Airlines That Fly Pets Without Owners: Top Carriers for Unaccompanied Pet Travel in 2024

Your Guide to Flying with Unaccompanied Pets in 2021

If you need to travel but can’t take Fido or Fluffy along in the cabin with you, don’t panic – there are still options for transporting your furry friends. In this article, I’ll break down the major airlines that accept unaccompanied pet shipments and things to know when booking such a trip. From my own experiences flying with pets, I’ve learned it’s best to plan well in advance.

Major Airlines That Fly Pets Solo

1. Delta: One of the biggest names in the industry, Delta has a dedicated pet program for flying critters on their own. Pets can travel in the belly of the plane as cargo. Eek!
2. United: United partners with PetSafe to arrange travel for dogs and cats as cargo or checked baggage. Make reservations through their website.
3. American: American Airlines transports pets solo according to IATA regulations. Book through their cargo division for doors-to-doors service.
4. Alaska: For service to/from Alaska, look no further than Alaska Airlines Pet Cargo program. They’ve got you covered state to state.

Most major carriers allow pets to travel alone as cargo if they meet size/breed restrictions. Always check airline rules, declare any special needs pets, and book well in advance for the busiest seasons.

Factors to Consider When Shipping a Pet

Transporting an animal solo can seem daunting, but there are ways to up their chances of a smooth flight. Here are some key things I’ve learned to think about:

1. Approved kennel: The kennel must meet strict size, strength and ventilation standards to keep Fido safe mid-flight. Make sure yours is officially certified by the carrier.
2. ID tag on kennel: Include your contact info plus pet’s name on a secure tag in case of any mix-ups. Microchipping is also recommended as extra insurance.
3. Feeding schedule: Inform the airline if your pet has any special dietary needs. They may refuse food before/after travel for tummy trouble reasons.
4. Medical cert: Most airlines require a health certificate from your vet within 10 days stating the pet is fit to fly. Be proactive in getting this taken care of.

Taking these basic precautions will help reassure your pet (and you!) that their solo trip is as stress-free as possible. Communication is key – don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Additional Expenses to Budget For

Flying a fur baby as checked baggage means paying extra handling fees on top of the regular ticket. Here’s a ballpark of what to set aside:

• $100-300 per direction for the pet transport charge.
• $50-100 for an approved kennel if you don’t already own one.
• Vet exam & health certificate (usually $50-150 range).
• Optional microchipping (under $100 at most clinics).
• Potential additional charges if your pet weighs over the carrier size/weight limits.

That can easily top $500 roundtrip for one animal. Ouch! But look on the bright side – at least Fluffy won’t have to sit in someone’s lap. Silver linings, amirite?

Real-Life Example of Shipping a Pet

Last year I had to fly cross-country for a family emergency but couldn’t bring my cat Simba. Here’s what happened when I used Delta’s PetSafe program:

I booked Simba’s reservation 6 weeks out to secure a spot, got his vet exam/papers, then dropped him at the cargo facility 3 hours before my own flight. His kennel had an IDtag and he seemed calm. I was nervous flying without him! But Simba arrived safe and sound the next day with no issues. Delta even sent photo updates of him snoozing onboard.

While pricey, seeing that sweet face again at luggage claim was so worth it. And Simba didn’t seem stressed at all. So if you give yourself time to plan properly like I did, solo pet travel can go smoothly too despite any worries. It was a nice peace of mind during a difficult time.

Alternatives If You Can’t Fly Your Pet Solo

Although major carriers offer pet cargo, it isn’t a guarantee. Some may refuse certain snub-nosed dogs or overweight chonks, etc. Or prices could exceed your budget. Here are other potential options:

1. Drive: Roadtrip if destination is within 10-12 hours each way to avoid overnight stops.
2. Hire a pet transport service: Companies like PetRelocation will drive Fluffy if you handle paperwork/Vet clearance.
3. Ship independently: Consider trusted ground carriers like IPA or PetPlus for door-to-door land shipping if timing allows.
4. Board locally: Leave pet in a bonded kennel/sitter’s care for length of your trip rather than fly solo.

