Southwest reserves the right to deny boarding if the pet is growling, biting, urinating, or scratching. Some airlines that used to happily ship your pet in cargo will transport them no more. Are there other restrictions on dogs in cargo? Let the 80/20 rule guide you. Most airlines won't transport brachycephalic or "short-nosed" dogs and cats in cargo, though they might still be allowed in carry-on. $125 each way, plus an additional $125 charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. Each pet would have to have their . 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. Alaska, Southwest and Frontier top our list, but regardless of airline, flying with a pet will be expensive. COVID-19 upended many facets of the travel industry, and flying with pets is no exception. We analyzed nine U.S. airlines on 12 variables to find the most pet-friendly airlines. Are dogs allowed in the cabin? You will be charged the cargo rate, which is considerably more than excess baggage. Its also a good chance to check whether there are any regulations you might have missed. You must reserve a spot in advance so your pets travels aren't guaranteed (even if your seat is booked), Emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals, In past years, you may have traveled with your. A non-refundable fee of $50.00 per segment per carrier will apply for all pets. Additionally, up to two pets of the same size and species can fly together in the same kennel, so long as they fit comfortably. We combed through the fine print, fees and policies of all the major airlines to find which ones charge the lowest fees, are the most flexible in terms of what pets you can bring and how well they handle pet transport. What sorts of limits are there on allowing pets in lounges? Hawaiian Air accepts dogs, cats, and household birds, but only dogs and cats are allowed to be carried on. Spirit allows up to two pets in each carrier, so long as they fit comfortably. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Yes: check the airlines website for crate and weight specifications. Also review the pet regulations at your destination, as many international locales, and even some domestic spots like Hawaii, have strict rules and procedures for bringing pets with you. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication. Types of animals allowed in the main cabin: Can you fly with a pet bird? Those individuals may check up to two pets to fly in the cargo hold, so long as they meet the destinations age and health requirements. On Alaska, pets arent accepted in baggage or cargo for the entire period from Nov. 15 to Jan. 10. However, two puppies or kittens may travel together in the same kennel if they weigh less than 20 pounds, are between eight weeks and six months old, and are similar in size. Before traveling, take your pet to your vet (dog carriers are a requisite for a hassle-free trip) to have him examined. Your pet carrier will count toward your carry-on bag allowance, so pack well! In addition, many airlines limit the number of pets allowed on each flight. Most airlines will deny boarding to misbehaving pets. Pets in cargo: United does not allow pets to fly in the cargo hold. Each airline has its own requirements, but many airlines require a valid health certificate issued by your vet. ; Your pet's carrier must be big enough to allow them to stand up, turn around and . Spirit Airlines does not accept pets in cargo. Southwest wont let your pet fly in the baggage compartment or cargo, which means in the main cabin only. Whether you are planning on getting your dog CGC certified or just looking to learn more about the test this e-book is a great place to start. His work has been featured by Fast Company, The Associated Press and The Onion. These days, all pets are subject to pet policies and fees on all of the major airlines we reviewed. The weight of your pet and the carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds to fly in the cabin. Heres what its like flying on those airlines with pets, why they scored higher than the rest, and the reasons why they still have challenges: Pros: The Southwest pet fee is $95 each way, per pet carrier, which is among the cheapest pet fees youll find. The pet fee is $125 per pet each way. She also has worked for MarketWatch and The Orange County Register. Yes. As a general practice, its a good idea to schedule a vet visit for seven to 10 days before your trip. Unfortunately, this is another airline that hasnt been taking pets as cargo since early 2020, due to COVID restrictions. I love Parks & Rec-- my dog's name is Leslie Knope. Frontier also wont let your pet fly in the baggage compartment or cargo (main cabin only) and the pet must remain underneath your seat. Sherpa said Khatiwada was a "skilled pilot" with a "friendly nature" and had risen to the rank of captain after flying thousands of hours since joining the airline in 2010. The main cabin can accommodate up to five pet carriers per flight; first class can accommodate one. To ensure your pet has a safe, healthy and happy flight, please review the following requirements when flying with a small pet as a carry-on: Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel. Each traveler is allowed one carrier total, but that carrier can hold two pets if they fit comfortably. Dogs and cats are permitted on inter-island flights within Hawaii, and on flights between Hawaii and North America, with the exception of flights to/from JFK, MCO, BOS, or AUS airports. In addition to cats and dogs, rabbits and household birds can also travel aboard Alaska Airlines. Some routes also require a permit from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. Are there other restrictions