How do they make sure animals are loaded onto the correct plane? Southwest,Alaska,United,American,Delta,Hawaiian,Spirit, andFrontier are some of the airlines that allow pets as carry-ons. Airline Price per pet Allowed in cargo? Youll generally need to contact the airline to reserve a space for your pet. AirlineRatings.com was launched in 2013 and rates the safety, in-flight product and COVID-19 compliance of 385 airlines using its unique seven-star rating system. We gave each airline a score from 1 to 5 across 12 categories. Each airline has its own requirements, but many airlines require a valid health certificate issued by your vet. Pettravel in the cabin: For a $125 one-waypet fee, travelers can bring dogs, cats, household birds, and small domestic rabbits that are at least eight weeks old in the cabin onSpirit Airlines routes throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You want a travel credit card that prioritizes whats important to you. Alaska also limits the number of carriers onboard per flight: three in first class and eight in the main cabin. Currently, at least two Indian carriers - Air India and Akasa Air - permit passengers to carry pets onboard. Check out other options weve researched. According to the Department of Transportation, there were an incident rate of 0.82 per 10,000 animals transported in 2021. A maximum of 2 pets per container is permitted, but only one container per guest . The average pet fee across airlines is $113 airlines typically charge from $95 to $125 each way per pet. Or, you can go to My Trips to add a pet to an existing trip. On American Eagle flights, the airline only allows five total carry-on kennels, including one in first class. If your pet is too large to fit under the seat, it can travel in the climate-controlled baggage compartment within the U.S. for $100. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Southwest wont let your pet fly in the baggage compartment or cargo, which means in the main cabin only. Meanwhile, changes in diet and water on arrival can affect dogs gastrointestinal health, and the upheaval of traveling and time-zone changes could lead to dehydration or interruptions to strict medication schedules, such as insulin for diabetic dogsleading to potentially serious consequences. Spirit allows up to two pets in each carrier, so long as they fit comfortably. Travelers must be at least 18 years old beforetraveling with a pet in the cabin. We gave higher points when species other than cats and dogs are allowed. Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and household birds can also accompany passengers in the cabin, but only on flights within the U.S. Pettravel in the cabin: Dogs and cats cantravel in the cabin onHawaiian Airlines flights that go from Hawaiian island to island, as well as between the Aloha State and most destinations in North America. If you must fly with a pet, but the restrictions feel burdensome, consider skipping the commercial aircraft entirely. Sally studied journalism at the University of Missouri. On Alaska, pets arent accepted in baggage or cargo for the entire period from Nov. 15 to Jan. 10. Together, your pet and his kennel must weigh 25 pounds or less. Hawaiian notes that traveling with brachycephalic breeds in cargo and checked baggage is highly discouraged and not recommended, but does not state that its disallowed. All you have to do is select "Travel with a pet" as a traveler during booking on united.com. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention About pet crate has among the lowest pet fees for the main cabin, charging $100 each way per kennel or carrier. Yes, as long as theyre at least eight weeks old and weaned. Are there other restrictions on dogs in cargo/checked baggage? His work has been featured by Fast Company, The Associated Press and The Onion. Birds are not allowed to and from cities in Puerto Rico or the U.S.V.I. Baffled by points and miles? Take particular care if traveling with a brachycephalic (or short-muzzled) breed. Types of animals allowed in the main cabin: Can you fly with a pet bird? Some individual routes or aircraft have their own unique limitations beyond the standard airline pet policy. COVID-19 upended many facets of the travel industry, and flying with pets is no exception. Themost pet-friendly airline for your journey depends on the type of animal you have, your pets size, where youre traveling, and whether youd like your pet to fly in the cabin or in the cargo hold as checked baggage. The airline does not ban any specific breeds, however, it strongly discourages travelers from checking pets that are short-nosed, or brachycephalic. Your pet can go in cargo, but youll need to show a valid health certificate for each animal. Hawaiian allows one adult dog or cat per kennel, or up to two puppies or kittens of the same breed or litter that are between eight weeks and six months old. The United carry-onpet fee is $125 each way. So what do you need to know before flying with your dog, and what are the various airlines requirements? Youll pay an additional $125 for each layover that lasts four or more hours for U.S. flights, or 24 or more hours forinternational flights. Is there a fee to travel with your pet? The carrier must be placed below the seat in front of you for takeoff and landing, but you can keep your friend (in their carrier) on your lap during the flighta big departure from other pet-friendly airlines. Travelers must stow the kennel under theseat in front of them during taxi, takeoff, and landing. Of the major U.S. airlines, only Alaska, American and Hawaiian will transport pets in checked baggage and/or cargo. Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card. Alaska, Southwest and Frontier top our list, but regardless of airline, flying with a pet will be expensive. In addition, if temperatures are between 45 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit, youll need to supply an acclimation certificate from a veterinarian from within 10 days of travel. Most airlines specify that your pet must be well behaved (not growling, barking excessively, or making disturbing noises or smells) and that they reserve the right to refuse travel to disruptive pets. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. The Department of Transportation ( DOT) has rules (14 CFR part 382) (PDF) that require airlines to allow passengers to fly with their service animals in the cabin on all U.S. airlines. Yes, dogs are allowed to fly in cargo. Traveling with children Unaccompanied minors Pets Carry on or transport your pet Depending on animal breed and size, they can travel as a carry-on or be transported through American Airlines Cargo. Pets are currently allowed onboard at least two Indian airlines, Air India and Aksa Air. Delta's pet policy makes Delta seem like the most pet-friendly airline (encouraging travelers to "take off with your favorite friend, even if they have fur," which is adorable). A customer can have a maximum of two pet carriers in the main cabin, provided that the adjacent seat is also part of their own booking. "We have lost our best . JetBlue does not allow pets to be checked in as cargo, so if your animal weighs more than 20 pounds, youre out of luck. $125 each way, plus an additional $125 charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. 2 (with purchase of a second . Above all else, make sure to check out the airlines safety measures. Do not sell or share my personal information. A senior official at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has not yet issued any Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) or . The amount of pets permitted per flight varies depending on the aircraft, up to a maximum of four. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old beforeflying in the cabin, and these types of pets can accompany travelers on domestic trips, as well as flights to or from the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Your pet isnt behaving: Most airlines will deny boarding to misbehaving pets. And even though youve paid for a second seat, you still need to keep your dog inside a carrier for the whole flight. Allow pets in cargo: Whether pets are allowed to travel in cargo, in any capacity. Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? The main cabin can accommodate up to five pet carriers per flight; first class can accommodate one. If your dogs fits into one of these categories, consider flying with them only when absolutely necessary, and always make sure to prepare well to make sure their needs are met. There is no one-size-fits-all approach toflying with pets. Dont feed your dog for about six hours before travel, but do give them bottled water. Animals can travel on most flights that are 12 hours or less to certain destinations: within the 48 contiguous U.S. plus Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas. Pets are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. In winter, try to book flights in the middle of the day. Refunds, accessibility and ease: Were pet fees refundable? These carriers should be secure, padded, water-resistent, and have ventilation on at least two sides. Pettravel in the cabin: Delta allows dogs, cats, and household birds in the cabin to and from certain destinations. Her work has been published in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Washington Post. Because of a lack of under-seat storage, American does not allow carry-on pets to fly in first or business class on some planes. Pet container requirements. Only one pet is allowed per kennel. Alaska was the best of the bunch, but even animal travel on Alaska has limitations. Allegiant does not transport animals in cargo. Pets on Southwest are accepted on a first come, first served basis and are not permitted to travel internationally. Even thoughSouthwest Airlines has an open seating policy for passengers, travelers with pets may not sit in the emergency exit seats or in rows without under-seat storage in front of them, such as the first row. For a safe and comfortable journey for . In past years, you may have traveled with your emotional support animal for free. Health and vaccine requirements: Dogs traveling in cargo must have a health certificate dated within 10 days of the outward journey and 30 days of the return journey. 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