Can a 23 lb Dog Fly in a Cabin? What Pet Owners Need to Know
Air travel with a dog weighing 23 lbs can be challenging due to strict airline cabin pet policies. Whether your medium-sized companion can join you in the aircraft cabin largely depends on airline rules, carrier dimensions, and weight restrictions. Here's what you need to know if you're hoping to travel with your 23 lb dog in-cabin.
1. Standard Airline Policies
Most commercial airlines restrict in-cabin travel to small pets that can comfortably fit inside a pet carrier beneath the seat. While this usually includes animals below 17–20 lbs, a 23 lb dog often exceeds this general limit, especially when considering the combined weight of the pet and its carrier. Here's what typical airline cabin policies look like:
- Carrier size is the limiting factor — carriers must fit under the plane seat (varies by aircraft model).
- Some airlines impose a strict weight limit — often around 20 lbs including the carrier.
- Most airlines (especially international ones) enforce these rules strictly.
2. Exceptions Allowing Larger Dogs
There are a few workarounds or airline exceptions for dogs over 20 lbs, including 23 lb dogs:
- Service Animals: Under the DOT and ADA regulations in the U.S., trained service dogs are allowed in-cabin regardless of size, as long as they remain within the seat footprint or an extra seat is purchased.
- JSX: The semi-private airline JSX allows dogs up to 79 lbs in the cabin. Dogs under 30 lbs (like a 23 lb dog) can ride for a fee if they stay in an under-seat carrier. If the dog doesn’t fit, owners can purchase a second seat and the dog can lie leashed on the floor in front of it.
- Some Latin American carriers (AeroMexico, LATAM, Volaris, Copa) may still allow emotional support animals (ESAs) over the usual weight limits, though support documentation is required.
3. U.S. vs. International Airlines – Key Differences
In the United States and Canada:
- Some airlines do not enforce strict weight limits, but carriers must fit under the seat.
- Fees typically range from $95 to $150 each way.
- Examples include American, United, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue.
In Europe and other international destinations:
- In-cabin pets are usually limited to carriers weighing less than 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
- A 23 lb dog likely exceeds airline weight restrictions for cabin travel.
- Airline examples with this limit include Lufthansa, KLM, and Air France.
4. Flying Options for 23 lb Dogs
If traditional airlines won’t accept your 23 lb dog in-cabin, consider:
- Pet Charter Flights: Services like RetrievAir, K9 Jets, or Bark Air allow larger dogs to fly in-cabin on private or semi-private flights.
- Cargo Travel: Many major airlines allow dogs exceeding cabin limits to fly in pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo holds. Follow IATA standards for crates and ensure your dog is healthy and crate-trained.
- Road or Train Travel: If air travel proves unsuitable, consider alternatives like trains, ferries, or driving long distances.
5. Documentation & Preparation
For any form of travel, be it in-cabin or cargo, make sure you meet all transport requirements, such as:
- Health certificate and updated vaccinations
- Microchip (especially for international travel)
- Approved carrier or crate
- Booking well in advance due to limited pet spots
Conclusion
A 23 lb dog can only fly in-cabin under special conditions — if it fits in an under-seat carrier on airlines without strict weight limits (mostly U.S. based), is a registered service animal, or travels on semi-private charters like JSX. Otherwise, your best bet is airline cargo or alternative travel methods. Always confirm the latest policies directly with your airline before booking.
