The holidays are coming up and you’re thinking about flying with your pug. Well, there’s a lot to consider and today we’re going to be covering which airlines you should fly on, what crate you should get, flight preparation and more.

Can pugs fly on planes?  

The answer is yes, but it really depends on your airlines. And also, your pug! Because some are uh, let’s just say a little bigger than others. For me, I flew multiple times when Benji was a puppy, but I started to worry a little bit when he started growing. Today, he stands (or sits) at around 25 pounds. I’ll tell you who I choose to fly with, who you can fly with and who you most likely won’t be able to fly with.

Pugs should fly as a carry-on with you in the airlines, never as checked baggage in the cargo. 

Brachycephalic dogs (flat face, short nose) should never fly as checked baggage in the cargo, as there have been many reported deaths and many airlines have updated their rules accordingly. With that out of the way…

If you fly, I recommend flying with Southwest Airlines. 

You will pay a pet fare with any airlines, Southwest happens to be the cheapest. Oh and of course their human fares are rather competitive too. Pugs will be stored under the seat, and based on my research, Southwest allows for the most room for your pug. And though most people hate sitting in the center, the storage space under the center is actually bigger than the window and aisle.

Southwest Airlines

Pets traveling are subject to a $95 Pet Fare each way per pet carrier, once you book your ticket there’s a number to call to reserve your spot for your pet. The number is listed on their website.

Though I was a tad worried at first that Southwest does specify that, “the cat or dog must be completely inside the pet carrier and be able to stand up and move around the carrier with ease.” Benji kinda plays with that limit, but they never checked or questioned me about it on the multiple trips I’ve taken.

Which pet carrier/crate?

This is the exact pet carrier you see pictured above, and the exact same one I fly Benji with today. And it happens to be the cheapest and most attractive in my opinion. Though it’s listed a little taller (10.5″) than Southwest allows (8.5″), it is a soft carrier, which means it can bend and fit under the chair without a problem. And many of the Amazon reviews attest to the same thing and have flown on Southwest.

I suppose if you really want to play it safe, Southwest does have their own pet carrier, though it’s smaller, more expensive and not quite as attractive in my humble opinion.

Lastly, pugs will count as either your personal or carry-on item.

Other Airlines: YMMW with other airlines as I usually fly Southwest because it’s always been the cheapest for me when flying with a pug (keep in mind they also allowed for two free checked-in baggage). Here are other airlines current pet policies:

• Delta Airlines – $125/ea way
• Alaska Airlines – $100/ea way
• American Airlines – $100/ea way
• Hawaiian Airlines – Inter-Island – $35, North America – $125

Most likely a no-go with these airlines:

If your pug is under 20lbs, you’re likely okay. Since Benji didn’t meet that requirement, I haven’t checked how strict they are… best to call before hand.

Can pugs fly on Virgin America? Unless your pug is a puppy, it’s highly unlikely. As the “total weight of your pet and its carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds.”
Can pugs fly on JetBlue? Again, it’s unlikely as “Your pet carrier can not exceed 17″L x 12.5″W x 8.5″H and the combined weight of your pet and the carrier must not exceed 20 pounds.”

Do you have to pay if dog is an “emotional support” animal? 

This rule had long been taken advantage of with people claiming their pigs… yes that’s PIGS (oink oink), not PUGS, as emotional support animals to avoid paying for the fees associated with traveling with a pet.

It should be noted that ESA letters (Emotional Support Animal) has long been taken advantage of to legally skirt housing pet rent and airlines fees, many online ESA companies basically hand them out within 24 hours online for about $100.

The US Department of Transportation has updated their regulations in 2021 and no longer require airlines “emotional support” animals as service animals and thus have to pay the normal fees.

If your dog is a service animal (ie. has went through training), then this rule does not apply to you.

Flight Preparation

It should probably go without saying that make sure your pug has emptied his bowels and bladder. I like a long walk before a flight as he has the opportunity and he tires himself out. Some airports do have pet relief stations too.

If your pug is a bit anxious or perhaps a bit of a barker, I’d recommend a calming treat (on a related note we also reviewed the best dog treats for pugs last month as well).

Along with a treat, keep a soft leash in the airlines crate as well, because you will have to take your pug out at security. Though they’ll likely have you carry him/her though the checkpoint, it doesn’t hurt to throw one in the bag.

Flying for the first with your pug can be a little nerve-wrecking, but really it’s a piece of cake, the only thing that sucks is paying $95+ each way, which can be just as much as my fare!