The kennel with the pet inside cannot weigh more than 20 pounds. Are dogs allowed in cargo/checked baggage? The first question is, should you fly with your pet at all? Yes: $100 each way to travel in both cargo and the cabin. American Airlines has great safety procedures in place, but unfortunately they dont allow pets to be checked as cargo, unless its by an active service member on assignment (this could change in a post-COVID world). Unfortunately, this is another airline that hasnt been taking pets as cargo since early 2020, due to COVID restrictions. You can indicate youll be traveling with a pet when you book, or add your pet to an existing reservation. A non-refundable fee of $50.00 per segment per carrier will apply for all pets. It has been used by millions of passengers from 195 countries and has become the industry standard for safety, product and COVID-19 ratings. Is there a fee to travel with your pet? Health and vaccine requirements: Health certificates are required for dogs traveling in the cabin as well as in cargo/the baggage compartment. The fee is $125 each way, plus an additional $125 for U.S. flights with more than a four-hour voluntary stopover. You dont have proper paperwork: Most airlines require a valid health certificate issued by your vet, certifying that your pet is fit to fly. All rights reserved. Jetblue - allows pets in the cabin, but never as cargo Southwest - allows pets in the cabin, but never as cargo Spirit - allows pets in the cabin, but never as cargo United Airlines -. All pets must also be at least 10 weeks old for domestic flights, 16 weeks old for flights to the U.S. from another country, and at least 15 weeks when flying to destinations in the European Union. There are also restrictions based on outdoor temperatures in certain destinations Alaska Airlines flies to, as well as limits on pet cargo travel on certain flights during the holidays. Sally French is a reporter for NerdWallet. Always confirm space is available before booking your own seat, as you dont want to deal with the headache of canceling should there be no room for your pet. Pet kennels count toward your carry-on allotment, andFrontier Airlines recommends travelers bring soft-sided models. $125 each way, plus an additional $125 charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. 2 (with purchase of a second . She covers travel rewards, including news, airline and hotel loyalty programs, and how to travel on points. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old beforeflying in the cabin, and these types of pets can accompany travelers on domestic trips, as well as flights to or from the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Make sure to check the airports website beforehand for pet relief areas, because many dont have them. No matter the type, pets must be able to stand up and turn around inside while its closed. Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Pets cannot hang out in exit rows or in the bulkhead. Aside from complying with these requirements, make sure to: In general, if your pet carrier (with your pet inside) can fit undertheseat in front of you, your dog can ride inthecabin on flights that permit it. Sherpa said Khatiwada was a "skilled pilot" with a "friendly nature" and had risen to the rank of captain after flying thousands of hours since joining the airline in 2010. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. These fees are refundable, so if you cancel your reservation, you can get this money back. While at the airport terminal and onboard the aircraft, pets must remain completely in the carrier and only be handled by the traveler. Heres more on that: If flying is definitely the way forward for you and your pup, make sure to set aside time to gather the necessary paperwork, get your dogs medical records up to date, and fulfill any other requirements. Deltas pet policy makes Delta seem like the most pet-friendly airline (encouraging travelers to take off with your favorite friend, even if they have fur, which is adorable). Yeson all domestic flights, plus flights to/from the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Travelers must be at least 18 years old beforetraveling with a pet in the cabin. Most airlines force you to pick up the phone and call to reserve your space, which might entail a long hold time. The lounges, which are accessible to passengers with certain levels of, or people who purchase a separate membership, accept quiet service animals and pets in carry-on kennels. The Department of Transportation ( DOT) has rules (14 CFR part 382) (PDF) that require airlines to allow passengers to fly with their service animals in the cabin on all U.S. airlines. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. JetBlue does not allow pets to be checked in as cargo, so if your animal weighs more than 20 pounds, youre out of luck. Even with the cheapest fare class, you can change your flight at no cost (aside from the fare difference). Are brachycephalic dogs allowed in cargo? Thats because all airlines limit the overall number of pets allowed in the main cabin and cargo. All rights reserved. Certified service animals are still permitted at no additional cost under the Air Carrier Access Act. Up to two pets of the same species may travel in a single carrier. But at least if youve got quite a menagerie to transport, its possible. Here's a snapshot of some of the data we collected to help you plan for flying with dogs, cats and other pets. They must be able tofit under the seatin front of you (the maximum dimensions are 18 by 14 by 8 inches) and allow your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down in a natural position. From November 1 onwards, you can fly your pets. Pettravel in the cabin: Delta allows dogs, cats, and household birds in the cabin to and from certain destinations. A rabies certificate is required for pets