- Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel.
- Check in at the ticket counter with your official orders.
- Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours before your flight)
- Complete a checklist with an agent.
- Provide a health certificate.
Navigating pandemic protocols and dealing with more frequent flight delays and cancellations for human passengers make traveling today difficult at best. A dog could potentially make an already stressful situation more frustrating.
Here’s everything you need to know whether you frequently travel with your canine companion or are thinking about doing so for the first time.
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As you might expect, not all dogs are permitted on airplanes, and those that are are only permitted in specific locations. Think of it like pet classes, if you will.
The weight, breed, and airline you plan to use are the main factors that determine a dog’s ability to fly.
How stressful is flying for dogs?
All dogs find flying to be incredibly stressful, but it can be especially upsetting for senior dogs and puppies with health or behavioral issues.
Consider this: When traveling by plane, pets are taken from their familiar environments and are then placed in unfamiliar environments with unfamiliar sounds, sights, and smells as well as changes in air pressure and cabin temperature and limited access to restrooms. In addition to being separated from you, their favorite person, in a terrifying environment, dogs that must fly in the cargo hold.
Also, think about whether your dog will be able to participate in all the planned activities once you get there. “Boarding or hiring a dog sitter may be better options to consider rather than putting the stress of flying on the pet,” says Jennifer Bruns, a veterinarian at PetSmart. “If the destination is somewhere where the pup will be alone inside all day.”
It’s probably best to leave your pet at home unless you have a really good reason to bring them. Even though you might feel disappointed for a few days, your pet will almost certainly benefit in the long run. Think about hiring a pet sitter, asking a dependable friend or relative who already knows your dog to watch them, or boarding your dog at a permitted facility. Or, if you really want your dog to go on the trip with you, think about driving if your budget and schedule permit—and your pet tolerates car travel well.
Bottom line: Before you book a trip, think long and hard about whether it’s essential to bring your dog along for the journey. “In general, I recommend not flying with a pet unless absolutely necessary,” says Justine Lee, veterinary expert for Pumpkin Pet Insurance. “Ideally, pets should not fly unless an owner is moving permanently or taking a long trip—two to four weeks minimum.”
And if you do decide to proceed with flying with a dog, consult with your vet about food, water, exercise, and medication ahead of time. Experts are divided on whether travelers with pets should sedate or tranquilize their dogs before a flight (even the American Veterinary Medical Association offers a slightly murky answer to this question), so weigh the pros and cons with an expert who is familiar with you and your animal. Also know that there are health risks involved with sedation, and some airlines prohibit this practice or require a veterinarian’s note.
Look for nonstop flights with no transfers to lessen your pet’s discomfort and avoid traveling during peak holiday times when airports and airlines are busier than usual to help minimize the possibility of anything going wrong. Consider the weather in your destination if your pet needs to travel in cargo. Look into early morning or late evening flights for vacations to warm-weather locales when temperatures won’t be quite as high; in contrast, book flights to cooler locales during the day when temperatures are at their warmest.
Can I fly with a dog on a plane?
Yes, in many circumstances, your dog is permitted to travel with you on a plane, either in the cabin or the cargo hold. However, as you might expect, airlines have a ton of detailed policies that pet owners should read up on. It’s crucial that you read them all carefully and well before your trip so that you are fully informed and have time to get ready for how to fly with a dog.
Find out which dog breeds the airline accepts before flying Breeds of dogs with short or snubbed noses, also referred to as brachycephalic dogs, are typically prohibited from the cargo hold because of how difficult it may be for them to breathe normally due to their facial structure. Additionally, some airlines may completely ban certain bully breeds, such as pit bulls, from flying.
The majority of airlines only allow two to six dogs per flight, depending on the type of aircraft, so call and confirm the plane has room for you and your dog before making a reservation. (As a result, make reservations for both you and your pet at the same time whenever possible. If you’re bringing your dog onboard, airlines may also restrict which parts of the aircraft you can sit in (for instance, you might not be able to sit in business or first class, and you probably won’t be able to choose a seat in the emergency exit or bulkhead rows).
Also keep in mind that if it’s predicted to be too hot or too cold at any stop along the route, airlines won’t allow pets on the plane. Of course, the weather is unpredictable, so in the event that it does, you’ll need to quickly make alternative plans.
Give your pet plenty of rest stops
Stop frequently to allow your pet to exercise and eliminate. However, never let your pet exit the vehicle without a leash, collar, and ID tag.
Share driving and pet-care responsibilities with a friend or family member whenever possible. Knowing that someone you can trust is watching out for your pets will allow you to use the restroom or purchase food at rest areas.
FAQ
How much does it cost to take dog on plane?
Dogs are typically allowed in the cabin for a one-way fee of between $100 and $125 with airlines. And, according to Consumer Reports, an airline-compliant pet carrier can cost between $30 and $250 if you want to fly with your pet in the cabin.
Which airline allows dogs in cabin?
Comparing airline pet policiesAmerican Airlines: 125 Yes; United Airlines: 125 Yes; Delta Airlines: 125 to/from US, Canada, and Puerto Rico; 75 to/from Brazil; 200 Virgin Islands; International; Southwest Airlines: 95 Yes;
Can I buy my dog a seat on a plane?
You can’t buy an extra seat for your dog. The cost of flying with a dog in this way, essentially as carry-on luggage, is typically less expensive than flying it in the plane’s belly. In addition, a pet in a carrier counts as one of your carry-on bags.