How to Book a Flight with Your Pet: A Step-by-Step Guide to Traveling by Air with Dogs or Cats

A Comprehensive Guide to Booking a Flight with Your Pet

Travelling with pets can be tricky, but with some planning and preparation, you can take Fido or Fluffy along on your next trip. In this article, I will cover all the various considerations and steps involved in booking a flight with your pet.

Is My Pet Allowed on the Plane?

Most domestic US airlines allow pets to travel in the aircraft cabin, but only dogs and cats. The pet must be small enough to fit under the seat in a carrier. Generally, this means the pet and carrier together cannot be over 20 pounds or the size of a standard carry-on bag. Make sure to check your specific airline’s rules, as weight and size limits can vary slightly by carrier.

Do I Need Any Documents?

Yes, your pet will need valid documentation for travel. At a minimum, your pet should have:

1. A health certificate from a veterinarian. This proves your pet is healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations, and fit to travel. It must be dated within 10 days of your flight.
2. Proof of vaccinations. Most airlines require rabies and other core vaccines no sooner than 2-4 weeks before travel.
3. ID microchip or tags with your current contact details.

You may also need an import/export permit if travelling between countries. Research destination pet requirements well in advance.

How Do I Book and Pay?

When booking your flight online or by phone, be sure to disclose that you will be travelling with a pet. Most airlines charge an additional fee per pet per one-way flight that must be paid at the time of booking. These fees can range from $75-250 depending on the carrier. Make sure to enter your pet’s details, like breed, size, and weight, so the airline knows to account for them.

You can pay the pet fees on top of your regular ticket cost. Just be aware that like people tickets, pet space is limited and provides will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

What kind of Pet Carrier is Allowed?

The pet carrier is one of the most important elements. You need a carrier that is airline approved to ensure your pet travels safely. Look for a hard-sided carrier that is fully enclosed on all sides and has a latched door. Soft carriers like fabric pet bags are generally not permitted.

The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably, but not too big as that wastes precious cabin space. Bring your pet’s leash, collar, food, and bowls to keep in the carrier during boarding and flight.

What Do I Need to Do at the Airport?

Allow extra time when travelling with a pet – at least 1-2 hours before your scheduled departure. Here are the key things to do at the airport:

1. Check your pet and documents at the ticket counter. Agents will verify paperwork and carrier size.
2. Have your pet in its carrier throughout airport security screening. Expect them to scan the carrier at the x-ray machine.
3. Bring your pet’s documentation and flight itinerary to show cabin crew at boarding.
4. Once boarded, stow the carrier under the seat in front of you for takeoff and landing.

Some airlines may require pets to be checked baggage depending on flight demand, so have a backup plan ready. But with proper preparation, your furry family member can join you in cabin!

What About the Actual Flight?

Most pets tolerate flight well, but here are tips to keep Fido calm and comfortable:

• Bring toys, treats, portable water bowl for in-carrier entertainment and refreshments.
• Consider calming supplements or medication from your vet with written instructions.
• Use a thick blanket or towel as bedding to make the carrier feel more den-like.
• Cover the carrier with a light blanket to reduce visual stimulation during takeoff/landing.
• Sit by your pet’s carrier to offer reassurance and minimize noise anxiety.

Cabin conditions like pressurization, ventilation and noise levels may distress some animals more than others. Know and soothe your pet’s individual needs!

What About Connecting Flights or Layovers?

If your itinerary involves multiple flights or connections, a few extra precautions are wise:

• Book nonstop routes where possible to avoid stressful changes of planes.
• For connections, allow an extra 30-60 minutes between flights as tight layovers stress pets.
• Find out baggage claim areas for connecting airports and carry pet in approved carrier.
• Ask airline staff to prioritize baggage and expedite transfers if cutting it close.

With the right planning for any contingencies, even multi-leg journeys with stops can go smoothly.

What About Returning Home?

Double check entry requirements for bringing your pet back into your home country. Have documentation and permits ready to show border officials just like the outbound trip. With long flights, your pet may need time to rest and rehydrate upon arrival, so plan accordingly before resuming normal activities.

From my experience traveling internationally with my dog, having all your ducks in a row really pays off. The flights generally went smoothly once I took the necessary precautions. But preparing for any potential issues gives pet parents peace of mind. Safe travels to you and your furry companion!

Important Considerations for Booking a Flight with Your Pet

Carrier	Acceptance Policy	Requirements	Cabin or Cargo
American Airlines	Accepts most dogs and cats in cabin	Health certificate, vaccinations, carriers	Cabin (size restrictions apply)
Delta	Accepts dogs and cats in cabin	Health certificate, vaccinations, carriers	Cabin (size and number restrictions apply)
United	Accepts dogs and cats in cabin	Health certificate, vaccinations, carriers	Cabin (size restrictions apply)
JetBlue	Accepts dogs and cats in cabin on most routes	Health certificate, vaccinations, carriers	Cabin (size restrictions apply)
Southwest	Does not accept pets for travel	N/A	N/A

FAQ

1. Can I bring my pet on the plane with me?

   Most airlines allow pets to fly as long as they meet certain guidelines. Pets usually need to travel in a carrier that fits under the seat. You’ll need to purchase a ticket for your pet and provide vaccination records. So basically, yes – but check your airline’s pet policy for specifics.

2. How do I book a flight that includes my pet?

   When booking online, look for the option to add a pet during checkout. You’ll enter details about the animal and pay the pet fee. If booking over the phone, tell the representative you need a ticket for a pet as well. They can provide all the pet transport guidelines and any forms that need to be submitted. At the same time, be prepared for the pet fare to increase your overall flight cost.

3. What paperwork is required?

   Your pet will need valid vaccinations for rabies and other diseases, depending on the rules for your destination. You’ll need vaccine records from your vet to submit. An ID tag on your pet’s collar is also important in case they get loose. Perhaps get your pet microchipped too for extra identification. On the other hand, don’t forget to double check the specifics for the age of vaccines – some airlines are more strict than others!

4. How early should I arrive at the airport?

   Most airlines advise arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic flight if traveling with a pet. This allows plenty of time to check in, have paperwork inspected, and get comfortable in the plane’s cargo hold if needed. The last thing you want is to be running late to the gate while wrangling an excited dog! Is that enough leeway or will we need extra time? Trust your gut and aim to arrive on the early side.

   

5. What size carrier is allowed?

   Carriers must fit under the seat in front of you so dimensions can’t exceed around 18x14x8 inches. Strong plastic or fiberglass carriers tend to hold up best. But what if Fluffy won’t squeeze into such a tiny space? Maybe consider booking an extra seat so the carrier can sit beside you instead of under the seat. Of course, that choice significantly boosts the cost. On the other hand, an overly large carrier could be denied at check-in.

6. How much does it cost to bring a pet on a flight?

   Expect to pay between $100-250 each way depending on the airline and animal size. There may also be surcharges applied if your dog qualifies as an “oversize pet.” These fees cover things like vaccines verification and medical screenings. But is a $500 round trip pet fare worth it instead of other arrangements like boarding? For many pet parents, absolutely! Ultimately, you’ll need to decide if the cost is worth keeping Fido by your side on vacation.

7. What if my pet is too large for the cabin?

   Larger pets may need to travel in the cargo hold, which has stricter size and temperament assessment. Not only do pets undergo health checks, but they must tolerate the noisy environment down below. Perhaps pets flying as cargo deserve extra affection and comfort upon arrival after such a harrowing ordeal, though most seem none the worse for wear. On the other hand, ask if sedation is allowed to calm animals who get easily overly anxious.