There are many standard rules and regulations that you’ll need to follow, regardless of the airline you and your pet are going to fly. If you are going to travel with your pet, you should adhere to the following steps.
1. Make sure your pet is healthy. Pets must be in good health in order to travel by air. Although not all airlines require you to produce a health certificate, many states and countries may require that you carry one. Take your animal to the vet for a check-up within 30 days of traveling to ensure that you have the appropriate documentation. Remember that all airlines reserve the right to refuse travel to an animal if it appears to be ill, aggressive or violent, or in obvious distress, so make sure that your pet is fit for the journey before you arrive at the airport.
2. Find an airlines that will accommodate your pet. Not all airlines will allow animals on board the plane and/or in the cabin. Check to make sure that your specific animal is allowed on board before booking a ticket.
3. Determine your itinerary. Look into which flights will work with your schedule, but don’t book them yet. You’ll need to ensure that there is space on board for your pet before you book the trip. Otherwise Fluffy will be staying behind.
4. Call the airline to make a reservation for your animal. Once you decide on the flight you’re going to take, call the airline to make a reservation for your pet. All airlines limit the number of animals they allow in each cabin and reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Typically it’s restricted one to two animals in the first class cabin and three to six in the economy cabin. You shouldn’t run into a problem, but it’s important to check before you commit to a flight, especially at peak travel times like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
5. Book your flight. Now that your pet has a reservation confirmed (or you at least know there’s space), it’s time to book your flight. If you’ve already booked your flight and haven’t confirmed your pet, now is the time to call the airline and make that reservation for Fido.
6. Purchase a pet carrier. If you do not already have a pet carrier that conforms to your airline’s size requirements, you’ve got to purchase one. Many airlines sell pet carriers at the airport, but you shouldn’t rely on these being in stock. Check the size regulations your airline enforces and head to the pet store. Your pet must be able to fit “comfortably” in his carrier, which means that he can stand up, lay down and turn around. The carrier should also be leak-proof.
Additionally, here are a few tips to make your flight with you pet a pleasant one:
• Make sure you have the right carrier that appeals to your pet’s comfort and your taste. (remember not to embarrass your pet)
• Place a familiar blanket and/or soft toy in the pet carrier for extra comfort
• Make sure that you allow extra time at the airport to take your pet outside for a rest-stop just before proceeding to the gate
• If your pet gets anxious when traveling, check with your veterinarian for advice
• Bring a leash but do not leave it on your pet when in carrier
• Do not feed your pet the of travel to avoid motion sickness
• If your pet has short fur, make sure that your pet is wearing clothing since aircraft floor can be drafty
• Have small treats available for a light snack en route (very limited amount)
• Make sure you have napkins and a plastic bag in the event of an in-flight mishap (dispose of in lavatory)
• Be discreet since you will not be allowed to remove pet from its carrier to meet-and-greet its many airport fans (people just love pets on planes!)
| Airline: Click airline name to see their latest pet policies |
Notes about flying on this carrier with "carry-on" pets each way |
| Air Tran |
$69 |
| Alaska |
$100 |
| American Airlines |
$100 |
| Continental |
$125 |
| Delta |
$100 |
| Frontier |
No pets in cabin |
| JetBlue |
$100 |
| Northwest |
$100 |
| Southwest |
$75 |
| Spirit |
$100 |
| United |
$125 |
| US Airways |
$100 |
| Virgin America |
$100 |
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