Why dogs still travel in aircraft holds despite the risks

For many animals, travelling in the hold is a genuine ordeal, and some do not survive it. So why does this practice continue?

At a time when pets have legal recognition, one anomaly remains in air travel: dogs that cannot fit beneath a seat must be placed in an aircraft’s hold. For most animals, these journeys are traumatic.

Once the hold door closes, they face deafening engine noise along with sudden changes in temperature and pressure. Although holds are partially heated, aircraft can remain on the ground for quite some time before take-off: one study found that a dog’s heart rate can climb to anxiety-inducing levels as early as the loading stages.

While airlines cite a low incident rate relative to total passenger volumes, the raw figures recorded by authorities are alarming. In the United States, where the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires carriers to publish transparent reports, multi-year figures show more than 250 animals died during air travel over a decade. This is particularly true for brachycephalic breeds, including bulldogs and pugs, whose respiratory systems make them especially vulnerable to the stress of altitude. They account for half of the deaths recorded during flights.

Injuries account for almost 38% of reported incidents. These include broken teeth and fractured jaws when animals attempt to chew through their crates in panic, as well as the risk of pets escaping or being lost on the tarmac during transfers.

Small dogs spared from the hold

This long-established practice is driven by several factors, beginning with the meticulous management of onboard space. A commercial aircraft is designed to make the most of every square centimetre: an animal could obstruct the aisle or impede a possible emergency evacuation. Airlines also worry about upsetting passengers who are allergic to animal hair or frightened of dogs.

That said, some traditional airlines do allow small dogs in the cabin, provided the combined weight of the animal and its carrier does not exceed 8 kg. The aim is for the carrier to fit discreetly beneath the seat in front of the passenger. Others, including Transavia and Vueling, do not allow animals in the hold at all.

These differing policies exclude a huge number of owners: many medium-sized and large dogs are left out. Rather than put their pet through such a distressing experience, many families choose alternative options.

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New initiatives are emerging, but remain scarce

Fortunately, change is slowly taking place, showing that another model is possible. Allowing dogs weighing more than 8 kg into the cabin means redesigning seating layouts, reducing the number of passengers on each flight or investing in dedicated areas. Many airlines reject these changes in order to protect the profitability of their seats. Others, however, are innovating.

One example is JSX, a specialist airline that has completely moved away from the hold model by allowing dogs weighing up to 36 kg to travel in the passenger cabin. Owners can buy a second seat so that their companion can use the floor space beside them.

Similarly, pilot schemes from dedicated private operators such as K9 Jets and Bark Air allow owners to reserve actual seats beside them for their large animals. However, both companies charter private or shared jets, and tickets generally cost more than $6,000 to $11,000. This is therefore a luxury solution available only to a minority.

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The Italian case

In 2025, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ITAC) became a genuine pioneer by significantly easing its rules for transporting animals. Following that decision, national carrier ITA Airways took the lead by introducing an unprecedented scheme called “Large Pet Friendly” on certain domestic flights. Since 3 August, dogs weighing up to 30 kg have been able to travel in the cabin alongside their owner.

The scheme still operates under a very strict framework. The number of large dogs is limited on each flight, generally capped at around six animals to avoid overcrowding the cabin, and travel is not free. The animal may have a reserved, paid-for seat beside its owner, or be placed in a dedicated area, securely restrained using specific anchoring systems. Naturally, it is not allowed to obstruct aisles or emergency exits.

This opening created by the neighbouring country could ultimately set a positive precedent for people who share their lives with an animal. It remains to be seen whether others will follow suit.