Border PetsFlying with a short-nosed dog or cat: which airlines say no
French bulldogs, pugs, English bulldogs, boxers, Persian cats and other short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds have a higher risk of breathing problems in the cargo hold. More airlines now refuse them there — the newest change came on October 1, 2026.
Checked against official sources · Oct 28, 2026
Airlines that keep short-nosed pets out of the hold
| Airline | Rule for short-nosed dogs and cats |
|---|---|
| Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon | From October 1, 2026, certain short-nosed dog and cat breeds are no longer accepted in the cargo hold. |
| Lufthansa | Not carried in the cargo hold (since 2020). In the cabin only within its limits — up to 8 kg including the carrier. |
| KLM | Generally cannot travel in the hold; they can travel in the cabin or as cargo. |
| Delta | Short-nosed dogs and cats and their mixes are not accepted as cargo. |
| American Airlines | Not accepted as checked pets or cargo. |
Breed lists differ between airlines and change over time, so always check the airline's own list before you buy your ticket.
What you can do
- Small pet? If it fits in an under-seat carrier within the airline's size and weight limits, the cabin is usually the way.
- Too big for the cabin? A specialist pet shipper can often arrange air cargo on airlines that still accept your breed. Book early — and expect it to cost thousands: Starwood Pet Travel's 2026 report puts a typical international move for one pet at about $4,000–6,000 or more.
- Check the breed list first, then book your own ticket — not the other way round.
- The import rules of your destination still apply on top of the airline rules: microchip, vaccines, certificates and deadlines.
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Official sources: public.alaskacargo.com · www.lufthansa.com · www.klm.com · www.deltacargo.com · www.aa.com. Not legal or veterinary advice — confirm with your vet, your airline and the official authority.