Weigh the pros and cons of each based on your schedule, budget and pet’s personality. With some creative planning, there are usually workarounds even if flying solo isn’t optimal.

Final Thoughts and Tips

So in summary, major carriers do remain your best solo pet flyers. Communicator clearly with the airline, book in advance, follow checklist steps, manage your expectations, and with some luck your furry friend will be just fine jetting solo too! I know it’s nerve-wracking to let them go it alone, but with proper planning it can certainly be done. Still not sure? Then ask your vet for the safest choice for your particular pet pal.

Hopefully these suggestions help demystify the process and ease your mind. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions! Safe travels to you and your pet – whether you fly together or apart. They’ll be so excited to reunite at your destination.

Top Airlines for Flying Pets Unaccompanied in 2021

Airline	Cost per Animal	Size/Weight Limit	Travel Season Restrictions	Travel Area
Delta	$200	50 lbs	None	US and Canada
United	$125	70 lbs	Summer blackout dates	US, Canada, and Puerto Rico
American	$150	70 lbs or smaller crate	None	US, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean
Alaska	$125	100 lbs	Winter only	US West Coast and Alaska

FAQ

1. What animals do airlines allow to fly unaccompanied?

   Generally, domesticated pets like dogs and cats are the most common animals that can fly solo on airlines. Small animals in approved carriers, such as hamsters and rabbits, may also qualify. However, choosing air transport for your furry friend isn’t something to take lightly.

2. How does unaccompanied pet travel work?

   Basically, you check your pet in as cargo rather than having them in the cabin. You’ll need to purchase a ticket, fill out forms with details on your pet, and make sure they are properly housed in an FAA-approved hard-sided kennel. At the destination, someone will need to claim them. Airlines have specific rules so it’s important to check requirements in advance.

   

3. Is it safe for pets to fly alone?

   While traveling as cargo eliminates stress that can occur from being in the noisy passenger cabin, flying is still kind of risky business for pets according to many veterinary experts. Factors like weather delays, inadequate temperature control, or rough handling by ground crews could potentially endanger an animal flying solo. At the same time, many pets do make the journey just fine when the proper precautions are taken. I guess pet owners have to weigh the risks versus benefits for their individual situation.

4. Which airlines have the best reputation for pets?

   Based on user reviews and industry rankings, some carriers that seem to get praise for caring for four-legged passengers include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, and United. They have things like temperature-controlled kennels, pet-tracking technologies, and pet-focused staff to help reduce stress. Of course, like with anything, mistakes can potentially happen on any airline. Perhaps the best advice is to choose a carrier known for trusting customer service if unaccompanied pet travel is a must.

5. How much does it typically cost?

   Pricing varies depending on the specific airline, animal size, and destination. But in general, you can expect to shell out anywhere from about $100 to $300 or more just for the animal’s ticket. Then factor in expenses for the kennel, forms, potential special fees, and you’re looking at a pretty penny basically. Ouch, that’s a lot of cheddar for Fido or Fluffy to fly solo! Maybe SkyBuddy should consider riding in the cabin if the budget is cramped.

6. What steps can I take to maximize my pet’s comfort?

   In addition to making sure your pet’s kennel meets regulations, some tips include avoiding very early/late flights when possible. You can also ask the airline to provide basic amenities like food and pads/litter during long layovers. Some even offer to hold animals in less noisy pet-holding areas rather than outside with freight. But honestly, the best way for pets to avoid stress is to just travel in the cabin if allowed. Just saying.

7. Is it cruel to put pets in the cargo hold?

   This is kind of a controversial topic that animal welfare folks have differing views on. While cargo area conditions aim to meet pet requirements, it’s obviously not as comfortable as the pressurized cabin where humans sit. Nevertheless, cargo is a necessity for some trips when pets can’t fly in the main part of the plane due to size or breed restrictions. I guess the kindest option depends on each animal and whether the mental and physical benefits of reaching their destination outweigh limited time spent below in luggage. Lots to consider!