What is the most budget-friendly airline for flying with dogs?

Southwest Airlines is basically the cheapest option in general. They let you bring one pet per passenger in-cabin with no additional rate. However, you’ll need to purchase the dog’s ticket.

How much does it cost to fly a dog as cargo?

Flying a dog as cargo will set you back somewhere between $100 to $200 or more each way depending on the airline and the size of your pet. It’s not the most cost-effective choice compared to in-cabin with Southwest. At the same time, there are some benefits over in-cabin like not having to deal with your pet under the seat.n

What paperwork is required to fly with a dog?

To travel with a dog on a plane you’ll need some important docs. Most notably, you gotta have a health certificate from your vet saying your pup is healthy, up-to-date on shots, and good to go. Rabies vaccination records are also a must. The airline may request additional things too perhaps like a travel crate or sedatives approval for nervous flyers. It’s best to thoroughly check each airline’s doggy flying guidelines.n

Is it safe to sedate my dog for air travel?

Consult your vet on sedation, but it appears sedatives are typically okay and sometimes recommended to calm stressed pups for flying. Strongly suggest getting written permission from the vet though on what medication to use and how much to give based on your dog’s size. The upside is it may reduce kennel stress and make the flight smoother, but it’s still debatable if needed for all dogs. perhaps natural calming aids could work too for mild cases.n

What are some tips for making my dog comfortable on a plane?

Experts suggest things like getting your pup acclimated to their travel crate before flights through positive training. Bringing along their bed, toys and one worn article of your clothing can also help dogs feel secure. Quietly talking to them during take-off and landing when ear pressure changes occur can assist too. Proper crate size is crucial as well so they aren’t crammed in tight quarters for hours. With prep, most dogs can tolerate plane travel just fine.n

Cheapest Airlines to Travel with Your Dog – Compare Prices for Dog-Friendly Flights

Choosing the Most Affordable Airline to Travel with Your Pet Dog

If you’re looking to take your furry friend along on your next trip but want to do so without breaking the bank, finding the cheapest airline option for dogs is important. With pet fees ranging from $75 to over $200 per direction, committing to the right carrier can save you big bucks in the long run. In this article, I’ll break down some of the most cost-effective airline choices and things to consider when booking your pup’s plane tickets.

Budget Airlines That Welcome Pets

JetBlue: As one of the more affordable domestic airlines, JetBlue allows one dog or cat per passenger in the cabin for just $125 each way on most routes within the continental US. Not too shabby! This has got to be one of the cheapest airline options out there for traveling with pets.
Alaska Airlines: With fees of $125 each direction, Alaska is on par with JetBlue pet pricing. They also welcome up to 3 animals per passenger, though only one can be a dog. From my experience, Alaska tends to have some great discounted routes too.
Southwest: For a major carrier, Southwest ain’t too bad at $95 each way when flying within the US or to Mexico/Central America. Just be aware they can only accommodate animals under 20 pounds in-cabin, bigger pups have to be in cargo.

International & Low-Cost Carriers

If crossing borders, you’ll need to factor in things like health certificates, paperwork, and potentially quarantine on arrival too. Here are a couple budget-friendly international options:

Norwegian: Fees are $150 each way for dogs under 20 pounds on flights between the US and Europe. Rates are kinda reasonable given it’s international travel.
WOW air: Flying from various US gateways to Iceland and elsewhere in Europe, WOW only charges $75 each way per dog. Just beware their basic rate excludes most extras like luggage.

Save With Annual Pet Passports

Carriers like JetBlue and Alaska offer an annual “Pet Passport” that knocks $25 off each direction when used within a year. So if you travel with your pup multiple times, the pass essentially pays for itself. It’s like a frequent flier program…for doggos!

Watch Out For Added Charges

In addition to pet fees, you’ll want to scrutinize policies on things like carrier size limits, weight restrictions, and excess baggage charges too. Some airlines charge extra if Fluffy’s travel crate is too big. And overweight pooches may cost more. Basically, read the fine print to avoid any unwanted surcharges.

Cheapest Airlines to Travel with Your Dog – Compare Prices for Dog-Friendly Flights image 3

Fly In Cargo For Longer Routes

The TSA mandates that pets must ride in cargo on flights over 8 hours. No ifs, ands or buts about it. While not ideal for emotional support, statically it’s actually safer down below since environment and handling is more controlled. For transcontinental jaunts, check carriers like United PetSafe or Delta Pet for affordable cargo rates.

