You love your beagle, so of course you’d love to bring them along wherever you go. But traveling with a dog can be a real challenge between figuring out what you need to travel and deciphering airline regulations. We’ve gathered all the pertinent info to help you figure out if you can take your beagle on a plane.

What Size Dogs Can You Bring On a Plane?

Bringing any type of dog on an airplane is a possibility, of course. The question, however, is whether your pet will be able to stay with you in the cabin. Sending a pet in the cargo hold of the plane can be risky business. There have been numerous incidents of animals who have been mishandled or lost during travel. While there are steps that you can take to reduce the risks of traveling as cargo, the best place for your animal is in the cabin with you.

The weight limit for animals to ride with you in the cabin vary by airlines. Typically, it’s around 20 pounds. Because most beagles top out at around 20-25 pounds when full grown, it is vitally important that you check with your airline about their weight limits. There are exceptions to this weight rule. Southwest Airlines, for one, allow any weight dog provided that the carrier is able to stow under the seat.

Keep in mind that the under seat areas on most plans are extremely tight. You will want to plan in advance to find a carrier that your dog can be comfortable inside of for the duration of the flight.

Additionally, regardless of the size of your beagle, all airlines will require advance notice that you are flying with a dog. There will be an additional fee for flying in the cabin. Unfortunately, if your dog exceeds the airline’s weight restrictions, your only options are to either fly your beagle in cargo or leave him or her at home.

Which Airlines Allow Dogs In the Cabin?

As airline regulations and policies are ever-changing, the following information should be used only as a general guide. You will need to check with the individual airline to find out about the most current in-cabin pet policies, including fees. The following airlines are considered some of the most pet-friendly and will typically allow your dog to ride in the cabin with you, provided that your dog meets their weight/size restrictions.

Also, keep in mind that most of these policies apply only to domestic flights, or shorter international flights. Unfortunately, longer international flights typically will not accommodate in-cabin beagles.

• American Airlines: American Airlines will allow puppies and dogs who are older than eight weeks of age. The dog must be able to fit in an approved carrier that fits completely under the seat and the weight of the entire carrier (dog and carrier total) must be under 20 pounds. Dogs are not allowed in cabin on flights serviced by certain types of aircraft.
• Delta: Delta has amore liberal in-cabin pet policy. There is no weight limit; the beagle’s carrier must fit under the seat for the duration of the flight. All pets must be at least 10 weeks old, or 16 weeks for international flights. The charges for in-cabin pets are not cheap but this may be your best bet if your dog weighs over 20 pounds but is still small enough to bring along.
• Jet Blue: Jet Blue allows dogs under 20 pounds and has very specific dimension requirements for carriers. It’s best to check their current carrier requirements.
• Southwest: Southwest Airlines is another one that offers in-cabin beagle travel with no weight restrictions. Again, the carrier must fit comfortably under the seat for the duration of the flight.
• Air Canada: Air Canada has some of the least expensive pet fees for in-cabin dogs, as the fee is based on the price of the ticket and the actual destination rather than a flat fee. Meaning, if you aren’t traveling a long distance, you’ll pay less to take your dog along. There is a weight limit of 20 pounds, which includes the weight of the carrier.

Keep in mind that most, if not all, airlines will limit the number of animals who are traveling in-cabin. The sooner you contact your airline, the better the chance that you will be able to bring your beloved beagle friend along for the ride.

What Do You Need When Traveling with a Beagle On a Plane?

Safety should always be the number one priority when traveling with your pet. This is true both of cargo, or “hold” travel and in-cabin travel. In both cases, you should be sure that your beagle is up to date on all shots and has had a recent pet visit. You don’t want any unpleasant health surprises while traveling!

If your dog is very anxious in strange situations, is a barker or might have trouble being quiet during the flight, you may want to consult with your veterinarian about giving him or her something to calm him down pre-flight. The same goes for dogs who tend to get nauseous. It’s much better to pre-emptively treat this problem than to deal with a vomiting dog in the middle of your trip!

Be prepared and find out in advance what your airport’s regulations are regarding pets. You’ll also want to note where animal relief areas are before you get there. Many airports will not allow your beagle out of his carrier after you have gone through security, so be prepared for that.

You’ll want to bring along a “doggie bag” that contains all of your dog’s essentials – think of it like a diaper bag. Include whatever you think you’ll need to keep your dog happy and healthy en route. Consider things like their favorite toys, snacks or treats, wipes in case of an emergency, a disposable puppy pad or two.

Obviously, your dog will also need food and water. If you aren’t able to feed them on the plane because of size constraints of their carrier while under-seat, you can still feed him or her right before and after a flight.

When you’re choosing a carrier for the plane there are three things you should keep in mind: safety, airline regulations and comfort. Be sure that the carrier is large enough for your beagle to sit and stand comfortably. This is key! While most airlines are happy to accommodate both soft and hard-sided carriers; again, it is best to check in advance with your airline to confirm.

A few of the most popular airline-approved carriers or crates can be purchased via Amazon:

This soft-sided carrier is one of the more economical and attractive choices for small dogs.

This Sherpa Carrier is designed with special features to help it fit comfortably under the seat in front of you for your flight.

Can Emotional Support or Service Dogs Always Board a Plane?

The answer to this question is yes, but with caveats. Because so many people have begun to abuse the rules that govern the inclusion of service and emotional support animals, regulations regarding them is becoming increasingly strict.

While the Americans with Disabilities Act does specify that support and service dogs be allowed in public spaces (which includes airports and planes), The Department of Transportation explains that airlines are in no way obligated to allow a service animal to board unless they are provided with appropriate medical documentation. This applies to both medical and emotional or psychological conditions. In fact, airlines may not discriminate or differentiate between service animals who are needed for medical or assistive needs versus those who are for emotional support, providing documentation has been provided.

Also, airlines are allowed to ask for medical documentation, regarding a dog’s health or vaccination status. If you are traveling with a beagle who is a service animal, you will need to contact your airline ahead of time to find out about their specific requirements.

The Department of Transportation also points out that, while airlines are not allowed to enact specific breed bans, they do have the right to deny boarding if they feel that an animal poses any kind of threat. This regulation has become more strictly enforced following several incidents in which airline staff were injured by animals who were brought on a plane as a service animal.

In all cases, the number of service animals that a person may bring on a flight is not to exceed three.

Final Thoughts

In general, the more documentation you have for your beagle, the better. Any information on their training, your medical condition and their health can only make the process of boarding easier and faster. You may be able to submit some of this documentation ahead of time as well.

Emotional and service support animals are an important part of many peoples’ lives and make travel possible, where it might not otherwise have been. In order to bring along your beagle, it’s important to be prepared for the trip. With a little bit of advance planning, you can make the airplane trip as comfortable as possible for both you and your support animal.