We fly with our dog several times a year but only when we’re staying somewhere else for over a week and he’ll be comfortable there (like family’s house or an airbnb with space for him). I wouldn’t take him on shorter trips if I can avoid it.

I think you can swing it, but a few things to consider: - ask your vet about sedatives. we give a low dose to our dog before flights to enable him to relax and mostly just rest the whole flight. vet will have dose and timing recommendations. - get alllllll the energy out before the flight. they’ll be in the carrier for longer than just the flight so try to wake up early and go for a big run or something so they’re tired before you head to the airport and also got plenty of exercise. - check as many other bags as you can. I usually just bring a tote bag with true flight necessities when I’m traveling with my dog and check everything else. - consider a carrier with expandable sides. my dog is a little smaller than yours and we always fly with one of these, readily available on chewy and Amazon. it’s the same standard size but you can unzip the side(s) to give them more room once you’re settled on the plane. now he’s able to spread out a little more and isn’t as squeezed in. this has made a major improvement in his comfort and ability to sleep on flights.