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Can a Shih Tzu fly? Airline rules, carrier by carrier

A Shih Tzu breathes less easily under stress and heat, so many airlines refuse it in the hold. The cabin often stays open if it fits the weight limit, carrier included.

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Refused in the hold and as cargo

Refused in the hold during the hot season

Cabin only (under 8 kg with the carrier), refused in the hold above that

Refused in the cabin

Accepted with conditions

Named on the official list

These airlines name the Shih Tzu on their official page:

The rest of the list comes from each airline's short-nosed breed policy, read on its official page: every name leads to the airline page and its source.

Common questions

Can a Shih Tzu fly?
Yes, most often in the cabin, if it fits under the seat within the airline's weight limit. In the hold, many airlines refuse short-nosed breeds.
Which airlines refuse a Shih Tzu in the hold?
According to their official pages: Air Astana, Air Canada, Air China, Air Corsica, Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Transat, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Bangkok Airways, Boliviana de Aviación, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Condor, Corsair, Croatia Airlines, Delta, Discover Airlines, EgyptAir, EL AL, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, French bee, Hainan Airlines, KLM, Korean Air, LATAM, Loganair, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Luxair, Neos, Paranair, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Singapore Airlines, STARLUX Airlines, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Thai Airways, Transavia, TUI fly Belgium, Virgin Australia, VivaAerobus, WestJet.
Why do airlines restrict the Shih Tzu?
Brachycephalic breeds have narrow airways: stress, heat and hold ventilation raise the risk of respiratory distress. That is the reason airlines give on their official pages.

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