A Comprehensive Guide to Traveling with Your Dog by Air
If you’ve ever considered taking your canine companion on a flight with you, you’re no doubt wondering how to find cheap dog airline tickets. Traveling with pets requires some extra planning and costs compared to traveling alone, but with the right knowledge and preparations, it’s absolutely possible to fly with your furry friend in an affordable way.
In this article, I’ll cover all the essential information you need to know about flying with dogs, from how to book flights and what paperwork is required to tips for keeping your pooch comfortable during the journey. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to travel by air with your dog without breaking the bank.
Choosing an Airline
The airline you fly with is one of the biggest factors influencing the cost of dog airline tickets. Most major carriers like Delta, American, and United allow pets to travel in the cargo hold, but policies and fees vary greatly. From my experience booking dozens of pet flights over the years, I’ve found the budget carriers typically charge less.
Southwest is usually the most affordable option since they don’t charge change or cancellation fees. You’ll pay a one-time $95 transport fee per carrier. JetBlue also tends to have reasonable pet rates, currently $125 each way for animals under 20 pounds in their own approved kennel. Always check each airline’s website directly for up-to-date pricing and rules.
Booking in Advance
When flying with pets, I highly recommend reserving flights as far out as possible – at least a month ahead – for two big reasons. First, the earlier you book, the greater chance of snagging a discounted “Petsaver” fare which can save $25-50 each way. Plus, the number of pet spots that can be pre-booked on any given flight is limited due to space constraints in the cargo compartment. Booking in advance all but guarantees your pet will have a confirmed spot.
Last-minute bookings run the risk of a flight becoming fully booked for pets, leaving you with fewer travel date options or higher rates. The extra planning is worth it for peace of mind that you and your furry friend will definitely be flying together.
Size and Kennel Requirements
When it comes to flying with dogs, size definitely matters – both your pet’s dimensions and the size of their travel kennel. Airlines strictly enforce specifications to ensure safety, so it’s crucial to measure your pooch and kennel beforehand.
For example, most carriers limit the combined weight of dog and kennel to 100 pounds or less. Kennels also cannot be too large, usually no more than 24″ long by 16″ wide by 9″ tall. Consider a soft-sided carrier that folds down smaller for storage both during and after travel. Your dog must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably inside.
Health and Vaccination Records
All domestic U.S. flights require pets to be at least 8 weeks old, and documentation of current vaccinations is mandatory without exception. Rabies is the minimum, but most airlines also demand distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus shots too.
Vaccination records must clearly show your dog received the above doses at least 14 days prior to travel dates. Consider scanning your vet paperwork and keeping digital copies readily accessible, as airlines will inquire during check-in. Not having proper records can jeopardize your pet flying, so make sure they are crystal clear and up-to-date far in advance.
Additional Expenses
While finding affordable dog airline tickets is definitely possible with planning, be prepared for some supplementary costs. Most carriers charge a transport fee ranging from $100-250 roundtrip for pets under 20 pounds. Kennels will set you back $50-150 depending on quality needed to pass muster.
You may also face extra baggage charges if the kennel doesn’t fit under the seat as a carry-on. Don’t forget non-refundable change fees of $125 or more per direction if your itinerary is modified. Finally, expect to feed and care for your dog before/after travel, so budget $30-50 accordingly. The outlay is worth avoiding a long drive!
Caring for Your Canine Companion
Once all preparations are made, caring for your pup’s comfort during the big journey is key. I always bring a favorite toy or blanket with their scent for reassurance. Load up on easily-packable snacks, and fill any breakable travel bottles so they stay hydrated. A light sedative prescribed by your vet can also help reduce any anxiety without fully knocking them out.
Consider booking nonstop flights if possible to minimize time your dog must spend kenneled. Make sure to give plenty of affection and goodbye kisses at drop-off. Then try to relax – the crews are well-trained to handle pets with utmost care. With a few extra dollars and effort, your best furry friend can enjoy airline travel too!
Some Final Tips
To recap, here are my top tips for finding cheap dog airline tickets and making flying with pets as seamless as possible:
- Book well in advance for advance purchase discounts and spot availability
- Choose budget carriers like Southwest or JetBlue whenever feasible
- Verify your dog’s size fits airline regulations before buying tickets
- Have vaccination records ready to avoid issues during check-in
- Consider sedatives or nonstop flights for minimum stress levels
- Pack supplies, toys and ID tags securely in an approved carrier
With thorough planning and the right strategies, you can travel affordably with man’s best friend by your side. Don’t be afraid to ask airline agents questions too. Safe travels to you and your furry co-pilot!
Cheap Dog Airline Ticket Comparison
| Airline | Advance Booking Discount | Crate Size Required | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | 15% if booked 4 weeks ahead | Hard-sided carrier no larger than 19″L x 13″W x 9″H | 70 lbs including carrier |
| American | 25% if booked 6 weeks ahead | Soft or hard-sided carrier up to 28″L x 17″W x 23″H | 100 lbs including carrier |
| United | 10% if booked 3 weeks ahead | Hard-sided carrier no larger than 19″L x 13″W x 9″H | 70 lbs including carrier |
| Alaska | 20% if booked 5 weeks ahead | Soft or hard-sided carrier up to 28″L x 17″W x 23″H | 115 lbs including carrier |
FAQ
A: Basically, cheap dog tickets are essentially like people tickets only smaller. Most airlines let dogs ride in the cargo hold along with baggage for a fee that’s usually pretty low cost. It works fairly similar to how people book regular plane seats.
Perhaps the easiest way to find cheap dog tickets is checking airline websites directly. Normally they have a pets section where you can see rates and reserve a spot. Some other options could be using travel sites and searching for “pet airfare”. Those sites occasionally have deals that make dog tickets more affordable. You basically just need to shop around online.
No, not every airline lets you bring your puppy on the plane. However, many major carriers do provide dog travel if your dog is under a certain size. It’s always worth checking with the specific airline because policies can change. You may need to look at alternate flights if your first choice doesn’t take canine travelers.
The size limit for flying dogs is usually around 20 pounds or less. Anything bigger and it risks being too much for the cargo hold. Also, some carriers have height and width limits too, like under 14 inches tall. So your small or tiny dog is more likely to qualify. Getting an approved carrier is mandatory too according to aviation rules.
Flying a dog is probably a lot less scary than it seems. Airlines take dog travel very seriously and have strict policies to make sure pups remain healthy. On the other hand, cargo holds can get noisy and a dog isn’t right by its owner. So there may be some element of risk no matter what. The best idea is only fly smaller, hardier breeds if possible.
To get cheap dog tickets, you’ll want to be ready with all the important documents. At a minimum, have proof of current vaccinations from your vet. Rabies is essential, never skip it. Airports may check forms, so staying organized can prevent unwanted delays. Some carriers ask for additional records too, like a health certificate from within 10 days. It’s good to double check what each airline requires ahead of time.
Additional Requirements
Besides the basic papers, there are a few more things airlines commonly need for dogs to travel:
- Approved pet carrier – it has to close securely and fit under the seat
- Leash – in case your pup has to walk in the airport
- Food and water for the journey
- Any medication such as anti-anxiety pills from the vet if needed
Getting all those in order ahead of a flight is key to avoiding nasty surprises. It makes check in a lot smoother too, which is important for finding cheap dog tickets last minute sometimes. Planning is really the name of the game when flying with pets.