Can You Bring Your Dog on JetBlue? Rules for Traveling With Pets on JetBlue Airlines

Bringing Your Dog onboard a JetBlue Flight: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip and wondering whether you can bring Fido along for the ride on JetBlue, this article will provide all the details on JetBlue’s pet travel policies. From paperwork requirements to in-cabin procedures, I’ll cover all the bases so you have peace of mind when it comes to flying with your furry companion.

Pet Types Allowed

JetBlue allows dogs and cats to travel in the aircraft cabin. From my experience, these are the most common pets that fly, as they tend to be smaller and more manageable than other animals. However, some restrictions do apply based on size and breeds.

Size & Breed Restrictions

Pets must be small enough to fit comfortably in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you. Most carriers cannot exceed 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 8 inches high. Additionally, some dog breeds are banned from flying in cabin due to safety concerns. This includes brachycephalic (“flat-faced”) breeds prone to breathing issues like bulldogs or pugs.

1. Dogs must be under 20 pounds.
2. No breed restrictions for cats.

Fortunately, JetBlue offers a “PetSafe” program allowing most dogs over 20 pounds to fly in cargo in a pressurized compartment, so larger pets aren’t outright banned from traveling. More on PetSafe later.

Vaccination & Health Records

All pets must be at least 8 weeks old, and you’ll need to provide documentation showing they are up to date on routine vaccinations like rabies and have been seen by a veterinarian within the past year. A certificate of vaccination signed by your vet with expiration dates is usually sufficient. Omitting this proof can result in your pet being denied boarding.

Advance Scheduling & Travel Prep

When reserving your pet’s ticket through JetBlue’s website or contact center, be aware that you must do so at least 48 hours before your travels. Last-minute hopefuls may face limited availability if the flight is fully booked. It’s also wise to acclimate your pet to their carrier well before travel dates to minimize stress.

From my experience, it’s a good idea to take trial runs to a veterinarian or pet store to get them comfortable spending time inside. Bringing familiar items like their bed or a worn t-shirt with your scent can help pets feel secure. Proper identification including microchipping is also essential in case you become separated during the journey.

In-Cabin Procedures & Etiquette

On the day of your flight, ensure your pet is in their carrier before entering the airport. The carrier must remain closed, except for brief periods during boarding and deplaning. Most passengers I’ve encountered place their pet’s crate under the seat in front of them to keep them nearby yet out of the aisle.

Some common courtesy tips include: limiting vocalization and movement that could distract others; keeping your pet’s space clean and odor-free; and being aware that pets may be denied travel if showing signs of distress, noise, crowding, or illness to ensure a smooth flight for all.

Additionally, I’ve found that considering seat selection is important, as aisle seats provide more legroom to place your pet’s carrier. It also allows you to easily retrieve them if they become upset from takeoff or turbulence. Overall, calm, well-behaved animals makes the experience better for everyone.

JetBlue’s PetSafe Program

For dogs over 20 pounds, in whelping or nursing mothers, or brachycephalic breeds prone to breathing troubles, the PetSafe program is available on most JetBlue transcontinental and transborder routes. Pets fly in temp-controlled bulk cargo holds rather than the passenger cabin.

Advance booking is mandatory, and pets must be at least 8 weeks old. As with cabin travel, health/vaccination records and proper identification is a must. However, PetSafe does require an additional vet health certificate no more than 10 days before travel to ensure fitness to fly in cargo.

While cargo area conditions aim to be as comfortable as possible, I’ve found many pet parents rightly hesitate over placing larger and more vulnerable animals there. However, for some pups, it remains the only JetBlue option for air travel to reunite with their humans.

Cost Considerations

JetBlue charges $125 per direction (charged each way) for pets to travel in the plane cabin. For dogs using PetSafe, fees are $125 each way on domestic routes and $200 to/from international routes. This covers the transportation only – you’ll also need to purchase an airline-approved pet carrier.

When weighing expenses, remember that ground transportation, lodging, and additional supplies or services required when traveling with a pet could increase your overall budget. So the cargo vs cabin choice is about more than just the ticket cost alone. Safety and your pet’s individual needs should be top priority in deciding.

Tips for a Safe & Stress-Free Flight

Hopefully this guide has answered all your questions on JetBlue’s pet policies! Here are my top tips, compiled from lessons learned over many pet-friendly flights:

1. Desensitize your pet to carrier, noises, and new environments well in advance.
2. Bring favorite toys/blankets, limited food/water, pee pads, and medications if needed.
3. Request bulkhead or bassinet seating if possible for increased legroom.
4. Comfort your anxious pet with calm, soothing tones during takeoff/landing.
5. Consider calming supplements for novelty/phobia-prone pets under vet guidance.

Safe travels to you and your furry friend! With a little prep work and TLC, flying with pets on JetBlue can feel as smooth as a dog in a car. Let me know if any other questions come up while planning your trip.

JetBlue Dog Travel Policy

Dog Size	Cabin Allowed	Requirements
Small (20 lbs or less)	Cabin	Must remain in carrier under seat
Large (over 20 lbs)	Cargo Hold	Health certificate, vaccinations, carrier
Emotional Support/Service Animal	Cabin	Documentation from doctor, remain at owner’s feet
Puppy	Cargo Hold	Health certificate, vaccinations, over 10 weeks old
International Flight	Varies by Country	Check regulations for destination country

FAQ

1. Can I bring my dog on a JetBlue flight?

   JetBlue allows small dogs and cats to fly in the cabin of the plane as long as they meet certain requirements. Bigger dogs have to be transported in the cargo hold as checked baggage. All animals traveling must be at least 8 weeks old and fit under the seat in a carrier.

2. What are JetBlue’s requirements for dogs in the cabin?

   To bring a dog in the cabin, it has to be able to sit comfortably in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you without sticking out. The carrier can’t be bigger than 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches tall. You’ll also need to show proof of current vaccinations and health certificate if flying out of certain states.

3. How much does it cost to bring my dog on JetBlue?

   There is a 5 service fee each way to transport a dog in the cabin. However, some of JetBlue’s fare bundles include this pet fee for free. For larger dogs in the cargo hold, you’ll pay the usual checked baggage fees in addition to transportation charges. All in all, it can cost $200-300 round trip depending on your destination.

   

4. Can I request a certain seat when flying with a dog?

   Yes, when booking a flight with a dog, you can choose any available seat within your fare class without paying an extra fee. However, aisle seats next to emergency exits are restricted for safety and can’t accommodate pet carriers under the seat. It’s usually kinder to pick a window or middle seat so as not to disturb other passengers as much.

5. Is there any upcoming changes to JetBlue’s pet policy?

   They may consider allowing a few larger dogs to fly in crates in the cabin in the future. This would be subject to stricter guidelines on size and behavior just like emotional support animals. At the very same time, enforcing existing restrictions may become more important due to increasing incidents involving untrained pets causing issues. But perhaps it’s still too soon to loosen regulations in a way that jeopardizes passengers’ experience.

6. What happens if my dog acts up on the flight?

   Most dogs handle the trip just fine. However, if your pup starts crying, barking loudly or shows signs of distress, the flight crew may ask you to move to a more isolated area or even off the plane for the comfort and safety of everyone onboard. It’s best to thoroughly prepare your furry friend so they feel at ease. Maybe sedatives prescribed by your vet could help in rare cases of extreme anxiety. But is that worth the risk?