A Guide to Flying with Two Cats: Everything You Need to Know
Traveling with pets can be stressful, but with proper planning you can fly safely with your furry companions. As someone who has taken multiple flights with my two cats, Lucy and Mittens, I’ve faced all kinds of situations and learned along the way. In this article, I’ll answer all the essential questions about flying with two cats and share tricks from my experience to help make the process as smooth as possible.
Are Cats Allowed on Planes?
- Yes, cats are generally permitted to travel in the cabin of commercial airplanes as carry-on luggage in the United States. However, rules and restrictions may differ by airline.
- Most major carriers like Delta, American, and United allow up to two pets per passenger in cabin. But some low-cost carriers have stricter limits or ban pets altogether, so always check the specific airline’s policies in advance.
Basically, as long as your kitties meet the size and health requirements, most airlines will gladly take your fuzzy friends flying with you. But call the airline directly or check online for any fine print – I learned the hard way that some discount lines are basically a no-go for kitty passengers.
What Are the Size and Housing Requirements?
Airlines have regulations regarding the dimensions of your pet’s carrier or crate. The container must be large enough for your cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably while still fitting safely under the seat in front of you. Most carriers need to measure no more than around 18 inches long by 10 inches wide by 10 inches high.
As for housing kitties together, the general rule is that two cats traveling with one owner can share a single carrier as long as it is an appropriately sized soft-sided carrier. But if either cat shows signs of stress, it’s best to use two separate carriers for their comfort. Pretty much every airline requires pets to remain in their carrier from check-in through the duration of the flight for everyone’s kind of safety.
Preparing Cats for Travel
Proper training is crucial to help anxious or stressed cats tolerate the journey. Start desensitizing them to their carrier well before the trip. Feed meals inside it, leave the carrier out with the door open for cats to explore at their leisure, and offer treats when they wander in. This positive association makes carrier time chill rather than aversive for kitties.
I also like to outfit the carrier with familiar-scented items like an old t-shirt or blanket to make territory feel safer. On the day of, give cats a light meal a few hours before departure to avoid upset tummies at altitude. And as a calming aid, my vet recommended natural calmatives like Zylkene or Feliway diffuser spray in the crate.
Transportation to the Airport
Plan to arrive at the airport with plenty of extra time, maybe even more than usual with pets involved. I’d allow a max 2 hour drive so as not to overstress cats along the way. And if driving, be sure carriers are securely fastened with seat belts or anchored in the back to prevent injuries during transport. Carriers should only be removed from cars at the ticketing counter or gate – never left unattended in vehicles.
While I’ve heard of people using Uber, Lyft or taxis with cats before, personally I’d avoid non-pet transport unless absolutely necessary due to potential cleanup issues or carrier restrictions. Drive yourself or arrange rides with trusted pet-friendly friends or services if possible. Forewarn anyone assisting with the kind of plans and be prepared to tip well for their kindness.
Check-In Process
At the airport, head straight to the ticket counter or designated pet area to check-in your cats. Most airlines require health and rabies vaccination records, so have them printed and ready for review along with photo ID. Agents will issue travel crates if needed and affix identification tags. You’ll also typically pay pet fees ranging from $100-250 each way depending on route length.
Be politely assertive if lines are long – stressed pets shouldn’t have to linger unnecessarily. And I always ask for a passenger seat at check-in to avoid the added baggage area handling and risks. Once you’ve cleared check-in, keep kitty carriers with you through security and up until boarding time.
What If Cats Refuse to Board?
Unfortunately, no matter how well cats are prepped some felines still get overwhelmed at the airport. If a terrified cat escapes or violently resists boarding, for their safety and others’ you may have no choice but to abandon flying plans. Kindly converse with airline staff – they’re usually understanding in such difficult situations and can waive change fees.
Focus on calming cats as a team. Have extra helpers calmly reassure kitties while gently coaxing back into carriers with treats. If unsuccessful and time is tight, you may need to accept driving after all for the trip to avoid calamity. Don’t force a panicking pet – arriving safely is the priority over sticking to flight plans. Kitties come first!
boarding, keep the carrier covered with a light cloth and speak in a calm, quiet tone during transport. With patience and a little luck, your fur babies will survive the adventure none the wiser. But is it worth the hassle and dollars? You decide!
