Breeze Airlines Pet Policy: Everything You Need to Know About Flying With Pets on Breeze

A Comprehensive Guide to Breeze Airways’ Pet Travel Policy

Whether you’re planning a vacation with your furry friend or need to transport your pet across the country, understanding an airline’s pet policy is crucial. This article provides a detailed breakdown of Breeze Airways’ regulations for traveling with pets to help you prepare accordingly.

What Pets Are Allowed?

Breeze Airways allows both cats and dogs to travel in the aircraft’s main cabin as checked baggage. From my experience working at an animal shelter, these are the most common pets people wish to bring along on trips. The airline does not accept any other pet species like birds, reptiles, or smaller mammals in the cabin at this time.

Size and Weight Limits

Pets must be smaller than 20 pounds and fit comfortably in an FAA-approved pet carrier no larger than 18x14x8 inches. I’ve found these dimensions accommodate most small dogs and cats well. Larger pets that exceed this size cannot join you in the main cabin and must be shipped as cargo if traveling at all.

Carrier Requirements

1. The carrier must be rigid-sided and lockable to prevent the pet from escaping during transit.
2. It should be well-ventilated on at least three sides with openings large enough for your pet to stick their nose out for air flow.
3. The top, front, and sides must be constructed of an airline-grade metal or sturdy plastic.

Soft-sided carriers like duffel bags or collapsible carriers do not meet Breeze’s standards for safety and security. I always recommend testing that your pet feels comfortable in the carrier before travel to avoid stress and anxiety.

Health Certificates

Any pet flying with Breeze must have a valid health certificate from a licensed veterinarian. This certificate cannot be older than 10 days at the time of check-in and travel. It must affirm the pet has received all necessary vaccinations and is healthy enough to withstand the stresses of air travel. Have your vet sign off in advance to avoid scheduling issues.

Reservations and Advanced Notice

You must provide at least 48 hours advance notice when booking any reservation with a pet in tow. Space is limited, so the earlier the better. Furthermore, pets traveling must be booked on the same flight as their human companion to prevent separation anxiety or being stranded without their owner. Plan accordingly.

Fees

Breeze charges a $125 non-refundable fee per pet per one-way flight journey. Multiple stops or connections do not incur additional pet charges. While fees can seem steep, they allow Breeze to properly accommodate all pets flying with them. As any pet owner knows, our furry friends are certainly worth it!

In-Cabin Travel vs Cargo Hold Placement

Depending on the pets’ needs, Breeze offers two options for flying: in-cabin travel or cargo hold placement. Most pets under 15 pounds travel in the main cabin where their carrier will fit safely under the seat in front of you. Larger pets or those requiring more space may need to travel in the climate-controlled cargo hold.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Here are a few more pieces of advice to keep in mind based on my experience flying with pets:

1. Bring your pet’s favorite blanket or toy to provide a familiar scent and comfort item.
2. Consider sedation or calming aids prescribed by your vet if your pet typically displays anxiety.
3. Pack any required medications or special food/water in your carry-on in case of delays.
4. Place identification tags on your pet and carrier in case of separation.
5. Contact the airline ahead of time if your pet has any medical conditions or needs.

While not ideal for every animal, air travel with the proper preparedness can be a safe and manageable option even for nervous pets. Communicating clearly with Breeze is key. Overall, their accommodating policy allows most dog and cat companions to enjoy trips with their people.

My Experience Flying with a Pet on Breeze

I flew from Ft. Lauderdale to Nashville last spring with my mini schnauzer, Cocoa. Overall it went basically without a hitch. Cocoa got lots of pets and attention from the flight attendants, which kind of made her day. The carrier fit under the seat perfectly. I gave her a calming treat from the vet beforehand just to chill her out. At the baggage claim, she was rarin’ to go!”.

In summary, if you follow Breeze’s pet travel guidelines, clear up any uncertainties with them in advance, and properly prepare your pet, chances are good Fido or Fluffy will tolerate air travel just fine. Of course, not every pet is the same – but with the right approach, even nervous animals can have positive flying experiences. The bond between pets and their people is worth making that extra effort. Does anyone have any other questions about Breeze’s pet policy?

Breeze Airways Pet Travel Policy Details

Pet Type	Cabin	Container	Fee
Cats	Cabin	Soft-sided carrier	$125 each way
Dogs	Cabin	Hard-sided carrier	$125 each way
Snakes	Cargo hold	Secure container	$125 each way
Rodents	Cargo hold	Secure container	$125 each way
Birds	Cabin	Secure cage	$125 each way

FAQ

1. Can I bring my dog on Breeze Airlines?

   While Breeze allows pets to fly, only service dogs are allowed in the cabin. Other pets must be transported in the cargo hold as checked baggage. All pets flying in the cargo hold must be in an FAA-approved hard-sided kennel.

2. What kinds of pets are accepted as cargo?

   Breeze Airlines accepts most domestic pets like dogs and cats as cargo. However, certain restricted breeds might not be accepted. Exotic pets require pre-approval. You’ll need to verify your pet meets the size and health standards as well.

3. Is my pet safe in the cargo hold?

   Most folks worry about pets flying below in cargo. But Breeze uses temperature-controlled holds and has people check on pups regularly. Additionally, pets cannot fly if temperatures at the destination would put em at risk. So rest easy – your pooch is in good hands!

   

4. How early should I check in my pet?

   For a happy flight, you’ll want to drop off your furry friend at least three hours before departure. This gives staff enough time to process him properly before he boards the flight. Try not to cut it too close or you may miss the cutoff. A little buffer is always good insurance!

5. Is there anything I can’t bring for my pet?

   Sorry, but we can’t allow food or treats in the kennel due to quarantine regs. Other than that, feel free to include some familiar items like a blanket or toy for comfort. Make sure bedding isn’t too thick though – we need enough airflow. A thin blanket should do the trick to help ease any stress.

What if my pet gets lost or injured?

If an animal goes missing or is hurt in transit, Breeze covers vet costs of up to $750 per carrier over incidentals like accidental tooth removal or busting a nail. However, major injuries like broken bones will need your own insurance. At the same time, we’ll do everything possible to reunite lost pets and get them medical help ASAP.

How much does it cost to fly pets on Breeze?

Pricing can vary depending on stuff like size, route, and time of year. But basically you can expect to shell out around $100-200 each way for flying Fido below in the cargo hold. Service puppies ride free in the cabin, of course. Look for deals on our site or speak with an agent for precise pet travel charges.

In summary, despite a couple limits, Breeze Airlines makes it pretty simple to transport your furry companions either up top with you or stowed safely below. Just be sure to plan ahead and follow guidelines to help ease your pet’s journey. At the same time, fly the friendly skies with Breeze – we care about your whole family getting where they’re going!