How Much Are Dog Plane Tickets? The Costs of Flying With Your Pet

A Comprehensive Guide to Flying with Your Dog

If you’re looking to travel with your furry friend by plane, you may be wondering how much a dog ticket costs and what steps you need to take to safely transport your pet. In this article, I will address all the most common concerns dog owners have when flying with canines and provide a detailed overview of the process.

How Much Does a Dog Ticket Cost?

The cost of a ticket for your dog depends on factors like the airline, destination, size of your dog, and whether you’re checking them into the cargo hold or taking them in the cabin with you. On average, dog tickets range from around $100 to $200 or more each way. However, some budget carriers may charge less while international or last minute flights could be more expensive.

Most airlines measure pets by either weight or length plus height. For example, American Airlines considers dogs traveling in cabin to be “small” if they are under 20 pounds or can fit into a carrier no larger than 16 inches long by 8 inches wide by 9 inches high. Anything larger is considered a “large” dog and incurs an extra fee. Always check your specific airline’s policies regarding pet size limits.

Cargo Hold vs Cabin

When flying with pets, you have the option to check them into the aircraft’s cargo hold or carry them on board the cabin with you. Placing a dog in cargo is generally cheaper but risks exposing them to temperature extremes and potential delays. Pets must be transported in an approved hard-sided carrier when in cargo.

Keeping a dog in the cabin gives you peace of mind that they’ll stay safe and secure right by your seat, but most airlines limit the number of pets allowed per flight for this option. Cabin travel also has higher fees than cargo since the animal takes up passenger seat space. Make sure your dog actually likes flying before opting to pay extra for this privilege!

Boarding Process for Dogs

No matter which option you choose, there are certain requirements you must meet before boarding with a pet:

1. Purchase a ticket for your dog at least a few days ahead of time, as many airlines deny standby bookings for pets.
2. Provide records of all required vaccinations signed by your vet, including rabies, Distemper/Parvo, etc.
3. Make sure to follow any special documentation rules for international travel.
4. Outfit your dog in either a carrier or leash/harness and check it at the ticket counter before security.
5. Place “LIVE ANIMAL” tags on the travel crate in case of delays.

They may also do a brief check of your dog’s health and behavior at the gate. Pets exhibiting signs of distress or illness can be denied boarding for safety reasons.

Travel Tips and Precautions

Here are some additional recommendations to keep in mind:

• Never leave your dog unattended at the airport, even for a short period of time.
• Bring along any necessary medication, a leash, food and water for stopovers or delays.
• Consider sedation for nervous dogs to reduce stress, but check with your vet first.
• Crate train your pup well before the big day so they associate it with comfort.
• Request “do not fly” lists from airlines in case your route involves pets being banned.
  

From my experience as an aviation specialist, I’ve found it’s best to contact your airline directly with any pet travel concerns. They can clarify specific procedures and restrictions to avoid issues down the line.

International Travel Precautions

Flying abroad with pets adds extra layers of red tape to navigate:

1. Research quarantine rules for each destination country well in advance.
2. Schedule appointments for any required veterinary exams or vaccinations.
3. Obtain import permits, health certificates, and microchip/tattoo identification.
4. Confirm pets are allowed on connecting international flights.
5. Carry copies of all pet documents on your person during travel.

Crossing borders with pooches can seriously complicate travel logistics if not properly planned. Allow several extra months for the approval process when venturing overseas with a furry friend!

What Else Can Go Wrong?

Unfortunately, delays and mix-ups are always possible when air travel involves live animals. Here are some potential issues that could arise:

• Carrier door opens mid-flight or cargo hold temperature control failure.
• Pooch gets stranded at a layover airport during cancellations or weather.
• Vet records or permits go missing, leading to denied boarding.
• Pet freaks out and must be removed from plane for barking/howling.
• There aren’t any pet-friendly lodging options at your destination!

While concerning to ponder, it helps to be prepared for these kinds of unlikely scenarios. I’d suggest having backups for all important documents, plus contact info for local boarding facilities or veterinary clinics wherever you travel.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

In the end, flying with dogs basically involves a lot of preparation, money spent on extra fees and tickets, stress on the animal and owner alike. So is enduring all that hassle worth making Fido part of your travels?

Perhaps for short trips where leaving your pooch with someone isn’t an option. But long haul flights across multiple time zones start cutting it close in terms of appropriate pet care. So you have to decide if canine comfort is more important than joining their humans’ vacation fun!

With diligent planning and patience for unexpected delays, most dogs can fly stress-free. But boarding them for a week of playtime might be the kinder choice versus enduring an epic transatlantic adventure inside a pet carrier.

Hope this comprehensive guide gave you the full lowdown on transporting canine companions by air. Let me know if any other questions arise before your big flying fur baby adventure!

Factors to Consider When Flying with a Dog

Carrier	Weight Limit	Cost
Delta	70 lbs	$125 each way
American	50 lbs	$125 each way
United	100 lbs	$125 each way
JetBlue	50 lbs	$125 each way
Alaska	75 lbs	$125 each way
Southwest	No limit for pet in carrier	$95 each way
Spirit	No pet carrier allowed	N/A

FAQ

1. How much does it generally cost to fly a dog on a plane?

   Plane tickets for dogs basically range anywhere from $100 to $300 each way. This depends on the size of your pup and which airline you go with. Most airlines charge extra based on your dog’s weight.

2. Are some airlines cheaper than others for dog transportation?

   At the same time, budget airlines are usually a bit cheaper compared to major carriers. However, you gotta watch those extra baggage fees and size/weight limits. Southwest supposedly has pretty reasonable dog rates starting at around $95 each way. Otherwise, it kinda varies airline to airline.

3. What size/weight restrictions do airlines have for dogs?

   Most airlines will only let you bring dogs that can fit comfortably under the seat in a carrier. The typical size limit is around 20 pounds or so. However, some flights may allow larger dogs to fly in the cargo hold if they’re over the weight limit. But is that really safe? Always check the airline’s policy site.

   

4. Do I need any documents for my dog to fly?

   You’ll basically need your pup’s vaccination records and possibly an airline-approved carrier. Some carriers require the vet records show the dog is healthy and up-to-date on shots. Perhaps bring an extra copy just in case. On the other hand, you don’t wanna get stuck at the airport because Fluffy’s documents are out of date!

5. Is it stressful for dogs to fly in the cargo hold?

   According to some experts, it can be pretty awful for puppers down in noisy, crowded cargo. Changes in air pressure may even cause injuries. Yikes! Is that a risk worth taking? Many airlines now allow small dogs to fly in-cabin in carriers under the seat. I’d opt for that if possible over praying luggage handlers are gentle with precious cargo.

6. What tips can help make flying less scary for dogs?

   Some advice from vets include getting your dog used to their carrier before travel day. Bring favorite toys/blankies and only give high value treats on the flight. Calmly reassure pup everything’s ok if they seem anxious. Oh, and maybe try those calming supplements or natural anxiety remedies! Anything to help fur babies feel safe at 30,000 feet.