With Frontier, maximum pet container dimensions are a tad smaller than Southwests at 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches. 1 (Two puppies or kittens of the same breed or litter between 8 weeks and 6 months old, weighing 25 pounds or less). The animal must have room to stand up and turn around inside the kennel, and United only allows one pet per kennel. Currently, at least two Indian carriers -- Air India and Akasa Air -- permit passengers to carry pets onboard. Only one other airline, Southwest, scored a 3 and everything else fell below that. Your pet is a certain breed: Most airlines won't transport brachycephalic or "short-nosed" dogs and cats in cargo, though they might still be allowed in carry-on. Most airlines allow fully-trained service dogs to ride in the cabin without a carrier. , your pet can come too as long as its well-behaved. If you must fly with a pet, but the restrictions feel burdensome, consider skipping the commercial aircraft entirely. Sherpa said Khatiwada was a "skilled pilot" with a "friendly nature" and had risen to the rank of captain after flying thousands of hours since joining the airline in 2010. Pets are not permitted on flights to or from John F. Kennedy International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Yes, as long as theyre at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel, 15 weeks old if traveling to or from the European Union, and 16 weeks old if traveling to the US from other countries. Thats because all airlines limit the overall number of pets allowed in the main cabin and cargo. Though air travel is sometimes unavoidable, it can take a toll on dogs health and emotional wellbeing. The carrier can be no larger than 17 inches by 11 inches by 7.5 inches. Yes: $100 each way to travel in both cargo and the cabin. While many airlines restrict main cabin pets to cats and dogs only, Alaska is more flexible, allowing rabbits and household birds, too. Will pet handlers be able to let your dogs out for a relief stop or exercise before boarding? This airline only allows for pets in the cabin, and those pets include cats, dogs, small household birds, and small domestic rabbits (but not to Puerto Rico or U.S.V.I.). Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? In addition, if temperatures are between 45 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit, youll need to supply an acclimation certificate from a veterinarian from within 10 days of travel. Even if your pet is an angel at home, dont assume it will behave the same way at an airport. Allowable pets can fly in all cabins of service (except international business and international Delta One) or as freight through Delta Cargo. Delta, for example, allows small dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in the cabin inside a small, ventilated. No matter how young or healthy your dog is, check in with your veterinarian before taking a flight. Pettravel in the cabin: Delta allows dogs, cats, and household birds in the cabin to and from certain destinations. Animal air travel is far from a walk in the park. And while our site doesnt feature every company or financial product available on the market, were proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward and free. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. As a general practice, its a good idea to schedule a vet visit for seven to 10 days before your trip. Yes: $125 to U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. We gave higher points when species other than cats and dogs are allowed. They must be able tofit under the seatin front of you (the maximum dimensions are 18 by 14 by 8 inches) and allow your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down in a natural position. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a degree in journalism. Pets of larger size/weight will be carried in the cargo hold. If your pet cant fit underneath your seat, youll need to ship the animal with a special service from their Delta Cargo program. Each passenger may only bring one animal in the cabin. Here is a list of our partners. Weve got you covered. Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? They are working animals that assist persons with disabilities. Up to two pets of the same species may travel together in a carrier, but they must be able to stand up and move around while inside. All rights reserved. While none are exactly great, here are the best airlines for traveling with a pet. And some airlines make it especially so. Written with additional research by Ramsey Qubein. Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Email: Airlines that allow dogs, cats and other pets, recapped, Methodology: How we made our pet-friendly airline rankings. There are also restrictions based on outdoor temperatures in certain destinations Alaska Airlines flies to, as well as limits on pet cargo travel on certain flights during the holidays. Are there other restrictions on pets in the cabin? Yes: $110 per pet container, each way. By early 2021, all of the major airlines announced that they would no longer recognize emotional support animal air travel. Airlines are no longer required to accommodate emotional support animals (ESAs) and they must travel as pets. The amount of pets permitted per flight varies depending on the aircraft, up to a maximum of four. All you have to do is select "Travel with a pet" as a traveler during booking on united.com. Only six pets are allowed per flight, with a limit of one carrier per paying customersomething to note if you have a few animalsthough they do allow more than one