Are you planning a vacation sometime in the near future? If you are, then you will probably be making plans well in advance to ensure that everything is taken care of so that you can have a stress-free trip. If you have pets, traveling may actually be one of the most stressful things that you will ever do.
There are so many different options for pet owners when they travel with pets.
Some prefer to board their pets, while others may hire a pet sitter to come care for their pets while they are away. That doesn’t mean that more and more people are not choosing to travel with their pets these days. If you are planning to travel by plane with your pet, there are things that you will need to be aware of. It is something that requires a great deal of planning, because there are a lot of rules and regulations that go into plane travel with pets.
The good news is that we have done the research for you! Here you will find the complete guide to plane travel with pets. We hope that this guide will make it easier for you to plan your vacation.
Airline Pet Policies
First, you need to be aware of the airline pet policies. Each airline’s rules and regulations will vary slightly from one another. Here is a chart that will give you a basic idea of what to expect from each of the airlines:
| Airline | Cabin Allowed? | Checked Baggage Allowed? | Airline Specific Policies | Reservations Contact Number | Approximate Cost (subject to change) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada More Info | Yes | Yes | Health certificate required, immunizations required, Winter blackout days for cargo traveling, 20 pound max weight limit in cabin, 70 pound max weight in cargo (including kennel). | 888-247-2262 | $50 one way (cabin) $105 one way (cargo) $270 international cargo |
| Alaska Airlines More Info | Yes | Yes | Pets are not always allowed to be checked during the winter months due to extreme temperatures; health certificate required dated within 30 days | 800 – 252-7552 | $100 one way |
| American Airlines More Info | Yes | Yes | Cargo area has a weight limit of 100 pounds, including the kennel. The weight limit for cabin travel is 20 pounds. International flights can have no cabin travel, and dogs cannot fly into the UK. | 800-433-7300 | $125 one way(cabin) $175 one way (cargo) |
| Delta Airlines More Info | Yes | Yes | Only 4 pets allowed per flight. Domestic flights don’t require health certificate. 20 pound weight limit in cabin, 100 pound weight limit in cargo. No snub-nosed breeds can travel in cargo. | 800-221-1212 | $125 one way (cabin) $200 one way (cargo) |
| Frontier Airlines More Info | Yes | No | Pets are only allowed to travel in-cabin. Kennel size requirements are 24”x15.5”x10”, and it must fit under the seat. | 800-432-1359 | $75 - $125 one way |
| Jet Blue More Info | Yes | No | Only 4 pets allowed per flight. 20 pound weight limit, including kennel, for cabin travel. No booking pets online. | 800-538-2583 | $100 one way |
| Southwest Air More Info | Yes | No | Dogs in the cabin have a weight limit of 10 pounds, not including the kennel. Kennel must fit under the seat. Make reservations on phone only. | 800-435-9792 | $75 one way |
| United Airlines More Info | Yes | Yes | Call 800-575-3335 for their Petsafe helpdesk. Must have a 10 day health certificate. | 800-241-6522 | $125 one way (cabin); $165 - $220 one way (cargo) |
| US Airways More Info | Yes | No | Weight limit of 20 pounds for in-cabin travel, including the kennel. Kennel must fit under the airplane seat. Limit of 6 pets on the plane at once, and no reservations can be made so arrive early | 800-428-4322 | $125 one way |
| Virgin America More Info | Yes | No | Pets must be booked in coach cabin only, and there is a 20 pound weight limit that includes the kennel. Must provide proof of immunizations up to date. | 877-359-8474 | $100 one way |
Should You Choose Direct vs. Layover?
Direct flights are always best when it comes to pets. In fact, sometimes the airlines won’t even allow pets on a flight that requires a layover.
It can be difficult to get the pet from one baggage compartment to the next. If you are going to be carrying on board with you, then you might be able to have a layover with no problem. In fact, if you carry your dog on and you have a layover, you will be able to take them out to relieve themselves more often. This is something that you can’t do when you are on a direct flight. So, really the choice is yours.
