Let’s take a look which airline is the best for you and your Four legged friend
Here is a list of pet-friendly airlines in the United States
For some, flying can be a stressful experience. Adding a pet to the mix would result in even more hassles! Maybe this is why some people travel by rail with their pets rather than flying.
However, traveling with your pet does not have to be difficult, and many airlines go out of their way to make it a convenient and straightforward procedure. Let’s see what you can do to avoid difficulties or surprises when traveling with your pet. You can even have your pet costs repaid for some travel credit cards!
Pet-friendly airlines in the United States
American Airlines is the best option for West Coast travel.
United Airlines is the best option for East Coast travel.
Delta Airlines is the best option for small dogs.
Southwest Airlines is the best option for low-cost pet expenses.
JetBlue has the best airline for pet facilities.
Allegiant Air is the best airline for pet check-in.
Frontier Airlines: Not the greatest at everything.
Alaska Airlines is the best option for unusual pets in checked luggage.
Hawaiian Airlines is the best option for inter-island flights in Hawaii.
Is it safe for pets to fly?
We’ve all heard the awful headlines that circulate now and then about how a pet was wounded while traveling by plane. And while those mishaps are regrettable, they portray the picture that flying with a pet is risky.
This is entirely false! According to the statistics, flying with your pet is relatively safe. Latest data shows from Chicago Tribune, 507,000 animals sailed on commercial airlines in the United States last year, with just 24 of them dying while in transit. That equates to only 0.0048 percent! United Airlines has the most significant percentage of pet deaths, which might attribute to short-nosed breeds being allowed to travel until recently. A new regulation prohibiting certain breeds from traveling on any airline should dramatically reduce pet damage.
But there are a couple of things you need to consider to ensure that you and your pet are safe and comfortable on your travel.
Are you flying with your pet? Here are some pointers to keep in mind.
Certain breeds of dogs with short snouts are not permitted to fly on flights due to respiratory concerns that may make it particularly difficult for them to breathe. If your dog is one of the following breeds, you might want to consider taking the train instead:
Pug
Bulldog
The French Bulldog
Japanese Chin
Neapolitan Mastiff
Lhasa Apso (Lhasa Apso)
Shih Tzu’s
Pekingese
Brussels Griffon
Bullmastiff
Affenpinscher
Toy Spaniel (England)
Check with the veterinarian to ensure that your dog is in good health to take a trip, considering their age. Changes in air quality, circulation, temperature, cabin pressure, and other environmental factors may make dogs that are too young or too elderly more vulnerable to the strains of air travel.
If you do not want them to fly in checked luggage or cargo, double-check the rules and limits with your airline to verify your pet will be able to fly in the cabin with you and prevent any last-minute surprises at the airport.
Always speak with your veterinarian before going (most airlines require it!) to ensure that your pet is fit to fly!
The best airlines in the U.S. for pet travel
Each airline has various restrictions for flying with a pet. However, virtually all airlines need the carrier to provide enough space for your pet to stand up, turn around, move around, and fit below the seat. In addition, whenever traveling with checked bags, the carrier should have adequate ventilation on both sides.
Many airlines have a limited number of pets allowed in the cabin each trip, so you’ll want to check each airline’s policy before reserving your pet’s seat. We’ve compiled a list of the finest airlines for flying with a pet.
American Airlines (AAL)
Pets permitted include: Small pets must be at least 8 weeks old, and their total weight cannot exceed 20 pounds.
More important information: You should call American Airlines customer care as soon as possible before your flight to book a place for your pet. Pets traveling in the cabin with you must remain in their carrier under the seat for the length of the journey. American Air does not allow pets in the cabin on flights to/from Hawaii, Jamaica, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia, or any transatlantic/transpacific flights.
United Airlines (UAL)
Pets that are permitted include: Dogs and cats
More important information: Most United Airlines flights only allow two dogs in the cabin, so contact ahead as soon as possible to guarantee your pet may travel with you. The pet carrier must entirely fit beneath the seat. If your pet cannot travel with you in the cabin, you can use PetSafe, United Airlines’ pet transportation service. The airline has joined with American Humane to strengthen its pet shipping practices, so it’s a highly safe method to ensure your pet arrives safely and sound!
PetSafe is now on hiatus.
Delta
Dogs, cats, and household birds are permitted in the cabin for domestic flights.
More important information: Delta, like many other airlines, restricts the number of animals allowed to fly in coach, business, and first-class. As a result, you should contact and reserve your seat to guarantee that your pet will be able to fly in the cabin with you. They can fly with you in the cabin as long as they stay in their container and fit beneath your seat.
Southwest Airlines
Pets that are permitted include: Domestic planes only accept small vaccinated dogs and cats.
More important information: Southwest permits a maximum of six pet carriers per trip on a first-come, first-served basis, so contact them as soon as you confirm your travel arrangements and make your pet reservation. Your pet carrier has to be small enough to fit under the seat, and Southwest is one of the few airlines that doesn’t demand official documentation for your pet to fly but does require that they be up to date on immunizations.
JetBlue
Pets permitted: Small dogs and cats are allowed.