animal per carrier if they can fit safely. Aviation regulator DGCA on Tuesday advised airlines to formulate and prominently display on their websites the policy for carriage of pets. Health and vaccine requirements: Health certificates are required for dogs traveling in the cabin as well as in cargo/the baggage compartment. Soft-sided, collapsible kennels can be slightly larger but still need to fit under the seat without having to excessively collapse the carrier. Check with your airline to confirm specific requirements. Of the major U.S. airlines, only Alaska, American and Hawaiian will transport pets in checked baggage and/or cargo. This week, American Airlines flew COVID-19 (coronavirus) tests on a regular, non-cargo narrowbody planea classification that includes any airliner with just one aisle and six seats . Whether pets are allowed to travel in cargo, in any capacity. And for your pet to fly in the main cabin, it must fit in a pet carrier underneath the seat, with a maximum size of 18.5 inches by 8.5 inches by 13.5 inches. Yes, as long as theyre at least eight weeks old and weaned. Yes: $95 each way per carrier. JetBlue allows up to six total pets per flight. Some private and semi-private jets allow pets to roam freely, wont clamp down on breeds or sizes, and wont make you wrestle your way through security with a pet in tow. Due to pandemic-related flight changes, checked pet service is currently unavailable but the airline will accept checked pets at the ticket counter only for active-duty U.S. Military traveling on assignments. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Unaccompanied minors cannot bring pets with them into the plane. We analyzed the nine U.S. airlines based on factors including whether pets are allowed, the average pet fee and airline safety records to determine what airline is best for pet travel. NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. The lounges, which are accessible to passengers with certain levels of elite status or people who purchase a separate membership, accept quiet service animals and pets in carry-on kennels. Only small pets are allowed. Yes: one pet carrier is allowed per guest, with up to two pets per carrier. Yes. Are brachycephalic dogs allowed in cargo/checked baggage? On Alaska, pets arent accepted in baggage or cargo for the entire period from Nov. 15 to Jan. 10. But at least if youve got quite a menagerie to transport, its possible. Service animals are not pets. Pettravel in the cabin: For $99 each way, pets maytravel in the cabin onFrontier Airlines flights. This might mean packing enough food for the duration of the trip, taking a signed copy of a prescription for their food, or checking online for places youll be able to buy the food at your destination. This fee is non-refundable. Read more, Sam Kemmis is a travel rewards expert at NerdWallet specializing in airline and hotel loyalty programs. We analyzed nine U.S. airlines on 12 variables to find the most pet-friendly airlines. JetBlue even has a limited quantity of pet carriers you can purchase at the airport ticket counter for $55. While you can use your own carrier (assuming it fits within the maximum dimensions), you can be sure itll be approved by using a Southwest-branded pet carrier, available for purchase for $58 from Southwests store. Dogs and cats traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands need a health certificate from a veterinarian; pets going to Puerto Rico must have a rabies vaccination certificate. Only cats and dogs are permitted, and if youre flying with a big breed, this is probably not the airline for you. So how do we make money? United doesnt have any breed or weight limitations for petsflying in the cabin. Sally studied journalism at the University of Missouri. Book your passenger ticket on alaskaair.com 2. Review our policies for pet travel linked in the section below to determine which travel option is right for you and your pet 3. However, most airlines no longer allow pet owners to book their pets directly with the airline as cargo. Only six pets are allowed on each flight. Dogs must be at least eight weeks old. Your pet counts as one of your personal items, and he must stay in his kennel under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Carrier Bag, Related article: How to Keep Your Dog Safe When Pet Theft Is on the Rise, Medications! Pets in cargo His work has been featured by Fast Company, The Associated Press and The Onion. And the reality is, flying with pets is a bleak undertaking with any airline. United Airlines. To ensure your pet has a safe, healthy and happy flight, please review the following requirements when flying with a small pet as a carry-on: Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel. Since up to two pets of the same species and similar size may travel in the same carrier, thats just $50 per pet if traveling with two. Is there a fee to travel with your pet? Which Loyalty Program Is Best For You in 2023? Of course, youll need to check your individual airline for size requirements of carry-on and cargo pet carriers, but checking FAA requirements and the Center for Pet Safety will also be helpful. You cannot add a pet to your trip on the United app. Pettravel in the cabin: Southwest Airlines permits small, vaccinated dogs and cats that are at least eight weeks old to fly with travelers in the cabin for a $95pet fee each way. "We have lost our best . Discuss your travel plans with your veterinarianit may be safest not to fly with your dog. Most airlines require a valid health certificate issued by your vet, certifying that your