Booking an international flight when you’re traveling with a small dog involves more than choosing dates and prices. Aircraft type, seat location, airline policies, and timing all matter. A few early decisions can make the experience significantly easier or harder for both you and your dog.
This post covers what to consider when booking your flight, which seats work best, which ones to avoid, and why contacting the airline promptly after booking is essential.
If you are still building your overall preparation plan, start with What It Takes to Travel Internationally With a Dog, our main preparation pillar. If you are looking for what happens after arrival and how dogs settle into daily life abroad, visit Coco’s Life on the Ground.
Start With the Right Airline and Aircraft
Not all airlines or aircraft handle in-cabin pet travel equally well. Before booking, confirm:
The airline allows in-cabin dogs on international routes
The aircraft type supports under-seat carrier placement
The airline limits the number of pets per cabin
Wide-body aircraft used for long-haul international flights generally offer more consistent under-seat space and calmer cabin layouts for pet carriers than smaller planes.
Why Seat Selection Matters
Your seat determines:
How much under-seat space you’ll have
How easily your carrier fits
How much foot traffic passes by your dog
How often your carrier may be bumped or disturbed
Choosing the right seat makes a noticeable difference over a long international flight.
Best Seats for Flying With a Small Dog
Window Seats
Window seats are typically the best choice because:
Under-seat space is more consistent
There is less foot traffic
The carrier is less likely to be bumped
Your space feels calmer and more contained
Standard Economy Seats
Regular economy seats generally work well as long as they are not bulkhead seats. Standard economy allows:
Carrier placement under the seat in front of you
Flexibility if the carrier needs slight compression
A predictable layout you can plan around
Seats to Avoid When Flying With a Dog
Bulkhead Seats
Bulkhead seats usually do not allow under-seat storage, which means:
Your carrier cannot be placed properly
You may be required to move
Your dog may be denied travel in that seat
Even if bulkhead seating looks spacious, it is almost always a poor choice for in-cabin pet travel.
Exit Rows
Exit rows are not permitted for passengers traveling with pets due to safety regulations.
Aisle Seats
Aisle seats often have more foot traffic and cart movement, increasing the chance the carrier will be bumped. If possible, choose a window seat instead.
Book the Flight First Then Call the Airline
Once your flight is booked, call the airline within 24 hours.
Most airlines:
Limit the number of pets per cabin
Require pets to be added manually to the reservation
Do not guarantee space unless the pet is officially booked
Calling quickly helps secure your dog’s spot before the cabin limit is reached.
What the Airline Will Ask For
When you call, be prepared to provide:
Your dog’s breed and weight
Confirmation that your dog will travel in-cabin
The exact dimensions of your airline-approved carrier
Whether the carrier is soft-sided
Airlines care more about carrier dimensions than weight alone. Having this information ready avoids confusion.
Why Carrier Measurements Matter
Even airline-approved carriers must fit under the specific seat on your aircraft.
Providing accurate measurements helps ensure:
The carrier complies with airline rules
There are no surprises at check-in
You are not asked to rebook or change carriers at the last minute
This is why selecting your carrier before calling the airline matters, and why carrier comfort should be built well before travel day.
Important Disclaimer
This post reflects our personal planning approach and experience and is shared for informational purposes only. It is not airline, legal, or travel advice. Airline pet policies, seat rules, aircraft configurations, and international route restrictions vary and can change without notice. Always confirm current requirements directly with your airline before booking and again before departure. If your dog has anxiety or health concerns, consult your veterinarian or a qualified professional before travel.
Booking Airline Flights With a Dog FAQ
Do I need to call the airline after booking my flight?
Yes. Most airlines require you to call within 24 hours of booking to add your dog to the reservation. In cabin pet space is limited, and your dog’s spot is not guaranteed until the airline confirms it.
Why does the airline need my carrier measurements?
Airlines require carrier measurements to confirm that the carrier will fit completely under the seat on your specific aircraft. Even airline-approved carriers must meet aircraft-specific size limits.
Can I book my dog online when I book my ticket?
In most cases, no. While you book your own ticket online, dogs traveling in-cabin are typically added by phone. The airline will note the pet in your reservation after verifying eligibility.
What is the best seat for flying with a small dog?
Window seats in standard economy are usually the best option. They tend to have more predictable under-seat space and less foot traffic, which helps keep your dog calm during the flight.
Which seats should I avoid when traveling with a dog?
Avoid bulkhead and exit row seats. These seats typically do not allow under-seat storage and are not permitted for passengers traveling with pets.
Does the airline limit the number of pets per flight?
Yes. Most airlines limit the number of in-cabin pets per cabin. This is why calling the airline soon after booking is important.
Should I choose my carrier before booking the flight?
Yes. Having your carrier selected in advance allows you to provide accurate measurements to the airline and confirm that it meets under-seat requirements for your aircraft.
What happens if my carrier doesn’t fit under the seat?
If a carrier does not fit under the seat, the airline may deny in-cabin travel for your dog. This can result in rebooking, delays, or the need to find an alternative flight.
Will airline staff check my carrier at the airport?
Yes. Airline staff may visually inspect the carrier at check-in or the gate to confirm it meets size and safety requirements.
Related Reading
What It Takes to Travel Internationally With a Dog
Coco’s Life on the Ground
Helping Your Dog Get Comfortable in an Airline-Approved Carrier
Airport Security With a Small Dog: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Preparing Dogs for Travel Through Sound Familiarization