Flying with Fido: Allegiant Air’s Pet Policy Unpacked

Let’s face it, our pets aren’t just pets—they’re family. Whether it’s a fluffy dog, a finicky cat, or a slightly weird hamster, our animals hold a special place in our hearts (and sometimes our Instagram feed). So when it’s time to hop on a flight, it’s only natural that we want to bring them along. But here’s the thing: traveling with pets isn’t as simple as tossing them into a carrier and heading to the airport. No, no, no. There’s paperwork, restrictions, and a whole lot of rules to follow, especially when flying with Allegiant Air.

Now, before you start daydreaming about furry snuggles and in-flight paw-sitivity, let’s dig into Allegiant Air’s pet policy, because, spoiler alert: it’s not quite as fluffy as we’d like it to be. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with all the info you need to get your pet from point A to point B without any hiccups.

First, Let’s Get One Thing Straight: Allegiant Air is Pet-Friendly… Kinda

If you’ve ever flown Allegiant Air, you know they’re not exactly the airline that’s going to roll out the red carpet for your pet. But, unlike some other budget airlines (looking at you, Spirit), they do offer a pet travel option. Allegiant’s pet policy is relatively straightforward—though, a little quirky. It’s a bit like a “meh” review at a restaurant: not terrible, but certainly not Michelin-star material.

Here’s the thing, though: you won’t be able to book your pet on every Allegiant flight. If you’re dreaming of taking your pet on a cross-country adventure, you may want to check whether Allegiant services that specific route. Allegiant, like most budget airlines, limits the number of pets allowed on each flight, so don’t leave it until the last minute to book your pet’s spot. Just like you wouldn’t leave your luggage packing until the day of the flight, get that pet booking squared away early.

Allegiant Pet in Cabin: The Real Deal

So, you want your precious pooch or curious kitty to travel in the cabin with you? It’s doable! Allegiant Air’s pet policy allows pets to fly in the cabin, but there are specific rules, and they’re pretty strict. If your pet fits the right size and you’re ready to follow all the guidelines, then voilà—you’re good to go.

• Size Matters: The first and most important rule? Your pet’s size. Allegiant’s in-cabin pet policy only allows small cats and dogs. They must be able to fit comfortably in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for the carrier are 9 inches high, 16 inches long, and 7.5 inches wide. So, if you’ve been plotting to bring your great Dane or your overly ambitious parrot on board, Allegiant’s not the airline for you.
• The Carrier: That pet carrier you use has to be well-ventilated, leak-proof, and secure enough to keep your pet comfy and safe. It’s not just any random bag or tote you have lying around the house. This is a travel-approved carrier, so make sure you check the guidelines carefully before you head to the pet store.
• Weight Limit: Allegiant has a weight limit, too—your pet and their carrier together must not exceed 15 pounds. If you’re traveling with an itty bitty Chihuahua or a super chill Siamese cat, you’re golden. But if your pet is a bit on the heavy side, you might need to reassess or book your pet in the cargo hold (not ideal, but it happens).

How Much Does Allegiant Air Charge for Pet Travel?

Ah, yes. The inevitable question: how much is this going to cost me? Allegiant’s pet fee is relatively affordable in the world of pet travel. Currently, it’s about $50 each way for your pet to fly with you in the cabin. But—and this is important—this fee applies to the pet AND their carrier. So if you’re thinking of squeezing in some snacks or extra clothes in that carrier to save space, think again. Your pet’s personal space must remain exclusively for them, and that carrier must be the right size to comply with Allegiant’s rules.

It’s worth noting that this fee is non-refundable. So, if you decide to cancel your flight or your pet isn’t able to travel for any reason, you’ll still have to pay for the privilege of that cute little furry passenger.

What About Allegiant’s Pet Cargo Policy?

Okay, so your pet doesn’t fit in the cabin, and you’re not sure if their carrier is up to snuff. No worries! Allegiant offers a cargo service for pets that need to be transported. However, this is an entirely different process than flying with your pet in the cabin, and it comes with additional restrictions.

Pet cargo is only available on specific Allegiant flights, and it’s usually limited to animals that can travel in a climate-controlled, pressurized compartment—basically, larger pets or those that exceed the in-cabin size limit. Allegiant does not allow pets to travel as checked baggage, which is a bit of a relief since that method has a bad reputation in the pet travel world.

The downside? Cargo services are pretty limited. Allegiant’s pet cargo policy is generally only for certain types of animals, so if you have a squirmy reptile, a guinea pig, or anything that doesn’t fit the airline’s accepted species, you’re out of luck.

The Paperwork: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Traveling with a pet isn’t just about booking a flight and hoping for the best. Allegiant Air requires you to provide certain documents before you can fly with your animal. This includes proof of vaccination and any required health certificates. If you’re traveling internationally, you might also need additional paperwork, which you should absolutely get sorted well in advance.

Another thing to keep in mind: Allegiant isn’t the most pet-friendly airline when it comes to special accommodations. If your pet has specific medical needs or requires extra assistance, make sure you check with Allegiant’s customer service ahead of time to ensure they can accommodate those needs.

Tips for a Smooth Flight with Your Pet

Now that you’re up to speed on the nuts and bolts of Allegiant’s pet policy, here are a few quick tips to make your pet’s journey (and yours) as smooth as possible:

1. Pack the Essentials: Bring along your pet’s favorite blanket, a few toys, and maybe even a chew treat to keep them occupied. This will help calm their nerves during the flight.
2. Exercise Before the Flight: Give your pet a nice walk or play session before you board. A tired pet is usually a calmer pet.
3. Stay Calm: Your pet can pick up on your energy, so staying calm and relaxed will help them feel more at ease.
4. Check the Weather: If you’re flying with your pet in the cargo hold, check the weather forecast. Allegiant doesn’t allow pets to travel when the temperature is too extreme (either hot or cold), so if it’s a sweltering summer day, you might need to rethink your travel plans.

The Bottom Line

While Allegiant isn’t the most pet-friendly airline out there (looking at you, Southwest), their pet policy is still a step in the right direction for travelers who want to bring their furry companions along. With a bit of preparation, your pet’s journey can be relatively stress-free, and you’ll have that comforting presence beside you as you soar through the skies. Just be sure to check all the details, book early, and keep those paws (and paperwork) in check.

Now go ahead—book that ticket and get ready for an adventure with your favorite sidekick. And remember, in the air, we’re all just flying through life, one pet carrier at a time.

External Links:

1. Allegiant Air Pet Policy
2. American Airlines Pet Travel
3. Spirit Airlines Pet Policy
4. United Airlines Pet Travel
5. Pet Health Certificates for Travel
6. How to Prepare Your Pet for Travel
7. Pets on Planes: A Guide
8. Flying with Pets: What You Need to Know
9. Tips for Flying with Your Pet
10. How to Travel with Pets Internationally