Most Airlines Ban Your French Bulldog from Cargo.
Here's the Route That Still Works.
Otto's Legacy: The Complete Brachycephalic Relocation Guide
We lost Otto in 2021. He was our French Bulldog who taught us that moving with snub-nosed breeds isn't impossible—it just takes the right information.
Back in 2016, we drove Otto from Washington to Florida because airlines wouldn't allow him in the hold, and we were not willing to ship him as cargo. We'd make the same choice today, but today even cargo is not available.
When we moved to Spain in 2023, I realized: if Otto had lived to make that move with us, our options would have been extremely limited. That's when I decided to research every workaround, every loophole, every route that still works for brachycephalic breeds.
This supplement is what I wish we'd had when Otto was alive.
Note about February: For over two years, Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital provided rehabilitation, acupuncture, and pain therapy for Otto's spinal stenosis. This month would have been his 18th birthday. In his honor, 10% of all February guide sales go to the Angel Fund at Aloha—helping pets in emergency situations.
Happy Birthday, Otto. 🐾
THE CHALLENGE
French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and other snub-nosed breeds face unique challenges when relocating internationally. Most major airlines BAN these breeds from cargo holds:
❌ American Airlines | ❌ Delta | ❌ United
❌ Lufthansa | ❌ Air Canada | ❌ And many more...
Why? Their shortened airways make them more vulnerable to breathing issues during flight, especially in cargo holds where temperature and air pressure fluctuate.
What This Means for You:
- No direct flights from US to Europe
- Professional services quote $8,000-12,000
- UK requires "Manifest Cargo" you can't book yourself
- Summer travel nearly impossible
- You're told "just leave your dog behind"
But there ARE workarounds if you know where to look.
THIS GUIDE IS FOR YOU IF:
- ✅ You own a French Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, English Bulldog, or any flat-faced breed
- ✅ You're relocating to Europe and airlines keep saying "NO"
- ✅ You want to avoid $10,000+ professional services if possible
- ✅ You need accurate 2026 costs and current airline policies
- ✅ You're willing to do the work to save thousands
You might not need the Brachycephalic Supplement if:
- Your dog is under 17.6 lbs (the main guide covers in-cabin travel thoroughly)
- You're moving within 30 days (consider professional services for speed)
- You prefer to pay professionals rather than DIY the logistics
(But the Essential Edition still covers all basic pet relocation steps, cost saving tips and DIY vs. Professional cost comparisons.)
YOUR OPTIONS
| In-Cabin | Turkish Airlines | Professional | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Dogs under 17.6 lbs | 20-70 lbs, winter | Summer, UK, 70+ lbs |
| Cost (One-Way) | $773-2,099 | $1,496-2,834 | $5,600-10,000+ |
| Season | Year-round | Nov-April only | Year-round |
| Complexity | Low | Med-High | Low |
| Your Control | ✅ Dog with you | ⚠️ Can't see dog | ❌ Travels separately |
THE TURKISH AIRLINES BREAKTHROUGH
There's ONE major airline that still accepts brachycephalic breeds in cargo to Europe: Turkish Airlines.
But it's not as simple as booking a flight.
There are:
- Temperature restrictions (under 27°C at ALL points)
- Seasonal limitations (winter only for most routes)
- Special crate requirements ("one size larger" rule)
- Aircraft type restrictions (not all planes work)
- Booking procedures you can't do online
Get one detail wrong? You're turned away at the gate. No refund. No alternative.
💰 This route saves $4,000-7,000 vs. professional services...
...but only if you know the exact requirements.
The supplement includes the complete Turkish Airlines playbook.
GET THE COMPLETE GUIDE
🐾 The 2026 DIY Pet Relocation Roadmap
NOW INCLUDES: Brachycephalic Breeds Supplement
Main Guide (134 pages):
- ✓ Complete USDA paperwork process
- ✓ EU entry requirements by country
- ✓ Airline comparison charts
- ✓ Crate training protocols
- ✓ Customs clearance strategies
NEW: Brachycephalic Supplement (33 pages):
- ✓ Turkish Airlines step-by-step booking process
- ✓ Temperature tracking resources & seasonal planning
- ✓ UK "backdoor" route (save $5,000-9,000)
- ✓ Aircraft verification guide (wide-body vs. narrow-body)
- ✓ Decision tree: Which option is right for you?
- ✓ 5 real case studies (budget family, summer emergency, UK destination, etc.)
- ✓ BOAS risk assessment checklist
Both include main guide + brachy supplement. Premium version includes 30 days direct email support + planning phone calls.
✅ Instant PDF download | ✅ Lifetime access + updates | ✅ 30-day money-back guarantee
💙 This month only: 10% goes to the Angel Fund in honor of Otto's 18th birthday.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Q: Will this work for my [specific breed]?
A: The supplement covers all brachycephalic breeds: French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and any flat-faced mix. If airlines call your dog "snub-nosed," this guide is for you.
Q: What if I'm moving in summer?
A: Turkish Airlines is nearly impossible June-August due to temperature embargoes. The supplement shows you professional service alternatives and how to evaluate them (so you don't overpay).
Q: Is this just for Europe?
A: The main guide focuses on EU relocation. Some strategies apply to other destinations, but UK, Australia, Canada have different requirements covered in the guide.
Q: What if my dog has severe BOAS (breathing issues)?
A: The supplement includes a BOAS risk assessment and honest guidance about when flying is too dangerous. Sometimes the most loving choice is ground transport or professional services with veterinary monitoring.
Q: Can I get a refund if it doesn't work for my situation?
A: Yes. 30-day money-back guarantee. If the guide doesn't help you find a viable option, email us for a full refund.
FREE RESOURCES
Not ready to buy? Start with these free resources (no email required):
📋 USDA Paperwork Checklist
The 10-day countdown is the most stressful part. This checklist keeps you sane.
🗺️ Interactive Flight Map
See which airlines still accept pets in cargo to Europe (constantly updated).
🚫 Breed Restriction Database
Check if your breed faces entry bans in Spain, Germany, France, UK, etc.
Then, when you're ready: The complete guide shows you exactly how to execute each step.
Otto taught us that relocating with pets—even challenging breeds like French Bulldogs—isn't about luck. It's about having the right information at the right time.
Whether you choose in-cabin, Turkish Airlines, or a professional service, the most important thing is that you and your dog can stay together.
Safe travels. 🐾
Get the Guide That Helps Flat-Faced Breeds Relocate
← Best for brachy breeds
← For non-brachy breeds
✅ Instant PDF download
✅ Lifetime access + updates
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee
💙 10% to Angel Fund (February only)
When you move your pack, you help another. 🐾
Questions? Email nisha@reviewtrip.net or DM @reviewtrip_net on Instagram.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing!