Can You Buy a Dog a Plane Ticket? Everything You Need to Know About Flying With Your Pet

Can You Buy a Dog a Plane Ticket? A Comprehensive Guide to Flying with Your Furry Friend

Many dog owners wonder if it’s possible to purchase an airline ticket for their dog when traveling by plane. The short answer is yes – you absolutely can buy a plane ticket for your dog. However, there are some important things to know before hopping on that flight with your canine companion.

Airline Pet Policies

Individual airline policies will determine whether or not dogs are allowed in the cabin of a plane, and if so, what size restrictions and documentation may be required. Most major carriers like American, Delta, and United allow dogs to fly in-cabin, provided they meet certain guidelines:

1. The dog must be able to sit at your feet under the seat in front of you in an approved pet carrier.
2. The carrier must be able to fit completely under the seat and not exceed certain size limits (usually around 18x14x8 inches).
3. The dog must remain in the carrier for the entire flight – they are not allowed out.
4. Many airlines restrict certain dog breeds like snub-nosed dogs due to health concerns.
5. You may need to purchase a ticket for your dog and show vaccination records.

Be sure to check the specific policies for your chosen airline well in advance. And remember – regulations can change, so confirm again when booking travel.

Purchasing Dog Flight Tickets

Once you’ve verified your dog is eligible to fly in-cabin according to airline rules, it’s time to purchase that ticket. Here are the basics:

• Tickets for dogs are purchased directly through the airline just like human tickets. Look for a “Pet Travel” or “Pet as Passenger” option during booking.
• Expect to pay a pet transport fee ranging from $100-250 each way depending on the carrier.
• You may also have to purchase an extra plane ticket if your dog does not fit under the seat as a personal item.
• Some airlines offer a limited number of pet spots per flight, so book early if traveling during busy seasons.
• Once purchased, you’ll receive a paper ticket or e-record for your dog along with your own tickets.

As with people, fare prices for dogs tend to fluctuate based on demand. Booking well ahead can help score a cheaper ticket.

Pet Travel Requirements

In addition to the airline’s rules, there may be additional requirements set by the destination country or your own local laws. Here are some common pet travel necessities:

1. An approved soft-sided or hard plastic airline-compliant carrier
2. Current rabies vaccination documents from your vet
3. Health certificate verifying your dog is free of illnesses within 10 days of travel
4. Microchip or other permanent ID on your dog
5. Potential quarantine stays if traveling internationally
6. Appropriate vaccinations for destination country if required

Be especially careful when crossing international borders, as import regulations vary widely. Consulting resources like the United States Department of Agriculture is essential. Failure to comply could mean denied entry, heavy fines or worse for your pet.

Dog-Friendly Airport Strategies

With all the necessary tickets and paperwork squared away, it’s time to navigate the airport with your pup. Here are some tips to help things go smoothly:

• Arrive extra early since you’ll need time to check in your pet and get through security
• Keep dog securely crated and calm in airport – too much stimulation can cause stress
• Consider sedatives prescribed by vet if dog has anxiety issues related to travel
• Bring favorite toys/chews and water for potty breaks in suitable areas
• Alert airline staff right away if dog seems distressed during the experience

And don’t forget – airports prohibit dogs from roaming around off-leash for obvious safety reasons. Stick close to your animal and obey posted rules to avoid unwanted attention.

Prepare Yourself and Your Pup!

With all the necessary planning out of the way, my best advice is to mentally and physically prepare both you and your pup for air travel. Although dogs love car rides, planes introduce unfamiliar sensations that can promote stress.

In the weeks leading up, do test runs at home like practicing loading/unloading from the carrier with treats. Desensitize your dog to airport-like noises too. Consider relaxation techniques like calming music, pheromone sprays, or massage during this conditioning period.

On travel days, keep routine as normal as possible. A light meal before heading to airport and lots of praise/pets inside the carrier will reassure your fuzzy friend. Stay upbeat and relaxed yourself to transfer positive vibrations.

