For many of us, our pets are like family — we won’t leave home without them. If you’re planning to travel by air with your pet this year, here are a few tips for keeping your furry friends safe — and calm — while flying the friendly skies.
Check Your Airlines for Pet Travel Restrictions
The best place to start your travels with a pet is to ensure you can bring them. Most airlines charge an additional fee for bringing a pet onboard. Be sure to inquire about the airline’s pet policies, restrictions, and additional costs when booking.
Many airlines will allow you to bring a small pet into the cabin (in an appropriate carrier), while others only allow pets to travel in the cargo hold. This is especially true of larger animals. However, due to ongoing Covid considerations, airlines are increasingly restricting the shipping of warm-blooded animals as cargo.
There are also restrictions on where you can sit with your pet, and how many animals (and kinds) you can travel with. Most airlines advise on booking either an aisle or window seat when traveling with a pet on board but will not provide the option of sitting in an exit row, bulkhead seat, or any other seat with under-seat stowage restrictions.
Lastly, keep in mind, some air carriers don’t allow pets on indirect flights, or flights longer than 12 consecutive hours. For these types of trips, you may have to book a direct flight to bring Fluffy along. Find specific pet policies for these domestic and international carriers, here:
- Alaska Air Pet Policy
- American Airlines Pet Policy
- Delta Airlines Pet Policy
- Frontier Airlines Pet Policy
- JetBlue Pet Policy
- Southwest Airlines Pet Policy
- United Airlines In-Cabin Pet Policy
- Other carriers
Use a TSA Approved Pet Carrier
When flying with your animal you’ll need to use a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved pet carrier. Keep in mind, if you’re bringing your animal onboard, your pet carrier counts as your carry-on item. You’ll only be allowed one other personal item – such as a purse, computer bag, or backpack, when boarding.
Your pet carrier must be well ventilated, leakproof, large enough for your animal to stand up and move around in, and must fit beneath the seat in front of you. Many airlines recommend a soft-sided carrier with dimensions not exceeding 17"L x 12.5"W x 8.5"H.
The combined weight of your carrier and pet must not exceed 20lbs on most airlines, and you may only travel with one pet per carrier, with some exceptions. You cannot stow your pet carrier in the overhead bins.
Lastly, your animal must remain inside its carrier, with the door secured, for the duration of the flight. If you’re flying with a large pet, inquire about the airline's pet shipping services.
Microchipping and Vaccination Requirements
If your pet isn’t microchipped, now’s a good time to do it. No bigger than a grain of rice, these “bio-smart” devices are implanted between your pet’s shoulder blades and contain a unique ID associated with your pet’s name and your contact information. Should you get separated while traveling, a chipped animal has a far higher likelihood of being reunited with its pet parent.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian for this simple procedure before traveling. The cost is generally around $50. While you’re at the vet, ask for copies of your pet's medical and vaccination records. You may be required to submit these, and other documents attesting to its good health.
Once implanted, you’ll need to register your pet’s chip ID, either by mail or online, to complete the process. Companies like HomeAgain offer an easy interface for adding your pet’s microchip information into its domestic database.
Once your pet is chipped, be sure to renew your membership annually, and keep your information current and up to date.
Lastly, microchipping and up-to-date vaccinations might also be a requirement to gain entry into a foreign country. Check your destination’s laws regarding pets and ensure your furry companion has enough medication to last the trip, if necessary.
Review Airline Documentation Requirements
Many airlines require additional information about your pet and how you intend to transport it. Now’s when those “doctor’s letters” become necessary. Many airlines may require the following documentation before granting a boarding pass for your pet:
- A printed and signed acknowledgment that the pet owner is aware of the issues that may arise and risk factors of traveling with a pet.
- A scanned copy of your pet’s health certificate – issued, signed, and dated by a licensed veterinarian who has examined your pet within 10 - 30 days prior to departure. Or, an EU Pet Passport that includes all necessary information.
- A digital photo of your pet, clearly showing its face and physical characteristics, and an accompanying description, e.g., 10-pound calico cat with a stub tail.
- A digital photo of your pet’s travel kennel or carrier.
Also be aware, there are restrictions on certain breeds of dogs and cats who may not be allowed to fly.
Submit these forms to your airline before booking a flight with an animal to ensure you and your pet will be welcomed aboard.
At The Airport with Your Pet
Most airlines request you check in with them early to complete any pre-flight requirements for your pet, such as obtaining special tags for their carriers indicating they’re cleared for take-off.
When heading through the checkpoint, you’ll need to remove your pet from its carrier and keep it leashed and under control during the inspection process. Your pet’s carrier will go through the x-ray machine empty and on its own. Once completed, your animal must be returned to its kennel or carrier and remain there for the remainder of the flight.
On the Plane with Your Pet
During take-off and landings, your pet’s kennel (with your pet inside) must be stowed under the seat in front of you. If you’ve purchased an additional seat, you may place your pet’s kennel here, or on your lap, during the remainder of the flight — with your pet securely inside.
Coincidentally, most veterinarians advise against sedating your animals while traveling, citing the effects of sedatives and high altitude as unnecessary stressors that can harm your pet.
Pet Travel Checklist
Now that you and your furry friend are ready to fly, make the trip enjoyable for everyone. Be sure to pack plenty of goodies and fun stuff to keep your pet calm and occupied. Here's what you should bring:
- Veterinary documentation and pet medications
- ID tags and license
- Pet treats and chews (for their ears)
- A favorite pet toy with plenty of “at home” scents
- Pet supplies, food, water, wipes
- A pre-flight workout (for pups) to ensure comfort during the flight
Need a Passport or Passport Renewal?
Traveling abroad soon? With months-long waits — and recent fee increases, don’t let an out-of-date passport derail your travel plans. Skip’s door-to-door passport renewal service takes the hassle out of renewing your passport, without leaving the house. We can even speed up the wait time when you request expedited service.
Keep apprised of the latest Covid travel restrictions around the world. Download the Skip app for convenience on the go.
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