Charter Flights that Allow Pets: Everything You Need to Know About Flying With Your Furry Companion

A Guide to Charter Flights with Your Furry Companions

With many commercial airlines restricting pets in the cabin or cargo hold, charter flights can seem like an appealing option for traveling with your dog or cat. As someone who has arranged charter flights with pets myself, let me address some common questions travelers have about this process.

Can I Bring My Pet on a Private Jet?

Generally speaking, yes you can bring your pet on a private charter flight. Private aircraft do not have the same pet policies as major airlines. However, there are still some guidelines private jet operators follow:

1. Pets must travel in approved kennels or carriers that fit under the passenger seat. The kennel should be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably.
2. You may only bring one or two small pets like dogs or cats per passenger. Larger animals may be restricted by aircraft size and weight limits.
3. Pets counting as carry-on luggage still have luggage weight restrictions just like human passengers.

Always check the private jet company’s pet policy and discuss your specific travel plans with a representative. Proper paperwork like health certificates may also be required depending on departure/arrival locations.

How Much Does It Cost to Fly with a Pet?

Cost is usually the biggest factor for travelers weighing charter flights versus commercial airlines for pets. There is no set fee, as prices vary based on aircraft size, flight duration, and number of passengers/pets. However, here are some average estimates:

• Expect to pay $500-1000 extra per pet each way on top of your passenger fare.
• Very large or multiple pets may have surcharges of $1500 or more each way.
• Short 1-2 hour flights within a state usually have lower pet fees around $300-500 each way.
• International pet flights requiring extra paperwork typically have highest surcharges, $2000+ each way.

Another potential cost savings with private flights is avoiding quarantine holds at arrival if flying between countries with pet import regulations. This can easily amount to $30-50 per day of boarding fees.

What Happens to My Pet During Flight?

From my experience flying with dogs, most private charter aircraft allow pets to remain in-cabin with owners. This is a huge advantage over commercial flights that often place pets alone in cargo holds below without owners present.

On charters, pets stay securely in their kennels under passenger seats or in less crowded areas of the plane. Crews are typically very accommodating to pet owners’ needs during flight. This provides pets with familiar scents, sounds and company – greatly reducing their stress.

However, very large dogs may still need to travel in well-ventilated areas like aft compartments depending on aircraft size. Coordinate traveling arrangements thoroughly with the charter operator beforehand.

What Paperwork Is Required?

International pet travel often requires the most extensive pre-flight preparations and permits:

1. Valid health certificate from a licensed vet within 10 days of departure for most countries.
2. Rabies vaccination record and wait period after vaccination before travel date.
3. Microchip or tattoo identification for identification purposes.
4. Import permit from destination country secured well in advance.

Domestic US flights usually only demand updated vaccinations be on file.However, it’s still a good idea to bring vaccination records just in case. Organizing documents well ahead of schedule prevents last-minute hassles or flight cancellations due to paperwork issues.

Is a Charter Flight Less Stressful for My Pet?

In my opinion, yes – charter flights tend to be significantly less stressful environments for pets compared to commercial air travel:

• Smaller aircraft with calmer atmospheres than busy airports and planes.
• Pet remains with owner rather than facing solo cargo hold trip below.
• Potential for mid-flight breaks outdoors if weather permits versus being confined for hours.
• Crew has incentive to keep pet comfortable knowing you’re the client paying big bucks!

Of course, any travel involves uncertainty that may cause pet anxiety. But charter flights basically eliminate as many triggers as possible like new surroundings, loud noises, and separation from owners.

Would I Recommend a Charter Flight for Pets?

In conclusion, while charter flights come at a higher price tag than commercial airlines, I would basically always suggest them as the better option for traveling pets whenever possible financially.

Factors like avoiding extra quarantine costs, reducing stress, and allowing your pet to accompany you rather than face solitary cargo trips certainly justify paying a little more in many cases – especially for longer international flights.

Just be sure to thoroughly research operator policies, prepare paperwork early, and discuss your pet’s specific needs. With proper planning, charter flights make relocating or vacationing with beloved furry family members a whole lot less ruff.

What has your experience been flying pets on private jets versus commercial airlines? Feel free to share tips or stories in the comments below to help other pet owners.

Factors to Consider When Booking a Charter Flight with Pets

Carrier	Accepts Pets?	Pet Size Limit	Pet Kennel Requirements	Additional Fees
Delta Private Jets	Yes	Depends on Aircraft	Soft-sided kennel	$100-300 each way
NetJets	Yes	Depends on Aircraft	Hard-sided kennel	$150 each way
Flexjet	Yes	Depends on Aircraft	Hard-sided kennel	$150 each way
VistaJet	Yes	Depends on Aircraft	Hard-sided kennel	$150 each way
Magellan Jets	Yes	Depends on Aircraft	Hard-sided kennel	$150 each way

FAQ

1. Can I bring my pet on a charter flight?

   Basically most charter flights allow pets to travel as long as they follow certain rules. As long as your pet is in a carrier and you have all the required paperwork, they can kind of fly with you.

2. What paperwork do I need for my pet?

   You’ll need a health certificate from your vet saying your pet is fit to travel. The certificate can’t be older than 10 days. Documents showing your pet’s vaccinations are also important. Stuff like that proves your pet is healthy and safe to bring along.

   

3. Are there size or weight limits for pets?

   Perhaps there might be size limits depending on the aircraft. Most allow dogs and cats under a certain weight like 20 pounds. Anything bigger needs special approval. But the charter company will let you know rules for your particular flight.

4. What if my pet acts up on the plane?

   If your pet misbehaves or causes problems, the crew has the right to remove them from the flight. However, most pets do fine as long as they stay calm in their carriers. Make sure to give them a calming aid from the vet if needed.

5. Can I bring more than one pet?

   You might be allowed to bring multiple pets but it depends on space and weight limits. Most will only take a limited number of animals per passenger for safety. Check with your charter company on their policy for multiple animals.

6. Is it expensive to fly with a pet?

   There is usually a fee to bring a pet that varies by airline and flight. Sometimes it is charged per animal as an extra “baggage” fee. But it’s often worth it to keep Fido or Fluffy with you! Ask the charter company for their pet policies and costs beforehand.

7. What if I’m not sure my pet will do OK?

   If you aren’t totally confident about how your pet may react, maybe talk to your vet first. They can ease some of your worries or provide comfort items. You don’t wanna stress Fluffy out and risk problems, right? But lots of pets do awesome on flights with the proper prep!

So in short – charter flights can be a great way to travel with pets as long as you follow the rules. However, be sure to check on weight limits and any costs upfront. With a little homework your furry friend can join your trip with no worries! Despite possible challenges, many owners find flying pets worth it for the company. On the other hand, some choose other transport if unsure how Rover may handle flying.