Airline Pet Policies 2024: A Guide to Flying with Cats and Dogs This Year

A Comprehensive Guide to Airline Pet Policies in 2022

Whether you’re traveling for work, vacation or to visit friends and family, packing light and bringing your furry companion along can make travel more enjoyable. However, different airlines have varying rules regarding pets in the passenger cabin. If you’re flying with a pet in 2022, be sure to familiarize yourself with each carrier’s individual policies to avoid surprises and ensure a stress-free journey.

Basic requirements for flying with pets

Most airlines permit only dogs and cats as emotional support or service animals in the passenger cabin. Small pets like rabbits, birds or reptiles must be checked as cargo. The animal must be at least 8 weeks old and house trained. Current vaccinations and health certificates are also typically required within a certain number of days prior to your flight.

All pets must travel in FAA-approved hard-sided kennels that fit completely under the seat in front of you. Soft-sided carriers or leashes are generally not permitted. The kennel should be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably. Many also have a maximum weight or size limit.

Policies for emotional support animals

To fly with an emotional support animal (ESA), most airlines require a note from a licensed mental health professional stating you have a disability and the ESA provides emotional support. However, in January 2022 the DOT issued a new rule that emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals under the ACAA. This means airlines are not required to accommodate ESAs and can have more restrictive policies.

Some major carriers like United Airlines no longer accept new ESA bookings, while others like American Airlines and Delta now require up to 48 hours advance notice and additional documentation for ESAs. Be sure to research your specific airline’s updated ESA requirements well before your travel dates.

Major U.S. airline pet policies

Here’s a breakdown of major domestic carriers’ policies on flying with pets in the passenger cabin as of early 2022:

1. American Airlines: Allows one dog or cat per passenger in approved hard-sided kennels. A non-refundable fee of $125 each way applies. 48 hours advance notice required for ESAs.
2. Delta: Same policy as American – one dog or cat per passenger in kennels, with a 5 each way fee. 48 hours advance notice and ESA form required.
3. United: Allows only service animals. No longer accepts new bookings for ESAs as of January 2022. Existing ESA reservations will be honored through February 28, 2022.
4. Southwest: Pets fly for free in approved soft-sided kennels held on owner’s lap. Two pets maximum per passenger. No ESAs accepted.
5. Alaska: Similar to Southwest – allows one pet per passenger in soft-sided carriers held on lap for free. ESAs must be submitted for approval 72 hours in advance.

International airline pet policies

Rules get more complex when flying internationally with pets. Many countries have strict quarantine requirements. From my experience traveling with pets overseas, it’s best to:

1. Check individual country pet import regulations well in advance.
2. Obtain any required veterinary exams, vaccinations or health certificates months before your trip.
3. Contact your airline directly about limitations on breeds, total pets allowed in the cabin or sizer/weight restrictions for kennels.
4. Consider shipping larger pets as air cargo if necessary and budget extra costs/time for clearance through Customs.

I once brought my cat to Europe, but it was kind of a hassle sorting out all the paperwork and vet checks months in advance. Nevertheless, with proper planning flying internationally with pets can work.

Alternatives if your pet can’t fly cabin

If your pet is too large for the cabin or doesn’t meet an airline’s requirements, don’t fret – there are still options.

1. Fly as air cargo: Most airlines accept pets in the cargo hold, but costs tend to be high – 0-500 or more depending on carrier and destination. Cargo conditions are also less ideal.
2. Ship as ground transport: Companies like IPATA offer driving/ferrying services within the U.S. and to Canada. Rates vary based on mileage and pet size, starting around $350-500 on average.
3. Hire a pet sitter: Rather than disrupt your pet’s routine, consider leaving them in the care of a trusted pet sitter, family member or neighbor while you travel.

Basically, if your pet doesn’t qualify for the passenger cabin and air cargo/shipping rates are too much, leaning on loved ones for pet care is kind of the way to go. But you’ve got to have reliable people that your pup adores in your life first!

