you. 

Many companies offer TSA-approved carriers. These are usually soft-sided with plenty of vents for your pug to breathe easily and an opening for them to poke their head out when they’re not on the plane.

While many airlines have similar policies, the exact dimensions of the carrier may vary. Furthermore, airlines have their own policies about their approved weight and ages of dogs on board, so you’ll need to ensure that your pug is eligible for flying.

Is It Cruel to Fly With Pugs?

It’s cruel to fly a pug in cargo, but carrying them on the plane with you isn’t harmful. That said, you know your pug best—if they’re prone to anxiety, taking them on an airplane might be emotionally difficult for their personality.

Dog deaths on flights are rare—statistics show that they average as little as 0.5 per 10,000 animals. Of these numbers, dogs flying in cargo are the most susceptible to death, injuries, or getting lost (something you don’t have to worry about at all when you carry your pug onboard).

The Bottom Line – Flying With Pugs

Flying with a pug is safe, provided that you carry your pug on the plane with you. Airlines have several requirements that your pug will need to meet, including being a minimum age and not exceeding a certain amount of weight.

By using the tips we discussed in this article, you’ll be able to help your pug have a positive plane experience.