If they allow pets on flights with layovers, just make sure that the layover gives you enough time to get your dog out to go potty and still make it to your connecting flight without running the risk of missing your flight.
Health Requirements
As you plan out your travels with your pet, you will probably need to be aware of the health requirements. Most airlines will require you to have some sort of health certificate from your veterinarian.
It is a good idea for you to talk to your veterinarian and get a health certificate just to be on the safe side. You also need to call in advance and see if there are certain immunizations required. Each airline is different and the requirements change so often that it is really just best to call before you book your flight. If your pet is not in good health, it is never a good idea to travel with them (especially not by plane).
For this reason, even if a health certificate is not mandatory, it is still a good idea for you to have them seen by your vet to ensure that they are healthy enough to travel.
Here is some more info about the certificate of veterinary inspection, by Dr. Ron DeHaven, CEO of The American Veterinary Medical Association:
Reservations
When you are first booking your flight, you will want to make sure that you make your reservations properly. You will need to decide whether your pet will travel on board with you as a carry on, or whether they will go with your checked baggage. There are a lot of factors that need to be considered before you make this decision.
First, you need to ask your airline what they recommend, because some airlines may actually have preferences when it comes to pet travel.
What is the best option – cabin travel or cargo travel? Dogs, cats and birds are all allowed to travel in the cabin, rather than being put in the cargo, but is that the best option? Some people argue that they travel best in the cargo hold because it is temperature controlled and pressurized. Others say that it is too scary for them to travel with checked baggage. The truth is, there isn’t one simple answer for anyone. You have to take your pet’s particular needs into consideration before you can decide what is best for them.
Here are a few of the factors that you must take into consideration before making your reservations:
- size
- temperament
- health issues
- cost
Pet Kennel Requirements
Whether you choose to board your pet with you or check them with your baggage, you will need to be aware of the kennel specifications. While you will want to double check with your specific airline to make sure that they don’t have any additional specifications, here are a few of the rules and regulations that are pretty across the board with most airlines:
- must be made of plastic, metal or wood
- must be large enough to give your pet room to stand up, turn around and lie back down
- must be durable to prevent an escape
- must have ventilation holes
- must have latches to secure the door
These specifications are the same for both carry on and checked baggage. You cannot assume that a cute, frilly doggy purse is going to be suffice. They will likely turn you away at check in. You should always double check to ensure that your baggage is adequate and safe for plane travel when you make your reservations.
Keeping Your Pet Safe Through Baggage
Now that you know more about making your reservations and getting the right type of carrier for your pet to travel in, it is important to know what you need to do to keep your pet safe through the baggage claim.
Here are a few steps to consider:
Step 1: Choose Your Flight Carefully – A nonstop flight is going to be your best option. This means that you don’t have to switch flights at a layover, and this is a whole lot easier when you are traveling with pets in the cargo area. Try to find a non-stop route, even if it means taking a different airline.
Step 2: Use a Sturdy, Nice Sized Crate – Your pet will be spending all of their time on the plane in the crate. You want them to be comfortable, and you also want to make sure that they will be safe in the crate. Don’t get something that may just fall apart on you.
Step 3: Avoid Plastic Hardware – A majority of airlines are requiring you to use metal hardware instead of using plastics, because this gives your pet more security inside of their crate. You never know when a plastic piece could snap, allowing your pet to run free.
Step 4: Use Cable Ties for Added Protection – Even with metal hardware, you can never be too careful. It is a good idea for you to cable tie the door shut just to make sure that your pet can’t get out the door.
Step 5: Use Adequate Identification Measures – If your pet were to get loose somehow, you will want to make sure that they have identification that will not only ID them, but will help them find their way back to you. Label their crate, and their collar with your information, including your name, address and phone number, hotel name etc..
Step 6: Stay Proactive – Don’t just trust that your pet is going to be properly cared for. You need to keep a copy of the pet travel regulations on hand, and make sure that you stay on top of things to ensure that your pet has a pleasurable travel experience.
