Even with the most pet-friendly airlines, there are still many restrictions around a pets size and how free (or confined to the kennel) they can be when traveling within the main cabin. 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. AirlineRatings.com was launched in 2013 and rates the safety, in-flight product and COVID-19 compliance of 385 airlines using its unique seven-star rating system. Delta's carry-on pet fee is $95 each way for flights to and from the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. What sorts of limits are there on allowing pets in lounges? Because of a lack of under-seat storage, American does not allow carry-on pets to fly in first or business class on some planes. Thats no longer the case. Only one pet is allowed per kennel. Are dogs allowed in cargo/checked baggage? 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. Note, too, that most airlines will not allow these dogs to travel in cargo. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. Spirit allows up to two pets in each carrier, so long as they fit comfortably. $95 for tickets issued on/after Feb. 28, 2022. Number of pets allowed per passenger: If pets were allowed in the main cabin, how many you can bring? But at least if youve got quite a menagerie to transport, its possible. 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. Many airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin as a carry-on, so long as they stay inside a carrier thats small enough tofit under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. A lot has changed since weve last been able to travel freely and frequentlyCOVID-19 restrictions have had a major impact on air travel, and many of us have adopted pets to keep us company during quarantine. Fees to transport pets as Alaska pet cargo vary by route and your pets size and start at $250. $60 within Hawaii. Hard-sided, non-collapsible kennels cant exceed the under-seat dimensions of any aircraft on your journey. SpiritAirlines only allows six total pet carriers per flight, so its best to add a pet to your reservation as early as possible. Health and vaccine requirements: Your dog will need ID tags and a pet license. Exotic pets such as snakes, spiders, rodents, etc. Pets of larger size/weight will be carried in the cargo hold. Refunds, accessibility and ease: Were pet fees refundable? With your pet inside, the kennel cannot weigh more than 70 pounds. As those warnings suggest, air travel is most likely to be challenging for older dogs or those with an underlying medical condition, impaired immune system, or heart condition. The animal must have room to stand up and turn around inside the kennel, and United only allows one pet per kennel. For a safe and comfortable journey for . Is there a fee to travel with your pet? Will pet handlers be able to let your dogs out for a relief stop or exercise before boarding? Your pet must be 16 weeks old if traveling to the U.S. from another country and must be at least 15 weeks old when traveling to the European Union. Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. 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. Traveling with children Unaccompanied minors Pets Carry on or transport your pet Depending on animal breed and size, they can travel as a carry-on or be transported through American Airlines Cargo. The carry-on pet fee for flights to and from Brazil is $75 each way . How much does it cost to bring pets in the main cabin? Check with your airline to confirm specific requirements. Let the 80/20 rule guide you. Yes: $99 each way. Hawaiian allows one adult dog or cat per kennel, or up to two puppies or kittens of the same breed or litter that are between eight weeks and six months old. Jet-setting pet parents know just how heartbreaking it feels to leave a belovedfurry friend at home while traveling. NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539, NMLS Consumer Access|Licenses and Disclosures, California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812, Property and Casualty insurance services offered through NerdWallet Insurance Services, Inc. (CA resident license no. Beyond that, pets are not permitted to fly as checked baggage from April 15 to October 15 on flights to or from San Jose International Airport, Sacramento International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Eachpet-friendly airline has differentand, at times, confusingpolicies about the types of animals allowed on planes, where they can spend the flight, which destinations theyre allowed to travel to, and what time of year they can fly. Are there other restrictions on pets in the cabin? Only one other airline, Southwest, scored a 3 and everything else fell below that. $100 (per carrier, with up to 2 per carrier). 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. Yes, dogs are allowed to fly in cargo. These breeds can run into respiratory challenges in increased temperature or humidity. Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Know what youre getting into before planning a flight with a pet. Pets are permitted only in the cabin, not checked as baggage. United Airlines. Their owners must care for them during any layovers. With the pet inside, the carrier must weigh 40 pounds or less. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention About pet crate The Alaska pet policy lets you bring up to two pet carriers in the main cabin, but that gets pricey as youll have to purchase the adjacent seat too. Your pet will need to stay in his carrier at all times in the airport and on the airplane. You'll find lower pet fees at brands like Delta, Southwest, Frontier and Alaska. Unfortunately, they have not allowed PetSafe reservations since March 2020. 