Find pet-friendly airlines and tips for flying with furry friends

Increasingly, special days were introduced to honor animals. Established in 1931, World Animal Day aims to celebrate animal life in all its forms and humanity’s relationship with the animal kingdom. October 4th was chosen because it is the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Colleen Paige, animal rights activist and expert on pet and family lifestyles, founded National Pet Day in 2006 to celebrate the joy pets can bring us.

And now there’s National Love Your Pet Day, celebrated on Sunday February 20th – a time to pay special attention to pet lovers, whether furry or feathered, scaly or hairy. Bring them special treats, take extra long walks, give them more attention.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), not only can pets steal our hearts, but they also contribute to overall cardiovascular health by lowering cortisol, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.

We are increasingly bringing pets with us when we travel. Next Vacay experts reveal that searches for pet-friendly airlines have increased significantly over the past 12 months, with searches for “Southwest Airlines Pet Policy” (+1,750%), “United Airlines Pet Policy” (+850%) and “pet policy.” from American Airlines’ (+550%).

“We found that there was one 600% increase in searches for “airlines allow pets in the cabin” in the last 12 months,” says Naveen Dittakavi, Founder and CEO of Next Vacay.

But which airlines treat your pets best? Here is a sample of Policies that are of course particularly subject to change during this time of health issues:

Alaska Airlines

The airline has one of the lowest pet fees ($100) and flexible policies. A customer can travel with a maximum of two pet carriers in the main cabin only if the adjacent seat is booked by the same customer. Up to two pets of the same species and similar size can travel on the same airline.

Pets allowed in the passenger cabin are dogs, cats, rabbits and domestic birds. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and used to eating solid food and have done so without breastfeeding for at least five days.

American Airlines

Before Covid, pets were allowed to fly in the cabin with their owners as long as they were kept in a small underseat pet carrier throughout the flight. On long-haul flights, pets must be checked in as cargo. Find out about current Covid restrictions.

The cost per pet is USD 125. Pets can be transported in a stretcher that must fit directly under the front seat. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and weigh 20 pounds combined. Travelers may travel with their pet carrier and one personal item, but are not allowed to bring carry-on baggage in addition to a pet carrier and one personal item. Instead, the kennel replaces your hand luggage.

delta

Small dogs, cats, and pet birds can travel in the cabin for a simple fee payable at check-in. They must fit in a small, vented pet carrier that fits under the front seat. Pets in cabin cabins count as one carry-on bag. In addition to the kennel, travelers are allowed to bring one personal item on board the aircraft. Delta Airlines pet pricing varies from $125 to $200 depending on the destination.

JetBlue

Small dogs and cats can be transported in the cabin (except in Mint) in an FAA-approved pet carrier that fits conveniently under the front seat. The price per pet is $125 and they are only allowed in the cabin. Travelers new to flying with pets can join JetBlue’s JetPaws, which provide owners with tips and tools they need for traveling with their pet. It’s a free program and customers can earn 300 JetBlue points every time they fly with their pet.

Travelers can keep their dogs on their laps during the flight and buy a ticket for the seat next to them, where they can place their dog’s carrier.

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Here is a more complete list of airline pet policies with these considerations in mind: Cost per pet, allowed in cargo or cabin, size restriction. Rules are subject to change, so check before ticketing.

american airlines, $125, freight only, all kennels: 19″ x 13″ x 9″

United Airlines, Cabin: $125 both, Hard Kennels: 17.5″ x 12″ x 7.5″; Soft Kennels: 18″ x 11″ x 11″, Cargo: No boxes larger than 30″

Delta, From $125 to $200; cabin only; 21″x15″x16″

JetBlue; $125; cabin only; 17″x12.5″x8.5″

Allegiant Airlines, $100; cabin only; 9″x16″x19″

frontier airlines, $99; cabin only; 10″x16″x24″

alaska airlines, $100; Both: Hard kennels: 17″ x 11″ 7.5″, Soft kennels: 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″; Cargo: 30″ x 27″ x 40″

hawaiian airlines, Cabin: $35 – $175; Freight: $60 – $225; Both: Soft Kennels: 16″ x 10″ x 9.5″, Cargo: 36″ x 24″ x 26″ or 40″ x 27″ x 30″, depending on aircraft

south west airlines, $95, cab only, 18.5″ x 8.5″ x 13.5″

spirit airlines, $110; cabin only; 18″ x 14″ x 9″

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And if you do decide to fly with your pet, remember these basics to keep things running smoothly for all of you:

Talk to your vet

Before you book your flight and pack your suitcase, be sure to go for a veterinary check-up to make sure it’s safe to travel and to make sure you’re aware of any special needs, such as pets. B. sedatives, are aware.

Meet the criteria of the relevant airline

Each airline has different specifications for traveling with a pet, so make sure you do your research before booking your ticket to find the best option for your furry friend.

Find the right carrier

On most short-haul flights, pets can stay in the cabin with their owners under the front seat. Check the airline porter size requirements to determine the size and type of porter you are allowed. Your pet carrier also becomes your carry-on, so try to find one with extra compartments to store all the essentials you need for your trip.

Bring essentials with you

Make sure you bring the right snacks for your furry counterpart. Although they cannot get free refreshments, packing your pet’s favorite treats will make your pet’s flight more comfortable.

Have correct, up-to-date documentation

Whether it’s a pet passport, vaccination or health certificate, being well prepared will make traveling with your pet smoother. A health certificate shows that your pet has all vaccinations and vaccinations and can safely travel in the cabin.