Traveling with your dog can be an exciting but challenging experience, especially when you have a medium-sized dog weighing 25 pounds (lbs). Many pet owners wonder, Can You Bring a 25 lb Dog on a Plane? The right answer depends entirely on the airline’s pet policy, cabin space, and dog size requirements.
In this exclusive article, we’ll cover everything about bringing a 25-pound dog on a plane, including airline policies, dog carrier requirements, costs, and helpful travel tips.
- 1 Can You Bring a 25 lb Dog on a Plane?
- 2 Quick Travel Options for a 25-pound Dog:
- 3 Airline Policies for Flying with a 25 lb Dog
- 4 Choosing the Right Carrier for a 25 lb Dog
- 5 Costs of Bringing a 25 lb Dog on a Plane
- 6 How to Prepare Your 25 lb Dog for a Flight
- 7 Safety Tips for Flying with a 25 lb Dog
- 8 FAQs: Can You Bring a 25 lb Dog on a Plane?
- 9 Final Thoughts: Can You Bring a 25 lb Dog on a Plane?
- 10 Author
Can You Bring a 25 lb Dog on a Plane?
Yes, of course, you can bring a 25-pound dog on a plane, but whether the dog can travel in the cabin or has to go in cargo will depend entirely on the airline’s policy. Most airlines allow small dogs to travel in the cabin if they can fit under the seat in an airline-approved carrier.
However, any dog over 25 pounds is on the higher end of the weight limit, so it’s quite likely they’ll have to travel in the cargo hold or as checked baggage.
Quick Travel Options for a 25-pound Dog:
| Travel Option | Allowed for a 25 lb Dog? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin | ❌ Limited | Some airlines have a strict 20 lb weight limit (including carrier) |
| Checked Baggage | ✅ Yes | Your dog travels in the plane’s cargo hold but as checked luggage |
| Cargo Transport | ✅ Yes | A safer option for larger dogs; handled separately by the airline |
Airline Policies for Flying with a 25 lb Dog
Each airline has different rules for pet dog travel. Here are details on pet weight limits and fees for major U.S. airlines:
| Airline | In-Cabin Weight Limit | Cargo Option Available? | Fees (In-Cabin) | Fees (Cargo) |
|---|
| American Airlines | 20 lbs (including carrier) | Yes | $125 | $200-$300 |
| Delta Airlines | No strict limit (dog + carrier must fit under the seat) | Yes | $95-$125 | Varies |
| United Airlines | 20 lbs max | Yes | $125 | $250+ |
| Southwest Airlines | 20 lbs max | No | $95 | N/A |
| Alaska Airlines | 25 lbs max | Yes | $100 | $250 |
👉 Pro tip: If your 25-pound dog is even slightly over the weight limit, some airlines may allow them to travel in the cabin in a soft-sided carrier if they can fit under the seat.
Choosing the Right Carrier for a 25 lb Dog
Airline regulations require pets in the cabin to fit under the seat, so the dog must be in a carrier that meets the airline’s size restrictions.
Carrier requirements in the cabin:
- Size: Typically 18″ L x 11″ W x 11″ H (may vary by airline)
- Weight limit: Often 20 pounds (including pet and carrier)
- Must be soft-sided and ventilated
- The dog must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably inside the carrier
Carrier requirements for cargo or checked luggage:
- Hard-sided required for safety
- Being well-ventilated and secure is also a must
- Water and food must be enclosed inside the crate
- Must also comply with IATA Live Animal Regulations
🔹 Best in-cabin carrier for a 25-pound dog:
- Sherpa Deluxe Pet Carrier (airline-approved, soft-sided)
- AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier
- Petmate Sky Kennel (for cargo travel)
Costs of Bringing a 25 lb Dog on a Plane
Airlines charge a fee to bring dogs on board. Here are the estimated costs:
| Travel Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | $95 – $150 (one-way) |
| Checked Baggage (Cargo Hold) | $150 – $300 |
| Pet Shipping Service | $300 – $600+ |
Money-saving tip: Book your dog’s flight in advance. Many airlines also allow a limited number of pets per flight.
How to Prepare Your 25 lb Dog for a Flight
1. Check airline rules
Each airline has a different pet travel policy. Be sure to visit their website or call before booking.
2. Choose the Right Flight
- Always choose non-stop flights to reduce stress
- Avoid extreme weather conditions
3. Train your dog for travel
- Make the dog comfortable in their carrier
- Get your dog used to traveling by taking short trips in a motor vehicle
4. Pack the Travel Essentials
- Travel carrier
- Leash and harness
- Water and foldable bowl
- Comfort items (blanket, toys)
- Health documents (vaccination records)
5. Consult a vet
Make sure your dog is healthy and his vaccinations are up to date. Some airlines may ask for a health certificate.
Safety Tips for Flying with a 25 lb Dog
🔹 For cabin travel:
✔️ Always keep your dog calm and comfortable
✔️ Avoid feeding the dog right before takeoff to prevent motion sickness
✔️ If your dog tends to be anxious, consider using a calming spray
🔹 For cargo travel:
✔️ Book a direct flight to reduce the dog’s stress
✔️ Make sure the crate is secure and well-ventilated
✔️ Avoid extremely hot or cold temperatures
FAQs: Can You Bring a 25 lb Dog on a Plane?
Can a 25 lb dog fit under an airplane seat?
Most airlines require in-cabin pets to fit under the seat in a carrier. A 25 lb dog might be too large for in-cabin travel unless they are small in size and can fit in a flexible soft-sided carrier.
Do airlines check pet weight before boarding?
Yes, some airlines weigh your pet and carrier at check-in. If the combined weight exceeds the airline’s limit, you may need to book them in cargo.
Which airlines allow medium-sized dogs in the cabin?
Very few airlines allow dogs over 20 lbs in the cabin. Alaska Airlines has a 25 lb limit, but most require pets to be 20 lbs or less.
Can emotional support dogs over 25 lbs fly in the cabin?
Most airlines have removed special exemptions for emotional support animals. However, service dogs (ADA-compliant) can fly in the cabin regardless of size.
Final Thoughts: Can You Bring a 25 lb Dog on a Plane?
The answer is yes. You can bring a 25-pound dog on a plane, but whether it can travel in the cabin or be sent as cargo will depend entirely on the airline’s policies.
✈️ Key points:
✔️ Most airlines only allow dogs up to 20 pounds in the cabin
✔️ Remember that a 25-pound dog may have to travel in checked baggage or cargo
✔️ Be sure to check airline policies before booking
✔️ Prepare your beloved dog for a safe and comfortable trip
If you are planning to fly with your 25-pound dog, follow these tips and ensure a stress-free trip! 🐶✈️
