Travel With Pets
| Updated
Want to learn what is needed to travel with your dog an an airline? Or other furry friend?
In order for your dog, cat, or other pet to be able to fly on a plane, it has to meet the requirements set forth by the airline that you are traveling with.
Each airline has their own pet restrictions, guidelines, pet carriers, types, breeds, weight, fee, and location of pets on board.
A specific size and type of an airline approved pet carrier will be needed; typically a soft sided carrier that is leak proof, with proper ventilation and large enough for the pet to be able to sit, stand upright, turn and lay down in a natural position works best for inside the cabin. Check the size requirements and restrictions of the airlines pet policies section of their website. If your pet is traveling in the cargo/baggage compartment a hard sided ventilated plastic carrier will be needed.
You may be restricted to certain rows or seats of the plane, and be required to have the carrier fit under the seat directly in front of you.
Most airlines only allow a certain number of pets per each plane, so early reservation will be helpful. Don't purchase your ticket until you call and speak with an airline representative to make sure that there is also a availability on that plane for your pet.
Some airlines allow pets to travel in the cargo/baggage compartment for larger dogs. Of course, this is not preferred to traveling with your pet next to you for safety and comfort. If you have no option but to use cargo/baggage, fly at times of less extreme temperatures. In the summer, early morning or evening. In the winter, mid day.
There also are some additional guidelines or restrictions for “Snub nosed dog and cat breeds” which are also referred to as brachycephalic or short nosed (to prevent respiratory difficulties). Make sure to research if this applies to your pet. Some examples of these breeds (obtained from Alaska airlines) are: American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Mastiff (All Breeds), Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Chow Chow, Dutch Pug, English Bulldog, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Boxer, Japanese Pug, Japanese Spaniel, Pekingese, Pug, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Here are direct links to airlines pet travel policies:
Pet travel on Allegiant airline
Pet travel on American airlines
Pet travel on Frontier airlines
Pet travel on Hawaiian Airlines
Pet travel on jetBlue airlines
Pet travel on Lufthansa airlines
Pet travel on Southwest airlines
Pet travel on Spirit airlines:
Pet travel on Sun country airlines
Tips for pet plane travel success:
Book your flight (non-stop to avoid changes) well in advance. When possible, avoid busy holidays.
Make sure your pet is in good health prior to your flight, have your pet checked by their veterinarian. Make sure vaccinations are up to date. Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian if airline requires (dated within timeframe needed for departure, usually 10 days of travel).
Make sure you read through the dog/pet aircraft policies and your destination’s requirements well ahead of your flight, to make sure you fully understand what the requirements are and if there is also paperwork that is required.
Obtain a pet travel carrier and begin to acclimate your dog to their travel carrier a month prior to the planned travel date if possible so they can get used to it if this is new to them. You could leave it open at first, tossing a few treats inside in order to help the dog associate good feelings with being in the crate. Take them for a few test drives in the crate in the car, offer treats and praises before and after.
After you have purchased the pet carrier, write your pets name on it and include identification tags with your home address, and a couple contact numbers. Include contact information for your destination such as hotel.
Plan ahead to get some special treats and toys for the flight (not treats that they see everyday) and only give them to your pet once on the plane to make it more enjoyable.
Plan ahead and purchase a potty pad, or special towel you will use in the carrier on the plane. Carry extra pads, a few plastic zip-lock bags, paper towels/gloves for cleaning up any messes that may occur while in flight.
Monitor your dog's feeding and exercise well the days prior to the flight, make sure they are feeling calm and well. Giving them some additional exercise and play time before your flight will help increase the chances that they will be tired and sleep on the flight.
Make sure your pet dog is well hydrated up until your flight leaves, however limit your pets intake of food (3-4hours) prior to boarding the plane so they will have less chance of an upset stomach on lift off. Have them relieve their bladder right before lift off at an animal relief area inside the airport.
If your pet dog will be flying in the cargo/baggage, check with your airline regarding instructions for water bowls in their crate during the flight. Mak sure your flight attendant knows you have a pet in cargo, and obtain instructions of how to pick up immediately after flight.
Make sure you know how many hours early you need to be at the airport to check in. Passengers with a pet usually have to check in at the counter.
Don't give your pet sedatives or tranquilizers for the flight, in most cases this is not recommended, review with your veterinarian.
Flights can be dehydrating for pets and humans. You can bring a small pet dish on board the flight, to give your pet small sips to keep them hydrated. Make sure they are offered more water after landing.
Safe travels!