A Comprehensive Guide to Flying with Your Dog
If you’re searching for dog airline ticket prices, chances are you want to bring your furry companion along on an upcoming trip. Whether you’re moving cross-country or taking a vacation, traveling with pets requires extra planning. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about booking flights for your dog, what to expect at the airport, and tips for making the journey as stress-free as possible for you and your pooch.
Booking Dog-Friendly Flights
The first step is selecting an airline that allows pets to fly in-cabin. Most major carriers permit small dogs to travel with you in-cabin as long as they fit under the seat in a carrier. From my experience booking flights, carriers like Delta, American, and United tend to be the most pet-friendly. Be sure to check individual carrier policies and any size/breed restrictions before reserving your ticket.
You’ll also need to purchase a ticket for your dog. Most airlines charge around 5 each way for an in-cabin pet. Some discount carriers may charge less, but be aware that bare-bones airlines frequently have stricter pet policies. It’s worth paying a bit extra for convenience and peace of mind. Make sure to book your dog’s ticket at the same time as your own to avoid any issues at check-in.
Preparing for the Big Day
Once your itinerary is set, it’s time to get your pup ready to fly. First and foremost, be sure all vaccinations are up to date. Airlines will request health records, so have those printed and organized ahead of time. You’ll also need a carrier or crate specifically designed for airline travel that fits under the seat. I recommend getting your dog acclimated to their carrier well before the trip.
On travel days, don’t feed your dog within a few hours of departure to avoid potential motion sickness issues. Consider trying doggie Dramamine the day before and of the flight as well. And be sure to pack water, a leash, bedding, and any medicine or snacks in your carry-on – not checked luggage where it could get lost. Proper prep will help minimize stress for both you and your pup.
Getting Through Security
Be prepared for a bit more hassle getting through airport security when traveling canine-side. Bring your dog’s approved carrier, health records, and ticket clearly visible. Many experts recommend requesting a “canine pass” from the TSA for explosive detection, which allows expedited screening for service and support animals. This has helped smooth the process for me in the past. Otherwise, be prepared for a physical pat-down of your dog by a TSA agent.
It may take some extra time, but remain calm and patient. Few things make going through security with a nervous dog more stressful. If your pup gets anxious, distract them with treats or gentle assurance. With proper documentation and patience, you’ll both be zipping through in no time to relax at the gate.
In-Flight Comforts
Once onboard, focus on keeping your pupstress-free and contained in their carrier under the seat for take-off and landing when instructed. Bring chews, toys, and treats to occupy them. Consider bringing pee pads as well in case of in-air “accidents” – better to be prepared! Communicate politely but firmly if others have issues. From my experience, flight attendants are typically understanding if you’ve taken precautions.
Be ready to take short, leashed bathroom breaks if needed between meals or whenever the seatbelt sign is off. Having multiple people to help with this is ideal. Before you know it, you’ll be on the ground in your destination city with your happy hound! With some common sense planning, flying with dogs is quite doable.
Arrival and Beyond
Upon arrival, you may need to retrieve your pup from cargo if flying a larger dog – be sure to account for extra time. But for in-cabin dogs, you’ll exit together with all luggage in tow. Congrats, you made it! Be sure to give plenty of praise, water, and a potty break upon disembarking. Then it’s off to adventure together at your destination!
Whether taking a trip or moving, flying with dogs requires some extra effort. But with the right prepwork and patience, it’s totally doable. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other dog travel questions! Safe travels to you and your pooch.
Factors to Consider When Booking Dog Airline Tickets
| Airline | Weight Limit | Crate Size | Advanced Booking | Average Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | 70 lbs | Soft-sided or hard-sided under bag limit | At least 1 day before departure | $125 each way |
| American | 100 lbs | Not over 28″ L x 19″ W x 9″ H | At least 3 days before departure | $150 each way |
| United | 100 lbs | Not over 30″ L x 21″ W x 16″ H | At least 3 days before departure | $175 each way |
| JetBlue | Maximum 50 lbs | Not over 20″ L x 14″ W x 9″ H | At least 48 hours before departure | $100 each way |
FAQ
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How much does it cost to fly with a dog on an airplane?
Dog airline ticket prices can differ quite a bit based on the airline, size of your dog, and destination. Generally, expect to pay around $100-250 each way for your pooch. But don’t panic – some airlines offer deals now and then that can bring the price down a fair amount.
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Do all airlines allow dogs as carry-on?
Not exactly. Most carriers let you bring a small dog into the cabin for a fee. However, some place size limits like less than 20 pounds. Larger dogs must go in the cargo hold as checked baggage. So check policies carefully based on your pup’s size. At the same time, emotional support animals have more lenient rules.
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What paperwork is needed to fly with a dog?
To fly with your canine companion, you’ll need some important documents. Chief among them is an up-to-date veterinary health certificate stating your pooch is fit to travel. Rabies vaccination records are also a must. And don’t forget to check if the destination has any quarantine rules. Having all your dog’s papers lined up makes check-in much smoother.
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Can I sit with my dog on the plane?
Only if Fido is small enough to fit under the seat in a carrier. The carrier must remain at your feet for the whole flight. However, if your puppers is over 20 pounds or so, they’ll need to ride in the cargo hold below in a special dog crate. So if you want to keep an eye on them, pick a smaller breed perhaps. But is it worth it to put up with licking and barking for hours?
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What steps should I take to prepare my dog for a flight?
It’s a good idea to get your pup accustomed to their travel crate before flying day arrives. Get them used to going inside for treats and praise. You can also visit the vet for medications if they seem anxious flying. On the day, don’t give food within a few hours of takeoff. And be sure to pack favorite toys or blankets to keep them calm. Taking your time getting them ready makes the process way less stressful for both of you.
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How can I make my dog comfortable at high altitudes?
Dogs can sometimes experience ear pains from cabin pressure changes. Ask your vet about administering anti-anxiety meds before flying. You can also try homeopathic calming aids for pets. During ascent and descent, it helps for humans to chew gum – so bring dog-friendly chewing treats. And experts advise placing pups near the bulkhead where pressure shifts are less severe. With some pre-preparation, your pup should feel right as rain at cruise altitude with no issues whatsoever.
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What time of year is best to fly with a dog?
Most pup parents prefer avoiding the crowded holiday travel season if possible. Summer months tend to have simpler weather conditions for flying too. However, the scientists who study these kinds of things basically say there is no “perfect” time guaranteed to be problem-free. As long as your dog is not too large, well-trained, and given anti-anxiety support if needed – they can likely take a plane anytime. But you never completely know what might happen up there in the sky.