Traveling with pets is a growing trend, as more and more pet owners are choosing to take their furry companions along for the ride. Whether you’re planning a vacation, a move, or simply taking a business trip, ensuring that your pet is comfortable and safe during travel is a top priority. When it comes to flying with pets, choosing the right airline is essential. Different airlines offer varying pet policies, services, and fees, and understanding these options is key to a smooth and stress-free journey for your pet.
In this blog, we will explore the best airlines for pet travel, including key information about their pet policies, pet travel carriers, and associated fees. We’ll also provide some tips to make traveling with your pet as easy and comfortable as possible.
1. Why Choosing the Right Airline is Crucial for Pet Travel
Traveling by air with your pet requires careful planning. Each airline has its own set of rules regarding pet travel, and choosing the wrong one can lead to unexpected complications. Some airlines have strict rules about the types of pet carriers they accept, the size of the pet, and the number of pets allowed in the cabin. Additionally, certain airlines are more pet-friendly than others, offering special services like dedicated pet cabins, assistance for nervous travelers, and even in-flight pet care.
Choosing the right airline for pet travel means ensuring that your pet is in the best hands possible. From comfort to safety, the airline’s pet policy plays a crucial role in making your journey as smooth as possible. Let’s dive into the top airlines that stand out for their excellent pet travel policies and services.
2. American Airlines Pet Policy
American Airlines is one of the most popular choices for pet travel, known for its relatively accommodating pet policy. If you’re traveling with your pet, you’ll be glad to know that American Airlines allows both in-cabin and cargo pet travel. They accept small pets in the cabin for most domestic flights, provided they fit into an approved pet travel carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
Key Features of American Airlines Pet Travel:
- Pet Carrier Requirements: Your pet must fit comfortably inside a pet travel bag or carrier that is no larger than 19” long x 13” wide x 9” high for in-cabin travel.
- Pet Fee: The carry-on pet fee for American Airlines is typically $125 one-way for domestic flights. International flights may have different fees, so be sure to check in advance.
- Pet Travel Restrictions: American Airlines does not allow pets to travel as cargo on international flights, and certain destinations (e.g., Hawaii) may have additional restrictions due to health and quarantine regulations.
- APHIS Pet Travel: If you’re traveling internationally, American Airlines follows USDA APHIS pet travel regulations, ensuring that your pet meets all the necessary health and vaccination requirements to enter the destination country.
American Airlines also offers a pet health certificate for travel, which must be obtained from a licensed veterinarian. The health certificate is required for international travel and may be necessary for certain domestic flights.
3. United Airlines Pet Policy
United Airlines is another well-known airline with a reputation for providing excellent pet travel options. United’s pet policy allows both in-cabin and cargo travel, and the airline has a reputation for accommodating pets with special needs.
Key Features of United Airlines Pet Travel:
- Pet Carrier Requirements: United Airlines also has specific carrier size regulations. Pets traveling in the cabin must fit comfortably in a pet travel carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for a pet carrier are typically 17” long x 11” wide x 9” high.
- Pet Fee: The pet fee for in-cabin travel is typically $125 per flight for domestic flights, and it may vary for international travel depending on the destination.
- Pet Travel Restrictions: United Airlines does not allow pets to travel as cargo on certain international flights, and some destinations may have strict import requirements.
- United PetSafe Program: United Airlines offers its PetSafe Program, designed to safely transport pets that are too large to travel in the cabin. The PetSafe Program provides climate-controlled cargo holds and specialized care for pets during their journey.
For international travel, United Airlines adheres to USDA APHIS pet travel guidelines, which may include obtaining an international health certificate and meeting specific vaccination requirements for your pet.
4. Alaska Airlines Pet Policy
Alaska Airlines is renowned for its pet-friendly approach to travel. The airline offers a range of options for both small pets traveling in the cabin and larger pets traveling in the cargo hold. Alaska Airlines is also a great option for pet owners traveling within the United States and to specific international destinations like Mexico and Canada.
Key Features of Alaska Airlines Pet Travel:
- Pet Carrier Requirements: Alaska Airlines allows pets to travel in the cabin as long as they are in a pet travel carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for a pet carrier are typically 17” long x 11” wide x 7.5” high.
- Pet Fee: The standard pet fee for in-cabin travel is around $100 per one-way flight.
- Pet Travel Restrictions: Alaska Airlines allows pets to travel as cargo on most flights, but certain international destinations may have additional regulations.
- Pet Health Insurance: Alaska Airlines is known to accept pets with pre-existing health conditions, provided they have the appropriate documentation. You may want to consider pet health insurance for your furry friend if traveling internationally, as this may help cover any emergency health expenses during the trip.
Alaska Airlines follows USDA Aphis pet travel regulations for international flights, so ensure that you have all the required documents, including a health certificate for your pet.
5. Delta Airlines Pet Policy
Delta Airlines is one of the top choices for pet travel, offering both in-cabin and cargo options for pets. Delta’s pet travel program is comprehensive, with a range of services designed to keep your pet comfortable during their flight.
Key Features of Delta Airlines Pet Travel:
- Pet Carrier Requirements: Delta allows pets to travel in the cabin as long as they are in a pet travel carrier that fits under the seat. The maximum dimensions for a pet carrier are usually 18” long x 11” wide x 11” high.
- Pet Fee: The pet fee for in-cabin travel with Delta Airlines is typically $125 one-way for domestic flights.
- Pet Travel Restrictions: Delta Airlines does not allow pets to travel in the cargo hold on international flights, and specific rules apply depending on the destination.
- Delta Pet Travel Services: Delta Airlines offers a Pet First Program, which ensures that pets traveling in the cargo hold receive extra attention and care during their journey. This program is designed to ensure the safety and comfort of pets traveling on long-haul flights or in less-than-ideal conditions.
If you’re traveling internationally, Delta Airlines adheres to USDA pet travel guidelines and may require additional documentation, including a health certificate for your pet.
6. Best Pet Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey
Whether you’re flying with American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, or Delta Airlines, here are some of the best pet-friendly travel tips to ensure a safe and stress-free trip for your furry friend:
- Prepare Your Pet for the Trip: Familiarize your pet with the travel carrier a few days before the trip to help reduce anxiety. Allow them to explore the carrier and feel comfortable inside.
- Hydration and Snacks: Keep your pet hydrated during travel, especially on long flights. Pack a water bottle and collapsible bowl, and offer them snacks to keep them calm and satisfied.
- Visit the Vet: Before traveling, schedule a veterinary check-up to ensure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. If you’re traveling internationally, you may need a health certificate and proof of vaccinations.
- Pet Travel Carrier: Ensure that the pet travel carrier is appropriately sized for your pet and meets the airline’s requirements. The carrier should be well-ventilated, secure, and comfortable for your pet.
- Check Airline Policies: Each airline has its own set of policies, so be sure to check the specific pet travel bag or carrier requirements, fees, and health documentation rules for your airline and destination.
7. Conclusion
When traveling with pets, choosing the right airline is essential for ensuring their safety and comfort. Airlines like American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Airlines stand out for their pet-friendly policies, excellent pet care services, and commitment to providing a safe and comfortable environment for your pet during travel.
By understanding each airline’s pet policy, preparing your pet with the right pet travel carrier, and following essential pet health tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for your furry friend. Safe travels!