Air travel is more accessible than ever, with countless people hopping on planes for work, holidays, or weekend getaways. But for dog owners, these spontaneous or long-distance plans often come with a dilemma—what to do with your furry friend? While kennels or pet-sitters are an option, many travelers prefer to take their companions along. Fortunately, some dog breeds are particularly well-suited for airplane cabin travel, turning the skies into a more welcoming space for both pets and their humans.
Not all dogs are created equal when it comes to flying. Small size, calm temperament, and adaptability are essential qualities for a smooth experience in a cabin. Unlike cargo holds, the cabin environment is less stressful, more temperature-controlled, and allows your dog to stay close, which can be incredibly comforting for both of you. For the right breed, the cabin can feel like just another cozy nap spot.
Whether you’re a jet-setter or simply planning a vacation with your pup, choosing a breed that thrives in close quarters and handles travel well is key. In this article, we’ll explore the best dog breeds for airplane cabin travel—companions that make globe-trotting a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
Dog Breeds For Airplane Cabin Travel
1. Maltese
The Maltese, also known as the Maltese Lion Dog or Roman Ladies’ Dog, hails from the Mediterranean region and has been a cherished companion for over 2,500 years. Weighing under 7 pounds and standing 7–9 inches tall, the Maltese is a true toy breed.
Its distinctive features include a flowing, silky white coat, hanging ears, and a curled, plumed tail. Despite its dainty appearance, this breed is vigorous and hardy. Lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years, making it a long-term travel companion.
According to the AKC, despite their aristocratic appearance, Maltese dogs are actually tough and adaptable companions. Its small size makes it ideal for airline cabin travel, easily fitting into in-cabin carriers that meet most airline requirements.
Temperament
The Maltese is affectionate, intelligent, and responsive—traits that make it highly trainable for travel routines. They are playful yet gentle, and with proper socialization, they adapt well to new environments, including airports and airplane cabins.
However, their tendency to vocalize means early training in commands like “quiet” is essential for peaceful flights. Their compact size and loving nature make them perfect for frequent flyers seeking an in-cabin pet.
Did you know? A Maltese named Trouble inherited $2 million from hotel heiress Leona Helmsley and lived out her days in luxury under 24/7 security.
2. Toy Fox Terrier
The Toy Fox Terrier, often nicknamed “TFT,” is a pint-sized powerhouse bred in the United States. Developed by crossing Smooth Fox Terriers with toy breeds like Chihuahuas and Italian Greyhounds, the TFT combines intelligence, elegance, and spirit in a compact frame.
This agile breed stands about 8.5 to 11 inches tall and weighs around 4 to 9 pounds, making it an excellent fit for airplane cabin travel. Recognized by the American Kennel Club under the Toy group, the TFT typically enjoys a life span of 13 to 15 years.
Distinct features include a shiny coat along with a well-proportioned body and expressive eyes. PetMD states that these dogs have a sleek, short, and smooth coat, typically white with bold black and tan markings.
Temperament
Toy Fox Terriers are affectionate, bold, and delightfully animated. They form tight bonds with their owners and are eager to be involved in all activities, whether lounging or playing. Despite their size, they are confident, alert, and possess a natural curiosity.
Early socialization encourages their friendly nature, especially around other pets. Their high energy and strong loyalty make them ideal companions for travel-savvy pet parents.
Did you know? Though under 11 inches tall, this breed brings together the heart of a terrier and the devotion of a lapdog—perfect for adventures in the skies.
3. Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle, the smallest of the Poodle varieties, is a top-tier travel companion, especially for those frequenting the skies. Developed in Germany and later refined in France, this elegant breed was originally bred as a water retriever.
Standing no taller than 10 inches and weighing between 7–10 pounds, the Toy Poodle fits perfectly under airline seat requirements. Its curly, low-shedding coat is not only hypoallergenic but also makes grooming manageable during travel.
According to PDSA, these dogs require daily grooming to maintain their coat’s condition and usually need periodic clipping and shaping by a professional groomer throughout the year.
Poodles have a proud, square build, long, straight muzzles, and expressive dark eyes. With a life span of 10–18 years, these dogs offer long-lasting companionship in compact form.
Temperament
Toy Poodles are known for their exceptional intelligence and trainability, making them ideal for navigating the unpredictable nature of air travel. Eager to please and alert, they adapt well to new environments and routines.
Their affectionate, people-oriented disposition ensures they remain calm when nestled beside their owners in airplane cabins. Despite their size, they’re brave and confident, always ready to explore a new destination or quietly curl up during a flight.
Did you know? The word Poodle stems from the German word pudelin, meaning “to splash”—a nod to the breed’s origins as a water dog.
4. Havanese
The Havanese, also known as the “Tenerife dog,” traces its roots to the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands before gaining popularity in Cuba. Bred as companion dogs for aristocrats, this breed belongs to the non-sporting group and is prized for its elegant, long coat, expressive eyes, and compact size.
