As summer rolls in, we’re getting ready to travel on a family vacation. The kids are excited, and they’ve even started picking out destinations. Our French bulldog is a family member for intents and purposes, so we would really like to take her with us on vacation.
However, traveling with your Frenchie comes with a few obstacles. For one thing, traveling by air isn’t as simple when you have a French bulldog.
Many airlines do not allow them on flights due to a recent increase in deaths of snubbed-nose dog breeds on planes. Some airlines still allow French bulldogs to fly in-cabin, but you’d need to buy an airline approved dog carrier.
Why Can’t French Bulldogs Fly As Cargo?
Generally, speaking, your French bulldog is a flat-nosed dog (brachycephalic breed). Despite their cuteness, flat-faced dogs like Frenchies have breathing problems due to their facial structure. Too many French bulldogs have gone into the cargo area of airplanes and tragically died from respiratory problems.
Luckily, it’s safe to travel with them in-cabin, but, unfortunately, not all airlines allow that. We’ve compiled a brief list below of airlines that allow for in-cabin transport of your Frenchie. Some of these airlines even fly internationally, so if you’re looking to sip margaritas on the beach in Mexico with your pup in tow, it’s perfectly doable.
Airlines That Allow In-Cabin Travel For French Bulldogs
- Southwest Airlines
- Allegiant Airlines
- United Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- AeroMexico
- JSX Airlines
- Korean Air
- Copa Airlines
Top Airline Approved Small Dog Carriers
To save you some trouble, I’ve compiled a list of dog carriers that are airplane approved by multiple airlines. Purchase one of these light-weight, in-cabin dog carriers and you’ll be able to take the entire family on vacation, including the pup.
Mr. Peanut’s Airline Approved Soft Sided Pet Carrier
Mr. Peanut’s Airline Approved Soft Sided Pet Carrier, Low Profile Gold Series Tote, Premium Brand Self Locking Zippers, Under Seat Compatibility, Plush Faux Fleece Bedding with a Sturdy Plywood Base (Misc.)
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This multifunctional carrier comes in multiple colors, but that’s not the end of its versatility. It comes with adequate ventilation and breathable mesh sides to keep your French bulldog comfortable. The material is sturdy but flexible and the base is supported by plywood to keep your dog safe.
You have enough pockets in this airline approved pet carrier to keep important documents such as ID and vaccination certificates. There’s also space for snacks and other things your pet may need. For your Frenchie’s safety, the zippers are self-locking.
Drawback: Some buyers claim that the shoulder strap isn’t strong enough to carry heavier dogs.
Maskeyon Airline Approved Pet Carrier
Maskeyon Airline Approved Pet Carrier, Large Soft Sided Pet Travel TSA Carrier 4 Sides Expandable Cat Collapsible Carrier with Removable Fleece Pad and Pockets for Cats Dogs and Small Animals (Misc.)
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If your French bulldog gets fussy in confined spaces like dog carriers, this is the option for you. The expandable sides allow for much more room. Also, there are multiple entrances to ensure your dog is going in safely and calmly. The frame is reinforced with steel strands, so it’s strong and doesn’t sag or deform.
Did we mention that it’s easy to clean with a machine-washable insert, and the adjustable shoulder pads make carrying it a breeze? You get a lot for the price point with this dog carrier, and even larger French bulldogs would be comfortable.
Drawback: Zippers aren’t as sturdy as advertised.
ROVERLUND Airline Compliant Pet Carrier
ROVERLUND Airline-Compliant Pet Carrier | Includes Leash | Suitable for Pets up to 25lbs (Misc.)
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In our search for dog carriers for planes, we noticed that most of them looked alike and had no real style. This one impressed us with the fashionable looks and strong features. It leans on the smaller side, and the rear frame is removable to keep in line with airline rules.
A removable fleece-lined insert keeps your dog comfortable during long flights. This dog carrier also features mesh sides for extra ventilation and a carabiner. The shoulder strap converts into a leash as well.
Drawback: Smaller than other models, not suitable for larger French bulldogs.
Sherpa Original Deluxe Travel Bag Pet Carrier
This wire-framed model is one of the best dog carriers for small dogs we could find. The zippers lock firmly, to keep your pup inside, and the mesh panels aerate the carrier sufficiently. It’s waterproof and very easy to clean, making it a prime choice for most pet owners.
We especially liked the design because you can change it according to your preference. Carry it over the shoulder or by hand. There is also ample space in the storage pocket. Finally, the luggage strap is well built.
Drawback: The material used isn’t as strong as the other models we mention here.
PetAmi Premium Airline Approved Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier
The last option we want to include in our list of airline approved dog carriers is the PetAmi. This colorful model is designed with convenience in mind. With great airflow and a collapsible bowl, it makes traveling with your French bulldog a lot easier.
There’s also plenty of storage space in the pockets and multiple openings for your convenience. Furthermore, the removable bedding is very easy to wash and comfortable for your dog to use.
Including all those bells and whistles doesn’t mean that the manufacturer compromised on safety. The zippers are escape-proof, and you can strap the dog carrier in place when in a car. The high-grade polyester material is very strong and allows the carrier to comply with airline rules.
Drawback: Without a frame, the dog carrier doesn’t stay up all of the way.
Airline Approved Dog Carriers: Our Favorite
Hopefully, our reviews help you choose the best option for you and your French bulldog. Remember that you need to use airline approved dog carriers when traveling with your French in-cabin, and the aforementioned ones were the best (in our opinion).
If we had to pick a favorite, it would be the Maskeyon dog carrier. Even though it doesn’t look as nice as other options on our list, we felt that it has the highest quality and was the most comfortable for our dog.
One last piece of advice (which we learned the hard way): measure your dog before you buy anything, and make sure you account for extra space when buying a carrier. Fitting snugly in a pet carrier is likely to make your Frenchie fussier than usual, which might cause some complications. Also, it’s best to give your dog a couple of rides in the carrier before you commit to a long flight.
Author Bio:
Anne Kamel is a content writer with word-brokers.com that is passionate about writing informative articles about a wide array of topics. She is also a long-form content writer, specializing in travel, food, and technology.
