Pets are an essential part of millions of American families who treasure their furry family members. It is summertime and pet parents want to include their pets in vacation or travel plans. As a fact of life, family is forever, pets included!
Many pet owners are in distress as their pets are unable to fly on an airline due to substantial changes in the airline industry for pet friendly flights. The restrictions have increased steadily and now there are very few domestic flight options available for live animals.
Options for having your canine family travel
| Part I: Alternative to Air Travel | Part 2 (Below) Best Airlines for Pet Travel |
- Although one can drive their own cat or dog, there are many times where it is simply not possible due to logistics, timing, having the correct vehicle, or owner’s preference due to extra stops for dogs.
- For travel within the contiguous United States, there is an alternative to airline travel, which is ground transportation. There are many advantages for pets and their owners that this alternative provides especially for people who are moving or adopting a pet. Ground transportation is a door-to-door service, so no family member needs to leave their home on either end. The pet is exposed to only the driver during the transport, unlike air travel where pets are exposed to several people and pets throughout the journey. There are no restrictions on breed, size, or temperatures. One on one care of the pet 24/7 with continuous communication provides peace of mind for the pet’s family.
- A professional long distance pet transport service can help with all of logistics from start to finish to provide a safe and comfortable journey for pets across the country.
- Some companies offer private transport with only one pet family at a time, directly from home to home.
- Others take several pets from different families from several areas of the country at a time.
- The services do vary on what is included, so conducting research to find the best fit and price for your pets’ needs is important, as well as, checking on reputation, credentials, and social media reviews.
- Private optional transportation services became popular a little over 2 years ago. Currently it is now 25% via air and 75% By ground. At times it is necessary to combine these two services, in such situations as when a flight can only get into a major airport and from there it is several hundred miles to the new home, which must be covered by ground transportation.
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A great review of Top Ten Airlines that are best for pet travel by the Reader’s Digest Writers & Editors.
Airlines are placing more restrictions on pets than ever before, and that fewer airlines are accepting pets in the cargo hold. “Though many 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.
Most importantly, make sure to check out the airline’s safety measures. It is recommended asking these questions to see if it really is the most pet-friendly airline:
- What will they do if there’s a flight delay?
- How do they make sure animals are loaded onto the correct plane?
- Where will the animals be kept before being loaded onto the plane?
- Is that space climate-controlled?
- Will pet handlers be able to let your dogs out for a relief stop or exercise before boarding?
Additionally, when in the airport, some pets will need to run around or use the litter box before the flight. Make sure to check the airport’s website beforehand for pet relief areas, because many don’t have them.
Pet Friendly Airlines
- 1. Alaska Airlines
- In addition to cats and dogs, rabbits and household birds can also travel aboard Alaska Airlines. 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.
- Cost per pet
- Travelers must pay $100 per carrier each way, in both baggage and cabin. If the fight is leaving from Canada, the price goes up to $105.
- 2. American Airlines
American Airlines has great safety procedures in place, but unfortunately they don’t allow pets to be checked as cargo, unless it’s by an active service member on assignment (this could change in a post-COVID world). Only cats and dogs are permitted, and if you’re flying with a big breed, this is probably not the airline for you. - Cost per pet
- The price for traveling with a dog or cat is $125 per kennel for domestic travel, and $200 if you’re going abroad, although right now they’re only accepting pets from the U.S. due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- 3. Delta Airlines
- COVID restrictions have changed Delta’s policies a bit, so dogs are temporarily suspended from arriving in the U.S. from other countries. They also have not been taking pets in cargo since April 2020—but they have been taking small pets in the cabin.
- Cost per pet
- Delta charges $95 each way, which is one of the cheapest options available. International pet travel will cost $200, but pets are not permitted in the cabin on flights to or from Hawaii, the U.K., Australia, and a few other countries.
- 4. Hawaiian Air
- Hawaiian Air accepts dogs, cats, and household birds, but only dogs and cats are allowed to be carried on. Health certificates are required for dogs in both the cabin and cargo.
- Cost per pet
- For pets traveling in the cabin, the cost is $125 each way. If your pet is larger and is traveling in cargo or checked baggage, that price goes up to $225 each way.
- 5. JetBlue
- When you check in with your pet, you’ll receive a JetPaws tag to put on your carrier. Your pet will need to stay in his carrier at all times in the airport and on the airplane.
- Cost per pet
- The pet fee is $125 per pet each way. Only six pets are allowed on each flight.
- 6. Allegiant Air
- Allegiant allow smalls dogs and cats in the aircraft cabin if traveling within the 48 contiguous United States (including Washington, DC, but not Alaska or Hawaii). Allegiant also allows minors (15 years and older) traveling alone to bring a pet onboard. Allegiant does not transport animals in cargo.
- Cost per pet
- Allegiant ranks as the lowest-fee airline, at just $50 per flight per carrier, which helps it rank as one of the best airlines for pets. Each traveler is allowed one carrier total, but that carrier can hold two pets if they fit comfortably. This fee is non-refundable.
- 7. Southwest Airlines
- Pets on Southwest are accepted on a first come, first served basis and are not permitted to travel internationally. Only six pets are allowed per flight, with a limit of one carrier per paying customer—something to note if you have a few animals—though they do allow more than one animal per carrier if they can fit safely. This will count as one of your carry-on items. Southwest reserves the right to deny boarding if the pet is growling, biting, urinating, or scratching. Pets are permitted only in the cabin, not checked as baggage.
- Cost per pet
- Pets on Southwest travel for $95 per carrier, each way. These fees are refundable, so if you cancel your reservation, you can get this money back. Southwest also sells their own approved pet carriers online for $58.
- 8. United Airlines
- Finally, an airline where you can bring your pet’s kennel on board in addition to your carry-on bag. Unfortunately, this is another airline that hasn’t been taking pets as cargo since early 2020, due to COVID restrictions.
- Cost per pet
- There is a fee of $125 each way, and an additional $125 service fee for each stopover of more than four hours (or 24 hours for international flights).
- 9. Frontier Airlines
- Frontier will fly your cat, dog, hamster, rabbit, bird, or other small animal for under $100, which is pretty great. They do not allow pets as checked baggage, which means any pet that can’t fit in your carry-on can’t fly. No pets are allowed in cargo.
- Cost per pet
- Frontier’s pet-travel fee comes in at $99 for a one-way trip. You can pay this in advance or when you check in for your flight.
- 10. Spirit Airlines
- Spirit Airlines is known for their bargain airfare, but your pet’s ticket may cost just as much as your own! 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.). Spirit Airlines does not accept pets in cargo.
- Cost per pet
- Passengers pay $110 per pet carrier, each way. Spirit allows up to two pets in each carrier, so long as they fit comfortably.
What documents do I need for my pet to fly?
Each airline has its own requirements, but many airlines require a valid health certificate issued by your vet. This is more prevalent if you’re flying out of the country with your pet, as domestic flights may not have such a requirement. As a general practice, it’s a good idea to schedule a vet visit for seven to 10 days before your trip. That way, you have up-to-date health information on your pet and can prove they’re caught up on vaccinations.
How can my pet fly for free?
The days of pets flying for free are gone, unfortunately. Today, all major airlines have fees for flying with your furry friend, but these are our recommended options for the best airlines for pets.
What pet gear do I need for flying?
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. Of course, you’ll 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. All carriers should be secure, padded, ventilated, and water-resistant.
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