Most Pet Friendly Airlines – Which Carriers Allow Pets on Flights

Your Guide to Finding the Most Pet-Friendly Airlines

Whether you’re hoping to take Fido on your next vacation or relocate to a new home across the country, traveling by air with your pet can seem like an overwhelming prospect. From ensuring your furry companion’s safety and comfort to navigating complicated airline policies, you want to make sure you choose an airline that will treat your pet like family. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know to identify the most pet-friendly carriers and feel at ease with your pet by your side at 30,000 feet.

What to Look for in Pet-Friendly Airline Policies

The first step is understanding the key aspects of an airline’s pet transportation guidelines. Here are a few things to pay close attention to:

1. Breed Restrictions – Some airlines limit which dog and cat breeds they will accept as cargo due to breed bans. Make sure your pet is allowed.
2. advance Reservation Requirements – Most airlines require you to reserve space for your pet well in advance of your travel dates. Know the deadlines.
3. Crate Size and Amenities – Your pet’s travel crate should meet minimum size requirements and be properly ventilated. Look for extras like pee pads.
4. In-Cabin versus Cargo Policies – Some airlines only accept small pets in-cabin while larger pets must travel in the cargo hold. Understand the size limits.

Additionally, ask about fees, health certificate requirements, and any export/import regulations if traveling internationally.

Airlines Known for top Pet-Friendly Policies

Based on their accommodating stances towards pets, here are some airlines that tend to fare well in reviews from frequent flying pet owners:

Delta Airlines

Delta has a solid reputation for pet-friendliness. They allow both dogs and cats as young as 8 weeks old to travel in-cabin or in the cargo hold depending on size. Cargo pets receive special treatment like Temperature Control Zones and oxygen masks if needed. From my experience flying with my terrier mix on several Delta flights over the years, they truly treat pets like precious cargo.

Alaska Airlines

This airline is an especially great option for in-cabin pet travel. They have some of the most generous size allowances, permitting dogs under 20 lbs to accompany owners in the main cabin at no extra charge. Larger dogs can travel as cargo. Alaska also offers amenities like pet supply vending machines at some airports.

American Airlines

While not quite as pet-oriented as Delta or Alaska, American has made strides in recent years towards becoming more pet-friendly. They accept a wide range of pet species as long as escape-proof crates are used. Cargo pets also get temperature-controlled compartments. American even offers in-flight “Pet Perks” like water dishes and toys.

JetBlue

JetBlue gets bonus points for allowing two pets per passenger instead of just one. Their in-cabin size limits are reasonable too at max 20 lbs for dogs and 10 lbs for cats. Plus, as a passenger-focused carrier, they strive to minimize stress for traveling pooches and felines.

Southwest Airlines

While not technically a “pet friendly” airline like others, Southwest earns praise from pet owners for simply allowing both dogs and cats on flights. Most low-cost carriers only accept canines. Southwest also has liberal weight limits at 20 lbs for in-cabin pets.

Tips for a Smooth Flight with Fido or Fluffy

No matter which carrier you book, taking some proactive steps can help ease travel day jitters for you and your pet:

1. Train your pet to travel calmly in a crate. Get them used to it at home before the big flight.
2. Pack familiar belongings. Consider a worn t-shirt with your scent inside or favorite toy to provide comfort.
3. Prepare travel documents early. A valid health certificate could take its sweet time processing.
4. Arrive extra early. Give yourself time at the airport without rushing your pet.

With patience and the right precautions, you and your furry friend can take to the skies for an adventure you’ll both cherish. Safe travels!

Common Considerations for International Pet Travel

If relocating across borders, a few additional steps come into play:

1. Check import regulations for required vaccinations, microchips, kenneling at customs. Requirements vary greatly between countries.
2. Acquire export/import permits from your home country’s Department of Agriculture as proof of health status. These take time.
3. Review quarantine policies for the destination. Some areas enforce up to 6-month quarantines for new pets to prevent disease spread. Yikes!

