![Guide to Preparing Brachycephalic Dogs for Air Travel | Pre-Departure Checklist [2026 Edition]](https://petair.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/airplane-travel-with-snub-nosed-dogs.jpg)
Last Updated: August 1, 2026
Who This Article Is For
- This article is for brachycephalic dog breeds (such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus) andPre-Flight Preparations and Day-of Checklist for Air TravelThis explanation focuses specifically on these points.
- If you want to compare the acceptance criteria across different airlines,Summary of Checked Baggage Policies for Brachycephalic Dog Breeds by AirlinePlease see the following as well.
- Detailed Information on Health Risks Common in Brachycephalic Dog Breeds and Safety Measures,Risks and Safety Measures for the International Transport of Brachycephalic Dog BreedsThis is explained there.
Why Is Pre-Flight Preparation Especially Important for Brachycephalic Dog Breeds?
Brachycephalic dog breeds have anatomical characteristics that include short, narrow noses and airways. They often have a long soft palate or a relatively narrow trachea, and when these factors combine, they can easily lead to breathing difficulties known as “Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BOAS).” Since the air pressure and temperature conditions on an airplane differ from those on the ground, and the environment can be stressful, this tends to place a significant burden on brachycephalic dogs, which already have limited respiratory capacity.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that, according to five-year statistics previously released by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), approximately half of the 122 dog deaths associated with air transport involved brachycephalic breeds, and 25 of those cases involved English Bulldogs (Source:AVMA(Confirmed in August 2026). Although the data is somewhat outdated, these figures are still widely cited as indicative of the risks specific to brachycephalic dog breeds. For more information on the nature of these health risks and other statistics, seeRisks and Safety Measures for the International Transport of Brachycephalic Dog BreedsWe've summarized this in detail there, so please be sure to check it out as well.
POINT
- Brachycephalic dog breeds are anatomically less efficient at breathing and are more susceptible to the effects of environmental changes and stress on airplanes.
- That is precisely why pre-flight health checks and thorough preparation are even more important than for other dog breeds.
Before boarding, be sure to check the airline's acceptance criteria first.
When traveling by plane with a brachycephalic dog, the first thing you should do is check the latest regulations of the airline you plan to use. Acceptance policies and conditions vary significantly by airline and may also change depending on the season.
| Airlines | Trends in Care for Brachycephalic Dog Breeds |
|---|---|
| ANA (domestic flights) | During the summer season, from May 1 to October 31 each year, we do not accept brachycephalic dog breeds in the cargo hold. |
| JAL | French Bulldogs and Bulldogs are no longer accepted for transport in the cargo hold year-round |
| Lufthansa Airlines | Effective January 1, 2020, brachycephalic dogs and cats are prohibited from being transported in the cargo hold of passenger aircraft (they may be brought on board if they meet the carry-on size requirements). |
| Delta Air Lines | Brachycephalic dogs and cats, as well as their mixed-breed offspring, are not eligible for pet transport in the cargo hold (Shipping Your Pet). Eligibility for traveling in the passenger cabin varies depending on conditions, so please check the official website. Please note that the pet transport service in the cargo hold is currently suspended for the general public, except for active-duty military personnel and U.S. State Department officials. |
Eligible dog breeds and conditions vary by company and are subject to change without notice. Be sure to check the official website for the latest information. Source:ANAinterpoint (interword separation)JALinterpoint (interword separation)Lufthansa Airlinesinterpoint (interword separation)Delta Air Lines, Confirmed in August 2026
Some other international airlines also impose restrictions on traveling with brachycephalic dogs. Since connecting flight regulations also apply on international flights, be sure to check the conditions of all airlines you’ll be using in advance. For a detailed comparison by airline, seeSummary of Checked Baggage Policies for Brachycephalic Dog Breeds by AirlineThis is explained there.
5 Things to Prepare for a Safe Flight
Once you’ve decided on an airline, the next step is to prepare for your flight. To ensure a safe flight with your brachycephalic dog, keep these five points in mind.
Health Check by a Veterinarian and Obtaining a Certificate
- Once your flight is confirmed, visit a veterinary clinic as soon as possible to have your pet’s respiratory condition—which is specific to brachycephalic breeds—checked.
- Get all necessary vaccinations and request a health certificate as required by the airline.
- Since the validity period of a medical certificate varies by airline, be sure to check with the airline you are flying with.
- If a veterinarian recommends that you refrain from boarding, be sure to follow that advice.
Preparing a Crate That Meets Airline Regulations
- Choose a crate that is large enough so that your dog can stand up without hitting its head on the ceiling, and can turn around or lie down.
- Choose one that has adequate ventilation holes on all four sides and features a sturdy, secure locking mechanism.
- Lay down pet pads or towels on the floor in case the pet needs to relieve itself.
- For brachycephalic dog breeds in particular, ample space and good ventilation are essential. Since size requirements vary by airline, be sure to check in advance.
How to Choose a CrateHow to Choose the Right Crate for Air Travel with Your PetThis is explained in detail there.
Measures to Cope with Heat and Cold Depending on the Season
- During the summer: Have ice packs (wrapped in a towel) and cooling mats on hand, and let your pet stay in a cool environment before leaving.
- Winter: Prepare a blanket for warmth and a crate cover that doesn't block the ventilation openings
- Brachycephalic dog breeds are particularly sensitive to heat and have difficulty regulating their body temperature, so if possible, avoid traveling during periods of extreme heat, or consider traveling early in the morning or at night when temperatures are cooler.
Hydration and Diet Management
- Before boarding, eat a light meal to reduce the strain on your stomach.
