How much extra is it to bring an animal on a flight?

Most airlines charge an additional fee for bringing an animal in the cabin or cargo hold. These fees can range from around $100 to $250 each way depending on the airline and animal size. At the same time, this is still generally way cheaper than buying an extra plane ticket.n

What documents do I need for my pet to fly?

To fly with an animal you’ll need a health certificate from a vet saying the pet is fit to travel. The certificate can’t be more than 10 days old when you fly. You’ll also need proof of current vaccines and an enclosed carrier big enough for the animal to stand up and turn around in. Basically, make sure to get all the paperwork squared away early to avoid any issues at check-in.n

What if my pet acts up on the plane?

While most pets do just fine in flight, there’s a chance they could bark, meow loudly or try to escape their carrier. The crew has the right to remove unruly pets from the cabin if they disturb other passengers. However, that’s pretty rare if you take the proper precautions. Perhaps try giving your pet a calming aid like CBD oil or ask your vet for travel anxiety medication.n

Can I sit with my pet during the flight?

Only service animals are allowed to remain at a person’s feet during flights. All other pets must remain in their carriers under the seat or in the cargo hold. This is for their safety and so they don’t block emergency exits or aisles. Of course, you are allowed to hold or cuddle a small carrier if your pet seems super nervous. But they can’t be loose in the cabin, sadly.

Is it really safe to put pets in cargo?

Most airlines have good track records with transporting animals, but mishaps can happen down in cargo due to extreme temperatures, delays or improper handling. Putting pets in the unpressurized cargo hold also raises risks. Unfortunately cargo may be the only option for large or unusual pets. The safest approach is to only bring pets in the cabin if possible and to check safety histories of different carriers first.n

What about international flights with pets?

Taking pets overseas requires way more paperwork and often a lengthy quarantine period when you land. Rules vary tremendously between countries. It’s best to research every nation’s specific rules well in advance to avoid surprises. You’ll likely need a health certificate, proof of vaccines, microchip identification and possibly a fumigation or treatment too. Obviously that makes international trips with pets substantially more hassle. So maybe consider leaving them with family or a petsitter.n

Find Cheap Flights That Allow Pets and Animals to Travel With You

Your Guide to Finding Affordable Airfare When Traveling with Pets

Traveling with animals can add extra costs and complications to your trip. However, with some planning and savvy strategies, you can absolutely find budget-friendly flight options that include your furry companions. In this article, we’ll explore all your questions about flying pets on a budget.

What extra fees should I expect when booking pet-friendly flights?

Most airlines charge pet transportation fees that are additional to the standard ticket price. These fees vary depending on the airline, route, and size of your pet’s kennel or carrier. Generally, expect to pay anywhere from $100-$200 each way when flying with a dog or cat in the cabin. Larger pets traveling in the cargo hold may incur even higher fees. Additionally, many international flights require health certificates and paperwork that can add to the cost.

However, some budget carriers like Spirit Airlines have very low base fares but charge astronomical pet fees upwards of $150 each way. So be sure to consider the total price, not just the advertised airfare, when choosing a pet-friendly flight.

Which days of the week are cheapest for flying with pets?

Just like standard tickets, pet-inclusive flights tend to be most affordable on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturday mornings. These mid-week and early weekend days usually see lower ticket demand. You can potentially save $50-100 per person on group trips by flying out on a Tuesday and returning on a Saturday. However, be prepared for busier airports and planes around weekends.

Are certain months or seasons generally cheaper?

Shoulder seasons between high and low travel periods often feature the best pet airfare deals. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) broadly fit this timing. Summertime between June and August is peak vacation season for families, so competition for seats increases and prices go up. Likewise, holiday travel from November through January is the most expensive time to fly with pets.

Find Cheap Flights That Allow Pets and Animals to Travel With You image 3

From my experience booking multiple pet flights yearly, I’ve found the best deals in late March, September, and early-to-mid November – so look for travel dates within those timeframes if budget is a primary concern. Be flexible with dates to maximize your savings potential.

Can I save money by flying my pet as cargo?

In some cases yes, putting your pet in the aircraft cargo hold rather than the passenger cabin can reduce costs. However, there are important considerations with this option:

Safety: Animals traveling in cargo are more exposed to extreme temperatures and other hazards. Only choose this if absolutely necessary for financial reasons.
Restrictions: Most airlines only allow small dogs and cats under a certain weight in cargo – usually around 20 pounds. Larger pets cannot fly belly.
Preparation: Your pet will need to be secured in an IATA-compliant crate and cannot carry certain items like food or water for the flight duration.

If the potential cost savings outweigh these downsides, opting for cargo may help stretch your pet travel budget. Make sure to follow airline regulations closely to keep Fido safe at 35,000 feet!

Are flight bundles or packages a good deal?

