Can You Buy a Plane Seat for Your Dog? Answering All Your Questions
Whether you’re preparing for a family vacation or making a long-distance move, traveling with your furry companion by air can raise some important questions. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about buying a plane seat specifically for your dog.
What Airlines Allow Dogs in the Cabin?
Most major U.S. airlines—including American, Delta, United, and Alaska—allow small dogs to fly in the cabin as long as they remain in a locked pet kennel that fits under the seat in front of you. From my experience booking flights, the specific restrictions around size, breed restrictions, health documents, and fees can vary between carriers, so be sure to check the individual pet policies for your chosen airline.
Can I Purchase a Separate Plane Seat for My Dog’s Kennel?
Yes, you have the option to buy an extra seat just for your dog’s kennel on most domestic flights. Purchasing a “Pet in Cabin” ticket reserves space for the kennel like any other passenger. However, be prepared for a hefty surcharge—typically $100-200 each way depending on the airline. The cost is worthwhile if your dog is too large for under-seat storage or you want them to have more room to move around.
What Size Kennel Is Allowed?
To ensure safety and compliance with federal regulations, all in-cabin pet carriers must fit completely under the seat in front of you in the “stowed” position. Kennels cannot obstruct aisles or exceed roughly 18x14x8 inches. While soft-sided carriers are permitted, a sturdy plastic or metal kennel provides better impact protection during turbulence or an emergency landing. Measure your dog’s crate carefully before your flight to avoid troubles at the gate.
What Paperwork Is Required?
In addition to purchasing a ticket, you’ll need to present current vaccination records and a health certificate from your vet. Most airlines require dogs to have updated rabies, distemper/parvo, and Bordetella (“kennel cough”) vaccines at least 10 days before travel. The certificate confirms your pet is fit to fly and lists any medications. Save digital copies in multiple locations in case of lost paperwork. Proper preparation avoids headaches and ensures a smooth boarding process.
What If My Dog Acts Up on Board?
- Dogs must remain crated the entire flight, even on long hauls, with the door securely closed and latched.
- Excessive barking, crying, or other disruptive behavior could result in being asked to deplane with your animal before departure.
- Consider using calming aids like CBD, pheromone sprays, or thunder shirts to keep your pet quiet and relaxed.
- New travel environments can induce stress or upset stomachs. Have cleanup supplies on hand just in case of accidents.
With some training and familiarizing your dog to their carrier well in advance, most pets tolerate flight just fine. But be prepared for potential issues to avoid putting other passengers out of sorts or facing further charges.
What If My Dog Is Too Big to Fly Cabin?
If Fido exceeds size limits for the main cabin, your only option may be to ship him cargo hold as excess baggage. While this spares him lengthy kennel confinement, the hold lacks temperature controls and gets noisy. Consider driving instead for nervous dogs. If flying is necessary, choose an airline with a climate-controlled cargo area above the fuselage and book well ahead to reserve space. Crate requirements and paperwork are the same.
How Can I Prepare My Dog for the Experience?
In the weeks leading up, get your dog accustomed to their travel kennel through positive reinforcement training. Feed meals inside, toss treats nearby, and work up to closing the door for short periods. Take test drives around your neighborhood to associate the crate with something fun rather than fright. A few nights in a similar-sized “cozy cave” crate at home also eases anxiety over confinement.
On travel day, skip breakfast and walk your pet beforehand to reduce mess potential. Consider doggy Prozac or a natural calmative. Bring along a familiar toy or article of clothing that smells like you for comfort. With low-stress preparation, even timid dogs can often fly like a champ!
What Other Tips Should I Keep in Mind?
From my own experiences flying with pets, here are a couple extra pointers:
1. Check your airline’s policies repeatedly – Rules can tighten or relax without notice. Verify specifics within a week of departure to avoid hassles.
2. Allow extra boarding time – Bring paperwork in an easily accessible pocket and expect delays while agents review documents and stow your pup.
3. Prepare to pay change fees – Most carriers levy heavy non-refundable pet charges if flights are missed, so plan for back-up contingencies.
4. Consider travel health insurance – Policies exist to cover vet bills or trip cancellations from injury/illness while traveling by air. It offers protection beyond regular pet insurance.
5. Note limitations on layovers – Some airlines require kennels to be checked through multi-connection flights rather than out for water breaks between legs.
Overall, flying with pets requires lots of pre-planning and preparation to ensure their comfort and compliance with carrier procedures. But for many dogs and their people, the joy of bonding on a trip together outweighs any hassles along the way! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Considerations for Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin
| Airline | Fees | Container Size | Weight Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | $125 each way | Under-seat carrier | 20 lbs | Non-refundable, pet must remain in carrier at all times |
| American | $125 each way | Under-seat carrier | 20 lbs | Non-refundable, pet must remain in carrier at all times |
| United | $125 each way | Under-seat carrier | 20 lbs | Non-refundable, pet must remain in carrier at all times |
| Alaska | $100 each way | Under-seat carrier | 15 lbs | Non-refundable, pet must remain in carrier at all times |
FAQ
-
Can I buy a plane seat just for my dog?
Generally, yes – many airlines do allow you to purchase an extra seat on the plane specifically for your dog to travel in the cabin. However, there are usually size and weight limits that apply. You’ll need to check with the specific airline for their pet policies and any fees that would apply.
-
What are the size limits for dogs on planes?
Most airlines have size restrictions to ensure pets can safely fit on the plane without blocking aisles or exits. The normal limits are around 18 inches for the length of the dog measured from the nose to the base of the tail when standing. As for weight, it’s commonly around 20 pounds or under, but can vary by airline. Puppies under 6 months are sometimes exempt form size limits.
-
Do dogs need to stay in their carrier for the whole flight?
It depends. Under the seat in front of you, yes – the dog basically needs to remain in its carrier for safety reasons when not in the cabin. But maybe if the pup is small enough and chill enough, the airline may “kinda” let it sit in your lap instead. Always check policies in advance though to be safe. Air travel can be pretty stressful for animals!
-
Can you bring more than one dog on the plane?
At most airlines, the limit is one dog per passenger. Although, possibly if the dogs are very small or you have enough extra seats booked, an airline employee may use their discretion and make an exception. It never hurts to ask nicely! Just be prepared for them to say no most times. Two dogs could maybe get a bit rowdy in flight.
-
Are there any items I need to bring for my dog?
Absolutely, there are crucial supplies to bring along for Fido’s comfort. At minimum, pack a sturdy carrier or crate labeled with address tags, water bowl, favorite toys, bags for clean-up, health records, and medications if needed. Snacks are OK too – dogs get hangry too! You’ll also need the proper health papers if traveling between countries.
-
What steps do I need to take to prepare my dog for flight?
Preparation is key for a positive flying experience. Get pup used to their carrier in advance through short training sessions. Consider calming aids like CBD, pheromones, or anxiety meds prescribed by your vet. Also, if flying internationally, check destination pet import regulations. On travel day, take dogs out frequently before the flight. And be prepared to offer reassurance and treats in-flight. An anxious dog can make for an awful long flight!
-
Is it more expensive to book a seat for my dog?
You bet – paying for an extra seat for an animal will cost more than checking them in cargo. Fees vary but expect to pay anywhere from about $75 to $200 or more each way. At the same time, reserving a cabin seat ensures your pup’s comfort, safety, and compliance with “no pets in cargo” policies after high profile incidents. In the end, it’sreally up to youwhether shelling out the extra cash is worth avoiding the stress of shipping Fido below with baggage. Only you can decide what’s best for your pet!