Traveling with Your Furry Friend: What You Need to Know About Flying with Dogs
If you’re planning a trip and want to bring your canine companion along, you may be wondering “Can I buy an airline seat for my dog?” The short answer is that yes, it’s possible—but there are some important factors to consider first.
Airline Policies on Transporting Dogs
All major airlines in the United States allow pet dogs and cats to travel in the cabin or cargo hold, depending on the animal’s size. However, policies vary by airline so it’s crucial to check with the specific carrier you’re booking with.
Most airlines require dogs to be in an approved kennel or “pet carrier” that fits completely underneath the seat. From my experience booking flights, carriers like Delta, American, and United allow one pet carrier per passenger as long as the animal stays in the kennel the entire flight. Larger dogs that cannot fit under the seat safely must travel in the cargo hold.
Some airlines like JetBlue and Alaska Airlines allow you to purchase an extra seat solely for your pet’s carrier to have its own space. The cost for an extra “pet ticket” ranges from around $100-$175 each way depending on the route. Check individual airline websites or call reservations for up-to-date policies and pricing.
Having the Right pet Travel Kennel
No matter which airline you fly, your dog will need an approved soft- or hard-sided kennel that is the right size. I’ve had situations where a kennel was slightly too big and had to gate-check my dog instead of bringing it onboard due to safety regulations.
For under-seat travel, the total kennel dimensions cannot exceed around 18x14x8 inches. Your pup needs to be comfortable standing up and turning around in the carrier. For a pup’s well-being, only soft-sided kennels are recommended as the hard plastic varieties can get too hot.
You can find airline-approved kennels from pet stores, retailers like Amazon, or borrowing one from a friend if needed. Always test-fit your dog beforehand to avoid issues at the airport. Also bring starter toys, blankets, and bottles of water for them to have during the journey.
Health Certificates and Vaccination Records
No matter which method of transport—cabin or cargo—the airline will require current vaccination and health records for your pooch before traveling. Rabies is a must, along with any others recommended by your vet like canine flu or distemper vaccines.
You’ll also need an up-to-date certificate from your vet stating your dog is fit to fly and free of contagious diseases or parasites. Certificates cannot be older than 10 days at the time of travel. Missing any of these critical documents could mean your pup sits the trip out, so prepare well in advance.
Cabin vs Cargo Considerations
There are tradeoffs no matter which option you choose, so understanding the pros and cons can help you decide what’s best for your dog:
- Cabin travel allows you to keep an eye on your pup, but limits you to smaller dogs or paying extra for an additional “pet seat.” Your dog must also remain calmly in the carrier.
- Cargo hold travel permits larger dogs but you have no visible access to your pet during flight. Temperatures are less regulated down below. However, most major airlines have excellent records flying animals every day with no issues.
Personally, if my small dog qualifies for cabin travel I choose that route for peace of mind. But larger breed dogs often tolerate cargo just fine. Consider your dog’s tolerance for noise/crowds as an individual when deciding.
Some airlines also permit special “Pet Stow” carriers for smaller pets under 20 lbs that can fit safely under the seat without a hard-sided kennel. However, similar rules still apply about health forms and in-flight conduct.
Additional Travel Tips
Once you have the green light from your vet and chosen an airline, you’ll want to further prep your furry friend to help ensure a smooth trip:
- Practice letting your dog get comfortable inside their kennel with treats and toys, especially if they’re not used to one. A familiar, safe space helps reduce stress.
- Consider calming supplements or a light sedative from your vet if your dog tends to get anxious. But don’t sedate them without guidance.
- Bring plenty of water, especially if flying during hot months. Dehydration is a concern for dogs in transit.
- Pack a spare leash, collapsible bowl, and baggies for cleaning up accidents just in case. Murphy’s Law applies at airports!
Patience and flexibility are key when flying with fur babies. Extra time should be allotted for check-in too. With the right preparation, your loyal friend can enjoy the trip just like any other family member.
Alternative Options
If bringing your dog aboard a commercial flight feels too stressful, look into ground transportation alternatives:
- Drive yourself for full autonomy but factor in rest and potty breaks.
- Use a pet transport service who can fly or drive your pet for you in their cabins/vehicles.
- See if a friend flying separately is willing to fly your dog as a companion so it’s less overwhelming.
The bottom line is there are usually ways to travel with pets if planned correctly. Don’t leave Fido home if it can be helped—just do your research to feel confident he’ll remain safe and comfy every step of the way.
With the right preparation, adherence to regulations, and consideration of your dog’s temperament, flying or taking road trips with your beloved canine need not be a source of huge stress. Safe travels to you and your furry best friend! Let me know if any other questions come up.
Factors to Consider When Booking an Airplane Seat for Your Dog
| Carrier | Maximum Size/Weight | Cabin | Container Required | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | Under 20 lbs | Cabin (not under seat) | Soft-sided carriers | $125 each way |
| United | Under 20 lbs | Cabin (not under seat) | Hard-sided kennels | $125 each way |
| American | Under 20 lbs | Cabin (not under seat) | Soft-sided carriers | $125 each way |
| Alaska | Under 20 lbs | Cabin (not under seat) | Soft-sided carriers | $125 each way |
| JetBlue | Under 20 lbs | Cabin (not under seat) | Soft-sided carriers | $125 each way |
FAQ
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Can I bring my dog on the plane as a carry-on?
Sometimes you can bring your small dog in a carrier as carry-on luggage. Most airlines allow one pet per passenger in the cabin as long as the carrier fits under the seat. Be sure to check the airline’s pet policy and any size restrictions beforehand.
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Do I need to buy my dog its own airline ticket?
Yes, your dog will need its own confirmed ticket for travel in the cargo hold of the plane. Tickets for animals traveling in cargo are considerably cheaper than human tickets though, usually a few hundred bucks each way. Just be aware that space is limited for pets down there so book early.
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What paperwork is required for my dog to fly?
To travel commercially by air your dog will need an up to date veterinary health certificate, proof of current vaccinations, and maybe an international pet passport if going abroad. The certificate shows your pup is healthy and vaccinated for rabies. Airlines may refuse animals without the proper paperwork.
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Is it safe to transport my dog as cargo?
While cargo is considered safer than the cabin from a regulatory standpoint, delays or mishandling during transport can occur unfortunately. However, the majority of pets arrive just fine. To increase safety, choose nonstop flights if possible. Also using an IATA-certified pet relocation service takes the stress out of coordinating the trip for Fido.
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What kind of carrier can I use?
The carrier must be sturdy, securely closed, comfortable for your dog, and allow them to stand up and turn around freely. It must have proper ventilation and be leak-proof. Many airlines specify a maximum size, usually around 50 pounds or a linear dimension of 28 inches, so measure first to avoid issues. Soft-sided carriers often work best.
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Is there an age limit for flying with dogs?
Most airlines set minimum and maximum age restrictions which basically require puppers be old enough to travel without their mom and handle the stress of flying, but not so old that health problems could occur during transport. Typical limits are anything from 8-16 weeks minimum up to 8-10 years maximum.
So in summary folks, while bringing your pup along is doable, there’s some prep work involved. Still, not seeing eye-to-eye on whether it’s worth putting your pooch through the hassle of air travel. Let me know if you need any other doggone airline pet questions answered!