Compare Pet Airways Prices to Save on Flying with Your Pet

Everything You Need to Know About Flying With Your Pet

Wondering how much it will cost to transport Fluffy on your upcoming flight? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, I’ll break down pet airways prices for major carriers, discuss safety regulations, and share tips from my own experiences flying with animals. But first, let me set the scene…

My Fur Baby’s First Flight

I remember it like it was yesterday. After packing up the car, I loaded Sunny the beagle into her carrier and we headed to the airport. As we waited at the departure gate, Sunny started howling like nobody’s business. Kinda mortifying, if I’m being honest! The guy next to me was like “geez man, you gotta shut that thing up.” Thanks buddy, super helpful. 😒 Anyways, I was basically a nervous wreck worrying about how she’d handle takeoff. But you know what? She did great once we were airborne! From then on, flying became our little tradition whenever I visited home.

Regulations for Flying With Pets

The good news is that major airlines like Delta, American, and United allow pets to travel in the cargo hold on most domestic flights. However, there are some important rules to know:

1. Only dogs and cats are permitted as checked baggage. No exotic pets allowed, so leave that boa constrictor at home!
2. The animal must travel in an FAA-approved hard-sided carrier that fits completely under the seat.
3. Carriers cannot exceed a certain size, usually around 20 x 14 x 9 inches.
4. Proof of current vaccinations is required, along with an enclosed record from your vet.

It’s also worth noting that rodents, reptiles and birds must travel in the cargo hold. And during hot weather, some airlines will restrict pets from flying altogether due to heat risks. So do your research before booking that summer flight!

Pet Airways Prices: What Will It Cost?

Airline fees for travelling with pets vary based on carrier, destination, and whether it’s domestic or international. Here’s a brief overview of average rates from my research:

• Most major domestic flights within the US charge around $125 per pet in the cargo hold each way. Some discount airlines are slightly less.
• Additional surcharges of $25-50 may apply for overweight animals or those requiring larger kennels.
• International flights are significantly more at around $200-300 each way. Obviously way pricier but totally worth it to include your furry friend!

You can typically find discounted rates by purchasing the pet ticket as an “excess baggage” add-on when booking your own flight. It’s definitely smarter to purchase in advance rather than trying to buy at the airport last minute. That’s asking for a nasty surprise!

Tips for a Safe and Stress-Free Pet Flight

No one wants Fido freaking out for hours at 30,000 feet! As an experienced flyer with pets, here are my top recommendations:

1. Acclimate your pet to the carrier well ahead of time. Make it a positive space with treats and toys.
2. Bring water, but no food on the day of flight to prevent accidents. Airlines may also restrict certain foods.
3. Calm aids like CBD or pheromone diffusers can reduce anxiety for nervous fliers.
4. Talk to your vet about mild sedatives if really needed. But don’t overdo those meds, y’know?
5. Clearly label the carrier with your contact info in case of emergencies mid-flight. Oy vey, the horror stories I’ve heard…

And don’t forget, airlines won’t ship animals in summer months due to heat risks. So plan accordingly if you’ll be crisscrossing the country with Mr. Snuggles in tow.

Alternative Options When Flying Isn’t Best

Sometimes flying just isn’t the most responsible choice, especially for elderly, sick or very young pets. Here are some other options to consider:

• Drive yourself and make regular rest stops. Can be long but your pet stays comfy.
• Hire a professional pet transport service. More $$ but less stress than flying or driving alone.
• Check airline policies for canines who can be present in the cabin as service animals. Strict rules apply though!
• As a last resort, board your pet locally while away instead of transporting if trip is short.

So in summary folks, flying pets is totally doable if you plan accordingly. But maybe take little Fluffy on a test run to the vet first before subjecting them to a big fancy schmancy human trip, ya know? Feel free to hit me up if you have any other pet travel questions! Hope this helps you decide what’s best for your furry friend. Bon voyage!

So in closing, I hope this overview of pet airways prices along with my handy tips and tricks has given you everything you need to feel confident about flying with pets. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions. Wishing you and Fido smooth sailing whichever option you choose. Your pup will be howling with joy – or terror – in no time! Let me know how it goes. Cheers!

Comparing Pet Airways Prices

Carrier	Average Cost per Pet	Weight Limit	Allows Special Food?
PetExpress	$125	50 lbs	Yes
PetSafe	$150	75 lbs	No
PetFly	$100	30 lbs	Yes
AirAnimal	$175	Unlimited	Yes
FlyFurBaby	$200	100 lbs	No

FAQ

1. How much do pet airfares usually cost?

   Pet airfares can be kind of expensive. It basically depends on factors like the airline, size of your pet, and distance traveled. But on average, expect to pay between $100 to $300 per kennel. Sometimes even more for longer trips.

   

2. Do all airlines allow pets as cargo?

   Not exactly. Only some airlines let you transport animals as air cargo. Major carriers like American, Delta, and United commonly accept pets. However, cheaper airlines such as Spirit often do not take pets. It’s important to check the airline’s policy in advance.

3. Is it safer to fly with pets as cargo or in-cabin?

   Both methods have pros and cons when it comes to pet safety. On the one hand, in the cargo hold pets don’t have to stress over loud noises and being confined under the seat. But down there, changes in pressure and temperature can disturb them. In the cabin gives you peace of mind. However, some pets freak out over flying conditions there too. Overall, cargo is riskier due to less supervision.

4. What sizes of kennels are allowed on flights?

   Kennel size policies differ for in-cabin pets versus cargo hold pets. For the latter, most airlines accept kennels that are no bigger than medium-sized, like 20x28x38 inches. Some even restrict it to be no more than half that space. Kennels in the cabin have more flexibility since they go under the seat, but still must fit regulations. Always double check dimensions with your airline.

5. How early should I book a pet airfare?

   It’s generally recommended to book pet travel fairly in advance, like a month or more before your trip. Airlines have restricted space and equipment for pets, so spots fill up quickly. Booking early ensures a spot is saved for your furry friend. It also gives you more time to prepare health documents and get everything squared away. Otherwise your pet might end up stranded if the flight is full by the time you check in.

   

6. What documents are required to fly with a pet?

   To fly commercially with pets, you need some important papers together. This includes an up-to-date vaccination record, a health certificate from your vet dated within 10 days of travel, and an airline travel kennel that is securely locked and labeled. You will also need the pet’s owner info noted on forms. It’s critical to verify paperwork specifics with your airline directly as requirements can vary.

7. Are there any travel restrictions on certain breeds?

   Yes indeed, there are some restrictions depending on the dog breed. Certain breeds like pit bulls have bans or restrictions on flying with several major airlines for reasons to do with insurance policies and risks. Don’t just rely on memories I take – be sure to check policies on your specific dog’s breed too. It wouldn’t be amazing if you weren’t let onboard after all preparations.

8. How can I minimize travel stress for my pet?

   To help your pet stay calm on trips, take some easy steps. Make sure they’re accustomed to their kennel ahead of time through positive association. Also pack toys, treats and their bedding for security. Consult with your vet regarding anti-anxiety medication if they deal with stressful situations badly. Remaining cheerful yourself radiates calm energy to reassure your pet too. Simply remember that their world is being turned upside down, regardless of how routine it may seem to you!