In-Flight Comforts
Once on board, try to relax those travel-frazzled nerves. Request a window seat so kitties can lean on you for security rather than facing the aisle alone. Bring along toys, treats, and calming aids like appetite stimulants or pheromone spray. Offer water periodically but keep meals very light to prevent accidents at 30,000 feet.
If kittens act nervous, gently pet or massage them and speak sweet nothings ’til they calm. For comfort, try draping a soft blanket over the carrier with one edge folded down – my crew always seemed to feel safer in their dimly lit hideaway. And stuff earplugs in your own ears to muffle engine sounds stressing sensitive feline hearing.
All in all, with preparation cats can tolerate plane trips surprisingly well. But it does take its toll on the humans stressing over our precious pets the whole journey!
Arrival and Baggage Claim
Upon landing, head straight to your arrival gate and disembark promptly with carrier in tow. Avoid lengthy taxi and shuttle rides post-flight as cats may find additional transport unsettling after the ordeal. Once airside, claim kitties promptly from baggage and transport directly to your car or lodgings.
Resist temptation to let famished felines roam free at baggage claim – too much madness and mayhem with rolling bags potentially crushing delicate paws. Instead, offer a light snack in carrier before departure from the crowded terminal. Then shower love at your destination to help decompress from adventures past.
Hopefully this guide has addressed any concerns and covered all the basics to fly successfully with not one but two kitties! Feel free to ask if any other questions come to mind. With preparation and patience, you can take your fur babies just about anywhere. Safe travels to you and your crew!
Tips for Flying with Two Cats
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Booking Your Flight | Inform the airline when booking that you will be traveling with cats in pet carriers. There is usually an extra fee per pet. |
| Size of Pet Carriers | The carriers must be big enough for your cats to stand up and turn around. Most airlines require hard-sided carriers that are no more than 20 lbs each. |
| Identification on Carriers | Write your contact information clearly on the outside and inside of each carrier in case it gets separated from your luggage. |
| Food and Water | Do not feed your cats for at least 6 hours before the flight but provide water up until you leave for the airport. Remove food and water dishes from carriers. |
| During the Flight | Cats will likely meow or cry during take-off and landing when ears are popping. Have toys or comfort items to help soothe them. |
FAQ
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Can I fly with two cats?
Generally speaking, yes you can fly domestically within the United States with up to two cats per person in a carrier. The carrier must fit under the airline seat in front of you. Make sure to review the specific policies and restrictions for your airline as requirements can vary a bit. Most major airlines allow cats if they remain in a carrier during the whole flight.
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What kind of carrier do I need?
The carrier has to be large enough for your cat to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. It also needs to be airline approved, so check the exact measurements allowed. A soft-sided carrier works best. Try and get them used to it before the big day with some treats inside to make it a positive space. On the day, don’t forget to label it clearly with your contact details in case it gets misplaced at some point during the journey.
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Can I bring more than two cats?
You’re allowed a maximum of two cats per passenger. Any more than that and you’ll either need to travel with an additional person who can take two, look into pet shipping, or even consider driving if it’s not too far. However, taking multiple cats on a plane can be quite the challenge! Perhaps two is quite enough unless you’re an expert wrangler.
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What paperwork is required?
In addition to having the cats in carriers, you’ll need a health certificate from your vet. This certifies that your cats are fit to travel, have received any required vaccinations, and don’t have fleas or other communicable diseases. The certificate can’t be older than 10 days. You may also need to present vaccination records at your destination. Check airline and destination pet entry policies carefully in advance.
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Is there a charge to bring cats on a plane?
Yes, there is generally an extra fee per cat depending on the airline. Fees can range from about $125 upwards per cat. There may also be a potential overweight baggage fee if your cat and carrier exceed the normal baggage weight limit. You’ll want to check these policies and fees directly with your chosen airline. Who knows, perhaps one of those new budget airlines doesn’t sting you quite as badly.
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Any other tips?
Bring along kitty treats, toys, or beds to keep them comfortable. Consider sedatives prescribed by your vet if your cats are anxious flyers. And be prepared for accidents – bring plastic bags, paper towels, cleaning wipes just in case. Interact with them periodically to alleviate stress. Above all, remember that cats don’t understand why they’re in this strange loud box, so keep everything as low-key and calming as possible for their sake! With some preparation, flying with cats can go smoother than you think.