Home Page › Blog › Where Does a Service Dog Sit On An Airplane?
Where Does a Service Dog Sit On An Airplane?

In short: During flights, smaller service dogs are allowed to sit in their handler’s lap while larger service dogs can sit in the foot space. The service dog cannot impinge on another passenger’s space or block the aisle.
Before you fly ✈️ : U.S. travel rules permit service dogs to fly in the cabin if the handler has submitted the DOT’s service animal form to the airline prior to boarding. This allows owners of service dogs and psychiatric service dogs to board airplanes with their canines free of any additional charge.
Alternate accommodations for larger breeds: Many service dogs are larger breeds such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Labradors. These dogs sometimes cannot comfortably fit into the passenger’s foot space. In these situations, the airline should try to move the passenger to another seat in the same class of service where the service dog can be accommodated (for example, next to an empty seat, if available).
Last resort options: If a larger service dog cannot be accommodated on a full flight, airlines can offer to transport the service dog free of charge in cargo (which almost every service dog owner would decline) or rebook the tickets on a later flight if there is space available.
What else to know: Be sure to come prepared to the airport with a harness, leash, or tether. The airline can require the handler to use these items. It’s also a good idea to use service dog accessories like tags, vests, and ID cards so you can let airline staff and other passengers know that you have a service dog.
Latest Posts

How Service Dogs Can Help a Person with Anxiety
Debilitating anxiety can make everyday tasks difficult to manage. It can be a struggle to go out in public, attend social events, or even complete simple tasks like grocery shopping. For those who experience anxiety that affects their daily life, a service dog can be a game-changer. Psychiatric Service Dogs for Anxiety A service dog […]


How do you verify a Psychiatric Service Dog?
How does someone prove they own a psychiatric service dog (PSD), not just a regular everyday pet? The law limits the ways someone can ask about your service dog. This is to protect the privacy of handlers while also ensuring they have a clear way to prove their need for a PSD. You do not […]


Where Can a Service Dog Go in New York?
In New York, service dogs can go to many places that pets can’t. Service dogs are allowed in almost all public areas in New York, including: This means if you’re a resident of New York City, your service dog is welcome in places like the L Train, the MOMA, your favorite cafe in Brooklyn, and […]
