Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs and cats, like French bulldogs, pugs and Persians, can usually still fly in the cabin, but almost every airline bans them from the hold. If your pet is too big for an under-seat carrier, flying it may not be possible on a regular airline at all.
Key facts
- Almost every airline bans snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs and cats from the hold.
- Most airlines still accept them in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat.
- Delta's wording bars these breeds from all its flights; confirm before booking.
- The AVMA says short-nosed breeds are more vulnerable to heat and air quality in the cargo hold.
Why airlines restrict these breeds
Short-nosed breeds have narrower airways and struggle to cool themselves. The American Veterinary Medical Association says they seem to be more vulnerable to changes in air quality and temperature in a plane's cargo hold, and that short-faced cats can have the same problem. Airlines responded by banning them from the hold, where nobody can watch them during the flight.
Airline rules for snub-nosed breeds
| Airline | In the cabin | In the hold or cargo |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | No breed rule stated | Not accepted as checked pets, including mixes |
| Delta Air Lines | No breed rule on its cabin pet page | Not permitted. Delta's shipping page says these breeds "are not permitted on Delta or Delta Connection flights", so confirm a cabin booking with Delta. |
| Alaska and Hawaiian | Allowed if the carrier fits under the seat | Not accepted in the cargo compartment from October 1, 2026, including mixes |
| United Airlines | Allowed; United says it has no breed limits for cabin pets | No hold option for regular travelers |
| Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier | Allowed; no breed rule. Southwest warns these breeds are more prone to problems in flight. | No hold option at all |
| Air Canada | Allowed | Snub-nosed dogs not accepted in the baggage compartment |
| WestJet | Allowed | Not accepted in the hold (bookings after July 4, 2023); mixes go through WestJet Cargo |
| Lufthansa | Allowed, up to 8 kg with carrier | Banned from the hold since January 1, 2020; Lufthansa Cargo is the alternative |
| KLM | Allowed, up to 8 kg with carrier | Not accepted in the hold; cargo possible |
| Air France | No cabin rule found | Not accepted in the hold |
| Turkish Airlines | Allowed, up to 8 kg with carrier | Not accepted in the hold with a passenger; may go as cargo |
| Qatar Airways | No cats or dogs in the cabin | Not accepted as checked baggage |
| Emirates | No cats or dogs in the cabin | SkyCargo doesn't carry them, except under conditions between November and April |
| British Airways | No pets in the cabin | Case by case through IAG Cargo; accepted animals need a crate at least 10% larger than standard |
Checked against each airline's own pages in October 2026.
Which breeds count as snub-nosed?
Each airline publishes its own list, and they differ. Breeds that appear on nearly every list:
- Dogs: French bulldog and all other bulldogs, pug, Boston terrier, boxer, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Brussels griffon, Japanese chin, Lhasa Apso, chow chow, English toy spaniel, mastiffs, shar-pei, affenpinscher.
- Cats: Persian, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair and Burmese. Some airlines also list British Shorthair and Scottish Fold.
Mixes of these breeds are usually covered too. Some lists go further: WestJet includes the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and apple-headed Chihuahuas, and KLM includes the Great Dane.
Can French bulldogs fly on planes?
Yes, in the cabin, if your Frenchie and its carrier fit under the seat. A small French bulldog may fit a 17 to 18 inch soft carrier; many adults don't. Measure your dog standing and lying down, and check the carrier against your airline with the carrier size checker. In Europe, KLM, Lufthansa and Turkish also cap dog plus carrier at 8 kg, which rules out most adult Frenchies.
If your dog doesn't fit, the options are a dog charter or ground travel. See airlines that allow large dogs in the cabin.
Making the flight easier
- Book early-morning or late-evening flights in summer, when the airport and plane are cooler.
- Choose a well-ventilated carrier with mesh on several sides.
- Talk to your vet before you book, especially if your dog snores heavily or tires quickly. Many vets advise against sedating pets for flights.
Questions people ask
Can French bulldogs fly on planes?
Yes, in the cabin, if the dog and its carrier fit under the seat. Most airlines don't allow French bulldogs in the hold because they're a snub-nosed breed.
Which airlines allow snub-nosed dogs?
Most airlines that take pets in the cabin don't restrict snub-nosed breeds there, including United, American, Alaska, Southwest, JetBlue, Air Canada, Lufthansa and KLM. Nearly all ban them from the hold. Delta's wording covers all its flights, so confirm with Delta.
Why can't brachycephalic dogs fly in cargo?
Their short airways make it harder to breathe and cool down. Vets say they're more vulnerable to the temperature and air quality in a cargo hold, so airlines stopped accepting them there.
Are snub-nosed cats restricted too?
Yes. Persian, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair and Burmese cats appear on most airline lists, and some add British Shorthair and Scottish Fold.
