Great Dane Air Travel Guide

Great Danes are the world’s largest dog breed by height and travelling internationally with one is genuinely complex - not because of breed bans, but because of pure size.

A fully grown Great Dane may need a custom crate larger than the standard IATA 700 series, and not all aircraft have cargo holds that can accommodate this. Airlines operate a range of aircraft, and the belly cargo space varies by aircraft type. Even if the airline in principle accepts large dogs, the specific flight on your route may not be able to carry them physically.

No country bans Great Danes. The challenges are entirely logistical: finding airlines and aircraft that can physically take the crate, managing the cost (volumetric weight on a giant crate is enormous), and keeping a very large dog comfortable during transit.

A specialist pet transport agent is essentially mandatory for Great Dane international relocations. This is not a DIY job.

Airline Restrictions for Great Dane

Many commercial airlines

May refuse or be unable to accommodate giant breeds

Great Danes in IATA 700 or custom crates exceed the standard pet cargo dimensions on many aircraft. Confirm specific aircraft type on your route.

Specialist pet cargo carriers

Usually accommodated with advance booking

Charter or specialist freight solutions may be needed for very large dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

In principle, yes. In practice, the crate size for a Great Dane often exceeds what standard commercial pet cargo programmes handle. Some airlines with larger freighter options or dedicated cargo divisions can accommodate giant breeds, but you must confirm the specific aircraft type for your route. This almost always requires booking through a specialist pet transport agent.

No. Great Danes are not subject to breed-specific legislation in any major destination country.

Standard IATA 700 crates are 99 x 67 x 74 cm. A Great Dane typically needs a custom-built crate, often 120 x 90 x 100 cm or larger. The dog must stand fully without ducking, turn around, and lie flat. Custom IATA-spec crates can be built by specialist suppliers.

Due to the crate size and volumetric weight, the cost is very high. A transatlantic Great Dane relocation including airline cargo, crate, health certificates, and agent fees can easily exceed £5,000–£10,000. Get specialist quotes well in advance.

If the route permits, ground transport and sea freight are options for shorter moves (e.g., within Europe or UK to Europe). For intercontinental moves, air freight in a specialist large-dog crate is the only practical option. A pet transport agent can advise on what is feasible for your specific route.

Start your journey

Get Your Free Quote

Enter your pet's details and route

Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.

No obligation. Your details are kept private and never shared.

Get a free pet transport quote

Tell us your route and pet details. We will send you a step-by-step plan and tailored quote.

Request a Quote