1. These carriers should be secure, padded, water-resistent, and have ventilation on at least two sides. Frontier doesnt often win many awards, but it does handle pets better than many other airlines. We recommend our users to update the browser. A non-refundable fee of $50.00 per segment per carrier will apply for all pets. 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. Alaska was the best of the bunch, but even animal travel on Alaska has limitations. Written with additional research by Ramsey Qubein. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=38cf8a01-c7b4-4a61-a61b-8c0be6528f20&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "38cf8a01-c7b4-4a61-a61b-8c0be6528f20" }).render("6ea159e3e44940909b49c98e320201e2"); }); Start early, because while you may find unbelievably cheap airfare for yourself, the pet fees could be twice as much. NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. Like most airlines, your pet carrier also counts toward your carry-on bag allotment, so plan to check bags or pack light. Members ofTrueBlue, the airlines reward program, can earn 300 extra points for each segment their pet flies with them in the cabin. They must be at least 16 weeks old. Southwest has long been considered one of the most flexible airlines out there. Veterinary experts say that short-nosed animals commonly have abnormalities that can compromise their breathing, according to Alaska. Guests can bring up to two pets per carrier, but may only bring one carrier on the plane. Pets in cargo: Spirit does not transport pets in cargo, so pet parents with larger dogs are out of luck with this airline. Heres more on that: If flying is definitely the way forward for you and your pup, make sure to set aside time to gather the necessary paperwork, get your dogs medical records up to date, and fulfill any other requirements. Yes: one pet carrier is allowed per guest, with up to two pets per carrier. Thats because all airlines limit the overall number of pets allowed in the main cabin and cargo. The carrier must be placed below the seat in front of you for takeoff and landing, but you can keep your friend (in their carrier) on your lap during the flighta big departure from other pet-friendly airlines. 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. Here are the primary factors we considered: Cost for main cabin: How much does it cost to bring pets in the main cabin? Pets are not allowed inMint, which is JetBlues premium cabin. The Department of Transportation ( DOT) has rules (14 CFR part 382) (PDF) that require airlines to allow passengers to fly with their service animals in the cabin on all U.S. airlines. Thats due to a December 2020 ruling from the U.S. Department of Transportation that eliminated a requirement that airlines allow emotional support animals free of charge. Frontier is a great airline to fly for more than just cats and dogs. 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. Are dogs allowed in the cabin? 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. Pets on Southwest are accepted on a first come, first served basis and are not permitted to travel internationally. Check with your airline before boarding. Flying, even on our highly ranked airlines, can be annoyingly uncertain. Is there a fee to travel with your pet? No, you can't be sure. By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. On American Airlines flights, thecompany allows seven total carry-on kennels. 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. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Carry-on pets are limited to cats and dogs that meet the size, age and destination requirements. Even with the cheapest fare class, you can change your flight at no cost (aside from the fare difference). Currently, at least two Indian carriers -- Air India and Akasa Air -- permit passengers to carry pets onboard. Is there a fee to travel with your pet? No more than one dog or one cat can be transported in the same kennel if theyre going in cargo. Or, you can go to My Trips to add a pet to an existing trip. United can ship cats and dogs using their PetSafe program. Yes: $125 for carry-on, $200 ($150 for Brazil) for Military checked pet, and prices vary based on size and destination for cargo. Like most airlines, your pet carrier also counts toward your. Delta, for example, allows small dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in the cabin inside a small, ventilated. Your pet carrier will not count toward your carry-on baggage. Most airlines also require proper vaccines. So how do we make money? Stress associated with flight can make those conditions worse.. For example, Alaskas first-class cabin can accommodate only one pet carrier per flight, and the main cabin accommodates up to five. Some only require it for cargo, but not main cabin flying. Yes: $100 each way to travel in both cargo and the cabin. The definition of a poorly behaved pet can be subjective, but most airlines outline growling, excessive whining or barking, or urinating or defecating in the cabin or gate area as reasons. