For some, flying alone can be a stressful experience. Many people believe that adding a pet to the mix will result in even more headaches! Because of this, a lot of people prefer to travel by rail with their pets rather than flying.
However, flying with your pet does not have to be difficult, and many airlines have great accommodations making the process smooth and straightforward. Let’s see what you can do to avoid any headaches or surprises when flying with your pet, as well as some of the best airlines on which to fly. If you have the correct travel credit card, you can even get your pet costs repaid!
Most accommodating to pets American Airlines
- American Airlines – the best option for West Coast travel.
- United Airlines – the best option for East Coast travel.
- Delta Airlines – the best option for small dogs.
- Southwest Airlines – the best option for low-cost pet expenses.
- JetBlue – the best pet facilities.
- Allegiant Air – the best airline for pet check-in.
- Frontier Airlines – Not the best at everything.
- Alaska Airlines – the best option for unusual pets in checked luggage.
- Hawaiian Airlines – the best option for inter-island flights in Hawaii.
Is it safe for pets to fly?
We’ve all read the heartbreaking news about how a pet got injured while traveling by plane. While those mishaps are regrettable, they tend to portray the picture that flying with a pet is risky.
Nothing could be further from the truth! According to the statistics, flying with your pet is extremely safe. Per Chicago Tribune, 507,000 animals flew on commercial airlines in the United States last year, with only 24 of them dying while in transit. This is merely four-hundred-thousandths (.0004) of pets who have lost their lives flying. United Airlines has the greatest percentage of pet deaths, which could be attributed to the fact that short-nosed breeds were allowed to fly until recently. With a new policy prohibiting certain breeds from traveling on any airline, the rate of pet damage should be dramatically reduced.
Tips for Flying with Your Pet
Certain breeds of dogs with short snouts are not permitted to fly on flights due to respiratory concerns that may make it difficult for them to breathe. If you own one of these breeds on our list below, you might want to consider taking the train instead:
- Pugs/Bulldog
- The French Bulldog
- Neapolitan Mastiff/ Japanese Chin
- The Lhasa Apso
- The Shih Tzu
- Pekingese
- Griffon de Bruxelles
- Bullmastiff
- Affenpinscher
- Toy Spaniel in English
Always speak with your veterinarian before going (most airlines require it!) to ensure that your pet is fit to fly! Sometimes changes in air quality, temperature, and cabin pressure can make your dog vulnerable to the strains of air travel.
Pet-friendly airlines in the United States
Each airline has various requirements for traveling with a pet, but almost all need a carrier that provides big enough space to provide for your pet to stand up and move somewhat freely as well as fit below the seat. In addition, if flying with checked bags, the carrier should have adequate ventilation on both sides.
A lot of airlines have a limited number of pets allowed in the cabin, so make sure you secure your pet’s seat when you know for sure you are taking your pet on the plane. We’ve compiled a list of the finest airlines for flying with a pet.
American Airlines Inc.
Small pets must be at least 8 weeks old, and their total weight cannot exceed 20 pounds. If they allow your pets to fly with you in the cabin, your pet must stay in the carrier under the seat for the entire flight.
However, pets are not permitted in the cabin of American Airlines flights to/from Hawaii, Jamaica, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia, or any transatlantic/transpacific flights.
United Airlines Inc.
Cats and dogs are permitted as pets.
United Airlines only admits two dogs in the cabin on most flights, so call ahead as soon as possible to guarantee your pet can travel with you. The pet carrier must completely fit beneath the seat. If your pet cannot fly in the cabin with you, you can use PetSafe, United Airlines’ pet transportation service. The airline has collaborated with American Humane to strengthen their pet shipping practices, so it’s a highly safe way to ensure your pet arrives safely and sound!
PetSafe is now on hold.
United Airlines has collaborated with American Humane to improve their pet shipping process, ensuring your pet’s safety! (Photo courtesy of United Airlines.)
Delta
Pets that are permitted include: Domestic flights in the United States allow dogs, cats, and household birds.
Delta, like many other airlines, restricts the number of animals allowed to fly in coach, business, and first class. You should contact and reserve your seat to ensure that you can fly with your pet in the cabin. Pets are permitted to fly with you in the cabin as long as they remain in their container and fit beneath your seat.
Southwest Airlines Inc.
Pets that are permitted include: Domestic flights only accept small vaccinated dogs and cats.
Southwest allows six pet carriers per trip on a first-come, first-served basis, so make your pet reservation if you have decided you are taking your pet on a plane for sure. Your pet carrier must fit underneath the seat, and Southwest is one of the few airlines that does not demand formal documentation for your pet to fly but does require them to be up to date on vaccines.
JetBlue
Pets permitted: Small dogs and cats are permitted.
If you’re new to flying with a pet, you’ll be glad to know that JetBlue has an exclusive program called JetPaws that provides owners with the information and tools they need to have a successful vacation with their pet. It’s a no-cost program, and you’ll earn 300 JetBlue points for every flight segment you take with your pet!
JetBlue permits four pets per trip, so make your reservation and reserve your pet’s seat as soon as possible. You can phone JetBlue and tell them you’re flying with a pet so they can book your seat on the trip. Although exceptions may be granted, only one pet is permitted per person, and the pet carrier must fit beneath the seat.
JetBlue advises passengers flying to or from Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, or St. Lucia to “begin the import procedure at least 30 days before travel to prepare your dog or cat for travel.”
Allegiant Airlines
Pets that are permitted include: Cats and dogs are permitted to fly throughout the contiguous 48 United States, San Juan, and Puerto Rico.
