Your Guide to Flying with Fido: Choosing the Best Airlines for Traveling with Dogs
If you’re planning a trip and want to bring your furry companion along, choosing an airline that is dog-friendly is important. In this article, I’ll provide an overview of major U.S. carriers and their pet travel policies to help you pick the best option for flying with dogs.
American Airlines
American Airlines allows dogs to fly in the cabin as long as they are under 20 pounds and can fit comfortably in a carrier that fits under the seat. Larger dogs must be checked as cargo. You’ll need to purchase a pet reservation in advance, provide vaccination records, and pay a fee that ranges from $125-250 per direction depending on the route.
From my experience booking flights with American, the online reservation system makes it easy to select a pet-friendly itinerary. You also avoid the anxiety of wondering whether there will be room for Fido’s carrier since American has dedicated pet-only cabins on many aircraft. The one downside is their fees tend to be on the pricier side.
Delta Air Lines
Delta also allows small dogs in carriers under the seat for a fee of 5 each way. The size limit is the same as American at 20 pounds. You can check larger dogs as cargo for $200 each direction. Delta’s online tools for booking and managing pet reservations receive positive reviews for being straightforward and user-friendly.
In one incident I recall, there was a delay in getting my dog’s transfer scheduled between flights on Delta. But their customer service reps worked hard to sort it out and keep me updated, so I didn’t have too much worry. Overall Delta gets high marks from frequent flyers taking dogs.
United Airlines
United has fairly lenient size restrictions at 18 inches long by 13 inches high/wide for cabin pets. The fee is $125 each way. They also allow one pet per passenger rather than a set number per flight like other carriers. However, United receives some complaints about overbooking their aircraft’s limited pet spaces.
I took my mini schnauzer on United last year. Unfortunately there was no room for her carrier on the return flight, even though I had prepurchased a reservation. They couldn’t transfer her to another flight either. So beware potential issues if flying United with animals during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest has a very dog-friendly policy with no size restrictions or fees for carrying pets on-board in a carrier that fits under the seat. You’re limited to one pet per passenger. They don’t have designated pet sections though.
Since no advance notice or payment is needed, Southwest can be a good budget option for bringing Fido along. From my experience though, passengers traveling with large dogs sometimes encounter issues finding space on too-full flights. So it’s kind of risky unless your pup is small.
Alaska Airlines
This regional carrier serves the West Coast with a pet policy much like Southwest – no fees or size limits for cabin pets that fit under the seat. They’ve also got a nice online tool to search flights with available pet spaces included in the results. Overall Alaska gets high praise from pet owners.
I once flew to Seattle with my mini schnauzer on Alaska. The flight wasn’t too crowded so we had no problems getting comfortable under the seat. And I appreciated that I didn’t have to pay extra or make an advance reservation like other airlines require.
Other Considerations When Flying with Dogs
Beyond the major airlines’ policies, here are some additional factors to weigh:
- Vaccination records: All carriers require proof your dog is up to date on rabies and other core vaccines. Have records easily accessible.
- Acclimation to carrier: Make sure your pup is comfortable traveling in their carrier through practice before the big flight. Nervous dogs may disturb other passengers.
- Proper identification: A photo ID tag with your contact info is essential in case Fido gets separated from you. Microchipping is also wise.
- Pet health check: Consider scheduling an exam beforehand if your dog has any medical issues like allergies or anxiety that may flare up during travel. Be prepared with medications.
- Check airline policies on restricted breeds: Some dogs like pit bulls or huskies are banned by some carriers due to liability reasons. Know the rules for your pup’s breed.
It’s also a good idea to check your destination’s requirements for quarantine, licenses, leash laws and vaccinations to avoid headaches when you land with your dog.
Final Thoughts on Flying with Dogs
With a little planning and choosing the best airline for your particular pet, traveling by air with dogs is totally doable. Honestly, flying private planes with animals would basically be amazing – no rude passengers or strange fees to deal with! But until that’s an option, commercial airlines like Southwest, Alaska or Delta are generally pretty dog-friendly.
Overall the key is remembering that traveling with pets takes more preparation than going solo. With patience and care though, you can have stress-free flights with Fido by your side to reach fun destinations together. Safe travels to all fellow pet parents out there!
Airlines that Allow Dogs as Airline Passengers
| Airline | Pet Fee | Cage Size Requirements | Weight Limit | Vaccinations Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | $125 per crate | Hard-sided kennel under carrier seat | 100 lbs or under | Rabies, diseases varies by destination |
| American | $125 per crate or kennel | Soft or hard-sided kennel fits under seat | 100 lbs or under | Rabies |
| United | $125 per kennel | Hard-sided kennel fits under seat | 100 lbs or under | Rabies, diseases varies by destination |
| Alaska | $100 per pet | Soft or non-collapsible carrier under seat | 50 lbs or under | Rabies |
| JetBlue | $125 per pet | Collapsible carrier fits under seat | 15 lbs in cabin, depends on temperature outside | Rabies, diseases varies by destination |
FAQ
-
What airlines are best for flying with dogs?
Some of the major airlines that are fairly pet-friendly include Delta, American, United, and Alaska. They basically have the most experience transporting canine companions. Make sure to check individual airline policies though, as regulations and fees can vary a lot.
-
Do I need to buy my dog its own ticket?
Pretty much all airlines require dogs to have their own ticket like any other passenger. The cost is usually a flat fee per pet depending on the size of your furry friend. Some carriers offer discounts if you book early, so it pays to plan ahead.
-
What paperwork is required?
At minimum you’ll need some kind of carrier or crate to transport Fido safely. You also need a health certificate from your vet within 10 days of travel. The certificate proves pup is fit to fly and up-to-date on vaccines. A lot of airlines also want any service animal certification. It’s kinda a pain but keeps everyone healthy.
-
Is there a size or weight limit?
Most carriers only accept pets under 20 pounds or so. Much bigger than that and they get crunched in the cargo hold. Size restrictions vary though, so be sure to verify limits with your chosen airline. I wonder if they make exceptions for really tiny dogs? Those might fit in the overhead bin!
-
What about in-cabin pets?
Only certified service animals can fly with you in the main cabin for free. “Emotional support animals” require extensive paperwork. Otherwise pets must go in cargo unless very small and can fit under the seat in a carrier. At the same time, in-cabin is safer so it’s worth looking into the designation process if flying anxious.
-
Are there any travel days I should avoid?
Obviously weekends and holidays are the busiest times to fly. While your pet may have few issues with noise and movement, the wait at the airport could be super stressful. I’d go mid-week if possible. Bad weather could also delay animals stuck in cargo long after passengers get where they’re headed. Better safe than sorry!
-
What about international travel?
Taking pets abroad requires a lot more red tape like health certificates from licensed vets, vaccinations, and quarantine on return. Regulations change all the time, so checking well ahead is crucial. Maybe consider leaving Fido with friends or a petsitter for an international trip? Depends how attached you are!