traveling to Puerto Rico. Only cats and dogs are permitted, and if youre flying with a big breed, this is probably not the airline for you. The carrier, with your pet inside, must weigh 20 pounds or less and will count as your personal item. Pets of larger size/weight will be carried in the cargo hold. Pets in cargo: United does not allow pets to fly in the cargo hold. Of course, youll need to check your individual airline for size requirements of carry-on and cargo pet carriers, but checking FAA requirements and the Center for Pet Safety will also be helpful. The United carry-onpet fee is $125 each way. Its also a good chance to check whether there are any regulations you might have missed. Are dogs allowed in the cabin? You will be charged the cargo rate, which is considerably more than excess baggage. Which airlines are allowed to have animals on their flights during COVID-19? Animal owners and shippers rely heavily on airlines to carry their precious cargo. Due to pandemic-related flight changes, at the time of writing, dogs may not be checked in cargo. What sorts of limits are there on allowing pets in lounges? Bringing a pet in the cabin does not count toward your carry-on allowance with Hawaiian, meaning you can bring a bag and a personal item, in addition to your pet. Written with additional research by Ramsey Qubein. The design and construction of your pet's container must conform to IATA standards. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. Pet owners can fly with the following major US airlines in 2022. However, shortly after takeoff, a cargo ramp at the rear the . Only animals traveling with U.S. State Department Military or Foreign Service on active duty can travel in cargo. Passengers pay $110 per pet carrier, each way. Small dogs can typically accompany you in the cabin, however, mostairlines require them to remain inside a kennel tucked under theseat in front of you for the entire flight. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention About pet crate Members ofTrueBlue, the airlines reward program, can earn 300 extra points for each segment their pet flies with them in the cabin. Every year millions of animals travel safely and securely by air. I love Parks & Rec-- my dog's name is Leslie Knope. What will they do if theres a flight delay? Health and vaccination requirements: Spirit doesnt require a health certificate for dogs traveling in the cabin, except for travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands. You cannot add a pet to your trip on the United app. Animals must stay in their carrier for the duration of the flight, and the animal has to be harmless, inoffensive, and odorless. The combined weight of the pet and carrier cannot exceed 40 pounds, and youre able to sit anywhere except for the first row and emergency exit rows. Sometimes, the fee to store your pet under the seat in front of you (while sacrificing your own precious legroom) is pricier than your own airfare. They also have not been taking pets in cargo since April 2020but they have been taking small pets in the cabin. The following refers to pets, not service animals or emotional support animals, which may have different guidelines. Effective today, Delta passengers will have two options when flying a pet. Delta charges $95 each way, which is one of the cheapest options available. You can pay this in advance or when you check in for your flight. Pets must remain inside a carrier for the entire flight. Plus, Alaska will transport not just dogs, cats, birds and rabbits in checked baggage or cargo, but also ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs and tropical fish. has among the lowest pet fees for the main cabin, charging $100 each way per kennel or carrier. Amazon Music vs. Spotify: Whats the Difference? She previously wrote about travel and credit cards for The New York Times and its sibling site, Wirecutter. Types of animals allowed in the main cabin: Can you fly with a pet bird? Most pet-friendly airlines do not permit travelers to buy their dogs a seat on a plane. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Today, all major airlines have fees for flying with your furry friend, but these are our recommended options for the best airlines for pets. These days, all pets are subject to pet policies and fees on all of the major airlines we reviewed. The pet carrier counts toward the passengers carry-on baggage allotment, and travelersflying with pets cannot sit in the emergency exit or bulkhead rows. Youll pay an additional $125 for each layover that lasts four or more hours for U.S. flights, or 24 or more hours forinternational flights. Yes: $125 to U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. However, the animal must remain inside a carrier, with the door closed, underneath theseat in front of you for the entire flight. Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and household birds can also accompany passengers in the cabin, but only on flights within the U.S. Those individuals may check up to two pets to fly in the cargo hold, so long as they meet the destinations age and health requirements. No health certificate needed for pets traveling in the cabinbut all pets must be in good health, and the airline reserves the right to refuse travel to pets in obvious distress. Animals can travel on most flights that are 12 hours or less to certain destinations: within the 48 contiguous U.S. plus Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas. Deltas allowable kennel dimensions vary based on the type of plane, but the airline recommends a soft-sided kennel that measures 18 by 11 by 11 inches. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. The definition of a poorly behaved pet can be subjective, but most airlines outline growling, excessive whining or barking, or urinating or defecating in the cabin or gate area as reasons. Deltas carry-onpet fee is $95 each way for flights to and from the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Note: These guidelines are for dogs considered pets. Petsflying in the cabin must remain in a kennel under the seat in front of you for the whole flight. Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. Flying, even on our highly ranked airlines, can be annoyingly uncertain. Most airlines require you that make reservations in advance, but Southwest makes it especially easy by offering plenty of options to make that reservation, including via phone or through Twitter direct message. Frontier doesnt often win many awards, but it does handle pets better than many other airlines. The pet fee is $125 per pet each way. We gave higher points when species other than cats and dogs are allowed. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. Yes: depending on the flight, theres a maximum of five or seven kennels allowed on the plane, excluding service animals. Were pet fees refundable? According to the American Kennel Club, you should find a soft or hard carrier that your pet can sit and turn around in without touching the sides. Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card. Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, Airline Pet Policies: A Guide to Dog Travel Requirements for Flying, *Dog friendly rental filter applied to results. Yes, on all domestic flights and some international ones. Dogs must be at least eight weeks old. This will count as one of your carry-on items. By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. Allegiant also allows minors (15 years and older) traveling alone to bring a pet onboard. Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? Other major airlines, including Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines, never accepted pets in cargo. Pettravel in the cabin: Dogs and cats cantravel in the cabin onHawaiian Airlines flights that go from Hawaiian island to island, as well as between the Aloha State and most destinations in North America. Jet-setting pet parents know just how heartbreaking it feels to leave a belovedfurry friend at home while traveling. Though they will still allow pets in the cabin, this only works for dogs small enough to fit comfortably under the seat in front of you, which means for a lot of pets, flying will not be an option, Dr. Freyer says. Hard- or soft-sided carriers are both acceptable, but passengers must steer clear of exit rows or seats without under-seat storage in front of them. Whether pets are allowed to travel in cargo, in any capacity. We recommend our users to update the browser. Or, you can go to My Trips to add a pet to an existing trip. American Airlines says it will still accept pets through its cargo service, albeit with restrictions. AlaskaAirlines only allows one dog or cat of any size thats six months or older to travel in a kennel; the same rule applies for pets that weigh more than 20 pounds and are between the ages of eight weeks and six months old. On American Airlines flights, thecompany allows seven total carry-on kennels. Fewer airlines will transport your pets in cargo or checked baggage, Other reasons airlines might not let your pet fly. Frontier also wont let your pet fly in the baggage compartment or cargo (main cabin only) and the pet must remain underneath your seat. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. These days, all pets are subject to pet policies and fees on all of the major airlines we reviewed. Service animals are not pets. United doesnt have any breed or weight limitations for petsflying in the cabin. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. Book your passenger ticket on alaskaair.com 2. Review our policies for pet travel linked in the section below to determine which travel option is right for you and your pet 3. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old to board. Animal air travel is far from a walk in the park. Discuss your travel plans with your veterinarianit may be safest not to fly with your dog. If your pet is too large to fit in an under-seat carrier, he will need to stay home. Pettravel in the cabin: For $125 each way, passengers can bring small dogs and cats, safely secured inside a carrier thatfits under the seat in front of them, on all domesticJetBlue flights. If youre heading to an Alaska lounge, your pet can come too as long as its well-behaved. And even though youve paid for a second seat, you still need to keep your dog inside a carrier for the whole flight. When determining which flight to book, carefully read each airlines pet rules for non-emotional support, non-service dogs and cats to ensure you and your furry friend have the smoothest experience possible. Are dogs allowed in the cabin? In the cargo compartment, pets face a variety of health risks. Make sure to check well in advance, gather the relevant records, and leave time to make appropriate arrangementsand to check any regulations for the journey home, too. If you must fly with a pet, but the restrictions feel burdensome, consider skipping the commercial aircraft entirely. Yes: $125 for carry-on, $200 ($150 for Brazil) for Military checked pet, and prices vary based on size and destination for cargo. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a degree in journalism. Just as it is for humans, air travel can be stressful for animals and can take a toll on their mental and physical health. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication. Spirit allows up to two pets in each carrier, so long as they fit comfortably. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for: Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, No annual fee: Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Luxury perks: The Platinum Card from American Express, Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, About the authors: Sally French is a reporter for NerdWallet.