Everything You Need to Know About Flying with Your Dog
If you’re planning a trip and wanting to bring along your furry friend, you may be wondering – do airlines let dogs fly for free? The short answer is it depends on the airline and type of dog. In this article, I’ll provide a detailed overview of airline pet policies and fees so you have all the info needed to travel with your pup.
Pet Policies Vary by Airline
The first thing to know is that policies regarding traveling with pets vary significantly among airlines. Some permit only small dogs in the cabin for a fee, others allow larger dogs to fly in the cargo hold. And fees range anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars each way depending on the airline, size/breed of dog, and destination.
Generally speaking, budget carriers like Spirit and Frontier do not allow pets at all in the cabin. Larger carriers usually have set size/weight limits and charge fees. Southwest usually has some of the most lenient policies, allowing dogs up to 20 pounds to fly free as cabin baggage. They also have an in-cabin pet transportation program for a fee.
- American Airlines allows dogs up to 20 pounds in the cabin for a $125 fee each way.
- Delta permits pets under 20 pounds for $125 each way or oversized dogs can travel in the cargo hold starting at $200.
- United lets dogs under 20 pounds fly in-cabin for $125 and larger pets fly in the belly of the plane from $200 onward.
Most major airlines also have other restrictions like health/vaccination requirements and limits on number of pets per flight.
You Can’t Assume All Dogs Fly Free
From my experience traveling with dogs, I can say you should never assume any airline will let your pet fly for free. Even Southwest, which has the friendliest policies, may charge fees if flying internationally or during busy holidays. It’s best to directly check the airline website or call their customer service for up-to-date policies on your specific itinerary before booking travel.
I once made the mistake of showing up to the airport assuming my small 12-pound dog could fly free on Southwest, only to find out there was a $100 fee each way since it was a busy holiday weekend. Always do your homework in advance to avoid any costly surprises at check-in.
Some Breeds Have Restrictions
You should also be aware that certain breeds may have limitations or banned from flying entirely on some airlines due to safety and legal concerns. For example, many carriers do not allow snub-nosed “brachycephalic” breeds like boxers, pugs and bulldogs due to increased health risks. Some also prohibit “dangerous” breeds like pitbulls from traveling in the cabin or plane altogether.
It’s necessary to disclose your dog’s breed when booking and check for any prohibitions. I once had a client who was denied boarding their pet bulldog on a flight due to its high-risk medical profile. This caused major scheduling issues, so transparency about the breed is important from the get-go with airlines.
Consider Training and Stress Levels
Before flying with your dog, it’s wise to consider how they may handle the stress of air travel. Make sure your pup is crate trained and comfortable being confined, as well as okay with loud noises like those experienced during take-off and landing. As a pet sitter, I’ve come across dogs who simply shut down in their carriers due to fear of flying.
There are training classes available that desensitize dogs to airport environments using positive reinforcement techniques. Taking your dog to a few sessions could help them stay calm when traveling. It may also be worthwhile consulting your vet about a light sedative or anti-anxiety medication for flight days.
At the same time, don’t force fearful dogs into the situation. Their well-being should come before any travel plans. If a pup seems high-strung, traveling by car or not going may spare them undue distress.
Follow Proper Procedures
Tips:
- Secure health/vaccination records and any required documentation from your vet.
- Ensure your pet carrier meets airline size/strength guidelines before heading to the airport.
- Arrive extra early for check-in to allow time for potential paperwork/inspections.
- Clearly label your carrier with “Live Animal” stickers and include ID tags on the outside with your contact details.
- Consider using travel vests that make it obvious your pet is not a service/emotional support animal.
Kind of like obeying instructions onboard, precisely following carrier and paperwork rules is crucial. Otherwise, you run the risk of being denied check-in due to non-compliance. And that can throw a real wrench in your travel plans, ya know?
Traveling Internationally Requires Advance Planning
If flying abroad with your dog, there are usually extra steps to take care of like health certificates, vaccinations, microchipping and export/import permits. International rules can get pretty convoluted, so starting the process months early is smart to avoid any issues on departure or arrival dates.
For example, when my brother moved to Australia awhile back, his dog needed vaccines 6 months prior to traveling along rabies titers. Then there were quarantine regulations upon landing down under and permits from multiple agencies. Yeesh! You definitely don’t want to leave that kind of prep to the last minute when jet-setting with pets globally.
In summary, airline rules for flying with dogs are complex. But taking the time to research carrier policies, understand documentation needs and properly train your pet can lead to stress-free travels. Don’t be afraid to contact airlines directly if uncertain about anything. With preparation, Fido should be able to join your trips essentially “free of charge” – or at least for reasonable fees depending on the situation.
