If you have a small dog, flying together is absolutely something you can do. In fact, having a small dog is the single biggest advantage when it comes to in-cabin air travel — the entire system is built around small breeds. Weight limits, carrier sizes, under-seat space — all of it favors dogs on the smaller end of the scale.
Sami is a West Highland White Terrier. He weighs around 7.5-8 kg, which puts him right at the upper edge of what most airlines allow in the cabin. If your dog is smaller than that, you’re in an even better position than we are. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Small Dogs Have It Easier
Most airlines set their cabin pet weight limit at 8 kg (about 17.5 lbs) including the carrier bag. Some allow up to 10 or even 12 kg, but 8 kg is the standard across most European airlines and many US carriers. If your dog weighs 4-5 kg, you have a comfortable margin. You won’t stress about the weigh-in at check-in, and you’ll have more flexibility in choosing a carrier bag since the bag’s weight matters less.
Small dogs also fit more comfortably under the seat. The under-seat space on most aircraft is roughly 45 x 35 x 20 cm — a tight fit for a medium-small breed like a Westie, but spacious for a Yorkie, Chihuahua, Maltese, or Toy Poodle. Your dog can actually sit, turn around, and lie down properly in the carrier, which makes the flight more comfortable for them and less stressful for you.
At check-in, a visibly small dog in a properly sized carrier almost never gets questioned. The check-in agent sees a tiny dog, confirms the documents, and waves you through. Compare that to our experience with Sami, where we’ve had close calls with agents scrutinizing his size. If you want to understand the worst-case scenario, read about what happens when your dog gets rejected at check-in — but with a genuinely small dog, the odds of that are minimal.
Which Small Breeds Fly Best?
Breeds that consistently fall well within cabin limits include: Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Toy Poodles, Papillons, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus (on the smaller end), Miniature Dachshunds, and Havanese. These breeds typically weigh 2-6 kg, giving you plenty of room under the weight limit even with the carrier.
Slightly larger small breeds — like Westies, Miniature Schnauzers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, French Bulldogs (though these have breathing restrictions with many airlines), and Cocker Spaniels — sit closer to the limit and require more careful weight management. For terrier-specific advice, see our guide to the best airlines for terrier breeds.
What You Need
The requirements are the same regardless of your dog’s size. You need a pet-friendly airline, an airline-approved carrier that meets the size requirements, the right travel documents, a current rabies vaccine, and a microchip.
The one advantage small dog owners have with the carrier: you can often use a smaller, lighter carrier bag. This saves weight (helpful for the weigh-in), saves space, and is easier to carry through the airport. Just make sure the carrier still meets the airline’s minimum requirements — your dog must be able to lie down and turn around inside it.
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Preparing Your Small Dog for the Flight
Small dogs aren’t automatically good flyers. A 3 kg Chihuahua can be just as anxious as a 8 kg Westie if they’re not prepared. The preparation is the same.
Carrier training is non-negotiable. Start at least two weeks before your flight. Your dog should view the carrier as a safe, comfortable space — not something they’re forced into at the airport. Feed them in it. Let them nap in it. Practice closing the zipper for increasing periods.
On flight day, tire them out. A long walk, playtime, whatever gets their energy out. Then at the airport, let them walk around on leash before going through security. A tired small dog will curl up and sleep through the flight — which is exactly what you want.
For more on keeping your dog calm during the actual flight, see our in-flight calm guide. For the complete step-by-step process, our first-timer’s guide covers everything from booking to landing.
Common Concerns with Small Dogs
Ear pressure. Small dogs feel cabin pressure changes during takeoff and landing, just like bigger dogs (and humans). Give them something to chew on during ascent and descent — the chewing motion helps relieve the pressure.
Temperature. Small dogs can get cold more easily, especially under the seat where the air conditioning hits directly. Put a blanket in the carrier — their favorite one from home, ideally. This serves double duty: warmth and comfort.
Potty on long flights. Smaller dogs often have smaller bladders. For flights over 4-5 hours, bring a training pad. You can take your dog to the airplane bathroom with a pad if needed, though in our experience, most dogs hold it for the duration of the flight. For more on managing this, our packing checklist covers what to bring.
Feeding. Skip the full meal 4-6 hours before the flight. Small treats during the flight are fine and helpful for calming. A full stomach on a small dog increases the chances of nausea or needing a bathroom break.
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Having a small dog is your biggest advantage when flying. The weight limits work in your favor, the carrier fits easily, and check-in is usually a breeze. The preparation is the same as for any dog — carrier training, documents, the right airline — but the execution is easier. For the full picture, see our complete guide to flying with your dog in the cabin.