on dogs in cargo/checked baggage? We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. Her work has been published in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Washington Post. If you must fly with a pet, but the restrictions feel burdensome, consider skipping the commercial aircraft entirely. Cons: Like with Southwest, only small pets are allowed. Above all else, make sure to check out the airlines safety measures. You can pay this in advance or when you check in for your flight. There are also restrictions based on outdoor temperatures in certain destinations Alaska Airlines flies to, as well as limits on pet cargo travel on certain flights during the holidays. Pettravel in the cabin: For $99 each way, pets maytravel in the cabin onFrontier Airlines flights. Lead Writer/Spokesperson | Travel, credit cards. Frontier will fly your cat, dog, hamster, rabbit, bird, or other small animal for under $100, which is pretty great. Airlines are allowed to carry to, from and within India, animals, birds, and reptiles. The kennel with the pet inside cannot weigh more than 20 pounds. No matter the type, pets must be able to stand up and turn around inside while its closed. They ask that you dont provide food or water to your pet while traveling. Allegiant does not transport animals in cargo. Together, your pet and his kennel must weigh 25 pounds or less. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a degree in journalism. If pets were allowed in the main cabin, how many you can bring? Many airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin as a carry-on, so long as they stay inside a carrier thats small enough tofit under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. Your pet isnt behaving: Most airlines will deny boarding to misbehaving pets. The following refers to pets, not service animals or emotional support animals, which may have different guidelines. Check out other options weve researched. "We have lost our best . Our opinions are our own. JetBlue even has a limited quantity of pet carriers you can purchase at the airport ticket counter for $55. Allegiant has many of the same rules most airlines have: The pet must fit comfortably in the carrier, which must fit under the seat in front of you. Though air travel is sometimes unavoidable, it can take a toll on dogs health and emotional wellbeing. Pets are not allowed on international flights, and birds and rabbits are not permitted to fly to or from Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Will pet handlers be able to let your dogs out for a relief stop or exercise before boarding? On Alaska, pets arent accepted in baggage or cargo for the entire period from Nov. 15 to Jan. 10. 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. Health and vaccine requirements: Your dog will need ID tags and a pet license. Yeson all domestic flights, plus flights to/from the Dominican Republic and Mexico. They do not allow pets as checked baggage, which means any pet that cant fit in your carry-on cant fly. Your pet must remain in that carrier at all times and be more than 10 weeks old. If your four-legged friend passed away recently and you want to bring her cremated remains on the flight, youll need to bring them as a carry-on itemSouthwest Airlines does not allow cremated pet remains in checked luggage. If your reservation gets changed, you'll have to wait until the next flight that allows an animal. Up to two dogs can travel in the same carrier, provided that theyre not in distress and they fit properly with no body parts protruding. So how do we make money? In addition, there are often hard-and-fast rules about pets in the cabin vs. cargo, and even how many pets you can take onboard. The carrier itself cannot be larger than 17 inches by 12.5 inches by 8.5 inches, and only one pet is allowed per carrier. It had among the lowest fees and the most flexible pet policy in terms of what types of pets you can bring. Yes: for travel between Hawaii and North America, theres a fee of $125 each way for pets in the cabin and $225 each way for pets traveling in cargo or checked baggage. Email: Award Travel 101 podcast. On Alaska, pets aren't accepted in baggage or cargo for the entire period . If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. At certain levels of heat and cold, dogs may not be allowed to fly in cargo or checked baggage. Unfortunately, the airline has not accepted any pets to travel via cargo since April 2020. Animal owners and shippers rely heavily on airlines to carry their precious cargo. The average pet fee across airlines is $113 airlines typically charge from $95 to $125 each way per pet. Dogs, cats, rabbits and household birds. Flying with pets requires a little extra leg work, however. Furry friends cannottravel in the cabin oninternational flights, nor on flights to Hawaii. Health and vaccination requirements: Spirit doesnt require a health certificate for dogs traveling in the cabin, except for travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Uniteds age requirement for pets is two months old for puppies and kittens, or four months old for puppies and kittens traveling internationally. See below for our airline-specific information on flying with dogs. Pros: Frontier doesnt often win many awards, but it does handle pets better than many other airlines. Travelersflying with pets can sit anywhere onboard the aircraft except for the first row and the emergency exit rows. Is there a fee to travel with your pet? This will count as one of your carry-on items. All rights reserved. Pet owners can fly with the following major US airlines in 2022. Is there a fee to travel with your pet? She loves fitness, and her travels have included