pet is fit to fly. Up to two pets of the same species may travel in a single carrier. Most pet-friendly airlines do not permit travelers to buy their dogs a seat on a plane. Yes, on domestic flightsbut not on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. No health certificate needed for pets traveling in the cabinbut all pets must be in good health, and the airline reserves the right to refuse travel to pets in obvious distress. The animal must stay inside its kennel, with the door closed, while on board the aircraft, as well as in the boarding area and in any Delta airport lounges. Hard-sided kennels cannot exceed 19 inches by 13 inches by 9 inches for mainline flights, or 16 inches by 12 inches by 8 inches for regional flights. Reservations for the departure date are accepted up to the day before the departure. Her work has been published in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Washington Post. Unfortunately, this is another airline that hasnt been taking pets as cargo since early 2020, due to COVID restrictions. Pet container requirements. Pets in cargo: Southwest Airlines does not have a pet cargo or shipping program, so the only way to bring your pet on a Southwest flight is byflying in the cabin. They must be at least 8 weeks old, healthy, meet weight restrictions (less than 100. That way, you have up-to-date health information on your pet and can prove theyre caught up on vaccinations. With Frontier, maximum pet container dimensions are a tad smaller than Southwests at 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches. AlaskaAirlines only allows one dog or cat of any size thats six months or older to travel in a kennel; the same rule applies for pets that weigh more than 20 pounds and are between the ages of eight weeks and six months old. Yes, as long as theyre at least eight weeks old and weaned. A customer can have a maximum of two pet carriers in the main cabin, provided that the adjacent seat is also part of their own booking. Though they will still allow pets in the cabin, this only works for dogs small enough to fit comfortably under the seat in front of you, which means for a lot of pets, flying will not be an option, Dr. Freyer says. Read the fine print before attempting to travel with pets on a plane. Most airlines also require proper vaccines. Sometimes, the fee to store your pet under the seat in front of you (while sacrificing your own precious legroom) is pricier than your own airfare. Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for: Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, No annual fee: Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Luxury perks: The Platinum Card from American Express, Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, About the authors: Sally French is a reporter for NerdWallet. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Other major airlines, including Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines, never accepted pets in cargo. Buy and pack any medications your dog will need during the trip, including. Airlines are allowed to carry to, from and within India, animals, birds, and reptiles. A kennel counts as either your personal item or a carry-on bag. Flying with Dogs: 26 Things to Know Before Taking Your Pup on a Plane, 15 Dog-Friendly Beaches Your Pooch Will Love, Do Not Sell My Personal Information CA Residents. They must be at least 16 weeks old. Deltas pet policy makes Delta seem like the most pet-friendly airline (encouraging travelers to take off with your favorite friend, even if they have fur, which is adorable). Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Typically, this would be a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds. Dogs and cats are permitted on inter-island flights within Hawaii, and on flights between Hawaii and North America, with the exception of flights to/from JFK, MCO, BOS, or AUS airports. Let the 80/20 rule guide you. Frontier doesnt often win many awards, but it does handle pets better than many other airlines. Caroline Teel of SmarterTravel recommends asking these questions to see if it really is the most pet-friendly airline: Additionally, when in the airport, some pets will need to run around or use the litter box before the flight. Soft-sided kennels should be 18 inches by 11 inches by 11 inches maximum. Your pet must stay at your feet under the seat in front of you at all times. Every year millions of animals travel safely and securely by air. The kennel counts as your carry-on bag, meaning you can only bring one small personal item in addition to your pet. Some categories received more weight than others (e.g., we gave more weight to the number of death, loss and accident reports since safety is paramount compared with saving $10 on a lower fee to fly your pet in cargo). ; Your pet's carrier must be big enough to allow them to stand up, turn around and . Let the 80/20 rule guide you. Pets are permitted only in the cabin, not checked as baggage. HawaiianAirlines only allows one adult dog or cat per carrier, but up to two puppies or kittens of the same breed or litter that are between eight weeks and six months old. Animals can travel on most flights that are 12 hours or less to certain destinations: within the 48 contiguous U.S. plus Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas. For pets traveling in the cabin, the cost is $125 each way. Yes, on all domestic flights and some international ones. One big reason is that while other airlines will fly cats and dogs only, Frontier accepts rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small household birds, too (though international flights still limit pets to cats and dogs only). Sam's work has been featured by the Associated Press, The Points Guy and Fast Company. Allegiant does not transport animals in cargo. Each paid traveler may have only one pet carrier. Have a backup plan if theres any chance your pet will be unpredictable on a plane. DeltaAir Lines only allows one pet per carrier, with a few exceptions. By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. Up to two dogs can travel in the same carrier, provided that theyre not in distress and they fit properly with no body parts protruding. Yes: $125 each way, plus an extra service fee of $125 for certain (lengthy) stopovers. