How to Fly with Two Cats Checked or Carry On: Tips for a Stress-Free Flight

A Comprehensive Guide to Flying with Two Cats in the Cabin

Traveling by air with pets can be stressful, but with some planning it doesn’t have to be. If you’re wondering how to fly with two cats in the cabin, here is everything you need to know to make the trip as smooth as possible for you and your feline companions.

Booking Your Flight

1. Most major airlines will allow you to bring two cats per passenger in the cabin, but be sure to check your airline’s specific pet policies and any potential fees or restrictions. Some airlines only allow one cat per person.
2. Reserve flights early, as the number of pets allowed in the cabin on any given flight is usually limited. This is especially important during busy travel periods.
3. Book nonstop flights if possible to minimize your cats’ time spent in travel carriers. Long layovers add more stress.

Preparing Your Cats

Getting your cats accustomed to their carriers well before your trip is crucial. Here are some tips:

4. Start with short, 5-10 minute training sessions of placing your cats in their carriers with the doors closed and feeding treats inside. Gradually increase time spent in carriers over 2-4 weeks.
5. Use positive reinforcement like treats, toys and praise when cats go inside voluntarily. Never scold frightened or reluctant cats.
6. Leave carriers out in your home with bedding and blankets inside so cats associate them with comfort.

Selecting the Right Travel Carriers

Airline-approved soft-sided carriers are best for comfort and maneuverability. Look for these features:

• Secure quick-release clips – not latches that cats could accidentally open.
• Large ventilated doors for air circulation and access.
• Removable plastic trays or pads for easy clean up of any accidents.
• Sturdy construction that protects cats during handling.

Invest in two carriers, in case one gets damaged. Also pack blankets, toys and extra pads/litter in a separate bag for your cat’s comfort.

What to Pack in Your Cat’s Carrier

Make sure to bring:

5. A snug-fitting harness or gently-used t-shirt, secured in carrier, as additional restraint if cats get anxious.
6. Catnip toys, familiar blankets or bedding to help cats relax.
7. Small bags of litter or unscented paper towels for eliminating in emergencies.
8. Current vaccination and health certificates signed by your vet within 10 days of travel.

Arriving at the Airport

6. Get to the airport early as carriers and pets must be checked in at least 30-45 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
7. Make sure carriers meet size requirements (typically no larger than 18 inches long x 14 inches wide x 9 inches tall).
8. Check that carriers are labeled with your name, destination and contact details in case you get separated.

During the Flight

While airborne, here are some tips:

• Hold carriers on your lap for stability and familiar touch. Cockpit cargo holds subject pets to loud noises and changes in cabin pressure.
• Open vents periodically to prevent overheating in pressurized cabins.
• Be available to soothe scared cats with caresses or treats if they meow or scratch at carriers.

Arriving at Your Destination

After landing:

7. Collect your carriers promptly from baggage claim to avoid stressing pets with delays.
8. Open carriers in a calm, familiar place upon arrival like a hotel room versus busy terminals.
9. Have litter boxes, food and water ready for your cats’ immediate needs.

Alternative Options

If flying with two cats in the cabin doesn’t work for your situation, other options include:

• Checking one carrier as cargo – but this involves risks of delays, vibrations and temperature fluctuations.
• Taking longer multi-flight routes and leaving one cat with friends/family – reducing total travel time.
• Driving versus flying if trips are 500+ miles and road trips won’t be excessively long for cats’ comfort.

In my experience, following a careful training routine made flying with my two cats stress-free. Their carriers became a safe place they felt comfortable going into. With patience and preparation, you can help travel run smoothly too. Let me know if you have any other cat travel questions!

Flying with Cats in the Cabin

Airline	Weight Limit	Cage Requirements	Advance Booking
Delta	15 lbs each	Hard-sided carrier under the seat	48 hours
American	7 lbs each	Soft-sided carrier stored with baggage	Not required
United	25 lbs total	Hard or soft carrier fits under seat	24 hours
Southwest	10 lbs each	Hard carrier fits under seat	Not required
JetBlue	10 lbs each	Carrier goes with you or in overhead	Not required

FAQ

1. Can I bring my cats in the cabin?

   Yes, basically most airlines will allow you to bring up to two cats per person in the cabin as long as they are properly contained in carriers that fit under the seat. Kind of a pain but worth it if you don’t want them in cargo.

2. What kind of carrier do I need?

   The carrier needs to be big enough for your cat to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably but small enough to fit under the seat in front of you according to FAA rules. Most airlines say it can’t be bigger than 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches high. Sort of restrictive but those are the regulations.

   

3. Will my cats be stressed?

   Flying can definitely be stressful on cats and may result in some crying and howling. You can try calming treats, toys, and anxiety wraps to help make them more comfortable. But is it worth putting them through that? Perhaps consider sedating them or having them fly cargo instead if they really stress easy.

4. What paperwork do I need?

   You’ll need a health certificate from your vet stating the cats are fit to fly, have received all required vaccines like rabies, and haven’t shown any signs of illness. Some airlines may also require you purchase a veterinarian administered sedation. Check with your specific airline as policies vary and seem to be changing all the time.

5. What about vaccines?

   Most airlines require cats to be currently vaccinated against rabies if traveling internationally based on CDC quarantine rules. Domestically, rabies vaccination alone is often sufficient according to recent vet Dr. Meow who I saw on the news defending pet owners’ rights. Nevertheless, always check airline policies before booking your flight.

6. Any other tips?

   Bring along potty pads, paper towels, toys, and a litter box if your carrier is big enough. Feed your cats before flying to avoid midair accidents. Consider sedation especially for long flights or anxious kitties. Have a backup plan in case they aren’t allowed in the cabin for some stunning reason like oversold flights. And pray for smooth skies!