Everything You Need to Know About Traveling with Pets on JetBlue
If you’re planning to bring Fluffy or Fido along on your next JetBlue flight, there are a few important things to know about their pet travel policies. In this article, I’ll cover all the major questions pet owners often have, including restrictions, fees, documentation requirements, and tips from my own experiences traveling with pets. By the end, you’ll have all the details you need for a smooth trip.
What Types of Pets Are Allowed?
JetBlue allows both cats and dogs to fly in the cabin as long as they meet certain size and health requirements:
- Cats and dogs must be at least 8 weeks old.
- Cats and dogs must be no more than 20 pounds.
- You’re limited to a maximum of one pet carrier per passenger.
Other domesticated pets like rabbits, birds, and hamsters are not allowed in the cabin due to health and safety concerns. They must be shipped as cargo instead.
Pet Carrier and Identification Requirements
All pets flying in the cabin must be kept in an FAA-approved hard-sided carrier that fits under the seat. Soft-sided carriers or leashes are not permitted. The carrier should also be clearly labeled with your contact information in case it gets misplaced.
In addition, your pet needs valid identification including a collar with up-to-date rabies vaccination tag. A health certificate from your vet within 10 days of travel may also be required for some international destinations.
Booking and Fees
When booking tickets on JetBlue’s website or app, you’ll need to select the “Pet Travel” option and pay the $125 pet fee each way. This covers things like special baggage handling and cleaning fees after the flight. Be sure to book early as only a limited number of pets are allowed on each flight.
From my experience, it’s wise to bring some extra cash just in case unexpected delays occur that might impact your pet. Airlines aren’t always sympathetic about the emotional needs of pets, so it’s good to be prepared financially for any hiccups.
What to Bring for Your Pet’s Comfort
In addition to basic supplies like food, water, leash, and waste bags, consider packing:
- A comfortable toy or blanket to help reduce stress.
- Peanut butter or treats to occupy them during take-off and landing.
- Calming aids like pet CBD, pheromone sprays, or anxiety wraps if your pet has flight anxiety.
I once saw a pup curled up with his favorite toy during a bumpy flight – it really seemed to mellow him out. Small comforts go a long way when traveling with pets.
tips for Flying with Pets
Here are some tips I’ve learned from flying with pets multiple times:
- Arrive at the airport extra early due to added check-in time for pets.
- Keep your pet in the carrier during check-in, boarding, and the entire flight for everyone’s safety.
- Try to book direct flights if possible rather than connections which are more stressful for pets.
- Consider sedation or calmatives prescribed by your vet for very anxious pets.
- Bring pee pads in case of accidents and clean the carrier before returning home to avoid parasites.
Being well-prepared and minimizing stress as much as you can will help ensure a smooth trip. Just take it slow and don’t forget that pets are totally reliant on their owners when traveling.
Exceptions, Restrictions, and Documentation
While JetBlue allows most cats and dogs under 20 pounds in-cabin, there are a few circumstances where normal pet policies may not apply:
- Emotional support animals (ESAs) require different documentation like a medical note from a licensed therapist.
- Pets flying to Puerto Rico have different quarantine and entry requirements depending on origin location.
- Restricted breeds like pit bulls are banned on some international routes for legal reasons.
- Unvaccinated puppies or kittens under 16 weeks usually cannot travel by air.
It’s always best to double check JetBlue’s website for the latest policy updates and contact them directly with any questions. A bit of homework can prevent headaches down the line.
Final Thoughts
With a little preparation and know-how, traveling by air with pets on JetBlue is totally doable. The airline has fairly pet-friendly policies compared to others. From my experience, most pets do just fine as long as they’re comfortable, secure, and their humans keep calm!
Just be sure to plan ahead, follow all the documentation rules, and don’t forget extra supplies, snacks, or cash – it never hurts to be over-prepared when pets are involved. With the right approach, you and your furry companion can enjoy bonding time together on the road.
I hope this detailed overview answered all your questions about what JetBlue allows in terms of pet travel. Please let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
JetBlue Pet Policies
Pet Type | Size Limit | Cabin | Crate Required? | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cats | Standard size | Cabin | No | $125 each way |
Dogs | 20 lbs or less | Cabin | Yes, in FAA approved pet crate | $125 each way |
Snakes | Dependent on size and species | Cabin | Must be in FAA approved pet crate or container | $125 each way |
Rodents | Dependent on size and species | Cabin | Must be in humane carrying container | $125 each way |
Birds | Dependent on size | Cabin | Either in pet carrier or humane carrying container | $125 each way |
FAQ
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What animals can I bring in the cabin on a JetBlue flight?
JetBlue allows dogs and cats in the cabin as long as they meet certain size and health rules. Other pets basically need to travel in the cargo hold.
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Is there a size limit for pets in the cabin?
Yes, pets must fit under the seat in front of you in a carrier no larger than 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches high. Any pet sort of oversized needs to go in the cargo hold instead of the cabin.
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What health records do I need for my pet?
At minimum you will need a certificate from a vet saying your pet is healthy, had all required shots, and is okay to fly. Documents must ensure your pet isn’t sick and won’t harm other passengers. On the other paw, papers do expire so check dates!
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Can I bring more than one pet per person?
No, for safety reasons JetBlue allows just one pet per passenger in the cabin. Taking multiple animals could be too distracting for the crew. At the same time, you can check additional pets into the cargo hold if space is available down there.
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Is there a charge to bring a pet on JetBlue?
Yup, there is a fee per pet to bring Fido or Fluffy along. Currently JetBlue charges $100 each way for a pet in the cabin. Owning a pet is amazing but the travel costs sure can add up! Perhaps taking a second look at JetBlue’s pet policy or pricing is worthwhile.
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What if my pet acts up during the flight?
Pets must remain in their carriers for the whole flight and not cause any disturbances. If your pet starts barking loudly or misbehaving, crew may ask you to put it in the cargo hold instead. Hopefully your furry friend will stay calm, relax and not stress out like some humans flying!
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Can I bring an emotional support animal instead of a pet?
Yes, JetBlue allows trained emotional support animals to fly for free in the cabin of certain aircraft. You’ll need medical documentation from your doctor or mental health pro detailing your need. The rules for ESA support animals differ from basic pets, so check JetBlue’s website for the special conditions and approval process.
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Does JetBlue ever lose pets in cargo?
Unfortunately pets, like bags, are occasionally lost, injured or worse by airlines despite precautions. While flying is stunningly safe for most pets, mishaps do occur sometimes. JetBlue states carriers in the cargo hold undergo temperature and pressure controls. Still, bringing pets in cabin is safer than cargo if possible. Caveat emptor!