More important information: If you’re new to traveling with a pet, you’ll be relieved to hear that JetBlue offers a unique program called JetPaws, which is designed to provide owners with the ideas and resources they need for a stress-free 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 only permits four pets per trip, so book your travel and secure your pet’s seat as soon as possible. You can contact JetBlue and inform them that you will be flying with a pet so that they can book your seat on the trip. Although exceptions may be granted, in general, only one pet is permitted per person, and the pet carrier must fit beneath the seat.
JetBlue advises passengers traveling to or from Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, or St. Lucia to “begin the import procedure at least 30 days before departure to prepare your dog or cat for flight.”
Allegiant Airlines
Cats and dogs are permitted while traveling inside the contiguous 48 United States, San Juan, and Puerto Rico.
More important information: If you’re seeking simple, hassle-free pet travel inside the United States, you may book a ticket with Allegiant. They don’t require any health certifications, and you may book your pet’s seat while you order your aircraft ticket! Nice!
Frontier Airlines
Pets that are permitted include: Only dogs and cats are allowed in the cottage.
More important information: While Frontier does not demand a health certificate for your pet, you may need one, depending on the state you are traveling to. However, if you intend to go worldwide, you will undoubtedly require a health certificate.
Alaska Airlines
Pets allowed in the cottage include dogs, cats (both must be at least eight weeks old), rabbits, and domestic birds. The cargo consists of dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, domestic birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish.
More important information: If you have a unique pet but cannot transport them in the main cabin, Alaska Airlines is an excellent option because they accept a broad range of pets to fly in checked baggage. And, as part of their Fur-st Class Care service, you’ll receive a message verifying your pet’s safe arrival on the airline.
Otherwise, the first-class cabin can only take one pet, and the main cabin can only allow five, so you should book your pet’s space right away. Dogs and cats have to be at least eight weeks old, and no more than two pets may accompany each passenger. Furthermore, certain short-nosed animals may be prohibited from traveling in cargo but may be permitted to travel in the cabin.
Hawaiian Airlines (Hawaiian Airlines)
Pets that are permitted include: Small dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin and cargo.
More important information: As with any other airline, you should buy a ticket for yourself and your pet as soon as your trip arrangements are completed. Each individual is allowed to bring one pet carrier. Pets are not permitted on foreign flights departing or arriving in New York-JFK, Boston, Orlando, or Austin. In addition, certain short-nosed dogs are not allowed to fly on Hawaiian Airlines.
Here is How to Get Your Pet Ready for Travel
Pets are like family, and traveling with them is the same as traveling with your children! Once you’ve decided that you’ll be traveling with your pet, attempt to make an appointment with their veterinarian approximately a week before your journey. Your veterinarian will be able to evaluate your pet and provide them with a travel health certificate, ensuring that your four-legged buddy is ready to go on the plane. Your pet needs to be in a carrier for the duration of the journey, so if they aren’t accustomed to being in a crate, you should get your pet used to being in a carrier by putting them in for an hour or so each day leading up to the trip. Make sure you pack necessary items for your pet, such as 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 to ensure that your pet is situated before the trip.
Traveling with a service dog
Traveling with a service animal is not the same as flying with a pet on most airlines. If you like to bring a service dog on your flight, you’ll most likely need to submit the following paperwork to the airline:
- A medical/mental health professional form confirming the necessity for a service dog,
- A veterinarian health form demonstrating your service dog’s vaccination status,
- An animal behavior form.
It is ideal to submit this paperwork at least 48 hours before your journey, but after they’ve been authorized 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 under your seat or on your lap, so make sure you book a seat with adequate space for your dog to fly comfortably and securely. Before booking, check your airline’s limitations since some do not allow service dogs in the exit row.
Taking an assistant dog on a flight
Flying with an emotional support animal is the same as flying with a service dog. It depends on the airline, but virtually all demand a doctor’s note, vet certification, and an animal behavior form. With an emotional support animal, you are responsible for ensuring that your pet does not climb on the seats, does not relieve itself on the plane, and is always under your supervision.
Keep in mind that all airlines above no longer allow emotional support animals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flying with Pets
What is the most secure airline for pets?
No single airline is the safest for pets; instead, some are more suited for some pets than others. It is always the owner’s responsibility to verify their pet is in excellent health to travel by taking them to the vet before the journey, but as long as your pet is given the all-clear, it is up to you to choose the finest airline.
Due to coronavirus, pets are not permitted as cargo on various airlines, including Delta and American. As a result, those airlines may not be the greatest or safest for bigger animals. JetBlue has the most excellent pet facilities, so it may be the ideal option for a pet who enjoys being indulged. You know your pet well, and you will know what is best for them!
What paperwork do I need to travel with my pet?
For all animals: A veterinary inspection certificate and, in some situations, an acclimation certificate, which you may also obtain from your veterinarian.
Regarding service animals: A medical/mental health professional’s certificate of permission, a veterinarian examination for travel, and an animal behavior form are all required.
In addition, due to the result of the epidemic, several airlines are refusing to transport dogs as cargo. Aside from that, most airlines’ pet policies haven’t altered much due to the epidemic, but it’s ideal for checking the airline’s website for the most up-to-date information before traveling!
How to Fly for Free with Your Pet
All airlines charge a cost for flying with a pet. But if you use a valid travel credit card, you may get some (or all) of those costs waived?
A few credit cards include an airline incidental credit or some other type of travel credit that is refreshed every year you hold the card. Check with your credit card companies and find out what they offer.