Your Guide to Finding Affordable Pet-Friendly Flights
Traveling with your furry friend can be stressful and expensive. As a frequent flyer with dogs, I’ve faced many challenges over the years from pet fees to strict airline policies. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know to book the most budget-friendly flights possible when flying with your canine companion.
Consider Low-Cost Carriers
Major airlines like Delta, American, and United often charge high pet fees ranging from $125 to $200 per direction. Your best bet for an affordable flight with Rover is to look at low-cost carriers instead. Airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and JetBlue have much lower or even waived pet fees since they aim to undercut legacy competitors on price.
Spirit is the most budget-friendly option for flying with pets – they only charge $95 total each way no matter the destination. JetBlue also doesn’t have any pet restrictions on size or breed. Both of these airlines let dogs fly in-cabin as long as they fit under the seat in a carrier. That alone can save you versus airlines that require checking dogs into the cargo hold.
Book Early and Direct Flights
Just like regular airfare, finding sales and deals is key for reducing pet travel costs. I’ve scored great rates by booking 2-3 months out, especially on off-peak travel days like Tuesdays or Wednesdays. It also pays to fly nonstop rather than connecting, as you avoid risk of delays putting Fido in cargo longer than planned.
Consider less popular routes too. For example, I drove an hour to fly my dog from a regional airport with cheaper rates to visit my parents. Saving $50 each way was worth it versus flying from the major local airport.
Request Pet Discounts
Don’t be afraid to ask your preferred airline about any pet promotions or loyalty discounts. From my experience, customer service agents are often willing to waive a pet fee or apply available credits if you politely request it. Build up miles with one carrier and you could get upgrades like bringing pets in-cabin for free as an elite member perk.
Fly Cargo for Shorter Routes
For trips under 500 miles, checking Fido cargo may be an affordable alternative versus paying high in-cabin surcharges. Most major carriers have economy rates around 0 each way for transporting pets in the belly of the plane on short haul flights. While not ideal, it beats $250+ in-cabin charges.
Consider Driving for Nearby Destinations
If your trip is less than 6-8 hours away by car, driving may cost effectively get you and your pup to your destination anxiety-free. You avoid air travel stressors for pets like tight carriers, loud noises, pressure changes. Factor in things like gas, hotel stays if needed, and your dog’s travel essentials to compare total costs versus flying.
Pack Light and Ship Ahead
Every pound of luggage you check costs money. So when traveling by air with your pooch, pack as light as possible for both of you. Consider shipping non-essential items ahead for longer trips too. And remember – soft-sided carriers are much lighter than hard plastic kennels if flying in-cabin with your pet.
Know Policies for Breed Restrictions and Health Forms
Some airlines don’t allow snub-nosed dog breeds like bulldogs or pugs due to health risks in air pressure cabins. Always check allowed size limits too to avoid problems at check-in with an oversized pet. Additionally, have health/vaccination forms ready. And for international trips, research import regulations for your destination country well ahead of time.
Consider Flying Cargo at Night
While not ideal separation from your pet, potentially reducing cargo hold temperature extremes is worthwhile. Most experts advise flying pets in cargo at night versus daytime due to cooler/less variable temperatures. It may reduce stress risks for stressed animals in unfamiliar environments too.
Look into Pet Travel Services
Companies like PetRelocation.com, PetTravel.com and PetAirCargo.com provide pet shipment and escort services if flying with your pooch is too stressful. Though not cheap at around 0-1000 per pet, these services offer door-to-door pet transport and meet compliance for health papers and regulatory requirements across borders or airlines.
In summary, with smart planning and flexibility, you have good options for flying affordably with your dog. Do thorough research, book early, ask airlines about deals, and consider alternate transport modes too if driving or cargo. Your furry best friend will thank you for making travel as low-stress as possible! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Airlines with the lowest pet fees to fly with your dog
| Airline | Pet fee | Special instructions |
|---|---|---|
| JetBlue | $100 per pet, one way | Pets must travel in PetSmart approved carriers under the seat |
| Delta | $125 per pet, one way | Pets must travel in PetSmart approved carriers under the seat |
| Allegiant | $95 per pet, one way | Pets allowed in soft-sided carriers in the cabin or cargo hold |
| Southwest | $95 per pet, one way | Pets must travel in PetSmart approved soft-sided or hard carriers under the seat |
| Spirit | $110 per pet, one way | Pets allowed in soft-sided carriers in the cabin or cargo hold |
FAQ
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What is the cheapest airline to fly with a dog on?
Southwest Airlines is usually the most affordable option. Their dog fees are pretty reasonable at around $95 each way. However, they do have weight restrictions – dogs must be able to sit on your lap or fit in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
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Do all airlines charge fees for dogs?
Basically, yes – all airlines will charge some kind of fee if you want to bring your dog along in the cabin. Fees can vary a lot though. Some charge per leg, others charge each way. It pays to shop around and check each airline’s specific policies. At the same time, make sure the carrier meets size rules too.
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What about flying my dog as cargo?
Flying as cargo is often more affordable overall cost-wise. However, there are some risks to consider. You lose the ability to comfort your dog during the flight. Also, weather delays could impact their climate control and time in the hold. So it depends if saving cash is worth the lack of supervision. Perhaps ask others’ experiences first?
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What if my dog is an emotional support or service animal?
If your dog is legitimately trained and documented as an emotional support or service animal, some airlines won’t charge you pet fees. Kind of a loophole? You’ll need official documentation though – and airlines can ask you to prove the dog‘s training and your need. So don’t bother lying – they could kick you off the flight if they figure it out!
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Is it better to fly direct or connect when bringing a dog?
Direct flights are generally less stressful on dogs than connections where they’d need to switch planes. On the other hand, connecting options may offer better prices. So weigh up the cost saving versus dog’s comfort. If your pooch gets anxious easily, direct could be better to avoid more time in cargo.
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What food/supplies should I bring for my dog on the plane?
Make sure to pack water, a leash, poop bags, snacks, and their favorite chew toys. Bringing along a familiar blanket or item of yours can help keep them calm too. Make sure food/bowls are TSA approved if carrying in the cabin. Also bring copies of important documents like vaccine records, just in case.