Why airlines ban snub-nosed breeds from cargo
Brachycephalic breeds — those with shortened muzzles and compressed facial anatomy — have a condition called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). The features that give Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persians their distinctive look also make breathing harder: smaller nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and a narrowed trachea restrict airflow.
Under normal conditions, most brachycephalic dogs and cats function well enough, though many wheeze, snore, and overheat more quickly than other breeds. Under the stress conditions of cargo travel — excitement, temperature variability, unfamiliar environments, reduced ability to pant effectively — the respiratory load increases sharply. Several well-documented in-flight deaths of brachycephalic breeds in cargo prompted airlines across the industry to implement bans.
The ban is not arbitrary airline policy — it is a response to real, documented welfare risk.
Which breeds are typically banned
Airlines do not publish perfectly identical lists, but the following breeds appear on most major carrier ban lists for cargo and checked baggage travel:
Dogs:
- English Bulldog
- French Bulldog
- American Bulldog
- Pug
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- Shih Tzu
- Pekingese
- Lhasa Apso
- Griffon Bruxellois (Brussels Griffon)
- Chow Chow
- Shar-Pei
Cats:
- Persian
- Himalayan
- Burmese
- Exotic Shorthair
- Scottish Fold (has brachycephalic features in addition to the folded-ear trait)
Each airline has its own list. United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest all publish specific breed lists — check the airline’s official pet policy page for the definitive list.
What the ban does and does not cover
Typically banned: Travel as checked baggage (in the hold on the same flight) and air cargo (separate booking).
Often still permitted: In-cabin travel in the passenger compartment, subject to the standard weight and carrier dimension limits. If your brachycephalic pet fits in the carrier under the seat at the allowed weight, most airlines will still accept them in the cabin.
Important caveat: Some airlines, including Emirates, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines, ban all pets from the cabin entirely — meaning brachycephalic pets cannot fly with these airlines at all.
Your options if your breed is restricted
Option 1 — Fly in-cabin (if your pet fits). If your Frenchie or Pug is under the weight limit and fits in a carrier, in-cabin travel is usually the right call. The pet is with you, the environment is air-conditioned, and the stress is lower than cargo.
Option 2 — Drive or take a train. For domestic relocations, ground transport is a genuine alternative and eliminates the breed-restriction issue entirely.
Option 3 — Use a pet-relocation specialist for international moves. Companies that specialize in international pet relocation can sometimes arrange chartered or dedicated animal flights on cargo carriers that accept brachycephalic breeds, or advise on the least restrictive commercial routing. This is typically expensive but may be the only option for long international moves.
Option 4 — Reconsider the breed if you relocate frequently. This is a difficult point to make, but it is worth knowing: if you frequently travel internationally or relocate across continents for work, owning a severely brachycephalic breed adds genuine logistical and welfare challenges. Many owners are not aware of this until they need to fly.
Check the specific airline — policies change
Airlines update their breed restriction lists without much fanfare. Before any travel, go to the specific airline’s official pet policy page and search for “snub-nosed,” “brachycephalic,” or “restricted breeds.” The airline’s phone pet desk is also a reliable source.
The airline policies section on this site compiles the breed restriction notes for each carrier, but always verify directly with the airline before booking.