Some airlines offer “pets fly free” promotions where the animal transportation fee is waived if you book a certain number of paid human tickets simultaneously. These bundled deals can shave $100-200 off your pet travel costs. However, not all routes or times are eligible. You may have to commit to group flights versus flexible one-way trips too.

On the other hand, third-party travel agents occasionally provide all-inclusive pet vacation packages including airfare, hotels, and activities for a discounted bundle rate. These pre-planned itineraries take the legwork out of coordinating separate bookings but limit your trip customization. Carefully compare package pricing against booking elements separately.

Find Cheap Flights That Allow Pets and Animals to Travel With You image 2

What about flying on low-cost carriers with pets?

Ultra-low-fare airlines like Frontier, Spirit, and Allegiant are rarely the most budget-friendly pet travel option due to ultra-high animal surcharges. However, if you can find a route where the base fare differential is large enough, flying on a discount carrier may still come out ahead financially.

Another trick is to initially book just the human tickets on a low-cost airline. Then inquire about adding on pets at airport check-in where fees are sometimes negotiable depending on flight load. I’ve successfully saved over $50 per pet leg this way before. Of course, there is an element of risk if they deny your animals at the gate due to being overbooked.

Any other money-saving ideas?

A few more pet travel frugality tips:

Fly into one city and out of another for more scheduling and price flexibility
Consider driving partway for shorter hops if flying only saves a few hours
Ask about military/student/senior discounts often applicable to pet fees too
Look for upgrade vouchers/miles that cover pet transportation instead of cash outlay
Negotiate hotel pet fees by booking multiple night stays

No matter what, always check airline, expedia, hotels.com, and third-party consolidation site options to scan for the lowest possible out-of-pocket pet travel cost. With perseverance, you can fly Fido along for basically peanuts!

I hope this overview has helped address all your questions about budget-friendly flying with animals. Please let me know if any other topics would be useful to cover. Safe journeys to you and your pet companions!

Cheap Flight Options When Travelling With Pets

Airline	Animal Type Allowed	Cabin	Extra Fees
Delta	Dogs and cats	Cabin or cargo	$125 each way
United	Dogs and cats	Cabin	$125 each way
American	Dogs, cats, and household birds	Cabin	$125 each way
JetBlue	Dogs and cats only	Cabin	$100 each way
Alaska	Dogs, cats and household birds	Cabin	$125 each way

FAQ

How much extra is it to bring an animal on a flight?

Most airlines charge an additional fee for bringing an animal in the cabin or cargo hold. These fees can range from around $100 to $250 each way depending on the airline and animal size. At the same time, this is still generally way cheaper than buying an extra plane ticket.
What documents do I need for my pet to fly?

To fly with an animal you’ll need a health certificate from a vet saying the pet is fit to travel. The certificate can’t be more than 10 days old when you fly. You’ll also need proof of current vaccines and an enclosed carrier big enough for the animal to stand up and turn around in. Basically, make sure to get all the paperwork squared away early to avoid any issues at check-in.
Are there size or breed restrictions?

Most airlines only allow dogs, cats, rabbits or small birds in the cabin. Larger pets have to go in cargo. Some carriers also have size limits, usually around 20 pounds for cabin pets. Dangerous breeds like pit bulls may be banned too. It’s always best to check each airline’s rules before booking to avoid disappointments.
What if my pet acts up on the plane?

While most pets do just fine in flight, there’s a chance they could bark, meow loudly or try to escape their carrier. The crew has the right to remove unruly pets from the cabin if they disturb other passengers. However, that’s pretty rare if you take the proper precautions. Perhaps try giving your pet a calming aid like CBD oil or ask your vet for travel anxiety medication.
Can I sit with my pet during the flight?

Only service animals are allowed to remain at a person’s feet during flights. All other pets must remain in their carriers under the seat or in the cargo hold. This is for their safety and so they don’t block emergency exits or aisles. Of course, you are allowed to hold or cuddle a small carrier if your pet seems super nervous. But they can’t be loose in the cabin, sadly.
Is it really safe to put pets in cargo?

Most airlines have good track records with transporting animals, but mishaps can happen down in cargo due to extreme temperatures, delays or improper handling. Putting pets in the unpressurized cargo hold also raises risks. Unfortunately cargo may be the only option for large or unusual pets. The safest approach is to only bring pets in the cabin if possible and to check safety histories of different carriers first.
What about international flights with pets?

Taking pets overseas requires way more paperwork and often a lengthy quarantine period when you land. Rules vary tremendously between countries. It’s best to research every nation’s specific rules well in advance to avoid surprises. You’ll likely need a health certificate, proof of vaccines, microchip identification and possibly a fumigation or treatment too. Obviously that makes international trips with pets substantially more hassle. So maybe consider leaving them with family or a petsitter.

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