Consider Ground Transport As A Budget Option

If driving distance permits, taking the fur baby by car or bus could save you hundreds versus flying. Services like Pizza Jet let you book spots on “pet shuttle” buses, sometimes for rates as low as $100 each way coast-to-coast in bigger crates. You maintain supervision, and pups usually dig the road trip adventure too!

Use Travel Agents For Deals

Specialty pet travel agents can often source combined air-ground itineraries at serious savings. As pros in the field, they’re tapped into obscure promotions carriers don’t advertise. I’ve seen door-to-door packages priced 30% less than doing it yourself online. It never hurts to get quotes from a few different pet travel planners either.

Fly Off-Peak If Possible

Just like for people, pet space is limited on heavily booked flights. So aim for midday or midweek departures when you’ve basically got the whole cabin to yourself. Carriers also sometimes offer seasonal discounts, like Southwest’s fall “Wag Fares” promo. This allows you to fly for a steal!

Cheapest Airlines to Travel with Your Dog – Compare Prices for Dog-Friendly Flights image 2

Check Air Transport Associations For Deals

Certain regional airport alliances occasionally offer bargain rates for pets aboard partner airlines. For instance, checking the website of the Airports Council International – North America could turn up some sweet pet travel packages between affiliated hubs.

So In Summary…

Hopefully this breakdown of the cheapest airline options has you feeling less ruff about getting Fido’s paws airborne. Do your research, watch for deals, and flying your pooch doesn’t need to break the bank. With a little planning, that dream beach vacation or visit to Grandma’s house can still happen – even if it means doubling up on dog kisses! Let me know if you have any other pet travel questions.

Bon voyage and happy travels to all you flying fur friends out there! I’m sure your owners can’t wait to show you the world.

Cheapest Airline Options for Traveling with Your Dog

Airline	Baggage Fees	Advance Notice	Crate Requirement
Delta	$125 each way	At least 48 hours	Hard-sided kennel required
American	$125 each way	At least 24 hours	Soft-sided kennel permitted
United	$125 each way	At least 48 hours	Hard or soft-sided kennel permitted
Alaska	$100 each way	At least 48 hours	Hard-sided kennel required
Southwest	$95 each way	At booking	Hard-sided kennel required under seat

FAQ

What is the most budget-friendly airline for flying with dogs?

Southwest Airlines is basically the cheapest option in general. They let you bring one pet per passenger in-cabin with no additional rate. However, you’ll need to purchase the dog’s ticket.
How much does it cost to fly a dog as cargo?

Flying a dog as cargo will set you back somewhere between $100 to $200 or more each way depending on the airline and the size of your pet. It’s not the most cost-effective choice compared to in-cabin with Southwest. At the same time, there are some benefits over in-cabin like not having to deal with your pet under the seat.
Are there weight limits for pets on planes?

Most airlines allow dogs up to 20 pounds to fly in-cabin with you for free as long as they fit safely under the seat. Any heavier than that and the dog might need to go as cargo. Strongly suggest you check airline policies though because weight limits can differ and sometimes it’s based on the size of the crate rather than pooch’s pounds.
What paperwork is required to fly with a dog?

To travel with a dog on a plane you’ll need some important docs. Most notably, you gotta have a health certificate from your vet saying your pup is healthy, up-to-date on shots, and good to go. Rabies vaccination records are also a must. The airline may request additional things too perhaps like a travel crate or sedatives approval for nervous flyers. It’s best to thoroughly check each airline’s doggy flying guidelines.
Are there any airlines that don’t allow dogs in cargo?

A few airlines flat-out refuse to accept dogs as cargo including JetBlue and Alaska Airlines. However, Alaska will allow dogs to fly in-cabin on certain routes for a fee. As for in-cabin, Southwest is pretty much the most dog-friendly allowing one pet per passenger at no extra cost other than the dog’s ticket. Nonetheless, always confirm policies just in case as rules may occasionally change.
Is it safe to sedate my dog for air travel?

Consult your vet on sedation, but it appears sedatives are typically okay and sometimes recommended to calm stressed pups for flying. Strongly suggest getting written permission from the vet though on what medication to use and how much to give based on your dog’s size. The upside is it may reduce kennel stress and make the flight smoother, but it’s still debatable if needed for all dogs. perhaps natural calming aids could work too for mild cases.
What are some tips for making my dog comfortable on a plane?

Experts suggest things like getting your pup acclimated to their travel crate before flights through positive training. Bringing along their bed, toys and one worn article of your clothing can also help dogs feel secure. Quietly talking to them during take-off and landing when ear pressure changes occur can assist too. Proper crate size is crucial as well so they aren’t crammed in tight quarters for hours. With prep, most dogs can tolerate plane travel just fine.

Fees Info