Your Guide to Finding Affordable Pet-Friendly Flights
Traveling with your furry friend can add extra costs and complications to planning a vacation. As an avid pet owner myself, I’ve dealt with the stress of trying to find pet-friendly options that also fit my budget. In this article, I’ll break down the different factors to consider and provide my best tips for scoring cheap fares that allow you to bring your pet along.
Check Multiple Airlines and Dates
The first step is shopping around to different airlines since pet policies and fees vary widely. Be prepared for prices to fluctuate too – weekends and holidays tend to be pricier. From my experience, it always pays to scan options for a few days before and after your desired travel dates. You never know when a small date change could save you over 0 in pet charges. Be flexible if possible.
Look at Secondary Airports
Major hub airports usually see higher demand, so consider alternative nearby airports. For example, if you’re flying out of a large East Coast city, check the smaller regional airport a short drive away too. In some cases, you might find flights that are not just cheaper for your pet but cheaper overall. It’s worth a bit more driving to arrive or depart from a less busy airport.
Fly Non-Peak Days and Times
Just like the weekends, travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is typically cheaper across the board. Early morning or red-eye flights generally have lower rates as well. Even if it means losing a day of your trip, the savings could make it worth it. I’ve saved hundreds by shifting travel to off-hours.
Book Well in Advance
Most airlines charge premiums for booking pet travel within a week of departure. The farther out you can commit to dates, the better deals tend to emerge. Most experts recommend securing tickets at least a month ahead of time. It gives carriers extra lead time to plan and may qualify you for better rates. Last-minute travel often costs several times as much, especially with pets in tow.
Consider Cargo versus Cabin
While cabin travel ensures your pet stays by your side, shipping in the cargo hold is usually cheaper if your pet qualifies as a carrier animal. Make sure the carrier meets size guidelines and is IATA-certified. From memory, flying a small dog as cargo once saved me over 0 versus cabin charges each way. Just be sure the carrier is well-ventilated and secure your pet with ID tags inside and out. Cargo travel needs planning too for pick-up and delivery logistics.
Check Low-Cost Carriers
Budget airlines sometimes have very reasonable pet policies and fees. Kind of like how Southwest readily accepts one personal item, carriers like JetBlue and Alaska allow pets for a flat surcharge that’s often hundreds less than major airlines. Do your homework on size/breed limits. For shorter hauls, these “no-frills” options can really save the day, in my experience.
Look Into Multiple Legs
While connecting flights add complexity, they may cut costs if one of the legs has better pet rates. Basically, it’s worth piecing together multi-city trips on different airlines rather than insisting on direct flights. Sometimes a red-eye with a daytime layover translates to big savings versus a nonstop afternoon flight. Be sure to book connections allowing minutes rather than hours between arrival and departure to minimize missed connections stress.
Consider Traveling Light
Most carriers charge overweight baggage fees per pound for pets and carriers. To dodge extras, only bring essential medications, food, water and toys in an FAA-approved carrier. Forgo extra belongings that can be purchased locally. As any frequent traveler knows, packing light means cheaper tickets and less hassle at the airport. It’s totally worth it, in my view, to pack minimally for your pup’s comfort.
Find Frequent Flyer Deals
If you’re loyal to one carrier, build up your frequent flyer miles and status. A number of perks open up like waived pet fees on award flights. Strong program members get the first crack at limited time sales and promotions too. It takes effort but these rewards make a real difference for pet owners in the long run. My cat has enjoyed free flights thanks to my airline alliance membership.
Consider Dedicating Reward Points
As a last resort, redeeming hard-earned points and miles for pet-friendly tickets works if the cash price is outrageous. Most programs let you “purchase” flights this way,provided you have built up a large stash. I once used over 30,000 points on a roundtrip bringing my hamster along versus a $1200 out of pocket redemption. If points will expire anyway, it’s an option certainly worth crunching numbers on.
Does this help cover the main factors to evaluate when seeking affordable pet air travel? Let me know if you need any part explained further. With some flexibility and homework, you’d be amazed at how creative routing and timing options can turn a $1000 job into a well under $500 deal. Safe travels to you and your pet!
Pet Friendly Flight Options and Key Considerations
| Airline | Pet in Cabin Allowed | Size Limit | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | Dogs and cats only | Up to 20 lbs | $125 each way |
| American | Dogs only | Up to 20 lbs | $125 each way |
| United | Dogs and cats only | Up to 20 lbs | $125 each way |
| JetBlue | No pets allowed in cabin | N/A | N/A |
| Alaska | Dogs and cats only | Up to 20 lbs | $125 each way |
FAQ
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How can I find cheap pet friendly flights?
Basically, there are a few main ways to look for inexpensive flights that allow pets. You can search online travel sites and directly on airline websites to see what pet policies and fees they have. Sometimes smaller airlines or budget carriers let pets fly free or for a lower cost than the big guys. It’s worth doing some digging.
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Do all airlines charge a pet fee?
Most airlines will charge extra to bring a pet along, but not all of them. Some regional carriers might let pets fly for free in the cabin. On the other hand, major airlines normally charge between $100 to $200 or more each way. You gotta do the research to find one that fits your budget.
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What kinds of pets can fly?
Generally, dogs and cats are the most common pets allowed in the cabin of planes. Some airlines will also take small cage birds. However, restrictions do apply on size and breed. For example, many dislikelarge or “dangerous” dog breeds. Exotic pets are usually a no-no. Always check the airline rules before booking with an unusual pet.
Nevertheless, budget carriers can offer lower pet fares than average. You just need to be careful about extra costs. For instance, some charge extra for pets over a certain size or weight. At the same time, it’s understandable why airlines charge more for animals after all – they take up room in the cabin and can cause disturbances. Maybe fly during off-peak times when planes are less crowded to avoid hassles. Perhaps look into driving instead for long haul journeys if money is tight.
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What paperwork is required for a pet to fly?
Most airlines will require some form of proof that your pet is healthy, up-to-date on shots, and trained to behave on flights. This typically involves a certificate from your vet listing vaccinations and sometimes a signed letter saying your pet is well-behaved. It’s crucial to have all important documents in order or else your buddy might not be allowed in the cabin. Always check guidelines ahead of time before booking a ticket for your furry friend.
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Is it stressful for pets to travel by air?
Flying can certainly be scary for pets unused to it. There’s lot of unfamiliar noises and being confined in a crate. However, many dogs and cats take to it better than you might think, especially if they’re introduced to it gradually. Having some calming aids accessible and getting them comfortable with carriers in advance is key. You can also ask the vet about medications to keep stress levels down. With proper training and precautions, the journey need not be totally awful.
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What are some tips for keeping a pet calm on a flight?
To help a pet feel at ease in the airplane environment, it’s good to get them acclimated to their travel crate beforehand. Put familiar items inside like a favorite toy or blanket. Consider calming aids like treats, diffusers, or medication by vet advice. On travel days, do low-key activities before arriving. Talk to them soothingly and try to keep them distracted once aboard. Also ask for a spot near the bulkhead or wing for more legroom. With a little preparation, even anxious animals can take to flying with less fuss.
In conclusion, flying with pets is certainly doable but does require some extra planning. It’s important to thoroughly research each airline’s policies, fees, and paperwork guidelines to ensure a smooth trip. While there may be added costs, budget carriers can create opportunities for cheaper fares if you’re willing to dig a little. With the right preparation of yourself and your furry friend, traveling by air doesn’t need to be completely terrifying for humans or animals alike. Just take some basic precautions and all should go smoothly.