With the proper precautions and gradual desensitization, many pups take to flying with ease. Be willing to cancel plans if your dog shows overwhelming fear or anxiety too – their comfort should come first. With a bit of patience and preparation, enjoying flights together becomes totally possible. Safe travels!

Handling In-Flight Emergencies

No matter how well prepared, unexpected situations can arise while airborne with your pup. Here are strategies for common in-flight emergencies:

• Barking/whining – soothe with calming mints, pheromones, gentle massages through carrier. Apologize politely to neighbors.
• Seizures/illness – alert flight attendants immediately. Provide medical records if needed.
• Accidents inside carrier – remain calm and clean up promptly with disinfectant wipes. Airing out carrier helps.
• Escape attempts – only open carrier inside aircraft bathroom if safe. Secure dog with extra restraints otherwise.

Being a savvy pet owner means preparing for hurdles too. Discuss any health concerns openly with vet before flying. Overall, having compassion for your dog along with backup supplies eases emergencies. We’re all still learning – our furry kids included!

In summary, with proper planning, documentation, training and care, flying with dogs has become wonderfully achievable. While some stress inevitably remains, the joy of togetherness makes it worthwhile. Safe travels to all interspecies travel buddies out there!

How to Travel By Plane With Your Pet Dog

Airline	Requirements	Fees
American Airlines	Dog must travel in approved soft-sided or hard-sided kennel that fits under seat	$125 each way
Delta Airlines	Dog must be at least 10 weeks old. Soft-sided kennel required for under-seat storage	$125 each way
United Airlines	Dog must travel in approved soft-sided kennel that fits under seat. Some larger breeds banned.	$125 each way
Southwest Airlines	Dog must travel in carrier that fits under seat or on lap. No snub-nosed or brachycephalic breeds allowed.	No fee for first dog, $95 each additional dog
JetBlue	Dog must travel in soft-sided, collapsible kennel that fits under seat. No snub-nosed or brachycephalic dogs.	$125 each way

FAQ

1. Can I buy a plane ticket for my dog?

   Yeah basically airlines allow dogs to fly as cargo or in the cabin with you for an extra fee. You’ll need to check the size restrictions and health papers required though.

2. How much does it cost to fly with a dog?

   The cost to fly with a dog varies a lot depending on the airline, the size of your pup, and whether they’re in the cabin or cargo. In general, expect to pay anywhere from $100-$250 or more just for your dog’s ticket. You’ll also need to buy them their own seat if traveling in the cabin.

3. Are there size restrictions for dogs on planes?

   Most airlines only allow dogs under 20 pounds to sit in the cabin with you in a carrier under the seat. Anything bigger has to go in the cargo hold. The actual size limits change between airlines though, so check their site. It basically comes down to whether Fido fits under the seat in front of you!

4. What papers do I need to fly with a dog?

   To fly with your canine companion, you’ll need their vaccination records and possibly a health certificate. The requirements can be different leaving and entering countries too. Basically, ask the airline what documents they need at least a month before your flight to avoid any issues. A little planning goes a long way when traveling with pets.

   

5. Is it safe to fly a dog as cargo?

   As long as your dog is healthy and the weather isn’t too extreme, the odds are good they’ll have a safe flight as cargo. However, vagrants have wrecked planes before. And there are always risks we can’t foresee. Maybe check with some flight attendants on their experiences. Ultimately, you know your pup best. If stressing them out seems unfair, you’ll need to find an alternative.

6. Can an emotional support animal fly for free?

   While rules vary by airline, many will let emotional support animals fly in the cabin with their owner instead of cargo for no extra charge. Although isn’t that unfair to pay passengers? Nevertheless, some airlines still require medical paperwork proving the animal is needed for emotional issues. It’s best to contact your airline directly about their policy on support animals to save surprises.

7. What’s the best way to prepare a dog for a flight?

   Desensitize your dog to their carrier well ahead of time. Spend short periods with them inside getting treats. Also get them used to airport noises to decrease stress. Some say taking your pup on a practice car ride can help too. The more fly simulation, the lesser his flight fears. On the day, don’t give treats before boarding to avoid tummy troubles at 30,000 feet!