A Comprehensive Guide to Finding Cheap Flights When Travelling With Your Small Dog
If you’re a pet owner who wants to travel with their furry companion but on a budget, finding affordable airfare can seem difficult. However, with some planning and by being aware of all your options, it is very possible to scout out cheap flights that allow you to bring your small dog along. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to save money when flying with a canine co-pilot.
Check Airline Pet Policies
The first step is doing your research on individual airline policies for travelling with pets. Policies can vary widely between carriers so it’s important to familiarize yourself with things like weight and size limits for the animals, any required paperwork like health certificates, and of course, pet fees. Some airlines charge high per-pet fees of $150 or more each way while others may be as low as $75. Budget carriers tend to have lower pet fees overall.
Some great low-cost carriers to consider that allow one pet per passenger in the cabin include Allegiant, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest and Spirit. Be aware though that certain routes on these airlines may have more limited schedules than legacy carriers. It helps to compare total costs including baggage and pet fees between multiple options.
Book Off-Peak Days and Times
Just like for regular flights without pets, you can save a bundle by avoiding peak travel days and times. The weekends and national holidays will always carry higher prices. Instead, look at mid-week departures and returns, especially early morning or red-eye flights after 9pm. I’ve found Tuesdays and Wednesdays generally offer the best deals. Try flexible dates if possible too – being open to a +/- 2 day window on either side can really cut airfare costs.
Consider Cargo for Small Dogs
While it’s comforting to have your pet in the cabin, putting a small dog in the cargo hold beneath the plane is allowed by most airlines and can be significantly cheaper. From my experience, this option is usually a third of the price or less compared to paying for a cabin pet. Just be sure your pooch meets size and age limits which are typically under 20 pounds and over 8 weeks old. The cargo area is temperature controlled and your dog will be well cared for by trained staff.
Use Frequent Flier Miles or Points
If you’ve accumulated frequent flyer miles or points with an airline, this can be a great way to book award flights that would otherwise be more costly due to pet fees. Many programs allow you to redeem miles or points for flights that include a pet in the cabin for the regular fee only. For example, I was able to book a roundtrip with my mini schnauzer on American using earned AA miles which saved over $500 versus paying cash with fees. Be sure to search award flight availability allowing a pet.
Compare Third-Party Airfare Sites
Don’t just book directly through the airline website. Sites like Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz and Priceline often display lower prices for flights inclusive of fees when travelling with small pets versus what’s listed on the carrier homepage. These sites negotiate deals with airlines so it’s worth plugging in your multi-city or one-way itinerary a few times on different portals to find the best bargain. Watch out for any extra booking fees charged by the third parties though.
Consider Drive-Up Routes
If your destination is within 500 miles or so of where you live, driving may end up being more affordable than flying overall even after factoring in gas and tolls. For shorter hauls, sites like Kayak allow you to compare pricing of flights versus rental cars. This is an especially good option if you have pet-friendly road trip essentials like a crate, food, water and walking gear already. Just plan rest stops for your pup every 3-4 hours. The scenery can be more fun anyways!
- Check for discounted rates through membership programs with auto clubs like AAA which may include pet fees waived at select hotels.
- Apps like HotelTonight and Priceline frequently have last-minute deals at pet-friendly chains like La Quinta, Country Inn and Best Western where bringing a dog is free or low-cost.
- Browse Airbnb listings that explicitly state pets are okay and come with fenced yards if staying multiple nights in one location.
Consider All Accommodation Options
Whether flying or driving, having pet-friendly lodging lined up is important for vacation planning. Here are some cost-saving strategies:
Fly During Shoulder Seasons
Seasons like spring and fall before summer high season and after winter are often less crowded at airports and hotels which translates to cheaper airfares and room rates. Early spring flowers are blooming in May and fall foliage is vibrant through October or early November depending on your destination climate. Pack lightly as weather may be transitional. Most pups don’t mind colder temps as much if you bundle them up anyway!
Fly On Weekday Holidays
Major holidays that fall mid-week like Martin Luther King Jr Day, Presidents’ Day or Veterans Day may have lighter travel volumes and fewer families traveling with kids in tow – two factors that can reduce airfares. It’s worth a price check on Tuesday flights for those holiday Mondays especially if your schedule allows for it. The trade-off is destinations may have limited hours for attractions or dining on those off-days.
In conclusion, with thorough research, flexibility and timing your travel dates and times strategically, you can definitely find budget-friendly flight options for taking your small dog along on trips. Let me know if any other pet travel questions come up! Safe travels.
Factors to Consider When Booking Cheap Flights with a Small Dog
| Airline | Weight Limit | Advance Booking | Crate Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | 20 lbs | 14 days | Hard-sided |
| American | 15 lbs | 7 days | Soft or hard-sided |
| United | 20 lbs | 2 days | Hard-sided only |
| Southwest | 20 lbs | Check-in | Not required |
| JetBlue | 15 lbs | Check-in | Not required |
FAQ
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Can I fly with a small dog?
Yes, most airlines allow you to bring a small dog on board as a cabin pet. However, there are usually size and weight limits. The dog also needs to stay in a carrier under the seat for the whole flight.
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Will my dog be scared to fly?
Maybe some dogs get nervous flying for the first time due to the noises. But as long as you keep your dog calm and comfortable in its carrier, it will probably be okay. You can try giving the dog something that smells like home too for reassurance. Nevertheless, not all dogs are stressed out on planes.
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How can I get a cheap flight with my dog?
Look for budget carriers that allow dogs in the cabin for little or no extra charge. Book well in advance since prices go up closer to the date. You could also search multiple airports near your destination to find better deals. At the same time, watch for sales and promos that include pet travel.
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What size carrier do I need?
Most airlines require the carrier to fit completely under the seat in front of you. It sort of needs to be big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in, but small enough to meet the size limits which are usually around 20 pounds or so. Check the specific rules for your airline though to be safe.
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Will my dog need any documents?
Yep, your dog basically needs vaccination records to prove it is healthy and up to date on shots. Rabies tags or certificates are usually necessary too. The airline can tell you what exactly they require. It’s a good idea to carry the paperwork with you just in case they want to check.
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Is flying stressful for a small dog?
It can perhaps be stressful for some dogs, like with the take-off and landing noises. To help, you could ask your vet about a light sedative. But flying in a carrier under the seat is actually regarded as the safely way to transport a small dog. And amazing handlers at airports can help make the whole experience more calm.
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What if my dog acts up on the plane?
If your little buddy starts barking or whining a lot in the carrier, the crew may ask you to step off the flight for the comfort of others. But most well-trained dogs are fine. You could try taking your dog to a quiet area to help it settle before boarding. Just don’t leave the animal alone, as that might make things worse! Ultimately, it’s up to the airline’s decision.
As you can see from these questions and answers, flying with a dog can work out well when done right. But we’ve only covered the basics – there may be many other things to consider. What other questions do you have about traveling by air with a small furry companion? Please let me know if any other part of the process seems unclear. I’d be happy to help further if I can!