How to Bring Your Dog on a Plane: Tips for Flying With Your Pet

A Complete Guide to Flying with Your Dog

If you’re like most dog owners, you love bringing your furry friend along wherever you go. But what if your travels require flying? Wondering how you can bring your dog on a plane with you? From regulations and restrictions to tips for making the experience stress-free, this comprehensive guide has you covered.

Checking Requirements

The first step is checking the specific requirements with your airline. Major carriers like American, Delta, and United generally allow dogs to travel in the cabin as long as they meet certain conditions:

1. The dog must be small enough to fit comfortably in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you.
2. Most airlines require the carrier to be no more than 16x12x8 inches and weigh no more than 20 pounds including the dog.
3. The total number of pets per flight may be limited.
4. You’ll need to purchase a ticket for your dog, usually $125 or more each way.
5. Proof of current vaccinations will be required like rabies, distemper, etc.

Beware – requirements vary by airline so check specific policies on their website thoroughly before booking travel for your pup.

Comfortable Carriers

The most crucial purchase is an FAA-approved soft-sided pet carrier. It needs to be well-ventilated, escape-proof, and big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably. Make sure they can see out but others can’t easily see or pet them while in transit. I like the Sleepy Pod Air or Petmate Sky Kennel based on comfort, easy cleaning, and meeting airline size rules. Test it out before flying so your furry friend is used to it.

Getting Comfortable

Prep your pup in the weeks before flying with “carries” – have them spend gradual time getting used to their carrier, first just inside your home then in cars or other transports. Starting anti-anxiety medication under vet guidance a week prior can be lifesaving for very anxious dogs. On the big day, feed them prior to leaving and limit water so they don’t have accidents. Consider calming treats or toys for distraction. Your goal should be keeping them content, not hyper or scared.

Check-In Procedures

Arrive extra early for your flight with pets – check-in lines tend to be slow. Present vaccination records and have your pet carrier with you in the cabin, not checked baggage. Be prepared to show it open to demonstrate they can comfortably stand up and turn around. Once checked in, the carrier will be handled carefully by airline staff separately from luggage. Always take your puppy into the cabin with you for care and reassurance during the flight.

Cabin Etiquette

On board, keep them calm inside the carrier under your seat or between your legs. Avoid letting them walk freely for safety and hygiene. I bring pee pads, poop bags, water bowl, and protein-rich chew treats to occupy anxious mouths. Be considerate of other passengers – give them space and silence any disruptive vocalization immediately. If your dog seems too stressed, reconsider flying them until they are comfortable with carriers and noises.

Arrival Procedures

Upon landing, wait for all passengers to deplane before retrieving your carrier and pup. Bring proof of vaccinations when exiting in case asked by agents. Use rest areas promptly upon arrival for potty breaks. Consider carrying urine pads until outside to avoid accidents inside terminals. Have water, food, and comfy transportation ready before long drives home from the airport.

Special Circumstances

While most airlines allow dogs, some rules differ slightly for airlines like Southwest and international flights. Puppies under 4 months usually cannot fly in cabins and would need to be checked. Breed restrictions may apply for dogs that are mostly or partly Pit Bull types. Emotional support/ therapy dogs have no breed or size limits but require official veterinary documentation that they provide therapeutic benefit to owners with disabilities.

From my experience traveling with pets, following proper procedures, use of calming aids, and having realistic expectations for your dog’s stress levels makes for a smoother flight overall. The TSA also has specific guidelines for traveling with service animals if needed for tasks related to disability care. Communicating needs respectfully with airline staff can prevent unpleasant surprises. Most of all, choose wisely whether flying is right for your pet based on their individual temperament.

Alternative Transport Options

If flying seems too overwhelming for my dog, I consider ground transportation options instead that avoid stressful security checks. Whether driving myself or using commercial pet transportation services, having Fido comfortable in an air-conditioned vehicle avoids the noise and vibrations of planes. Maybe we drive halfway and fly the rest? Basically, think flexible – do what’s best for your four-legged buddy’s well-being rather than convenience alone.

With accurate prep and care tips, most obedient pooches can handle air travel like a champ. But every doggie is different – some are naturally calm flyers while others may never enjoy it. Use your knowledge of your furry friend’s personality to decide. I hope these ideas help make flying with Fido as low-stress as possible if you do take to the skies together! Let me know if any other doggone aviation questions come up.

Requirements for Flying with Your Dog

Airline	Dog Size	Crate Requirements	Health Records	Fees
Delta	Under 20 lbs	Soft-sided kennel	Vaccination records	$125 each way
United	Under 25 lbs	Hard-sided kennel	Vet health certificate	$125 each way
American	Under 20 lbs	Hard-sided kennel	Vaccination records	$125 each way
Alaska	Under 20 lbs	Pet carrier or crate	Vet health certificate	$100 each way
JetBlue	Under 20 lbs	Soft-sided kennel	Vaccination records	$125 each way

FAQ

1. Can I bring my dog on the plane in the cabin?

   Most major airlines in the U.S. allow you to bring your dog or cat onboard in the cabin as an “emotional support animal”. However, you’ll need paperwork from your doctor or mental health professional stating that you have a mental health condition and need the animal for support. Some airlines may require additional requirements too like a health certificate. So best to check the specific policies of the airline you plan to fly.

2. What docs do I need for my dog on a plane?

   Basically, you will need a signed letter on official letterhead from your doctor or mental health professional. The letter should state that you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and need your dog for emotional support during your travels. Many airlines also ask for current vaccinations, health certificate, and ID tags on your dog. So make sure to read the rules carefully and gather all the necessary docs.

3. Can I sit with my dog on my lap on the plane?

   Sort of, but not really. While airlines allow emotional support animals to accompany passengers in the cabin, they must remain on the floor at your feet or in a pet carrier under the seat in front of you. The animals are not actually permitted to sit in your lap during takeoff, landing, and flight for safety. So be prepared to secure your furry friend nearby, not on you.

4. Do I pay extra for my dog on a plane?

   There may or may not be extra fees involved. Many airlines waive pet charges for trained service animals. However, some carriers do levy fees these days for emotional support animals, perhaps around $100 each way. Policies differ and change often, so checking with the specific airline directly is important. You definitely don’t want any surprises at the airport!

   

5. Can I bring more than one dog on a plane?

   Most likely no, at least not for emotional support purposes. While legitimate psychiatric service animals are allowed, airlines are cracking down on bogus support pets. As such, their policies state only one pet per passenger is permitted. Having multiple untrained animals on board could create chaos I’m sure. Perhaps it’s best to leave Fido and Fluffy home or take separate flights if traveling with several dogs.

6. What if my dog acts up on the plane?

   If your animal gets unruly, barks excessively, or shows aggressive behavior during the flight, the airline crew may ask you to put it in the cargo hold. Perhaps bring medications to calm your pooch, use a security harness or carrier, and do practice trips to train your dog to remain quiet and well-behaved. You don’t want to traumatize other passengers or get into trouble with the FAA! Best to walk and tire your dog out before boarding too.

7. Is bringing an emotional support dog on a plane worth it?

   On one hand, it allows people with disabilities to travel independently with their service animals. However, some question whether airlines are now being taken advantage of by passengers fraudulently passing off pets as support dogs. The rules can also cause confusion and disagreements. Perhaps in the future, airlines will only accept animals that complete accredited training programs. At the same time, people with legitimate needs shouldn’t be punished due to others abusing the system. Guess there’s no easy answer here!