Bulldogs, pugs, boxers, and other flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds face real restrictions when it comes to international air travel — restrictions that catch a lot of first-time movers off guard because they’re airline policy, not something CDC or USDA publish as a federal rule. If you’re moving a brachycephalic dog internationally, here’s what’s actually confirmed and how to plan around it.
Current as of 2026: Airline breed policies can change without notice. Confirm directly with your specific carrier before booking — this guide reflects the two U.S. carriers (American and Delta) whose current policies could be independently confirmed at research time.
This Is Airline Policy, Not a Federal Rule
It’s worth separating these clearly, because they’re easy to conflate. CDC’s dog entry requirements — appear healthy on arrival, be at least 6 months old, have a readable microchip — apply the same way regardless of breed. There’s no breed criterion anywhere in the federal framework. See Rabies Vaccination Requirements and Dog Microchip Requirements for the full federal baseline.
The restrictions brachycephalic breeds actually face come from individual airlines, grounded in a real, documented health concern rather than an arbitrary rule.
Why Airlines Restrict These Breeds
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) explains the underlying issue plainly: brachycephalic breeds are more prone to respiratory problems generally, not just in the air. Despite their shortened noses, they still carry the same anatomical structures — nasal passages, sinuses, a hard palate — as longer-snouted dogs, just packed into less space. That crowding is what makes stress, heat, and pressure changes during air travel a real elevated risk for this group, which is why several airlines have chosen to restrict cargo/checked transport for these breeds outright rather than manage the risk case by case.
What American Airlines and Delta Actually Restrict
American Airlines will not accept brachycephalic breeds or their mixes for cargo transport, citing “potential health issues associated with animal transport.” Restricted breeds include (among others) Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Pekingese, Shar Peis, and several mastiff-type breeds, plus Persian, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair, and Burmese cats. This is specifically a cargo/checked-transport restriction.
Delta Air Lines states directly that “brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs, cats and their mixes are not permitted on Delta or Delta Connection flights” — language that appears on Delta’s cargo/shipping page specifically. Delta’s separate cabin-travel page doesn’t mention brachycephalic breeds at all, so whether this restriction extends to cabin travel isn’t something Delta’s own site makes clear — don’t assume either way without confirming directly with Delta.
Worth noting separately: Delta’s cargo pet shipping is currently limited to active-duty U.S. military and State Department personnel with permanent-change-of-station orders — civilian cargo pet shipping isn’t available at all right now, for any breed.
Other major carriers — including several international airlines — commonly apply similar cargo restrictions on brachycephalic breeds. Because policies and breed lists vary and change, this guide doesn’t list specifics for carriers beyond American and Delta; always check your airline’s own official pet policy page directly before booking.
If Your Airline Restricts Cargo, What Are Your Options?
If your dog is small enough to fit in an airline-approved under-seat carrier, cabin travel may still be an option — AVMA itself confirms this is worth asking your airline about directly at booking, subject to that airline’s own cabin-pet policy, size/weight limits, and fees. If cabin travel isn’t possible and your airline restricts cargo for your breed, your realistic options are a different carrier with a more permissive policy (verify directly, don’t assume) or a ground-transport option for shorter routes.
If your dog does fly, AVMA’s practical advice for crate setup is straightforward: skip thick blankets or anything your dog could bury its nose in, since that raises respiratory risk — a thin blanket or flat newspaper lining is the safer choice.
