Up to 2 pets may be checked and they must meet the minimum age and health requirements of the destination. Since capacity is limited, we accept checked pets on a first-come basis. How to transport your pet with American Airlines Cargo.
Starwood Animal Transport has rebranded to Starwood Pet Travel. Even though our name has changed a little, we are still the same fantastic company with the best team.
I’ve provided a link to each airline’s pet policy for your convenience. Printing out a copy of your airline’s policy is a good idea so that, in the event that you have a disagreement with a ticketing or gate agent, you can refer to it directly rather than the agent’s potentially faulty memory of the policy.
What’s the Difference between Flying a Pet as Checked Baggage or Cargo?
Airlines distinguish between transporting your pet as cargo or checked baggage To make the terms used when traveling with a pet in the hold clearer:
When your pet flies in the hold as checked baggage, you make the reservation for your cat or dog directly with the airline. On travel day, you will take your pet to the check-in desk at the airport and deal directly with the airline assistants, who will check your pet in for travel, then direct you to the drop off point in the airport. Ground staff at the airport will transport your pet to and from the aircraft hold. Pets travelling as checked baggage must fly on the same flight as their owner.
When your pet flies as cargo, you make the reservation for your cat or dog with the cargo company appointed by the airline. On travel day, you will take your pet to the airport area advised by the cargo company. The airline staff won’t check in your pet, your cat or dog will only be handled by the cargo company. This includes checking in your pet, and transporting your pet to and from the aircraft hold. Pets travelling as cargo can fly on a different flight from their owner.
Therefore, your pet will fly in the same area of the aircraft in both scenarios, but the logistics will be handled by the airline if it is flying as checked baggage or by a specialized cargo company if it is flying as cargo.
Additionally, keep in mind that the country of your destination may have its own restrictions in place regarding the number of pets permitted to board each flight. Additionally, some nations demand that all canines and felines travel as manifest cargo only, never as checked baggage.
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals
Nearly all airlines provide free flight for emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals with proper documentation.
Required documentation may include:
Vaccination records (depending on where you are flying to/from)
Letter from a mental health professional (ESAs only)
Letter indicating animal’s ability to refrain from “accidents” while in flight
Proper harnesses, leashes and restraints
Correct visual aids identifying the animal as a service animal or ESA
Consult your airline for details on its requirements, but be ready to check in with the aforementioned paperwork in hand and be able to respond to inquiries. Most airlines only allow in-person check-ins at the ticket counter; self check-in and curbside services are not available. Also, ask your airline about boarding early.
Be aware that even if your pet has been approved as a service or emotional support animal, they might not be permitted or might need to be quarantined right away once they get to their destination.
All airlines issue a warning that they reserve the right to eject the animal and their handler from the flight if the service animal or ESA behaves in an uncontrollable, combative, or disruptive manner. Please be aware that many airlines are now taking a stricter stance against disruptive ESAs and so-called “fake service dogs” as a result of the recent increase in these animals.
The majority of airlines permit passengers to purchase an additional seat for their service animal, but otherwise, the animals are not permitted to occupy seats.
No matter their status, the majority of airlines do not accept exotic or unusual pets.
This rule can be applied to any animal, including ferrets, hedgehogs, reptiles, arachnids, and rodents. Before scheduling a trip for you and your exotic pet, call your airline and inquire about the policies.
Because Hawaii is a rabies-free state and is strict about what animals are allowed to enter, it has its own regulations to follow.
Additional advice for traveling with a pet is provided below:
There are a few guidelines that apply to all airlines when transporting pets:
Airlines will not transport pets as baggage or cargo if the temperature drops below or exceeds safe levels. Most list this as below 10 degrees F or above 85 degrees F.
Brachycephalic (“short-nosed” or “flat-faced”) breeds of dogs and cats can’t fly as cargo or baggage on most airlines. These breeds tend to have more trouble breathing in high elevations due to their shorter snouts.
There are time limits as to how long an airline will allow a pet to be on a plane. If your flight is longer than 8–12 hours or has layovers or transfers, check with your airline to ensure your pet will be allowed to fly.
Pets count as your carry-on baggage and are not covered under “free” policies. You will pay the pet fee, regardless of whether or not you have another carry-on item.
You should give your pet food or water 4 hours before the flight. Most airlines do not allow you to feed or give water during the flight.
We don’t recommend sedating your pet unless absolutely necessary. The elevation and sedation together may create health problems.
You will be required to provide veterinary proof that your pet can fly. This can be a letter or certificate from a veterinarian and must be done within 10 days of departure and 30 days of return. If you are staying longer than 30 days, you need to have your pet recertified before boarding. Without this documentation, the airlines will not allow your pet to fly. (Service animals and ESAs are typically exempt from this policy, but check with your airline to be sure.)
When traveling as cargo, your pet is not guaranteed to be shipped on your flight, and when traveling as baggage, pets can get lost — just like your suitcase.
All your kennels or carriers should be clearly labeled with your name, phone number, address, your pet’s name and their pertinent medical information — and somewhere visible, make sure you write “Live Animal(s)” so airplane personnel know your pet is in there.
In the event of an emergency, airlines will not provide oxygen to your pets.
Anyone accompanying a pet must be at least 18 years of age.
Always prepare to check in early when traveling with a pet. If you have the opportunity to reserve a spot for your pet in advance, take it. Many airlines only allow a few pets in the cabin area, and it’s usually first come, first served.
Pets should be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned.
Several airlines have “embargoes” throughout the year in which they will not transport pets as baggage or cargo. This includes when temperatures drop below or exceed safe levels and during the holidays.
FAQ
Can a person fly with 2 dogs?
In-cabin regulations typically only permit one pet per carrier per passenger. Each passenger traveling with you should be permitted to bring one pet in a carrier on board.
Can I bring 3 puppies on a plane?
Four pets in total, at least eight weeks old and weaned, are permitted on board; you may sit anywhere besides the front and emergency rows. The pet’s total weight in the carrier cannot be more than 40 pounds.
Can 2 dogs share a crate on a plane?
Multiple pets Bear in mind that if each animal weighs less than 20 pounds, two dogs or two cats may share a kennel. and less than six months old. All animals must be weaned and at least eight weeks old before they can travel.
Which airline allows 2 dogs in-cabin?
Alaska Air’s pet policy states that customers are only permitted to bring two pet carriers into the main cabin if they also purchase the adjacent seat.