Guide to Air Travel with Your Canine Companion
In recent times, pet travel fees have seen a significant increase, with major U.S. airlines charging $150 or more for in-cabin pet travel (United, American, and Delta). Here's a breakdown of the pet travel policies for some of the most popular airlines, including United, American, Delta, JetBlue, Alaska, Southwest, and Turkish Airlines.
For in-cabin travel, most airlines require soft-sided carriers that fit fully under the seat in front of you, with pets remaining inside carriers during the flight. Carrier size and combined pet-carrier weight limits vary. For instance, JetBlue limits the combined weight to 20 lbs, and the carrier dimensions to 17"L x 12.5"W x 8"H, while Turkish Airlines imposes an 8 kg limit for cabin travel.
Dogs can travel in the cabin if they fit under the seat in front of the passenger and weigh up to approximately 20 pounds. Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways only offer in-cabin flights for small dogs and cats. Some airlines, like Alaska Airlines, allow rabbits and birds in the cabin, but only if the ticket is booked before a specific date (June 5, 2025, as of now).
Cargo transport can be much more expensive and restrictive, frequently costing double or triple the in-cabin fee. Airlines often limit the number of pets per flight or per class due to cabin space constraints.
Additional expenses for flying with a dog may include the cost of a preflight veterinary visit, pet carrier, and identification microchip. It is important to label the kennel with your contact information, write "LIVE ANIMAL" on the top and one side, draw arrows or write "THIS SIDE UP" on two sides, put bedding or absorbent material on the kennel floor, attach empty food and water dishes to the inside, and ensure they can be accessed from the outside if your dog is traveling as cargo.
Some experts recommend having an identification microchip implanted in pets in case they get lost. It is generally not advisable to sedate an animal for air travel, and some airlines may not accept a dog or cat that has been sedated.
For international flights with a dog, requirements are more complex and may require more planning, and some airlines, like Southwest, may not allow pets on international flights at all.
Several travel credit cards offer airline incidental credits that can be used for pet travel fees. When booking a flight with a dog, it is recommended to book a nonstop flight if possible, avoid flying during holidays, and try to fly during the morning or evening in warm weather and midday flights in cold weather.
For detailed information, it is best to check directly with the carrier when planning a trip, as rules and fees continue to evolve with increasing pet travel demand.
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- To save on pet travel costs, consider using an app that analyzes airline policies for avoiding expensive fees.
- When comparing different airlines' pet travel policies, don't forget to factor in the requirement for soft-sided carriers of a specific size and weight limit.
- Personal finance advisers often suggest using a credit card with savings on travel incidentals to help cover pet travel expenses.
- An analysis of pet travel education resources might reveal the importance of getting your pet an identification microchip for added safety.
- As part of your lifestyle planning, you might find relevant pet travel advice on websites dedicated to saving money, travel, and pet care.