cycling up the coastline of Vietnam and over the sea ice in the Arctic Circle. Refunds, accessibility and ease: Were pet fees refundable? Were pet fees refundable? Make sure to check the airports website beforehand for pet relief areas, because many dont have them. The definition of a poorly behaved pet can be subjective, but most airlines outline growling, excessive whining or barking, or urinating or defecating in the cabin or gate area as reasons. With your pet inside, the kennel cannot weigh more than 70 pounds. COVID restrictions have changed Deltas policies a bit, so dogs are temporarily suspended from arriving in the U.S. from other countries. For info on medicating your pet or ensuring he has all he needs for the trip, contact your veterinarian. Air Animal's dedicated and experienced team of pet move managers moved over 100 pets March through May during the COVID-19 world health crisis. Most airlines force you to pick up the phone and call to reserve your space, which might entail a long hold time. Pets are not permitted on flights to or from John F. Kennedy International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. You'll find lower pet fees at brands like Delta, Southwest, Frontier and Alaska. Here are the airlines we reviewed and the overall rankings of each: Which airlines are pet-friendly? All carriers should be secure, padded, ventilated, and water-resistant. How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2023? Guests can bring up to two pets per carrier, but may only bring one carrier on the plane. Only small pets are allowed. Read more, Sam Kemmis is a travel rewards expert at NerdWallet specializing in airline and hotel loyalty programs. While none are exactly great, here are the best airlines for traveling with a pet. Up to two pets of the same species and similar size can travel in the same carrier, as long as they fit comfortably. Health and vaccine requirements: Frontier does not require a health certificate for dogs traveling in the cabin on domestic flights (but your destination state might). If youre flying with one of those breeds, which includes pit bulls, Boston terriers and many types of bulldogs and pugs, check the airlines specific policy. Allegiant allow smalls dogs and cats in the aircraft cabin if traveling within the 48 contiguous United States (including Washington, DC, but not Alaska or Hawaii). 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 . 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. Is there a fee to travel with your pet? Is there a fee to travel with your pet? They must be able tofit under the seatin front of you (the maximum dimensions are 18 by 14 by 8 inches) and allow your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down in a natural position. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Alaska Airlines is the best airline for traveling with a pet. Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Your pet must stay at your feet under the seat in front of you at all times. Pets may not travel in cargo November 15January 10. A health certificate must be provided, and Delta does not recommend traveling with older or snub-nosed dogs. Before you go, take a look at pet-friendly hotels (and hotel trends), rules to follow next time you fly, and the difference between booking hotels vs. Airbnbs. If your pet is too large to fit in an under-seat carrier, he will need to stay home. Soft-sided, collapsible kennels can be slightly larger but still need to fit under the seat without having to excessively collapse the carrier. Yes, on certain flights. Frontier allows a large variety of pets to be carried onboard, but only dogs and cats can be carried on international flights. Meghan Coyle started as a web producer and writer at NerdWallet in 2018. This week, American Airlines flew COVID-19 (coronavirus) tests on a regular, non-cargo narrowbody planea classification that includes any airliner with just one aisle and six seats . Only animals traveling with U.S. State Department Military or Foreign Service on active duty can travel in cargo. Companion animals, on the other hand, will not be allowed to be transported in cargo with Alaska, American, and Hawaiian Airlines.. Alaska also limits the number of carriers onboard per flight: three in first class and eight in the main cabin. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Flying with Dogs: 26 Things to Know Before Taking Your Pup on a Plane, 15 Dog-Friendly Beaches Your Pooch Will Love, Do Not Sell My Personal Information CA Residents. 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. 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. Frontier is a great airline to fly for more than just cats and dogs. United doesnt have any breed or weight limitations for petsflying in the cabin. Pets must remain inside a carrier for the entire flight. It's the holiday season: Some airlines don't accept pets in the baggage or cargo compartments during the holidays. Yes: one pet carrier is allowed per guest, with up to two pets per carrier. Our partners compensate us. A rabies certificate is required for pets traveling to Puerto Rico. The airline recommends a temporary plastic or cardboard container so that the remains can pass through X-ray screening at security with ease. Each passenger may only bring one pet kennel with them into the cabin. 4 (if you purchase an adjacent seat, otherwise two). The animal must stay inside its kennel, with the door closed, while on board the aircraft, as well as in the boarding area and in any Delta airport lounges. Only cats and dogs are permitted, and if youre flying with a big breed, this is probably not the airline for you. With the pet inside, the carrier must weigh 40 pounds or less. 