Tips for a smooth flying experience

To help ensure a stress-free flight for you and your pet, here are some additional tips:

1. Prepare your pet: Familiarize them with their kennel and take practice trips beforehand. Consider anti-anxiety medication prescribed by your vet.
2. Don’t feed before flying: Follow TSA/airline guidelines for fasting times to avoid motion sickness issues.
3. Pack lightly: The cabin is cramped. Stow litter, food, medicines, toys and a leash/collar in your carry-on, not the kennel.
4. Tell flight staff: Notify them politely at check-in and boarding that you have a pet traveling with you.
5. Ask for bulkhead: Request a row without passengers in front for more legroom near your feet.

With a bit of preparation, flyings with furry companions is completely doable these days. But remember, an anxious pet makes for an anxious owner – so try to stay chill!

In summary, I hope this comprehensive guide has addressed all your questions about airline policies on traveling with pets in 2022. Doing your research ahead of time and being flexible are key to ensuring a stress-free flying experience for you and your pet. Feel free to let me know if you need any other information. Safe travels!

Airline Pet Policies in 2022

Airline	Pets Allowed	Requirements	Cost
Delta	Dogs and Cats	Health Certificate, Carrier Under Seat	$125 each way
American	Dogs and Cats	Health Certificate, Carrier Under Seat	$125 each way
United	Dogs, Cats and Small Birds	Health Certificate, Carrier Under Seat	$125 each way
Alaska	Dogs and Cats	Health Certificate, Carrier Under Seat	$125 each way
Southwest	Dogs and Cats	Health Certificate, Carrier Under Seat	$95 each way

FAQ

1. Can I bring my dog on the airplane?

   Most major airlines allow small dogs and cats to fly in the cabin with you as carry-on baggage. However, the animal needs to fit under the seat in a carrier. Some airlines have additional restrictions based on breed or weight. It’s always best to check the specific airline’s policy before booking your flight.

2. Do I need to purchase a ticket for my pet?

   You’ll need to buy an extra ticket for your animal. Pet fares are based on the pet’s weight and can cost between $75 to $125 or more each way depending on the airline. Getting a ticket ensures your pet has a designated space on the plane. Make sure to book early as there is a limit on the number of pets per flight.

   

3. What paperwork do I need for my pet?

   All pets must have up-to-date vaccinations and a health certificate from a licensed vet saying the animal is fit to fly. This proof is required at check-in. Pets must also travel in FAA approved pet carriers that are clearly labeled. Additionally, you may need documents to bring your pet into the country you’re visiting. Basically, be prepared with all the required paperwork to avoid problems at the airport.

4. Is it harmful for pets to fly in cargo?

   While most airlines try to safely transport pets in cargo, it’s undoubtedly more stressful for the animal than flying cabiin. Cargo holds have loud noises and variable temperatures. Nevertheless, the risk of injury or illness is relatively small if your pet is healthy and the airline has a good safety record. Still, booking your pet in cabin is preferable if possible to reduce their stress.

5. What are the size restrictions for carry-on pets?

   Most carriers cannot exceed around 20 pounds or be over 18 inches long. The rules can slightly vary between carriers. Make certain to measure the carrier before flying to make sure it fits under the seat as stated. Otherwise, you run the risk of the pet having to be transported as cargo instead of with you. It pays to double check size limits to avoid unpleasant surprises.

6. How do I prepare my pet for flight?

   Get your pet used to their carrier before travel day through practice trips. Consider calming supplements from your vet. Bring favorite toys/treats and plan ahead for taking them out for walks/relief during long layovers. Even well-traveled pets can get restless on flights. At the same time, avoid heavy meals which may cause nausea. With good preparations, your pet’s air adventure can go smoothly.

7. Can my dog sit on my lap during takeoff/landing?

   While nice for pet and owner comfort, the FAA does not actually allow animals on laps in flight. Pets must remain in carriers under the seat as unexpected turbulence could injure animal or human. However, many shorter flights of under 2 hours permit lap pets as long as conditions are calm. As with all policies, it’s best to check rules to avoid issues. Safety has to come before cuddles!

   

8. What happens if my pet becomes disruptive during flight?

   Fortunately this doesn’t happen often, but if the animal is overly stressed and will not calm down, it may need to be placed in the cargo hold for the duration. This would occur only as a last resort for safety. Airlines try their best to keep pets cabin-side as long as there are no disturbances. Prevent problems by properlytraining and preparing your pet for air travel. A little planning goes a long way.