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. Frontier also wont let your pet fly in the baggage compartment or cargo (main cabin only) and the pet must remain underneath your seat. Always confirm space is available before booking your own seat, as you dont want to deal with the headache of canceling should there be no room for your pet. Injuries, deaths or lost pets: We looked at Department of Transportation data from June 2021 to May 2022 for reports of deaths, injuries or losses of pets shipped via cargo. There may also be specific check-in requirements at your departure airport. If you must fly with a pet, but the restrictions feel burdensome, consider skipping the commercial aircraft entirely. I love Parks & Rec-- my dog's name is Leslie Knope. Twitter: @SAFmedia. Together, your pet and his kennel must weigh 25 pounds or less. Are brachycephalic dogs allowed in cargo/checked baggage? Every year millions of animals travel safely and securely by air. Meghan Coyle started as a web producer and writer at NerdWallet in 2018. See below for our airline-specific information on flying with dogs. No. As people around the world start to travel again, dog owners should be aware that many airlines have changed their rules on pet travel during the past year. 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. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. Home and decor enthusiast with work published in Real Simple, InStyle, Food Network Magazine and others. There is no one-size-fits-all approach toflying with pets. Pettravel in the cabin: American Airlines only allows dogs and cats totravel in the cabin. Here are a few road bumps to watch out for: Even on the best airline for flying with pets, Alaska, its not a guarantee that your pet can fly. Plus, Alaska will transport not just dogs, cats, birds and rabbits in checked baggage or cargo, but also ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs and tropical fish. The embargo applies to all live animals transported in cargo under the PET product code throughout the domestic and international network. The airline does not ban any specific breeds, however, it strongly discourages travelers from checking pets that are short-nosed, or brachycephalic. The average pet fee across airlines is $113 airlines typically charge from $95 to $125 each way per pet. Pets on Southwest travel for $95 per carrier, each way. Yes, on all domestic flights and some international ones. 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. We're moving more pets every week as airlines begin . She loves fitness, and her travels have included cycling up the coastline of Vietnam and over the sea ice in the Arctic Circle. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a degree in journalism. 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. Dogs, cats, rabbits and household birds. Please refer to the below CDC web pages for the details on countries and restrictions. 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. Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020. The kennel counts as your carry-on bag, meaning you can only bring one small personal item in addition to your pet. They must be at least 8 weeks old, healthy, meet weight restrictions (less than 100. Hawaiian asks travelers with pets in the cabin to check in one hour before general check-in. In winter, try to book flights in the middle of the day. Though air travel is sometimes unavoidable, it can take a toll on dogs health and emotional wellbeing. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. Alaska Airlines is the best airline for traveling with a pet. 2 (Only one pet per carrier. Health certificates are required for dogs in both the cabin and cargo. Currently, at least two Indian carriers - Air India and Akasa Air - permit passengers to carry pets onboard. Here's a more complete listing of airlines' pet policies, using these considerations: cost per pet, allowed in cargo or cabin, size restriction. Are there other restrictions on dogs in cargo? Other major airlines, including Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines, never accepted pets in cargo. AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. Yes, on domestic flightsbut not on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight. They do not allow pets as checked baggage, which means any pet that cant fit in your carry-on cant fly. Domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters or small household birds. Siberian Airline Passengers Survive Harrowing In-Flight Mishap. She covers travel rewards, including news, airline and hotel loyalty programs, and how to travel on points. Then, on the day of the flight, travelers must go to the ticket counter at the airport to check in their pet and pay the fee. Yes, on domestic flights only, and provided that they are at least eight weeks old and weaned. 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. This will count as one of your carry-on items. You can travel with two pets, but you must book and pay for the second seat and pet fee). 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). However, United also caps the total number of pets that can ride in each cabin (premium or economy) based on the type of plane. If youre bringing your dog into the cabin, the carrier will count toward your carry-on baggage allowance on most airlines. 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. Yes: depending on the flight, theres a maximum of five or seven kennels allowed on the plane, excluding service animals. COVID. We analyzed nine U.S. airlines on 12 variables to find the most pet-friendly airlines. 