International pet relocation is no joke. But with meticulous planning and paperwork to stay on the right side of each country’s specific laws, your fur baby can join you for an overseas adventure or big life change.

Additional Questions about Pet Air Travel?

Hopefully this overview answered your main questions about comparing pet policies across airlines and properly preparing for flying with Fido or Fluffy. But if any other concerns come up, feel free to ask! I have faced situations where flight delays or pet health scares arose requiring quick problem-solving. Rest assured that with the right carrier and planning, your pet’s trip can go smoothly too.

You also may want to check airline forums or Facebook groups specific to traveling with pets on certain routes. Fellow pet owners there might provide real-life case examples or little-known tips and tricks to make the whole experience basically as seamless as possible for man’s best friend. Best of luck with your pet air travel plans – let me know if any other questions come up!

Top Pet-Friendly Airlines

Airline	Pet in Cabin?	Pet Fees	Size/Weight Limits
Delta	Yes	$125 each way	Under 20 lbs, in carrier under seat
Alaska	Yes	$100 each way	Under 20 lbs, in carrier under seat
American	Yes	$125 each way	Under 20 lbs, in carrier under seat
JetBlue	Yes	$100 each way	Under 20 lbs, in carrier under seat
United	Yes	$125 each way	Under 20 lbs, in soft-sided carrier under seat

FAQ

1. Which airlines are most okay with pets?

   Some airlines are more accepting of pets than others. Airlines like JetBlue and Alaska Airlines allow pets in the plane’s cabin for a small charge. Most major airlines will provide transport for pets in the cargo hold. However, this is less preferred as pets will not be with their owners.

2. Do all airlines let you bring your pet?

   No, not totally. Some discount airlines and international carriers do not allow any animals at all. You would need to check the policy of each airline carefully before booking travel with pets. Unfortunately often you discover the rules only when it’s too late.

3. What paperwork is required for flying with a pet?

   To travel by air with most animals, you will need some important documents like an up to date health certificate from your vet, proof of vaccinations, travel kennel or carrier, and the pet must be able to fit under the seat in front of you if it is traveling in the cabin.

4. How much extra does it cost to bring a pet on a plane?

   The fees can vary greatly depending on the airline, pet size, and travel destination. But in general, expect to pay between $125-$250 or more just for the pet transportation itself. You may also need to purchase an extra plane ticket if your pet cannot sit at your feet underneath the seat. So financially, it may kinda make sense to leave Fluffy with a pet sitter.

5. Are emotional support animals treated the same as pets?

   Sometimes. Emotional support animals basically help provide comfort for travelers with mental health conditions. Airlines must allow them in cabins as assistance animals. However, not all carriers recognize Emotional Support Animals in the same way. You should contact the airline first before assuming your support animal can join you in the cabin.

   

6. Which airlines have most pet friendly policies?

   Based on their policies, airlines like JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and Delta appear to allow pets both in-cabin and in cargo with the proper paperwork. United also transports pets, though some say their pet program could use improvement. Southwest strictly only lets small dogs and cats travel with owners in-cabin.

7. “Is it cruel to transport pets on planes?”

   Some folks question if it’s inhumane to put pets through the stresses of air travel, such as noisy environments, unfamiliar areas and potential mishandling by baggage staff. Perhaps. However, responsible pet owners who prepare their animal properly and use airlines with good records reasonably believe the health benefits of keeping their furry loved one with them outweighs leaving them behind. But does your pet agree? Who knows, maybe he or she secretly prefers a nice quiet home with Grandma!

8. What questions should I ask the airline about pet policies?

   When booking travel for a pet, make sure to get the lowdown on things like size limits, health form needs, whether pets can fly as carry-on or cargo only, if there are blackout dates, any training required, food restrictions, and maybe even ask if their pilots have had pet-transport certifications. Knowing all the rules upfront prevents surprises and gives you assurance your little friend will have a tolerable trip too.