Allegiant offers seamless, hassle-free pet travel inside the United States, and they do not require any health certificates, and you may book your pet’s flight at the same time you book your own! Yeh!!!!
Frontier Airlines Inc.
Animals that are permitted in the cabin are dogs and cats.
While Frontier does not demand a health certificate for your pet, you may need one, depending on the state you are flying to. If you are traveling internationally, you will undoubtedly want a health certificate.
Alaska Airlines Inc.
Dogs, cats, bunnies, and household birds are permitted in the cabin. The cargo includes dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, domestic birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish.
If you have any unusual pets but are unable to transport them in the main cabin, Alaska Airlines is a terrific option because they allow a wide variety of pets to fly in checked baggage. And, as part of their Fur-st Class Care Service, you’ll receive a notification verifying your pet’s safe arrival on the airline.
The first class cabin only accommodates one pet, and the main cabin can allow five, so try to reserve your pet’s space as soon as you have decided to take your pet. Dogs and cats have to be at least eight weeks old, and no more than two pets may accompany each passenger. Certain short-nosed animals may be prohibited from traveling in cargo yet permitted to travel in the cabin.
If you have unusual pets, Alaska Airlines is an excellent option for traveling with them in checked luggage.
Hawaiian Airlines Inc.
Pets that are permitted include: Small dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin and cargo.
As with other airlines, you should book a ticket for yourself and your pet companion as soon as you can. Each person can bring one pet carrier. Pets are not permitted on foreign flights departing or arriving in New York-JFK, Boston, Orlando, or Austin. Certain short-nosed pets are also not permitted to fly on Hawaiian Airlines.
How to Get Your Pet Ready for a trip
Flying with them requires the same amount of planning as flying with children! Once you have decided that you’ll be traveling with your pet, attempt to make an appointment with their veterinarian approximately a couple of weeks prior to your departure date. You need to give ample time for your veterinarian to examine your pet and issue a travel health certificate. If your pet isn’t used to being in a carrier, you might want to let your pet get used to it by putting them in a carrier for an hour or more each day to prepare for the trip ahead.
Make sure your pet has enough food, water, and toys on the day of your journey! Check that you have all of the essential documents and arrive at the airport early enough so that your pet is settled in before the flight.
Traveling with a service dog
Flying with a service animal differs from flying with a pet on most airlines. If you are bringing a service dog on the flight, you probably need to provide the following documents.
- A medical/mental health professional form confirming the need for a service dog,
- A veterinary health form demonstrating your service dog’s vaccination status,
- An animal behavior form.
It’s ideal to submit this paperwork at least 48 hours before your journey, but once approved by the airline, you’ll be able to bring your service dog on board. Service dogs are usually free of charge.
Furthermore, most airlines require assistance dogs to be seated on the floor beneath your seat or on your lap, so make sure to book a seat with enough space for your dog to fly comfortably and safely. Before booking, check your airline’s limitations, as some do not allow service dogs in the exit row.
Taking an emotional support animal on an airline
Flying with an emotional support animal is basically the same as flying with a service dog. It differs on the airline, but almost all demand a doctor’s approval, vet proof, and an animal behavior form. You are responsible for ensuring that your emotional support animal does not climb on the seats, does not relieve itself on the plane, and is always under your supervision.
As a reminder, all of the above airlines no longer accept emotional support animals.
Questions and Answers on Flying with Pets
What is the most secure airline for pets?
There is no single airline that is the safest for pets; rather, some are more suited for certain pets than others. It is always the owner’s obligation to ensure their pet is in good health to fly by taking them to the vet before the journey. As long as your pet is given the all-clear, you can choose the best airline.
Pets are not permitted as cargo on various airlines, including Delta and American, due to coronavirus. As a result, those airlines may not be the greatest or safest for larger animals. JetBlue has the best pet amenities, so it may be the best option for a spoiled pet.
What paperwork do I need to travel with my pet?
For all animals: 1. A veterinary inspection certificate and, 2. in some situations, an acclimation certificate, which you can also obtain from your veterinarian.
For the service animals, you need
- 1. a certificate of approval from a medical/mental health expert,
- 2. a veterinarian examination to travel, and
- 3. an animal behavior form.
As a result of the epidemic, several airlines are refusing to transport dogs as cargo. Aside from that, most airlines’ pet policies haven’t altered much as a result of the pandemic. But double-check the airline’s website for the most up-to-date information before flying!
How to Fly for Free with Your Pet
All airlines charge a cost for flying with a pet. But did you know that having the correct travel credit card can help you avoid some (or all) of those fees?
A few credit cards provide an airline incidental credit or another type of travel credit that is refreshed every year you keep the card. Here’s an example of a card that can be used to pay for your pet’s fees:
American Express Platinum Card®: Up to $200 annual airline credit for incidental charges (such as pet fees) on your preferred airline (enrollment required)
American Express Business Platinum Card®: Up to $200 annual airline credit for incidental charges (such as pet fees) on your preferred airline (enrollment required)
Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders receive a $300 travel credit each year (should absolutely reimburse pet fees)
Annual $250 travel credit with the Citi Prestige® Card (also should reimburse pet fees)
Million Mile Secrets independently gathered facts for the Citi Prestige. The card information on this page has not been reviewed or provided by the card company.
Bone2Travel Founders extend positive travel for you and your pet, and know that our provided information is helpful with many of your interests in securing the best answers to traveling by air with your pet. So we send you forward with many happy trips with your pet. ENJOY!