Airline Pet Policy: Dog Breeds Restricted From Cargo Flights

Matt Matasci Matt Matasci · Updated February 9, 2026

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Moving across the country with your beloved dog is an exciting new chapter, but it also brings an important question: how do you ensure your furry family member gets to your new home safely and comfortably? While air travel might seem like the fastest option for long-distance pet transport, it’s important to understand that it’s not always the safest or most comfortable choice for your four-legged companion—and for some breeds, it’s not even possible. What many pet owners don’t realize is that certain dog breeds face significant restrictions when it comes to air travel, making ground transportation not just a preference, but often the only safe option. That’s because airlines have restricted many different breeds of dog from flying for health and safety reasons.

What Dog Breeds Can’t Fly in the Cargo Area?

Airlines generally prohibit brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs from traveling in the cargo hold because their facial anatomy makes breathing difficult during flight. Some carriers also bar “strong-jawed” breeds such as Pit Bulls and American Staffordshire Terriers. If your dog falls into either category, you won’t be able to check them into cargo on any major U.S. airline. Delta Airlines and American Airlines maintain similar snub-nose bans, while United adds restrictions on strong-jawed breeds.

For carriers like Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines, no breeds are allowed in the cargo area. These companies have imposed an embargo on allowing pets to be checked or flown in the cargo area.

Know what dog breeds are restricted from flying in the cargo area of a plane.

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. Before booking your flight, we recommend contacting your airline directly to confirm their specific policies for snub-nosed breeds in the cabin. Each airline has different guidelines, and knowing these details in advance will help you plan the safest journey for your pet. Many airlines have different policies when it comes to allowing these sorts of dogs on the plane.

Consider Ground Transportation as an Alternative to American Airlines

With so many restrictions around pet air travel, ground transportation often emerges as the safer, more comfortable solution. Just as you’d want the best care for any family member during a long journey, your pet deserves transportation that prioritizes their comfort, safety, and well-being throughout the entire trip. It’s the safest, most humane way to send a pet long distances.

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 distinctive facial features make these breeds beloved companions, these same characteristics create serious health risks during air travel, particularly in cargo environments. These breeds have all the same respiratory anatomy as other dogs—nasal passages, sinuses, and hard palate—but compressed into a much smaller space, which creates unique challenges for breathing, especially in stressful situations.

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, a larger-than-average soft palate, and smaller nostrils.

When these beloved pets struggle to breathe, the consequences can be heartbreaking. Most critically, they may not receive adequate oxygen during the flight. These dogs already have a small windpipe, and when they get stressed and start to breathe hard, they can actually collapse. The American Veterinary Medical Association has a great 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.

The other secondary issue is that the dog won’t be able to properly cool itself and is at risk for overheating during the flight. Flying in the cargo area is a stressful situation for any dog, but when it’s having a hard time breathing, it’s even more upsetting.

Airplane cargo areas pose specific risks to snub-nosed breeds due to:

  • Air Circulation: Even minor fluctuations in air quality can impact sensitive respiratory systems.
  • Restricted Airflow: Pet carriers further limit the movement of fresh air around the dog.
  • Lack of Supervision: No humans are present to monitor for medical emergencies or respiratory distress during the flight.

Before the ban on snub-nosed dogs on airlines, the statistics were alarming. About half of all dog deaths that occurred 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 that died.

How Can I Transport My Large Snub-Nosed Dog?

You may be asking yourself, “If I have a large dog that’s not allowed to fly, how can I transport it?” Fortunately, there’s a safer, more comfortable alternative that gives you peace of mind: professional ground transportation. While some pet owners choose to drive their dogs themselves, many find that working with experienced, vetted pet transporters provides greater peace of mind and ensures their furry family member receives expert care throughout the journey. Experienced pet transporters understand exactly how to keep your dog comfortable during long journeys—they know when and where to make stops, how to manage different temperaments, and have the expertise to handle any situation that might arise on the road. Perhaps most importantly, professional ground transporters welcome all breeds, giving every dog—regardless of their facial structure or size—the opportunity for safe, comfortable travel.