Standing around 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall and weighing 7 to 13 pounds, Havanese are perfect for air travel due to their petite frame and low-shedding coat, which also makes them a good fit for allergy sufferers. Their lifespan typically ranges from 14 to 16 years, making them long-term companions for frequent travelers.
Temperament
Havanese are cheerful, highly affectionate, and eager to please, traits that make them exceptionally adaptable to new surroundings, including cramped airplane cabins. They are known to be friendly with strangers, gentle with children, and cooperative with other dogs.
Their calm demeanor and love for staying close to their humans mean they are less likely to suffer stress during flights, especially when properly socialized and trained from a young age.
Did you know? The Havanese was once a favorite of French and Spanish royalty, and the breed’s pampered history reportedly inspired the French verb bichonner, meaning “to pamper.”
5. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, affectionately known as the “Little Lion” or “Chrysanthemum Dog,” is a charming toy breed that traces its roots back over 1,000 years to Tibet, where it was bred from the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso. These regal lapdogs were gifted by Tibetan monks to Chinese royalty, a tradition that cemented their association with nobility.
Recognized for their sturdy frame and flowing coats, Shih Tzus typically stand about 10 inches tall and weigh between 9 and 16 pounds. Their compact size and affectionate nature make them ideal companions for in-cabin airplane travel, especially if they are on the lighter end of the scale.
Temperament
Shih Tzus are beloved for their cheerful, outgoing demeanor. They’re lively without being overly demanding and are generally great with people of all ages, other dogs, and even different species. While occasional individuals may show a bit of sass, most are sweet-natured and gentle.
Their friendly disposition helps them stay relaxed in unfamiliar environments like airports and airplanes, provided their sensitivities—especially to temperature changes—are managed carefully.
Fun Fact: Every modern Shih Tzu can trace its lineage back to just 14 dogs—seven males and seven females—used to repopulate the breed in the 1930s.
6. Chihuahua
With roots tracing back to ancient Mexico and the Toltec civilization, the Chihuahua is one of the oldest and smallest recognized dog breeds in the world. Weighing between 1 and 6 pounds and standing just 5–8 inches tall, this tiny yet spirited pup is ideal for airplane cabin travel.
The Chihuahua’s petite frame fits easily into airline-approved carriers, and its minimal space requirements make it a breeze to travel with. Known for its rounded “apple” head, erect ears, and luminous eyes, this breed comes in both short and long coat varieties, in a wide range of colors and patterns.
These smaller dogs exude a bold, terrier-like confidence and thrive as a lap-loving companion, particularly in colder weather with a blanket or warm accessory.
Temperament
Chihuahuas are fiercely loyal, alert, and possess a larger-than-life attitude that belies their size. Their spirited, sometimes sassy nature requires early socialization and consistent training to avoid dominance issues.
Though affectionate with their owners, these loyal dogs can be wary of strangers and may bark assertively. They are best suited for adults or families with older, gentle children.
Did you know? A Chihuahua named Gidget rose to fame in the 1990s as the Taco Bell commercial mascot.
7. Pomeranian
With roots tracing back to the icy region of Pomerania, the Pomeranian—also known as the Pom or Zwergspitz—is a toy breed bred down from larger sled-dog ancestors. Standing just 6–7 inches tall and weighing between 3–7 pounds, this pint-sized fluff ball is perfect for airplane cabin travel.
Its dense, double-layered coat keeps it cozy during flights, and its fox-like face with perky ears adds undeniable charm. Despite their compact size, Pomeranians boast a long life span of 12–16 years and come in a variety of vibrant coat colors, from white and black to reddish brown.
Temperament
Pomeranians are as bold as they are tiny. They’re cheerful, confident, and highly adaptable—traits that serve them well in the unpredictable environment of air travel. Though playful and affectionate, Poms can be somewhat willful, requiring consistent, positive reinforcement training.
They form strong bonds with their humans and often experience separation anxiety, so traveling together can be beneficial for both pet and owner. Their alert nature makes them surprisingly good watchdogs, though it may lead to occasional barking.
Did you know? Queen Victoria’s love for smaller Poms helped popularize the miniature version of the breed we recognize today.
Conclusion
Traveling with your dog in the passenger cabin can be a rewarding experience when you choose the right breed and prepare accordingly. Breeds like the Norwich Terrier or Pomeranian fit easily into one pet carrier and meet the weight limit required by many airlines. It’s essential to review pet policies carefully, including those related to health certificate requirements, disease control regulations, and travel crates. Always ensure your dog is comfortable and positioned in a natural position during the flight to avoid stress or discomfort.
While large dogs or larger breeds typically cannot travel in-cabin due to space and air quality limitations, service dogs and some active duty animals may be allowed exceptions. Keep in mind, carry-on luggage space is limited, and your dog’s pet carrier often counts toward it. Don’t forget prescription medications or a prescription diet your pet may need. With careful planning, the right breed, and compliance with airline regulations, flying with your canine companion can be a smooth journey.
