Finding the Airline Best Suited for Flying with Your Canine Companion
Whether you’re taking a family vacation, relocating for a new job, or just wanting to include your furry friend on a trip, flying with a dog can present some unique challenges. As anyone who has transported animals knows, it’s important to choose an airline that will make the journey as low-stress as possible for your pooch. This article will explore the options and provide tips to help you determine the most dog-friendly airline.
Policies to Consider
The first step is reviewing the pet policies of different carriers. Major factors to look at include:
- Breed restrictions – Some airlines ban certain dog breeds like pit bulls for liability reasons.
- Cage size – The enclosure must be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Check-in requirements – Important documents include health records, vaccinations, microchips/tags.
- Cabin vs cargo – Most allow small dogs in-cabin, while larger dogs fly in the cargo hold.
- fees – Expect to pay anywhere from $100-300 per direction depending on carrier.
From my experience traveling with dogs, pre-planning and making early reservations is key, as policies can vary by route. Reading the fine print thoroughly will save headaches down the road.
Cabin vs Cargo Considerations
For dogs allowed in the cabin, there are perks like being able to monitor their comfort directly. However, not all dogs do well amid the noises and unfamiliar scents of air travel. Cargo means less stress potentially, but also less ability to check on them personally.
Things to weigh include your dog’s temperament, the flight duration, anticipated temperature variations, and security of the carrier. Many owners feel reassured knowing their pup is right beside them inside the plane.
Reputation and On-Time Performance
Beyond policies, reliability is key when choosing an airline for your precious cargo. Flight delays and cancellations cause undue stress. Delta consistently ranks among the best US carriers for on-time arrivals and minimal lost luggage according to industry watchdog groups.
Additionally, customer reviews provide a sense of how well a particular airline actually handles live animal shipments. Complaints about poorly ventilated cargo holds, missed connections, or injured animals during transport are major red flags to consider. Word-of-mouth from fellow pet owners counts for a lot in this decision.
Airline-Specific Options
With the above factors in mind, here’s a quick overview of some top airline choices and their pet-friendliness:
- Delta: Allows dogs in-cabin on most routes for a $125 fee each way. Requires vaccination records and a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat. On-time leader with mostly positive feedback on pet travel.
- American: Plastic or metal carrier must fit under seat. In-cabin varies by route but typically medium/large dogs in cargo. Good record handling live animals safely.
- United: Only small dogs can fly with owner in-cabin for 5 fee. Larger pets must be checked. Mixed reviews on cargo area temperature control from pet owners.
- Alaska: Some pet-friendly perks like two free drinks for you plus doggy bags and toys. In-cabin or cargo varies by aircraft/routing. Extra fees for overweight animals.
As you can see, no airline is perfect, but some stand out from both policy and reputation perspectives. It often comes down to the specific route you need as well as weighing your pet’s characteristics against the carrier’s requirements.
Preparing for Takeoff
Finally, to ease anxiety on the big travel day, focus on acclimating your pet well in advance. Get them used to their carrier through short practice trips to get comfortable before the actual flights. Consider calming treats or medication from the vet, but get instructions on proper administration.
Bring along favorite toys/blankets, plus backup food/water and plastic bags just in case. Use pee pads for messy accidents, and plan for ground transport to/from airports in case your dog tires easily. With diligent preparation and choosing the right airline match, you and your furry friend can make memories of your trip together for years to come!
In the end, it’s impossible to say definitively which carrier is ‘most dog friendly’ without weighing your pet’s specific situation. With thorough research into policies, reputations for safety and timely service, plus matching expectations to your dog’s temperament, you’ll gain confidence to find the best airline fit.
As always, your veterinarian can also provide guidance based on your dog’s medical history. Safe travels to all the furry flyers out there with their humans! Please share any other tips or experiences with pet-approved airlines in the comments below.
Dog Friendly Airline Comparison
| Airline | Cost | Cabin Size | In-flight Restrictions | Booking Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JetBlue | $125 each way | Extra legroom in main cabin | Must stay in carrier under seat | Book online or call reservations |
| Alaska Airlines | $150 each way | Standard legroom | Must stay in carrier, even on layovers | Book online and notify at check-in |
| Delta | $100-175 each way | Standard legroom | Must stay in carrier, even on layovers | Book online and notify at check-in |
| American | $125 each way | Standard legroom | Must stay in carrier, even on layovers | Book online and notify at check-in |
FAQ
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Which airline is most likely to allow dogs in the cabin?
Delta Air Lines basically allows dogs and cats in the cabin on most flights as long as they meet certain size and health requirements. They’ve got a pretty good reputation for being the most dog-friendly airline.
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Do I need to pay extra to bring my dog on the plane?
Yes, you’ll usually need to purchase an extra ticket for your pet. The cost can vary a lot based on the size of your dog and length of the flight. Sometimes it’s kind of outrageous what they charge! Be ready to shell out some cash if you want Fido to fly with you.
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What size crate is required for cabin pets?
Most airlines that allow pets in the cabin require them to be in a carrier under the seat in front of you. The crate can’t be any bigger than perhaps 18 inches high by 14 inches wide by 8 inches deep. It’s important the carrier fits perfectly under the seat so your dog is comfortable and safe for the whole flight.
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Will my dog be terrified to fly?
There’s always a chance your furry companion could get a little wigged out by the whole flying experience. Air travel can be absolutely horrifying for some pups. However, taking small dogs on short flights seems to go reasonably well more often than not. With some training and calming aids, your dog may do fine. But you never really know until the big day!
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What health documents does my dog need?
All airlines require various vet records showing your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccines. There may need to be documentation that your dog was examined by a vet within 10 days of the flight. You usually need a certificate from the vet and possibly proof of certain vaccinations too. It’s best to check each airline’s specific rules which can differ somewhat.
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Is it stressful to fly with a dog?
Taking a dog on a plane is certainly not for the faint of heart. It appears coordinating all the requirements, finding direct flights, and keeping your dog calm in a cramped space for hours could truly be an ordeal. Perhaps it’s not worth the headache if long distances are involved. However, some pet owners report that short trips go rather smoothly once you get the hang of it. You just need to be willing to put up with some stress!
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What other tips can you offer about flying with pets?
I’d say one of the most important things is to practice long periods in the airline-approved carrier before your flight. This can familiarize your dog and help them feel more comfortable on the big day. It also doesn’t hurt to contact the airline well ahead of time to ask any other questions. According to pet travel experts, being overprepared is key to success. Do your homework and tell me – do you think it’s worth it to bring your dog along?