- Make sure to give your pet plenty of water right up until departure, and attach a water bottle to the crate.
- Since brachycephalic dogs tend to get thirsty when they're excited or nervous, make sure they always have access to water.
Stress Reduction and Getting Used to the Crate
- Start letting your pet get used to the crate well in advance of the flight, so it becomes a "safe place" for them.
- Place items in the crate that pose little risk of being swallowed, such as favorite towels or toys.
- Have them get some moderate exercise before departure to burn off some energy
- If your pet continues to show signs of severe anxiety, do not use sedatives on your own; be sure to consult a veterinarian.
Don't forget to prepare for emergencies
- Keep your regular veterinarian's contact information on your cell phone
- Check in advance for veterinary clinics near your destination that can treat your pet
- If you have a chronic condition, make sure to keep the necessary medications on hand.
- On the contact card attached to the crate, clearly state “Please be considerate of this brachycephalic dog” along with the owner’s contact information (include an English translation if possible).
Why don't we go over the preparation process together?
Please let us know your destination, planned departure date, and your dog's breed.
We’ll walk you through the necessary preparations and the process.
Flight Day Schedule and Checklist
Once you've made all your preparations, the big day is finally here. If you familiarize yourself with the process from arriving at the airport to boarding your flight in advance, you'll be able to stay calm and collected on the day of your trip.
If you check your luggage in the cargo hold, you won’t be able to check on it directly during the flight, so you’ll need to be especially careful if you have a layover. If possible, choose a direct flight, and if your layover is long, be sure to check with the airline in advance about what to do at the layover destination.
Health Check Upon Arrival and How to Respond if Something Is Wrong
When you arrive at your destination, be sure to check your dog’s health as soon as you’re reunited with him or her.
If you notice any abnormalities, please be careful, as the appropriate response varies depending on the symptoms. If your dog shows signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting or a hot body, move them to a cool place immediately. On the other hand, if your dog is shivering or feels cold to the touch, they may be suffering from hypothermia; do not try to cool their body, as this could actually worsen their condition. When offering water, monitor your dog’s condition and avoid forcing them to drink. Do not attempt first aid on your own; instead, contact the staff at the airportAnimal Quarantine ServicePlease contact the person in charge, a nearby veterinary clinic, airport staff, or airline personnel immediately and follow the veterinarian’s instructions. Recording the situation and the sequence of events will be helpful for subsequent actions.
Learning from Real-Life Experiences: Preparation Makes All the Difference
An example of how careful preparation led to a safe arrival at the destination
The owner of a brachycephalic dog needed to take their pet with them when moving overseas, so they began planning more than half a year in advance. They booked a direct flight to avoid periods of extreme temperature fluctuations and consulted with a veterinarian multiple times before departure to monitor the dog’s health. They gradually got the dog accustomed to the crate starting several weeks in advance, and on the day of the flight, they were fully prepared with items such as ice packs and a water dispenser. The owner reflected, “Thanks to starting early, we didn’t encounter any major problems, and my dog was back to his usual energetic self right after we arrived.”
Key Factors That Led to Success
- We started preparing early on, with a schedule that allowed for plenty of leeway.
- I chose a season and time of day when there are few fluctuations in temperature.
- Through crate training and repeated consultations with the veterinarian, we minimized sources of anxiety on the day of the procedure.
An example of a situation where a lack of preparation and unforeseen problems occurred simultaneously
On the other hand, there have been actual reports of cases where a combination of inadequate preparation and unforeseen problems during the air transport of brachycephalic dogs led to serious incidents. Even on domestic flights, there have been reports of dogs dying from heatstroke after their boarding or departure was delayed due to aircraft malfunctions, resulting in their crates being left outdoors for extended periods in the intense heat of midsummer.
No matter how much you prepare, you can never completely rule out the possibility of unforeseen circumstances. That’s why taking a moment to ask yourself, “Does this trip really have to be by plane?” is an important part of your preparation. Depending on the distance of the trip and your dog’s health, there may be room to consider alternatives to flying, such as traveling by car or using a trusted pet hotel. If you’re unsure about what to do, don’t try to figure it out on your own—be sure to consult openly with your regular veterinarian.
Summary: Final Checklist Before Departure
You can minimize the risks of traveling by plane with a brachycephalic dog by having the right knowledge and making thorough preparations. Before departure, please double-check the following items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Traveling by Air with Brachycephalic Dogs: Comfortably and Safely
You can minimize the risks of flying with a brachycephalic dog by taking the right steps to prepare. From consulting with your veterinarian and checking the airline’s regulations to preparing the crate and travel environment, and making sure to follow up on checks on the day of travel and upon arrival—take each step carefully, one by one. Your anxiety as an owner can easily be felt by your dog. Once you’ve finished preparing, try to stay as calm as possible on the day of travel and stay close to your dog.
If you want to compare the acceptance criteria across different airlines,Summary of Checked Baggage Policies for Brachycephalic Dog Breeds by AirlineIf you would like to learn more about health risks and safety measures,Risks and Safety Measures for the International Transport of Brachycephalic Dog BreedsPlease see this as well. For general tips on managing stress during long-haul flights,Making Air Travel Comfortable for Your Pet: A Guide to Reducing StressThis is also helpful.
Written by: PetAirJPN Editorial Department (International Pet Transportation Operations Team)
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*The information in this article is current as of August 2026. Quarantine regulations in various countries and airline policies are subject to change without notice. This article is intended to provide general information only; to determine whether travel is permitted in your specific case and to confirm the conditions for transporting your pet, please be sure to check the latest official information from the respective airlines and animal quarantine offices.
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