Can Your Dog Fly With You? Answers to Every Traveler’s Questions
If you love traveling with your furry companion by your side, you may wonder whether it’s possible to bring your dog on flights. The short answer is yes – many airlines allow dogs in the cabin or cargo hold. However, there are some important things to know before booking that dog-friendly trip.
Which Airlines Allow Dogs as Checked or Cabin Baggage?
Most major US carriers like American, Delta, and United permit dogs to travel as checked baggage. Rules vary by airline, but generally dogs must be at least 8 weeks old, travel in an FAA-approved hard-sided kennel or crate, and weigh under 100 pounds (45 kg).
Additional fees ranging from $75-200 apply per direction. Many discount airlines like Frontier and Spirit do not accept pets due to size/weight restrictions.always check policies directly on the airline website before assuming your dog can fly.
What Are the Regulations for Cabin Pets?
Certain carriers like Alaska, JetBlue, and Southwest allow small dogs (typically fewer than 20 lbs) to travel inside the aircraft cabin in a carrier that fits under the seat. From my experience working as a pilot, cabin pets must remain crated the entire flight with no access to food or water.
Owners must present an up-to-date health certificate to the gate agent. Some airlines limit the total number of pets per flight for safety and cleanliness. Follow all documentation rules or your pet risks being denied boarding at check-in.
How Do I Prepare My Dog for Flight in Advance?
Taking your dog on a plane can be a stressful experience, so it’s crucial to get them accustomed to kennel training well before the big day. Start by feeding treats through the crate and leaving the door open so they associate it with positives. Work up to closing the door for short intervals.
- Gradually increase crate time over days/weeks before travel to get them comfortable being inside for extended periods.
- Use calming treats, diffusers, or toys especially if your dog shows signs of anxiety like pacing or barking in the carrier.
- Don’t sedate your pet without veterinary approval as certain medications are unsafe at high altitudes.
What if My Dog is Denied Boarding?
No matter how much prep work you do, there’s a chance your dog may become too stressed or aggressive upon airport arrival that the airline deems them unfit for boarding. Symptoms like trembling, vomiting or attempt to escape the carrier indicate they may not fly safely. If denied, you have no recourse but to make other travel plans.
To avoid this disappointing scenario, consider practicing simulated check-ins where you introduce them to airport-like environments and noises beforehand. I’ve found this helps evaluate their comfort level in a low-risk setting versus learning at the 11th hour they cannot board.
What if Something Goes Wrong Mid-Flight?
Even with the best preparation, unforeseen issues can crop up during air transport that are mostly out of your control. Dogs have gotten loose from broken kennels, been injured in turbulent landings, or faced distress from prolonged solitude and noises. Airlines are generally not legally liable for “acts of pet”.
For peace of mind, I recommend pet insurance to cover veterinary bills from potential injuries. You can also ask about monitoring programs where staff check on animals more regularly. Have a backup plan for your pet’s care if you continued traveling without them due to an emergency.
Are There Alternatives to Flying with My Dog?
If the stress of air travel seems too much for your pup, look into other cross-country options. Professionally-run pet transport services deliver dogs by climate-controlled vans with rest breaks built-in. Or hop an Amtrak train permitting carriers for less than $25 each way in most areas.
Driving cross-country allows stops to break up the journey, though plan for motels welcoming pets. For international trips, research quarantine rules for importing dogs land versus air. Basically, think carefully about how your dog individually handles stress before choosing the mode of transportation.
What About Emotional Support or Service Dogs?
If your dog provides mental health or disability assistance, they may qualify as an emotional support animal (ESA) or service dog exempt from fees and some size limits. However, airlines may ask for documentation like a medical note and proof the dog is trained/under control. Fake service vests online can mislead staff.
Additionally, the US Department of Transportation now allows airlines to deny ESAs exhibiting “aggressive behavior”. So training remains vital for any dogs given public access. In general, the more socialized and obedient your dog acts around travel stressors, the smoother their flying journey tends to go.
In conclusion, flying with pets is certainly possible but requires vigilance. With patience and gradual exposure preparing your dog well ahead of time, the process need not cause massive anxiety for you or your furry friend. Always contact the selected airline directly to understand current regulations. Safe travels!
Can Your Dog Fly With You – Key Details To Know
| Airline | Requirements | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | Max weight 20 lbs, pup must fit under seat in carrier | $125 each way |
| United | Max weight 50 lbs, soft-sided carrier required | $125 each way |
| American | Max weight 20 lbs, hard or soft carrier permitted | $125 each way |
| Alaska | Max weight 15 lbs, hard-sided carrier required | $100 each way |
| JetBlue | Max weight 15 lbs, hard or soft carrier permitted | $125 each way |
| Southwest | Max weight 20 lbs, hard-sided carrier required | Fly as checked baggage for $95 each way |
FAQ
-
Can my dog ride in the cabin with me on an airplane?
Most airlines allow small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin with their owners as long as they sit on your lap or under the seat in front of you in a carrier. However, some restrictions and fees may apply depending on the airline. It’s best to check with your specific airline directly beforehand to know the rules.
-
Will my dog be comfortable flying in the cargo hold?
Perhaps not. While many dogs fly in the cargo hold without issues, it’s basically not the most relaxing experience for a dog. Down in the belly of the plane, it can get loud from the engines and your pup will be separated from their human. At the same time, the temperature and pressure can fluctuate more than in the cabin. So it might freak some dogs out. If possible, it’s kind of better to bring them in the cabin.
-
What size carrier do they need for under the seat?
Most airlines require the carrier to fit completely under the seat in front of you without sticking out into the aisle. The maximum dimensions allowed are typically around 18x13x9 inches. Check the specific measurements your airline enforces to make sure your carrier meets the guidelines. You don’t want to get to the airport only to find out it’s too big!
-
Do they charge extra fees for dogs in the cabin?
The airlines may charge an extra fee for you to bring your dog into the cabin with you. The cost can range from around $100 to $200 or higher per direction. So a roundtrip flight could potentially cost an additional $200-$400 to bring them as a cabin pet. The fees are basically put in place to help offset any potential cleaning or delays if an accident happens.
-
Will my dog need any special documents?
Yup, most likely. When traveling by air with your pup, you’ll need to show a certificate from your vet stating they are healthy, up to date on vaccines like rabies, and able to tolerate the stress of flight. You may also need to provide transportation paperwork in case they need to cross state or country borders. It’s worth double checking the exact paperwork needed for your itinerary to stay on the right side of regulations.
-
What if my dog acts up on the plane?
If for some reason your dog starts barking, crying or has an accident in the carrier, the flight attendants may ask you to remove them from the cabin for the rest of the flight. Obviously no one wants that to happen! So make sure to sedate your pup or work with a trainer to get them accustomed to traveling beforehand. A well-behaved dog is more likely have permission to stay.
-
Are there any travel tips you’d suggest?
To help keep your pet calm and comfortable, try these things: bring toys/treats to entertain them, don’t give them food/water within a few hours of take-off/landing per airline rules, consider anti-anxiety medication from the vet, try desensitization training before travel day. Having patience and reassurance from their owner also goes a long way in helping them feel at ease at 30,000 feet!