Let it be known, it is not recommended that you transport a pet during air travel unless it’s completely necessary. However, if you must transport your pet during air travel you must first decide whether your airline of choice will let you take your pet in the cabin with you, which is obviously the best option you have. Some airlines will allow cats and small dogs to be taken onboard the airplane with you for an additional fee.
The Federal Aviation Administration allows it to be the decision of each specific airline whether to allow travel with your pet in the airplane cabin itself. If your airline allows you to bring your pet into the cabin, then your pet carrier is to be considered carry-on baggage and must be small enough to fit underneath of your seat. To find out more details you should call the airline well ahead of time because most airlines have set limits as to the number of animals that will be allowed in the cabin during each flight. Another available option for pet owners who do not want to fly on a commercial flight with their pet is to fly on a chartered plane. Many charter services will allow animals to fly in the cabin as passengers regardless of size.
According to many of the Nations Animal Associations, it’s recommended that cats and dogs should not be given sedatives prior to flight. The animal’s natural ability to maintain their equilibrium is severely altered under sedation, which can be dangerous for the animal while in flight. Keep in mind whether they fly in the cabin or in the luggage compartment, animals can be exposed to altitude pressure changes and can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for your animal.
This is just a small list of the growing number of major airlines that allow pets and a brief description of their policies. Keep in mind, it’s recommended that you contact your airline prior to flight to gather all information regarding the travel of your pet.
Alaskan Airlines
Pets will be accepted in the cabin as well as in the baggage compartment. However, due to Hawaii’s strict pet laws, pets will not accepted on flights to and from Hawaii. Be sure to check with the airline during holiday travel due to high volume of passengers and baggage on each flight.
American Airlines
Pets will be accepted in the cabin as well as in the baggage compartment. However, effective in 2011, the airline requires a clean bill of health certificate for the acceptance of pets to travel in the baggage compartment. Valid certificates must be issued by a certified veterinarian within 10 days of the travel date.
Delta Airlines
Pets will be accepted in the cabin as well as in the baggage compartment. However, pets which are permitted in the cabin include dogs, cats, and some species of birds. All other animals must be shipped in the baggage compartment.
Jet Blue
Pets will be accepted in the cabin as well as in the baggage compartment on both domestic and international flights. Pets may be booked over the phone, however, pets may not be booked online.
Southwest Airlines
Pets will be accepted in the cabin but under no circumstance will pets be allowed in the baggage compartment. All pets must be carried in an appropriate animal carrier and will be subject to a $75 fee for each way the pet travels. The pet carrier will count as carry-on luggage.
United Airlines
Pets will be accepted in the cabin as well as in the baggage compartment. All other animals must be shipped in the baggage compartment.
In a world that changes every day, it’s nice to know that exceptions are being made that allow us to travel with our family pets be loved companions. Always be sure to check with airline companies before you book so that their guidelines will fit the needs of your pets travel. For more great travel tips and helpful travel information, check out Luggage Covers before you get your travel plans underway.