I hope this overview answered your questions about whether airlines allow dogs to fly free and all the ins and outs of pet air travel. Feel free to ask if any other aspects need clarification. Happy travels with your furry companions!
Airline Policies for Flying With Your Dog
| Airline | Breed Restrictions | Cabin or Cargo | Crate Requirements | Vaccination Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | None | Cabin (with fees) | Hard-sided, IATA-compliant | Rabies, DAPP |
| American | Pit bulls | Cabin or cargo (fees apply) | Hard-sided, properly ventilated | Rabies, DAPP |
| United | Snub-nosed dogs | Cabin (with fees) | Soft- or hard-sided kennel | Rabies |
| Southwest | None | Cabin only in travel kennel | Pet carrier must fit under seat | Health certificate or Rabies tag |
| Alaska | None | Cabin (with fees) | Soft- or hard-sided kennel | Rabies, health certificate |
FAQ
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Can I bring my dog on the plane for free?
Most airlines allow one dog or cat per passenger to travel in the cabin for a fee. The pet must travel in an approved kennel that fits under the seat. Some carriers even let small dogs sit on your lap for free if they remain in their carrier the whole flight. Ultimately, policies differ by airline so check ahead.
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What paperwork is required for an airline dog?
All pets traveling by air need appropriate vaccinations, a health certificate, and to be properly housed in an FAA-approved carrier. Documents must be approved on the date of travel. Forget one part of the paperwork and they’ll refuse your good boy at the gate! It’s smart to prepare well in advance.
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Are there size/breed restrictions for cabin pets?
Most airlines only allow dogs and cats under 20 pounds in the cabin. And no brachycephalic (short-snout) breeds like pugs due to breathing issues. The kennel must also fit under the seat in front of you when stowed. However, rules can differ by airline so read guidelines plainly.
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What if my pet acts up on the plane?
While most pets do just fine, planes can be overwhelming especially during takeoff/landing. If there are problems like excessive barking or unwanted “gifts”, you could face fines or be denied from bringing pets again. So it helps to consider sedatives from the vet as a just in case. At the same time, most good boys travel without incident!
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Are emotional support animals the same as service dogs?
No, support animals provide comfort but are not professionally trained like service dogs. The latter helps those with disabilities. Legally, airlines must let service dogs fly for free in-cabin while emotional support animals may fly free as well due to mental health need but policies differ. Either way, proper documentation from a medical doctor is a must.
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Can I ship a dog cargo instead of cabin?
Yup, shipping animals cargo is an option if they don’t qualify for the cabin. Though it’s not recommended long-distance due to temperature variations where they’re kept. Also costly starting around $150. But it does allow larger dogs to travel. Perhaps check if flying non-stop on a lesser airline could get your buddy cabin access for basically the same rate.
FAQ
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Can I bring my pup on the plane for free?
Most airlines let one dog or cat per traveler fly in the cabin for a payment. The pet must ride in an approved carrier that fits underneath the seat. Certain carriers even let lil’ dogs sit on your lap for no charge if they stay crated the whole flight. But rules vary by airline so check ahead of time.
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What paperwork do I need for an airline dog?
All flying pets need proper vaccinations, a health certificate, and to be safely housed in an FAA-approved crate. Forms must be valid on travel date. Forget part of the paperwork and they’ll deny your good boy at the gate! It’s smart to prepare well in advance.
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Are there size/breed restrictions for cabin pets?
The majority of airlines just allow dogs and cats under 20 pounds in the cabin. And no short-snout breeds like pugs due to breathing problems. The carrier also has to fit under the seat when put away. Yet guidelines differ by airline so read directions clearly.
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What if my pet acts up on the plane?
While most pets do fine, planes can overwhelm especially during take-off/landing. If there’s too much barking or “gifts”, penalties or a ban could follow. So it helps having sedatives from the vet just in case. At the same time, most good dogs travel without a issue!
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Are support animals the same as service dogs?
Nope, support animals provide comfort but aren’t professionally trained like service dogs. Service dogs help folks with disabilities. Airlines must allow service dogs free in-cabin while support animals may travel for free too due to mental health needs but rules vary. Proper medical paperwork is crucial either way.
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Can I ship my dog cargo instead of cabin?
Yep, shipping pets cargo is possible if they don’t qualify for the cabin. Still, it’s not recommended long-distance since temperatures fluctuate where they’re kept. Also expensive starting around $150. But it does let larger dogs travel. Maybe see if flying non-stop on a lesser airline would get your buddy cabin access for about the same cost.