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. Get more smart money moves straight to your inbox. We normalized the data relative to overall passenger count to avoid penalizing larger airlines that might have more reports because they transport more animals. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. The lounges, which are accessible to passengers with certain levels of elite status or people who purchase a separate membership, accept quiet service animals and pets in carry-on kennels. Types of animals allowed in the main cabin: Can you fly with a pet bird? If the fight is leaving from Canada, the price goes up to $105. Only six pets are allowed on each flight. Southwest has long been considered one of the most flexible airlines out there. We looked at Department of Transportation data from June 2021 to May 2022 for reports of deaths, injuries or losses of pets shipped via cargo. No. Even with the most pet-friendly airlines, there are still many restrictions around a pets size and how free (or confined to the kennel) they can be when traveling within the main cabin. Have a backup plan if theres any chance your pet will be unpredictable on a plane. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. Only six pets are allowed per flight, with a limit of one carrier per paying customersomething to note if you have a few animalsthough they do allow more than one animal per carrier if they can fit safely. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=38cf8a01-c7b4-4a61-a61b-8c0be6528f20&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "38cf8a01-c7b4-4a61-a61b-8c0be6528f20" }).render("6ea159e3e44940909b49c98e320201e2"); }); Start early, because while you may find unbelievably cheap airfare for yourself, the pet fees could be twice as much. Animals must stay in their carrier for the duration of the flight, and the animal has to be harmless, inoffensive, and odorless. The combined weight of the pet and carrier cannot exceed 40 pounds, and youre able to sit anywhere except for the first row and emergency exit rows. Yes: theres a maximum of four pet carriers per flight in economy and two in premium classes. Travelers must be at least 18 years old beforetraveling with a pet in the cabin. American Airlines says it will still accept pets through its cargo service, albeit with restrictions. Pets in cargo And some airlines make it especially so. They must be at least 8 weeks old, healthy, meet weight restrictions (less than 100. Is there a fee to travel with your pet? Spirit only allows soft-sided carriers for petsflying in the cabin and they may be no larger than 18 by 14 by 9 inches. While you can use your own carrier (assuming it fits within the maximum dimensions), you can be sure itll be approved by using a Southwest-branded pet carrier, available for purchase for $58 from Southwests store. Currently, at least two Indian carriers -- Air India and Akasa Air -- permit passengers to carry pets onboard. Travelers must stow the kennel under theseat in front of them during taxi, takeoff, and landing. Yes, on domestic flights only, and provided that they are at least eight weeks old and weaned. The animal must have room to stand up and turn around inside the kennel, and United only allows one pet per kennel. Brandi Hunter-Munden, VP of Communications at the. Are dogs allowed in cargo/checked baggage? All rights reserved. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention About pet crate Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Quarantine, vaccinations, vaccination records, and health certificates: what are the requirements at your destination, your airline, and your point of origin if its a return trip? Yes: $125 each way, plus an extra service fee of $125 for certain (lengthy) stopovers. Her work has been published in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Washington Post. No: at the time of writing, Uniteds PetSafe cargo program for pets has been suspended due to the pandemic. Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Health and vaccine requirements: Health certificates are required for dogs traveling in the cabin as well as in cargo/the baggage compartment. Thats due to a December 2020 ruling from the U.S. Department of Transportation that eliminated a requirement that airlines allow emotional support animals free of charge. 2023 Cond Nast. Seven Wonders of the World to Visit in 2023, The 17 Best Wellness Retreats in the World, Tips and tricks from our travel experts along with the latest news from airlines, hotels, loyalty programs, and more, delivered to your inbox weekly, 12 Best Pet Carriers to Keep Dogs and Cats Comfortable and Safe in Transit, United Airlines' Famous Ice Cream Sundae Cart Is Back. For example, Alaskas first-class cabin can accommodate only one pet carrier per flight, and the main cabin accommodates up to five. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and able to eat solid food. There are no breed restrictions for pets totravel in the cabin, however, AlaskaAirlines requires carry-on dogs and cats to be at least eight weeks old and able to eat solid food. Email: Airlines that allow dogs, cats and other pets, recapped, Methodology: How we made our pet-friendly airline rankings. The carry-on pet fee for flights to and from Brazil is $75 each way . Ready for your pet-cation? Frontiers pet-travel fee comes in at $99 for a one-way trip. Other reasons airlines may not let your pet fly include: Its the holiday season: Some airlines dont accept pets in the baggage or cargo compartments during the holidays. Allowable pets can fly in all cabins of service (except international business and international Delta One) or as freight through Delta Cargo.