Flying with Pets Within the US: A Guide to Traveling with Your Cat or Dog by Air

A Comprehensive Guide to Flying With Pets Within the United States

As someone who has flown with pets several times, I know how important it is to plan ahead and be aware of all regulations. Here are answers to common questions for American travelers bringing furry companions on flights.

What documents do I need?

You’ll need to present the following when checking in with your pet:

1. Proof of up-to-date vaccinations signed by your vet. Rabies, distemper and influenza vaccinations must be administered at least 14 days before your trip.
2. An airline-approved pet carrier or crate. The carrier must be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in.
3. Appropriate ID tags on your pet’s collar with your contact information.

Certain breeds also require special permits from the USDA or foreign countries for international trips.

How should I prepare my pet for the trip?

Proper preparation is key to avoiding stress. Here are some tips:

1. Get your pet used to its carrier through positive enforcement weeks before traveling.
2. Talk to your vet about any medications that may help keep your pet calm during the journey.
3. Bring your pet’s favorite toys or items with a comforting scent.
4. Avoid giving food within a few hours of the flight to prevent airsickness.
5. Consider booking direct flights whenever possible to minimize connections.

From my experience, the more comfortable your pet feels in its carrier, the smoother the trip tends to go.

What are the costs involved?

Most airlines charge per-direction pet fees ranging from $100-$175 each way for domestic flights. Some budget carriers may charge extra. You’ll also pay a surcharge for an overweight pet crate.

A veterinary health certificate typically costs $50-100 obtained within 10 days of travel. Hotels and rental cars may charge cleaning or pet deposit fees too. So plan on at least $300 extra per trip when flying with pets within the USA.

Where can my pet sit during flights?

For flights under 8 hours, pets must remain in their carrier underneath the seat in front of you. For longer flights, there may be a designated “pet area” in cargo. Never let your pet roam freely in the cabin.

Most major carriers like Delta, American and United allow one pet per passenger in the cabin. Multiple pets traveling together require separate tickets. Know your airline’s specific policies in advance.

I’ve encountered situations where passengers try to sneak extra pets aboard or pass off excessive-sized carriers. Airlines strictly enforce pet transportation rules to ensure safety.

What about in-cabin travel restrictions?

Certain breeds are prohibited due to potential aggression or size constraints. Snub-nosed “brachycephalic” breeds like bulldogs face travel bans on hot summer days because they cope poorly in high temperatures.

Emotional support animals (ESAs) have more lenient rules, but airlines may require medical documentation to prove your pet provides therapeutic benefits. Fake pet certificates are illegal.

Always check for travel advisories if flying internationally as well, as import policies differ greatly between countries. An excess baggage fee may apply if your pet and carrier exceed weight limits.

What precautions should I take?

Staying organized and having backups plans is key when pets are involved in travel. Here are some tips from my experiences:

1. Pack important documents in both checked and carry-on bags in case of lost luggage.
2. Bring extra food, bowls, leashes and supplies in case of unexpected delays.
3. Leave contact information for someone watching your home in case you get stranded away.
4. Opt for travel health insurance in case your pet needs emergency veterinary care on the road.
5. Consider a backup riding method like driving or a pet transport service as backup if weather or mechanical issues cause flight cancellations.

Small details and advance planning can prevent major hassles when pets come along for the adventure. Safe travels!

What if my pet seems distressed during the trip?

As heart-wrenching as it is, try to stay calm if your furry friend acts freaked out or vocalizes anxiety. Here are a few tricks I’d try:

1. Speak in a low, soothing voice to reassure them.
2. Offer calming treats or toys to redirect anxious energy.
3. Wipe your hands on a cozy item like a blanket to share a comforting scent.
4. Consider asking a flight attendant about relocating to a quieter area if possible.
5. Contact your vet after landing if anxiety persists beyond a day or two.

Most pups acclimate fine after their first flight. But trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to ask crew for help if truly distressed. Their safety comes before comfort!

Can I travel internationally with pets?

Taking pets across borders adds many layers of complexity from vaccines to import regulations. Some things I’ve learned:

• Plan 6+ months in advance as requirements vary greatly by destination country.
• Expect a lengthy quarantine at either end, sometimes lasting months based on disease outbreaks.
• Certain breeds may face permanent import bans so research thoroughly beforehand.
• Vet paperwork must be authenticated by local embassies or consulates weeks prior.
• Extra airline approval, health certs, crating and transport expenses will apply.
• Always allow extra time at customs where pets undergo inspection upon entry.

Unless absolutely critical, I’d recommend only flying pets domestically until grasping complex international processes. Patience and advance legwork is key.

Hope this gives travelers a good overview when considering furry friends as flying companions! Let me know if any other pet travel questions come up.

Flying With Pets: Tips for a Safe Flight

Pet	Requirements	Notes
Dog or Cat	Vaccinations up to date, health certificate from vet, in approved carrier under seat	Carrier fits under seat and pet remains in carrier entire flight
Birds	Appropriate cage, health certificate from vet	Keep bird comfortable in safe, covered cage
Snakes	Special carriers required, health certificate from vet	Snakes must be non-venomous and contained while flying
Rodents	Appropriate secure enclosure, health certificate from vet	Rodents should not be able to escape carrier during flight
Advance Planning	Check with airline, submit paperwork at least 48-72 hours before flight	Give pet time to acclimate to carrier before flying

FAQ

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

   Basically, most major airlines in the United States allow pets to fly as cargo or in the cabin with you if they are small enough to fit under the seat. However, different rules and restrictions apply depending on the airline and type of pet.

2. What documents do I need to travel with a pet?

   At minimum, you will need your pet’s vaccination records showing they are current on all shots. Additionally, some countries require a health certificate from your vet stating your pet is healthy and disease-free. Possibly you’ll also need to buy your pet its own ticket. Be sure to check airline and destination pet travel rules carefully to avoid issues.

3. Is it safe for pets to fly in the cargo hold?

   Although most pets arrive safely in the cargo hold, it is kind of risky down there since temperature and pressure fluctuates during takeoff and landing. According to vets, the stresses of flying can even reportedly trigger allergic reactions or other health trouble for sensitive animals. If at all possible, it’s arguably better to fly small pets in the cabin with you where you can keep an eye on them.

4. What are the size limits for cabin pets?

   Size limits vary somewhat between airlines, but most permits dogs and cats under 20 pounds in carriers that can fit under the seat in front of you. Perhaps consider trying one of those soft-sided carriers which are normally more compact than hard plastic kennels. On the other hand, you wouldn’t want pets roaming loose in the cabin either for safety reasons.

   

5. How much does it cost to fly with a pet?

   In addition to the regular ticket price for your pet, fees can range from $100 to $200 or more per animal – basically an extra expense you’ll need to plan for. And if your pet is over the size or weight limits, cargo fees get steep fast. Nevertheless, some travelers say the price is worth it to keep beloved pets by their side on long flights.

6. What should I bring for my pet on the plane?

   Besides the required documents, pack water, a leash, toys, and small litter pans or newspapers in case of “accidents”. You might also include a favorite blanket or item with a familiar smell to help reduce stress. Moreover, ask your vet about medicating pets ahead of time with mild sedatives to keep them calm. In any event, remember that traveling with pets requires extra preparation.

7. Can emotional support animals fly free?

   Possibly, but the term “emotional support animal” appears to be loosely applied in some cases honestly. To fly with an ESA free of charge, federal law requires this designation be prescribed by your doctor or mental health professional for a diagnosed issue. Airlines might ask for documentation, and the animal must be well-trained. Still, support animals aim to provide legitimate assistance to their owners.