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 . Health certificates are required for international flights. If your pet is too large to fit in an under-seat carrier, he will need to stay home. All rights reserved. In the cargo compartment, pets face a variety of health risks. The price for traveling with a dog or cat is $125 per kennel for domestic travel, and $200 if youre going abroad, although right now theyre only accepting pets from the U.S. due to COVID-19 restrictions. If pets were allowed in the main cabin, how many you can bring? Plus, beyond fees, youll likely also incur a bunch of paperwork and phone calls before your pet can fly. In addition, many airlines limit the number of pets allowed on each flight. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. 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. Alaska also limits the number of carriers onboard per flight: three in first class and eight in the main cabin. Are dogs allowed in cargo/the baggage compartment? Its also a good chance to check whether there are any regulations you might have missed. Yes: $110 per pet container, each way. Is there a fee to travel with your pet? You cant sit in the first row or exit row when traveling with your pet, and pets must remain in their carriers at all times. Also review the pet regulations at your destination, as many international locales, and even some domestic spots like Hawaii, have strict rules and procedures for bringing pets with you. Because of their cargo policies, transparent information, and fairly low cost, Alaska Airlines comes in at No. The weight of your pet and the carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds to fly in the cabin. Fewer airlines will transport your pets in cargo or checked baggage, Other reasons airlines might not let your pet fly. Yeson all domestic flights, plus flights to/from the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Only animals traveling with U.S. State Department Military or Foreign Service on active duty can travel in cargo. 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. The pet fee is $125 per pet each way. Senior Writer | Travel rewards, point and mile valuation, data analysis. Even thoughSouthwest Airlines has an open seating policy for passengers, travelers with pets may not sit in the emergency exit seats or in rows without under-seat storage in front of them, such as the first row. 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. When determining which flight to book, carefully read each airlines pet rules for non-emotional support, non-service dogs and cats to ensure you and your furry friend have the smoothest experience possible. 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. JetBlue even has a limited quantity of pet carriers you can purchase at the airport ticket counter for $55. At certain levels of heat and cold, dogs may not be allowed to fly in cargo or checked baggage. However, shortly after takeoff, a cargo ramp at the rear the . JetBlue, for example, requires travelers to pay for a second seat (and pay a second pet fee) to bring two pets onboard the plane at the same time. You will be charged the cargo rate, which is considerably more than excess baggage. No. One pet is permitted per kennel, with some exceptions for puppies. Pets in cargo: United does not allow pets to fly in the cargo hold. If they do, they will very likely charge a fee to have Fido on board. Her work has been published in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Washington Post. Unfortunately, the airline has not accepted any pets to travel via cargo since April 2020. Also, your animal must be able to move around inside and fit comfortably, without protruding from or touching the sides. Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old beforeflying in the cabin, and these types of pets can accompany travelers on domestic trips, as well as flights to or from the Dominican Republic and Mexico. The carrier, with your pet inside, must weigh 20 pounds or less and will count as your personal item. $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 . But Southwest scored some extra points in our rankings because it has many ways to reserve your pets spot, including via Facebook and Twitter. 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. Pets are not allowed on international flights, and birds and rabbits are not permitted to fly to or from Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. 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. There will be no need to use the restroom during the flight because the cargo compartment's lights will be turned off. The lounges, which are accessible to passengers with certain levels of, or people who purchase a separate membership, accept quiet service animals and pets in carry-on kennels. Try to find direct flights whenever possible. Make sure to check well in advance, gather the relevant records, and leave time to make appropriate arrangementsand to check any regulations for the journey home, too. The IATA Live Animal Regulations is the standard for transporting live animals by commercial airlines. Yes, as long as theyre at least eight weeks old and weaned. Additionally, pets may not be checked in cargo on many flights between April 15 and October 15 every year, and pets are not allowed to travel as checked baggage or cargo if the temperature is below 20F or above 85F at the origin, destination, or connection airport. 4 (if you purchase an adjacent seat, otherwise two). Yes: $125 each way. The amount of pets permitted per flight varies depending on the aircraft, up to a maximum of four.