Awesome Products for Pet Plane Travel
Now that you know the ins and outs of traveling with your pets on a plane, you might want to check out some of these awesome products that will help make the process easier on the both of you! Here are a few awesome products that make pet plane travel a heck of a lot easier:
#1 – Bergan Comfort Carrier Soft Sided Pet Carrier
A lot of people prefer soft sided pet carriers, and the number one best seller is the Bergan Comfort Carrier Soft Sided Pet Carrier.
This carrier is not only affordable, at under $40, but it is also convenient to use. You can keep it clean easily, and it houses pets up to 22 pounds. It is approved for airline travel, and has convenient zip closures and mesh panels for maximum ventilation.
When comfort and ease of use for both important, this is your best bet!
#2 – Classic Accessories Dog Food and Hydration Travel Pack
When both style and functionality are important to you, consider Classic Accessories Dog Food and Hydration Travel Pack.
It is a convenient food and water dispenser that also has a place for you to store treats and medication. It is easy to use, and it has a roll top closure to keep the food fresh.
There is a top handle making it easy to carry around, and there are side handles that allow you to pour easily as well.
#3 – Heininger 3059 PortablePET WaterBoy
Giving your pet fresh water while you are traveling is important, but it isn’t always easy.
With the Heininger 3059 PortablePET WaterBoy, your pet can drink easily. You can put up to three quarts of water in the reservoir, and it is easy to travel with. It is also really affordable, priced under $20.
#4 – Solvit HomeAway Pet Travel Organizer Kit
The Solvit HomeAway Pet Travel Organizer Kit comes in a stylish bag and is a great way to organize everything that you need when traveling with your pet.
It comes with an organizer bag, water and food bags, collapsible containers for their food and water, poop bag dispensers, mesh pockets to store damp things, and much more! It is also great when it comes to traveling in the car, or going to a sitter for the night.
Consider this the ultimate overnight bag for your pup! It is affordable too, priced under $40.
#5 – Deluxe Pet Airline Travel Kit
The Deluxe Pet Airline Travel Kit is the best $20 you will spend when you are traveling with your pet!
It includes spill proof food and water cups, metal securing fasteners for your kennel, ID tags for your pet and their carrier, and a breathable mat for them to lie on. It really does have just about everything that you could need to make your pet’s traveling experience easier on them, and on you!
#6 – Dog Travel Bed Roll Up Pet Mat
Most of the dog kennels are not too soft on the bottom, and your dog will likely be spending a lot of time laying down on the flight.
To make them more comfortable, consider a roll up pet mat such as this one! This mat is 36” by 24”, and is machine washable for easy clean up. It will offer soft padding and warmth that your dog will appreciate.
You can get it for less than $40, and it is a great investment for your pup’s comfort!
#7 – Zippy Paws Dog Poop Bag Holder Leash Attachment
This accessory won’t even cost you $10, but it will become your best friend when you are traveling!
It can be secured easily to your pup’s leash, making it easy for you to keep up with your poop bags. After all, you can’t just leave their mess behind and picking it up isn’t always easy if you don’t have your handy bags.
It even comes with a free roll of bags to get you started!
#8 – Dog Calm
Dog Calm is a relaxing, non medicinal supplement that helps to calm your dog down before you travel.
It is also great for thunderstorms, fireworks and other things that put your pup under stress. If you want your dog to travel without barking, but don’t want to go with tranquilizers, then Dog Calm is a great natural alternative.
It is made in the United States, and you can get 60 chewable tablets for under $25.
As you can see, there is a whole lot that goes into traveling with your pet. With the help of this guide, and these awesome products, you are sure to have a pleasant traveling experience!
One Response
Seems like an overall chore to deal with this sort of thing. I would hate to have my dog sit on a long flight, especially being all alone and stuff. It kind of scares me in a way, plus I hate leaving my dog unattended.
I think the best way to go is a road trip. But some people would probably prefer other ways.