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. The carrier will count as the one standard carry-on item which you are allowed to bring on board. The kennel with the pet inside cannot weigh more than 20 pounds. She loves fitness, and her travels have included cycling up the coastline of Vietnam and over the sea ice in the Arctic Circle. All pets must also be at least 10 weeks old for domestic flights, 16 weeks old for flights to the U.S. from another country, and at least 15 weeks when flying to destinations in the European Union. Are dogs allowed in cargo/the baggage compartment? Travelers with carry-on pets cannot sit in certain areas, such as the emergency exit rows and bulkhead seats, as well as in specific rows on certain planes. Animals must stay in their carrier for the duration of the flight, and the animal has to be harmless, inoffensive, and odorless. The combined weight of the pet and carrier cannot exceed 40 pounds, and youre able to sit anywhere except for the first row and emergency exit rows. Home and decor enthusiast with work published in Real Simple, InStyle, Food Network Magazine and others. If youre heading to an Alaska lounge, your pet can come too as long as its well-behaved. Pets in cargo: Hawaiian Airlines accepts dogs, cats, and household birdsas checked baggage for $60 one-way on flights within the state of Hawaii and $225 one-way on flights between Hawaii and North America. Heres what its like flying on those airlines with pets, why they scored higher than the rest, and the reasons why they still have challenges: Pros: The Southwest pet fee is $95 each way, per pet carrier, which is among the cheapest pet fees youll find. Customers can travel with a maximum of two pet carriers (only when the adjacent seat is also purchased by the same customer). Pettravel in the cabin: For $125 each way, passengers can bring small dogs and cats, safely secured inside a carrier thatfits under the seat in front of them, on all domesticJetBlue flights. Frontier allows a large variety of pets to be carried onboard, but only dogs and cats can be carried on international flights. The United carry-onpet fee is $125 each way. Types of animals allowed in the main cabin: Can you fly with a pet bird? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention About pet crate However,Southwest Airlines only allows six total carriers on each flight, and those spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure to check the airports website beforehand for pet relief areas, because many dont have them. Are dogs allowed in cargo/the baggage compartment? Yes: depending on the flight, theres a maximum of five or seven kennels allowed on the plane, excluding service animals. The main cabin can accommodate up to five pet carriers per flight; first class can accommodate one. You can indicate youll be traveling with a pet when you book, or add your pet to an existing reservation. You can bring your cat or dog in a hard carrier (17.5 inches by 12 inches by 7.5 inches), or a soft-sided one (18 inches by 11 inches by 11 inches). Jump down to the airline-by-airline guidelines. Health and vaccine requirements: Your dog will need ID tags and a pet license. We didn't factor in pet-friendly international airlines, as those policies can also vary significantly. Is there a fee to travel with your pet? Frontiers pet-travel fee comes in at $99 for a one-way trip. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Airlines also charge varyingpet fees for passengerstraveling with a pet. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. The carrier itself cannot be larger than 17 inches by 12.5 inches by 8.5 inches, and only one pet is allowed per carrier. In past years, you may have traveled with your emotional support animal for free. Members ofTrueBlue, the airlines reward program, can earn 300 extra points for each segment their pet flies with them in the cabin. Note that during the busy holiday season, Alaska has an embargo on pets traveling in cargo, so some pets will have to celebrate back at home. Similarly,Alaska Airlines allows travelers to bring up to two pets with them in the cabin if they buy two seats next to each other on the flight. The American Kennel Club notes that anxiety or temperature increases may exacerbate breathing problems for some dog breeds with respiratory challenges. Sally French is a reporter for NerdWallet. Ready for your pet-cation? For a safe and comfortable journey for . Companion animals, on the other hand, will not be allowed to be transported in cargo with Alaska, American, and Hawaiian Airlines.. Travelers must make a pet reservation withSouthwest Airlines over the phone. You'll find lower pet fees at brands like Delta, Southwest, Frontier and Alaska. Sam Kemmis is a travel rewards expert at NerdWallet specializing in airline and hotel loyalty programs. Are brachycephalic dogs allowed in cargo? Health and vaccination requirements: All animals entering the US must have a valid certificate of rabies vaccination, with vaccinations completed at least 30 days before arriving in the US. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. Some Alaska lounges are also accessible to Priority Pass members. However, this does not influence our evaluations. In SpiceJet, pets can be carried in cargo hold of domestic . If your pet is too large to fit under the seat, it can travel in the climate-controlled baggage compartment within the U.S. for $100. for free. Some airlines that used to happily ship your pet in cargo will transport them no more. Pets may also be prohibited in cargo due to hot weather, so be sure to plan ahead if youre traveling during summer months. Southwest also sells their own approved pet carriers online for $58. Most airlines also require proper vaccines. What sorts of limits are there on allowing pets in lounges? Are dogs allowed in the cabin? We normalized the data relative to overall passenger count to avoid penalizing larger airlines that might have more reports because they transport more animals. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old to board. Today, all major airlines have fees for flying with your furry friend, but these are our recommended options for the best airlines for pets. Hawaiian notes that traveling with brachycephalic breeds in cargo and checked baggage is highly discouraged and not recommended, but does not state that its disallowed. Allegiant has many of the same rules most airlines have: The pet must fit comfortably in the carrier, which must fit under the seat in front of you. A non-refundable fee of $50.00 per segment per carrier will apply for all pets. United can ship cats and dogs using their PetSafe program. We gave higher points when species other than cats and dogs are allowed. It is important to review our pet policies to . And even though youve paid for a second seat, you still need to keep your dog inside a carrier for the whole flight. Pets in cargo: Delta suspended its pet shipping program,Delta Cargo, in April 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic and has not yet brought it back. You want a travel credit card that prioritizes whats important to you. Domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters or small household birds. Its always a good idea to be in direct contact with the airline about bringing a pet, since some airlines have a cap on the amount of animals allowed per flight. Additionally, up to two pets of the same size and species can fly together in the same kennel, so long as they fit comfortably. Yes: $125 each way. All animals must be at least eight (8) weeks of age. Some routes also require a permit from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. The carry-onpet fee is $35 one-way for flights within the state of Hawaii, and $125 one-way for trips between Hawaii and North America. Confirm this ahead of time with your airline. $125 each way, plus an additional $125 charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. 2 (with purchase of a second . Sign up and well send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money. Youll pay an additional $125 for each layover that lasts four or more hours for U.S. flights, or 24 or more hours forinternational flights. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. Is there a fee to travel with your pet? No. Airline Price per pet Allowed in cargo? And unlike many other airlines, Hawaiian doesnt count your carry-on pets toward your carry-on luggage. Pets in cargo: Alaska Airlines allows a more diverse selection of pets to fly in its climate-controlled cargo hold for $100 each way: dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish. What will they do if theres a flight delay? These breeds can run into respiratory challenges in increased temperature or humidity. According to the American Kennel Club, you should find a soft or hard carrier that your pet can sit and turn around in without touching the sides. Always check your airlines own materials before booking a flight, and communicate directly with your airline before traveling. Health and vaccination requirements: Southwest doesnt list any health certification requirements, but as ever, passengers are responsible for complying with any health or quarantine requirements at their destination. Thats no longer the case. American Airlines will not accept carry-on pets that have been tranquilized or sedated. Here are our picks for the. Since up to two pets of the same species and similar size may travel in the same carrier, thats just $50 per pet if traveling with two. There are no breed restrictions for pets totravel in the cabin, however, AlaskaAirlines requires carry-on dogs and cats to be at least eight weeks old and able to eat solid food. Just as it is for humans, air travel can be stressful for animals and can take a toll on their mental and physical health. Frontier also wont let your pet fly in the baggage compartment or cargo (main cabin only) and the pet must remain underneath your seat. Is there a fee to travel with your pet? When you check in with your pet, youll receive a JetPaws tag to put on your carrier. Some airlines dont accept pets in the baggage or cargo compartments during the holidays. Pets must remain inside a carrier for the entire flight. Pettravel in the cabin: For a $125 one-waypet fee, travelers can bring dogs, cats, household birds, and small domestic rabbits that are at least eight weeks old in the cabin onSpirit Airlines routes throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.