Here’s What to Know Before Flying with a Dog

The Henkelion Pet Carrier is what I typically use when flying with my canine companion. It features a spacious external pocket well-designed for storing pet meals, clean-up bags, and playthings. Access to your pet is easy through two side doors and one top mesh entry point as well.

I bought the larger size carrier for my 8-pound chihuahua expecting more room but found the overly bulky large model difficult to carry. I returned it for the medium size which I`m much happier with.

Delta Dog Policies

📞 (800) 221-1212 | 🐾 Delta`s page about transporting pets

I have personally flown with my pup on Delta Airlines previously and had no issues. Delta only accepts payment at airport check-in and does not take cash for the $95 one-way fee. Be prepared to pay with a debit card or charge the dog fee to your credit card.

It’s absolutely necessary to contact Delta in advance to reserve one of only 4 spots available in the cabin for pets (including cats and small birds) on carry-on.

Additionally, pets must be at least ten weeks old to travel domestically and only one dog is allowed per kennel unless the canines are of the same breed and size.

American Airlines Dog Policies

📞 (800) 433-7300 | 🐾 American Airlines Pet Travel Website

Travel with small pets on American Airlines for a fun getaway to remember. Regretfully, only military people may ship animals as freight so just tiny pets are permitted to fly inside the cabin on American Airlines.

Canines are made it feasible on American Airlines flights upwards of 12 hours extensive inside the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas. American moreover has a inflexible kennel-only policy and does not allow lap sitting on their flights.

Additionally, you cannot bring hand luggage if flying with a dog on American Airlines. Travelers are only allowed to bring their carry-on pet and one personal item. Pet strollers must also be checked at the ticket counter, for an additional fee.

👉 Also see: Tips for flying with infants

United Airlines Dog Policies

📞 (800) 864-8331 | 🐾 United Airlines Pet Travel Policy Website

When booking your itinerary with United Airlines, you can pay the fee for traveling with your pet during checkout by selecting the “travel with a pet” option. Exercise extra precaution with United, as there is a $125 charge applied for any layover exceeding four hours within the US or 24 hours on international flights.

There are no weight or breed constraints with United Airlines but four-legged friends must fit in a hard or soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat facing them. Only one pet is permitted inside each kennel and the pet must be able to stand up and turn around inside.

Pets must remain in their carrier underneath your seat at all times on United flights and cannot spend time on travelers’ laps. Rabies and health certificates are also necessary for all dogs flying internationally with United, which must be completed no less than 28 days before travel.

Southwest Dog Policies

📞 (800) 435-9792 | 🐾 Southwest Pet Travel Policy Website

Small cats and dogs are permitted on most domestic Southwest flights, excluding to and from Hawaii. Travelers pay the pet fare at check-in on the day of departure. Because Southwest only allows 6 dogs on an airplane at one time, it’s best to call the airline ahead of time to guarantee your dog’s spot on the flight.

Pets cannot travel in the cargo holds beneath Southwest aircraft and must therefore fit safely in carriers that can be placed under the seats in front of their owners.

Each traveler is authorized lone animal carrier with one or two dogs of the same species and measurements. Compensate for your pet with a credit card on the day of departure and appreciate new heights with your airborne pup!

Spirit Airlines Dog Policies

📞 (855) 728-3555 | 🐾 Spirit Airlines regulations for traveling with dogs Website

Canines are permitted to fly cabin-class on all domestic flights, including Puerto Rico and St. Thomas. Domesticated felines, birds, and rabbits are also included among the six pets allowed to fly with Spirit Airlines.

Guests flying with pets need to check in at the ticket counter on the day of departure, so be sure to call ahead to inform Spirit that you will be flying with your four-legged friend.

No medical documentation is required unless flying to Puerto Rico and all dogs must be at least 8 weeks of age and fully weaned from their mother`s milk, or they will not be permitted on board. Furthermore, pets displaying aggressive tendencies at the gate will be removed from the flight without reimbursement.

📚 Related Reading:50 Family Travel Tips

Alaska Airlines Dog Policies

📞 (800) 654-5669 | 🐾 Alaska Airlines Pet Policy Website

Alaska Airlines provides “fur-st class care” for travelers flying with pups. Alaska Airlines is also one of the few airlines in the industry that allows larger canines to be transported in the baggage compartment for an extra payment.

After purchasing your ticket with Alaska Airlines, you can communicate with a live agent online through the chat box or call the customer service number to reserve your pet`s space on the aircraft. Travelers with animals must be 18 years or older and Alaska has a strict policy requiring pets to remain in carriers at all times; not even your pet`s head or tail can protrude out at any moment.

Alaska does not endorse utilizing sedation when flying with your canine companions, as high elevations may negatively influence that process. Rather, try canine CBD or attempt acclimating your puppy to transportation in advance by driving them around in the carrier for expanded periods of time.

👉 Read Next: What to bring for carry-on only travel

JetBlue Dog Policies

📞 (800) 538-2583 | 🐾 JetBlue Pet Policy Website

Travelling within one`s own country with a dog using JetBlue is as straightforward as following a three step process. However, when travelling internationally, considerable research must be done in advance due to required pet documentation, vaccinations, and entry stipulations.

