You are flying soon and you are bringing your precious pet with you. Is your airline pet-friendly? Let’s find out.
Many airlines offer pet-friendly services, allowing passengers to travel with their furry companions. Here is a list of some pet-friendly airlines along with details about their services:
1. American Airlines
- Cabin Travel: Small pets (cats and dogs) can travel in the cabin on most flights within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
- Cargo Travel: Pets too large for the cabin can travel in the cargo hold through American Airlines Cargo.
- Fee: $125 per carrier for cabin travel.
- Restrictions: Pets must fit in a carrier under the seat and be at least 8 weeks old.
2. Delta Air Lines
- Cabin Travel: Small cats, dogs, and household birds can travel in the cabin.
- Cargo Travel: Larger pets can travel via Delta Cargo.
- Fee: $125 for U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico; $200 for international travel.
- Restrictions: Carrier must fit under the seat; pets must be at least 10 weeks old.
3. United Airlines
- Cabin Travel: Small pets can travel in the cabin on most flights within the U.S. and international destinations.
- Cargo Travel: Larger pets can travel through United PetSafe.
- Fee: $125 per carrier for cabin travel.
- Restrictions: Pets must fit in a carrier under the seat and be at least 4 months old for international travel.
4. Southwest Airlines
- Cabin Travel: Small cats and dogs can travel in the cabin on domestic flights.
- Fee: $95 per carrier.
- Restrictions: Carrier must fit under the seat; only six pets allowed per flight on a first-come, first-served basis.
5. JetBlue
- Cabin Travel: Small pets (cats and dogs) can travel in the cabin.
- Fee: $125 per carrier.
- Restrictions: One pet per passenger; pets must fit in a carrier under the seat and be at least 8 weeks old.
6. Air Canada
- Cabin Travel: Small cats and dogs can travel in the cabin.
- Cargo Travel: Larger pets can travel in the cargo hold.
- Fee: $50-$59 for cabin travel within Canada/U.S.; $100-$118 for international flights.
- Restrictions: Carrier must fit under the seat.
7. Alaska Airlines
- Cabin Travel: Small pets can travel in the cabin on most flights.
- Cargo Travel: Larger pets can travel in the cargo hold.
- Fee: $100 per carrier.
- Restrictions: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and fit in a carrier under the seat.
8. Lufthansa
- Cabin Travel: Small dogs and cats can travel in the cabin.
- Cargo Travel: Larger pets can travel in the cargo hold.
- Fee: €50-€110 for cabin travel depending on destination.
- Restrictions: Pets must fit in a carrier under the seat and weigh no more than 8 kg (including carrier).
9. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Cabin Travel: Small cats and dogs can travel in the cabin.
- Cargo Travel: Larger pets can travel in the cargo hold.
- Fee: €75-€200 depending on the destination.
- Restrictions: Pets must fit in a carrier under the seat and weigh no more than 8 kg (including carrier).
10. British Airways
- Cabin Travel: Only service animals allowed in the cabin.
- Cargo Travel: Pets can travel via British Airways’ cargo service, IAG World Cargo.
- Fee: Varies based on the route and pet size.
- Restrictions: Pets must meet specific health and documentation requirements.
11. Qatar Airways
- Cabin Travel: Only service animals allowed in the cabin.
- Cargo Travel: Pets can travel in the cargo hold.
- Fee: Varies based on route and pet size.
- Restrictions: Pets must meet specific health and documentation requirements.
12. Emirates
- Cabin Travel: Only falcons and service animals allowed in the cabin.
- Cargo Travel: Pets can travel in the cargo hold.
- Fee: Varies based on the route and pet size.
- Restrictions: Pets must meet specific health and documentation requirements.
13. Turkish Airlines
- Cabin Travel: Small cats, dogs, and birds can travel in the cabin.
- Cargo Travel: Larger pets can travel in the cargo hold.
- Fee: $70-170 depending on the destination.
- Restrictions: Pets must fit in a carrier under the seat and be at least 10 weeks old.
14. Singapore Airlines
- Cabin Travel: Only service animals allowed in the cabin.
- Cargo Travel: Pets can travel in the cargo hold.
- Fee: Varies based on route and pet size.
- Restrictions: Pets must meet specific health and documentation requirements.
15. Virgin Atlantic
- Cabin Travel: Only service animals allowed in the cabin.
- Cargo Travel: Pets can travel in the cargo hold.
- Fee: Varies based on route and pet size.
- Restrictions: Pets must meet specific health and documentation requirements.
Other airlines offering pet-friendly services
- Air France
- Cabin: Small dogs and cats.
- Cargo: Larger pets.
- Fee: €30-€200.
- Japan Airlines
- Cabin: Small dogs and cats on domestic flights.
- Cargo: Larger pets.
- Fee: Varies.
- Cathay Pacific
- Cabin: Service animals only.
- Cargo: Pets.
- Fee: Varies.
- Qantas
- Cabin: Service animals only.
- Cargo: Pets.
- Fee: Varies.
- Air New Zealand
- Cabin: Service animals only.
- Cargo: Pets.
- Fee: Varies.
General Tips for Traveling with Pets:
- Advance Booking: Always book your pet’s travel in advance as airlines have a limited number of pets allowed per flight.
- Carrier Requirements: Ensure that the pet carrier meets the airline’s specifications for size and type.
- Health Certificates: Many airlines require a health certificate from a vet issued within a certain timeframe before travel.
- Arrival Time: Arrive early at the airport to allow time for pet check-in procedures.
- Hydration and Comfort: Keep your pet hydrated and comfortable, especially on long flights.
Conclusion
Each airline has specific policies and fees that may vary depending on the destination and type of service (cabin or cargo). Always check with the airline for the most current information and specific requirements before booking your pet’s travel.