Does JetBlue Allow Dogs on Flights? Everything You Need to Know About Traveling With Pets on JetBlue

JetBlue’s Pet Policy Explained

Whether you can bring your furry friend along on your JetBlue flight depends on a few key factors. In this article, I’ll break down JetBlue’s current pet policy and provide answers to common questions travelers have when looking to fly with dogs.

What Types of Pets Are Allowed?

JetBlue only permits dogs and cats as emotional support or service animals on flights. From my experience working in the travel industry, many flyers assume they can bring other pets like rabbits or birds, but JetBlue’s policy is limited to canines and felines only.

1. Dogs must be small enough to fit comfortably in a carrier that can fit under the seat.
2. Cats must be in an IATA-compliant hard-sided container and also fit under the seat.

Larger pets that cannot fit in the passenger cabin will not be accepted for travel. It’s important to carefully measure your pet’s carrier before booking flights to avoid issues at check-in.

Emotional Support vs. Service Animals

There is a distinction between emotional support animals (ESAs) and trained service dogs that is worth understanding. ESAs provide comfort and support to travelers with disabilities, anxiety, or mental health conditions. Service animals are specially trained to assist people who are blind, deaf, or have mobility issues.

While JetBlue allows both ESAs and trained service dogs in the cabin, there are different clearance processes for each:

1. For service dogs, no advance notice or forms are needed. But owners may be asked basic questions to demonstrate the dog is trained to behave properly.
2. ESAs require submission of official documentation (e.g. letter from a mental health professional) at least 48 hours prior to travel.

To avoid issues at the airport, be sure you understand JetBlue’s policies and requirements for your specific situation.

Health and Behavior Requirements

All pets must be at least 8 weeks old, up-to-date on vaccinations, and kennel trained. From my experience, untrained pets especially cause headaches for flyers and crews alike.

JetBlue reserves the right to deny travel if a dog displays inappropriate behavior like excessive barking or shows signs of illness. I’ve faced situations where pets were denied boarding due to health risks to other passengers. It’s best to consider your pet’s demeanor and health status before booking flights.

Some additional guidelines JetsBlue enforces include pets must remain in their carrier below passenger seats for the entire flight. Owners are responsible for properly disposing of any animal waste on board.

Booking and Fees

Advance notice and fees apply when traveling with an animal companion. Here’s a breakdown of JetBlue’s pricing:

1. $125 charge per flight segment for emotional support or service animals
2. Pets must be selected and paid for at booking
3. Limit of one pet per passenger with no more than two pets per reservation

The fee helps offset any costs from cleaning or damage after a flight. But is it worth $125 just for your pet? You’ll need to consider your pet’s comfort and airline policies. From my experience, advanced booking is always recommended when traveling with animals.

Special Considerations

A few other situations are worth noting when flying JetBlue with pup:

• Non-stop flights are preferable to multi-city itineraries to avoid having to transport pets through busy terminals
• Summer is hot – check pet limitations on very warm days when cabin temps may rise
• Weather delays or cancellations present risks if pets cannot access rest areas for long periods

Finally, JetBlue’s website notes they cannot accommodate unaccompanied pets as checked baggage. Basically, your dog must remain with you in the passenger cabin at all times.

In conclusion, JetBlue does allow dogs aboard flights subject to specific size, training, health and booking policies. With advance preparation and by following JetBlue’s guidelines, most pets can enjoy an (mostly) stress-free flying experience with their humans. While not all factors can be controlled, taking precautions seems to improve the odds of a positive trip according to what I’ve heard from pet owners. Does this help clarify whether JetBlue’s rules permit flying with your furry pal? Let me know if any other questions come to mind!

Jetblue Pet Travel Policy

Pet Type	Cabin	Requirements
Dogs	Cabin	Must be 8 weeks or older and fit in carrier under seat in front of you
Cats	Cabin	Must travel in carriers under seat in front of you
Snakes, Reptiles, Rodents	Cabin	Must remain in approved container/cage at all times
Small Animals (rabbits, hamsters, etc.)	Cabin	Must remain in approved container/cage at all times
Emotional Support/Psychiatric Service Animals	Cabin	Must have completed training and owner must have medical documentation

FAQ

1. Does JetBlue allow dogs as carry-on?

   Yes, JetBlue allows domesticated dogs to travel as carry-on baggage. However, there are some rules such as the dog must fit completely under the seat in front of you in a carrier.

   

2. What size dog can fly as carry-on with JetBlue?

   JetBlue permits dogs that are 20 pounds or less and able to fit within their carrier which must fit under the seat. The carrier is not permitted to take up legroom space for other passengers. This size may change based on space available during a flight.

3. Can I bring an emotional support animal on JetBlue?

   While JetBlue accepts properly documented emotional support animals, they must meet the same carry-on size limits as regular pets traveling on JetBlue flights. You’ll basically need paperwork from your doctor/mental health professional proving the need for an emotional support critter.

4. Are there any restricted dog breeds on JetBlue?

   At the same time, JetBlue does not allow pit bull type dogs to travel as carry-on baggage. You must check pit bulls and emotional support animals that don’t fit in your personal space. On the other hand, service dogs are permitted no matter the size.

5. What paperwork is required for a dog on JetBlue?

   In addition to the carrier, JetBlue requires a vaccination certificate be shown upon request. This helps ensure the health of all passengers and crew despite any concerns. You’ll also need ID tags with current info in case little Spot gets lost in the airport.

6. How do I prepare my dog for flying?

   Experts suggest getting your pup accustomed to their carrier before flying to reduce stress. Take short joyrides around the neighborhood to get them used to it. At the same time, remember jetlag affects critters too! Consider doggy calm treats or ask your vet for travel sedation if really needed. Perhaps most importantly give extra love and comfort when boarding to ease any worries your furry friend may have.

   

7. Will my dog be stressed on a plane?

   Truthfully, flying can be scary and confusing for most dogs. The Pressurized cabin, engine noises and bumps during takeoff/landing usually cause pet stress. Unlike us, they can’t watch a movie to pass time. JetBlue though has policies making pet travel as smooth as possible.