JetBlue makes transporting a canine companion effortless within the United States. Each carry-on pet carrier is equivalent to one personal item and must fit under the seat ahead of you. Additionally, each carrier cannot exceed 17” L x 12.5” W x 8.5” H and the combined weight of both your pet and the carrier is restricted to no more than 20 pounds.

You can schedule your pet`s flight online by visiting jetblue.com or getting in touch with JetBlue`s customer support. The $125 pet charge can be added in the “Extras” area during booking. Two pets are permitted per customer but in different carriers with an extra seat purchased.

Frontier Dog Policies

📞 (801) 401-9000 | 🐾 Frontier Pet Policy Website

Frontier allows quite a variety of pets to be transported in the cabin from Guinea pigs to hamsters, rabbits, and birds, but only dogs and cats are permitted on longer, international flights.

Enter your pet’s information under the “Passenger Info” section when booking a flight with Frontier. If you need to add your pet to your flight after booking, simply head over to “Manage My Booking” and add “Special Services” to your flight order.

Dogs that have undergone full training do not require an additional fee to travel and no canine companions are permitted to fly as cargo with Frontier.

Things To Know About Flying with a Dog

Stressed about flying with your puppy? Well, to begin with, remember that many people have done it before you. Actually, dogs are the pet that travels best as indicated by Pet Keen. You can do this! Here are a few clues to help you have a stress-free flight with your dog:

Pet Fees are Typically One-Way

Be sure to budget extra money for airline pet fees, as they’re typically one-way charges. In my experience, I wasn’t allowed to pay for my pet online but at the Delta counter with cash only.

For airlines that require you to pay for your pet upon check-in, make certain to call ahead of time so they are aware you will be arriving with your pet. Otherwise, the flight may reach its maximum dog capacity without space for your dog.

Dogs Must be in Carriers at the Airport

Unfortunately, your pets cannot walk around the airport due to sanitary reasons. You will need to keep your dog in its carrier at all times in the airport, unless in a relief area. This does not apply to service dogs, however.

You may see some dogs sitting on their owner’s laps at the gate but they risk breaking the rules. Some airports may be more flexible with lap sitting in the airport, depending on the location and management for that day.

Utilize Dog Relief Areas

Areas for pets to relieve themselves at the airport are extremely helpful before and after flights. Be sure to take advantage of them.

These pet relief areas are a pet proprietor’s best companion but they aren’t constantly the most sanitary. Please remember to pick up after your pet and leave the pet relief regions cleaner than you discovered them.

As dogs are prohibited from leaving their carriers at airports, these spaces offer a perfect opportunity for letting your dog out of the carrier to expend some energy before a lengthy flight.

Dogs Go With You Through the Metal Detector

Be prepared to take your canine companion out of its carrier and with you through the metal detector instead of the body scanner during the security portion of your airport check-in.

However, pet carriers go through the baggage conveyor belt, so be sure to remove any liquids for dogs beforehand.

Call Your Airline Ahead of Time to Reserve Your Dog’s Spot

For airlines that do not require pre-payment for pet passengers, be sure to contact them a few weeks before your scheduled flight to reserve your dog`s spot on your itinerary.

As shown on the included chart, most airlines have a restricted amount of space in the cabin for carry-on canines. Don’t make the mistake of not calling beforehand and having to take your pup back home.

Stow Your Dog for Takeoff and Landing

Nearly every airline requires that your dog be stored under the seat in front of you in their carrier during takeoff and landing. Most airlines also require that pets remain in the carrier for the entire flight, but different flight crews may have some leniency.

Opt for an Aisle Seat

While I enjoy the window seat on flights, aisle seats are much more convenient when flying with a dog. I’ve sat with my canine companion at the window previously and do not recommend the hassle of squeezing past the rest of the row with all your puppy equipment.

The additional space of the aisle seat renders an otherwise stressful situation slightly easier to manage.

Get Your Dog Used to the Kennel Beforehand

You don’t want to fly with a dog that isn’t used to its kennel yet. Be sure you accustom your pup to the kennel beforehand to save both you and your dog the stress of kennel training at the airport.

Pet proprietors are urged to get their dogs used to the kennel beforehand by driving their pets around in the kennel for extended periods, just as permitting their canines to rest in the kennel overnight. This is particularly significant on the off chance that going on a drawn out flight.

👉 Read Next: How to Find Budget International Flights

Don’t Give Your Pet a Sedative

Carry-on pets generally do not fare well with sedatives at high altitudes. Tranquilizers may interfere with your dog`s ability to regulate body heat at higher pressures and the health risks outweigh the benefits of sedatives.

If traveling by air for an extended period with a dog, having readily available food, water and plenty of toys is advised. According to many airline pet policies, calming a puppy`s nerves with CBD is recommended over anti-anxiety medication.

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Bring A Chew Toy for Take Off and Landing

Similar to humans, canines additionally encounter discomforting pressures in their ears amid take-off and landing. Be certain to bring one or more chew toys to assist alleviate any unease. I consistently have a Nylabone Power Chew Toy available for my travel dogs.

FAQ About Flying with Dogs

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You are now prepared to start exploring with your four-legged friend! Check out our essential items for short visits for more stress-free upcoming travels.