Cheapest Airline Pet Fees: Compare Pet Fares and Save Money on Your Next Trip with Your Pet

Finding the Most Affordable Pet Travel Options When Flying

If you’re like most pet owners, the idea of leaving Fido or Fluffy behind when taking a vacation is simply not an option. But bringing your furry companion along can often come with additional costs, namely pet transportation fees charged by airlines. As anyone who has researched flying with pets knows, these charges can vary widely between carriers. In this article, I’ll explore the cheapest airline pet fee options and provide tips for saving money when traveling with your pet by air.

Understanding Different Pet Policies and Pricing Structures

From my experience booking flights for both myself and my cat Simba, the first step is knowing how individual airlines define pets and how much they charge. Most consider dogs and cats as pets, while others allow smaller animals like rabbits in carriers. Policies also differ on size/weight limitations and health/vaccination requirements.

In general, major carriers charge a standard fee per kennel that is added to the base airfare. However, the amounts vary significantly. For example, one of the lowest pet fees belongs to JetBlue at only $100 each way on most routes for up to one pet in a carrier under 20 lbs. Meanwhile, other large airlines can charge upwards of $200-$300.

Budget carriers also have wide ranges. While Frontier only levies a $100 fee, Spirit charges $110-$150 depending on flight length. Sometimes smaller regionals flies have very inexpensive pet fares too, especially if you choose non-peak travel days.

Ask About Discounts and Deals

Just like many products and services, some airlines offer pet travel discounts if you inquire. I’ve found customer service reps can sometimes provide promo codes shaving $10-$30 off fees. For frequent pet flyers, purchasing an annual “pet passport” providing multiple trip discounts may prove worthwhile.

You may also save by booking international carrier partner flights instead of strictly domestic itineraries. As an example, flying with a pet from the U.S. to Canada on a single Alaska Airlines or Air Canada ticket could have reduced surcharges versus multi-stop domestic trips.

Fly During Less Popular Times

It basically goes without saying that flying on off-peak dates tends to equal lower airfares all around. The same holds true for pet travel fees – they don’t necessarily change, but if your base ticket is cheaper you’ll pay less overall. Weekday flights rather than weekends usually see price cuts, as do those in spring and fall versus busy summer travel seasons.

I’ve found it can also pay to check rates on red-eye Overnight flights, where pet space tends to be more readily available. Red-eyes also mean less time spent in airports away from home.

Consider Cargo Options for Larger Dogs

While not ideal for all pets, shipping animals as cargo is an option worth exploring – especially if your dog exceeds carrier size/weight limits for the cabin. Cargo rates vary widely by carrier and route, so shop multiple options. Additionally, certain feed stores offer discounted pet shipping services.

It’s important to use an IATA-certified pet relocation service for cargo. They’re trained to handle animals properly and can provide live tracking of your pet’s travel journey. While more expensive than cabin travel, cargo may prove the only choice for larger dog breeds.

Fly Non-Stop When Possible

Connecting flights obviously increase the risk of flight delays plus time spent inconveniently gate-checking your animal. I’ve found that booking direct non-stop itineraries, even if a bit pricier, provides valuable peace of mind that your pet will make the full trip without issues.

Major hubs like Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Houston typically offer the most non-stop routing options on specific travel dates. This is where flexibility in your timeline and advance trip planning pays off.

Purchase Travel Health Insurance

While kennel fees are non-refundable if plans change, travel insurance for pets offers valuable protection. Policies reimburse veterinary costs if your animal becomes ill or injured while traveling. They may even cover lost pet costs and additional accommodations if travel is delayed.

Look for reputable companies specializing in pet insurance with 24/7 emergency helplines. Most policies cost $15-30 per trip but provide major peace of mind, especially for animals with medical conditions.

Fly Cargo for International Jaunts

International pet air travel is far more complex, involving customs paperwork, health certifications, and often cargo-only policies from airlines. As such, fees tend to be significantly higher flying across borders.

Unless your dog is extremely small or well-trained for cabins, opting for cargo is usually the most affordable choice internationally. Again, an IATA-certified animal shipping service handles logistics so you don’t have to stress. Just be sure to plan well in advance of departure dates.

Consider Ground Transport Alternatives

For shorter-haul trips within driving distance, driving yourself may cost less than flying once you factor in pet fees and the risk of flight issues potentially delaying your vacation.

Bus and train carriers like Amtrak and Greyhound also transport pets, although policies vary seasonally. Rates are generally very reasonable – often $25-50 each way – and provide stress-free travel for well-behaved animals.

In summary, there are several affordable pet flying options if you are willing to do your homework comparing airline policies, shopping discounts, and considering travel dates and routes. With proper planning, you can certainly find pet-friendly flights that won’t break the budget. Safe travels to you and your furry companion!

Cheapest Airlines for Pet Travel

Airline	Pet Fee	Weight Limit	Cabin or Cargo
Delta	$125 each way	70 lbs	Cabin
American	$125 each way	50 lbs	Cabin
United	$125 each way	100 lbs	Cabin
JetBlue	$100 each way	50 lbs	Cabin
Allegiant	$95 each way	50 lbs	Cabin

FAQ Cheapest Airline Pet Fee

1. What are the basic pet transportation fees charged by airlines?

   Most airlines charge a non-refundable fee anytime an animal is brought on board as checked baggage or cargo. These regular pet fees usually fall within the $125-$250 range per direction of travel. Certain carriers may have lower or higher base rates.

2. Are their discounts on pet fares for frequent fliers?

   At times, some airlines offer frequent flier pet fee reductions. You basically get a discounted rate if you have attained a certain loyalty status or flown a certain number of trips within a year period with that airline. However, these frequent flier pet flight deals aren’t really all that common.

3. What other costs should I expect besides the core pet transportation fees?

   Besides the essential pet fees charged by the airline, you may incur extra costs for your animal’s travel crate meeting size needs as well as vaccination/health certificate papers. As well, some carriers charge additional per-crate service charges if bringing multiple pets. So it’s important to look at total pet travel costs rather than just those core fees.

4. Are certain animal breeds exempt from fees?

   While most pets require payment of transportation charges, there are occasional exceptions. Perhaps some service animals supporting disabled handlers fly for free. Or smaller pets that fit “under-seat” ( meaning in your lap) may have lower charges or possibly none at all. So be sure to check specific airline guidelines about fee exemptions for miniature dogs, cats and such.

5. Which airlines usually offer the most reasonable pet travel prices?

   Budget carriers like JetBlue and Allegiant tend to have on the more affordable side of pet charges. Southwestern and Spirit typically keep their pet costs down as well. Major airlines like Delta and American consider baggage weight and aim for consistency, so their pet rates fall in the mid-range. International carriers or those catering to business travelers may charge higher pet fees. But you never know, a fare sale could make pet travel more inexpensive with any airline.

   

6. What if my pet gets anxious or cries during the flight?

   Unfortunately, as wonderful as our pets are, some animals do turn fearful or loud while flying due to the enclosed space and unfamiliar motion. If your pet makes excessive noise that bothers passengers or crew, the airline may ask you to sedate your pooch with medication from your vet in order to complete the journey. But is that worth putting your pet at risk? You have to decide.

7. How can I get the cheapest cost for transporting my pet?

   To enjoy the lowest pet travel costs with an airline, look out for occasional fare sales that may slash their regular pet fees. Consider bringing smaller pets that won’t incur extra charges for oversized crates. Fly during less crowded days of the week when pet space availability is highest. Check policies of multiple carriers to compare basic pet rates and extra charges to find the most affordable overall option. Maybe the cheapest flights won’t always be the cheapest after including your furry friend too.