While traditional pet transport companies can connect you with a driver, CitizenShipper offers something fundamentally better: a trusted marketplace where you choose from thousands of thoroughly vetted, compassionate drivers who treat your pet like family. CitizenShipper is the leading pet transportation marketplace in the United States, connecting caring pet owners with thousands of experienced, vetted drivers who share your commitment to keeping pets safe and comfortable. In fact, it’s the leading pet transportation platform in the United States! The marketplace connects pet owners with these drivers, and then you can choose the perfect fit for your needs.

Dog Breeds Banned From Delta Cargo by Delta Airlines*:

If your dog is on this list, ground transport is your safest option. Get quotes from background-checked dog transporters — free, with no breed restrictions.

Dog Breeds Banned as Checked Pets by American Airlines*:

If your dog is on this list, ground transport is your safest option. Get quotes from background-checked dog transporters — free, with no breed restrictions.

Banned Dog Breeds on Alaska Airlines Baggage Compartment*:

  • American Pit Bull
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Boston Terrier
  • Boxer
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Mastiff (All Breeds)
  • Bulldog
  • Bull Terrier
  • Chow Chow
  • Dutch Pug
  • English Bulldog
  • English Toy Spaniel
  • French Bulldog
  • Japanese Boxer
  • Japanese Pug
  • Japanese Spaniel
  • Pekingese, Pug
  • Shih Tzu
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier

If your dog is on this list, ground transport is your safest option. Get quotes from background-checked dog transporters — free, with no breed restrictions.

*This is not a comprehensive list of restricted breeds and is only intended to show examples of brachycephalic breeds. Make sure you call the airline before you book your tickets to confirm your dog can fly.

Boxers are a popular breed that aren't allowed to fly in the cargo area of a plane.

How Does CitizenShipper Work?

CitizenShipper makes finding the perfect transporter simple and stress-free. Instead of spending hours calling companies or filling out forms, you receive personalized quotes directly from experienced drivers. Instead, the quotes come directly to you from dozens of drivers with various experiences and equipment. First, visit CitizenShipper’s home page and create a free listing. Include details about your dog, like its age, breed, size, your preferred dates and locations, and any special needs such as medication or bathroom habits.

Within minutes, you’ll receive personalized quotes from experienced transporters, each offering different expertise, services, and rates to match your specific needs. You can choose based on price, experience, reviews, and profile information. Use the internal messaging system to chat with drivers, review their profiles, and read reviews from other pet owners. Every driver on our platform is thoroughly vetted—pre-screened, ID-verified, and background-checked—so you can trust that your beloved pet is in safe, caring hands. We also offer a $1,000 Pet Protection Plan and access to 24/7 televet care.

For more information about CitizenShipper, take a look at our helpful introductory video:

If you own a dog that’s on most airlines’ restricted breed list, you’re not resigned to doing it yourself or hiring an expensive, inflexible and impersonable traditional transporter. Instead, create a listing on CitizenShipper and find the perfect road companion for your fur baby!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do some dog breeds get banned from flying in airplane cargo?

Airlines ban certain breeds—especially brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs—because their facial structure makes it harder for them to breathe. Stress, heat, and reduced airflow in cargo areas can cause serious respiratory problems, overheating, or even death.

2. What types of dogs are considered brachycephalic?

Brachycephalic dogs have short snouts and compressed facial structures. Common examples include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, and Mastiffs. These breeds are often restricted or banned from flying in cargo for safety reasons.

3. Can snub-nosed dogs fly in the cabin instead of cargo?

Sometimes. Small brachycephalic dogs may be allowed in the cabin if they fit in an approved carrier under the seat. However, each airline has its own rules, so you should always contact the airline ahead of time to confirm its policy.

4. Why is ground transportation considered safer than flying for dogs?

Ground transport avoids the risks associated with cargo travel, such as poor airflow, overheating, and lack of human supervision. Professional dog transporters can monitor pets, make regular stops, and ensure they stay comfortable throughout the journey.

5. How does CitizenShipper help with dog transportation?

CitizenShipper connects pet owners with vetted, background-checked transport drivers who bid on your shipment. You can compare experience, pricing, and reviews, communicate directly with drivers, and choose the best fit for your dog’s needs—all with no breed restrictions for ground transport.

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