The short answer
Large and giant breeds fly in the cabin like any other passenger. What changes is the aircraft: a big dog needs floor space to settle, which can mean a midsize jet. Tell us the breed and weight. Separately, some countries ban or restrict certain breeds, so check that first.
A big dog is exactly the passenger an airline does not want. On a private flight there is no weight limit set by cabin rules, but there is the practical question of space, and the legal question of breed.
Choosing the aircraft
In March 2024 we flew one person and a 44 kg dog from Farnborough to Paphos, four and a half hours, on a Hawker 900XP: a midsize jet with a roomier cabin than the light jets we use for short hops. The price was £31,150 for the aircraft. See the route page. For shorter flights, large dogs including Rottweilers and Bernese mountain dogs have flown with us in light jets, settled on the floor or a seat with a harness.
Give us the breed, the weight and how the dog behaves. We choose an aircraft that gives it room.
Breed rules that can stop a trip
- United Arab Emirates: several breeds are banned
- France: category 1 "attack" dogs cannot be imported, and category 2 dogs only with proof of pedigree
- Isle of Man: Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa and XL Bully dogs are prohibited
- Jersey: XL Bully-type dogs need a licence to be imported or exported
Check the rules for your destination before you book anything. A banned breed cannot be fixed with paperwork.
On board
- A harness and lead, used as the crew advise for take-off, landing and turbulence
- A blanket the dog knows, and water
- A walk and a light meal before the flight
More: flying with your dog, and private jets from Farnborough.
Rules change. Everything here was checked against official sources on 20 October 2026. Always confirm the current rules for your route; we do it for you when you enquire.