Introduction
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or taking your first trip, flying can be stressful. And if you’re bringing along your furry friend, it’s important to know the ins and outs of air travel with pets.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about flying with a dog, from which airlines allow pets on board to how to prepare your pup for the journey.
By the end, you’ll be ready to book that ticket with confidence – and Fido will be one step closer to enjoying his very own vacation.
Can I Buy a Seat for my Dog on a Plane?
Yes, you can buy a seat for your dog on a plane. In fact, many airlines allow dogs to travel in the cabin with their owners, as long as they meet the requirements for doing so.
Each airline has its own rules and regulations for flying with a dog, so it’s important to check with your carrier before booking your flight.
There are a few things to keep in mind when flying with your dog. First, make sure that your pet is comfortable with flying.
Second, you’ll need to make sure that your dog is properly trained before bringing them on board an aircraft.
Finally, remember that flying can be stressful for both you and your pet.
Airline Policies Regarding Animals on Planes
American Airlines
Pets are welcome on American Airlines flights, but there are a few things to keep in mind before booking a ticket for your furry friend.
First, only small cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin, and they must be able to fit comfortably in a carrier that can stow under the seat in front of you.
There is a limit of one pet per passenger, and you’ll need to pay a $125 fee each way. Service animals (including emotional support animals) fly free of charge.
Delta Air Lines
Pets are welcome on Delta Air Lines flights, but there are a few things to keep in mind before booking a ticket for your furry friend.
First, only small cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin, and they must be able to fit comfortably in a carrier that can stow under the seat in front of you.
There is a limit of one pet per passenger, and you’ll need to pay a $75 fee each way. Service animals (including emotional support animals) fly free of charge.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Airways welcomes small cats and dogs in the cabin on most flights, with some exceptions for very long flights or those departing from certain airports.
Your pet must be able to comfortably fit in an approved carrier that can stow under the seat in front of you, and there is a limit of one pet per passenger.
You’ll need to pay a $100 fee each way. Service animals (including emotional support animals) fly free of charge.
United Airlines
United Airlines allows small cats and dogs in the cabin on most flights within the U.S., subject to some restrictions for specific routes or airports.
Your pet must be able travel comfortably in an approved carrier that can stow under the seat in front of you, and there is generally a limit of one pet per passenger although more may be permitted on select flights operated by United Express partners .
A $125 fee each way applies , although this may be waived for service animals (including emotional support animals).
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines welcomes pets onboard most flights , with some restrictions for specific aircraft types or routes .
Small cats and dogs can travel with you in the cabin if they remain inside an approved carrier that fits completely under the seat in front of you at all times; larger pets will need to ride as checked baggage .
Only four pets total are allowed per flight – two pets carried on board by passengers , plus two more as checked baggage – so plan accordingly if traveling with multiple companions.
Fees start at $100 one-way for carry-on pets , or $25-$50 when travelling as checked baggage depending on route.
As always , service animals ( including emotional support animals ) fly free of charge .
Elite Airways
Small animals may ride in a seat-mounted carrier that is no larger than 16x17x8 inches. For safety concerns, large pets must remain on the floor and require the purchase of an additional seat. Small animals can travel in a cabin with you for $19 roundtrip.
French bee
French Bee only allows service animals in the cabin and they must be booked through their Reservations Department at least 48 hours prior to travel.
The animal must have all required vaccinations and a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian dated within 10 days of travel that states the animal is free from contagious or infectious diseases.
The transportation of animals under 8 weeks are prohibited.
The fee for bringing a service animal aboard is €50 each way.
Tips for Traveling with Your Animal on a Plane
Booking your flight
When you book your flight, be sure to specify that you will be traveling with a pet so that the airline can make the necessary accommodations. You will also need to provide proof of vaccination and a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian.
Some airlines may require additional documentation, so it is important to check with the airline in advance.
At the Airport
Be sure to arrive at the airport early so that you have plenty of time to check in and get through security. When you check in, be sure to let the agent know that you are traveling with a pet so they can mark your ticket accordingly.
You will also need to show your pet’s vaccination records and health certificate. Once you have passed through security, find your gate and wait for boarding to begin.
During the Flight
During the flight, keep your pet in its carrier under the seat in front of you at all times. If your pet is small enough, you may be able to hold it on your lap during takeoff and landing.
Be sure to give your pet plenty of water during the flight, and take it for a walk during layovers if possible.
FAQs
Q: What airlines will let me buy a seat for my dog?
Answer: Airlines that permit pets in the cabin typically allow small dogs and cats. However, there are a few airlines that make exceptions for larger breeds.
For example, JetBlue and United Airlines will allow animals that fit comfortably in a kennel under the seat in front of the customer to travel in the cabin with their owner, as long as the animal is at least eight weeks old.
Q: How big can a dog be to fit under an airplane seat?
Answer: The maximum dimensions for a pet carrier allowed in the cabin are typically 17” L x 12.5” W x 8.5” H, or 45 cm x 32 cm x 21 cm.
Q: Which airline is most pet friendly?
Answer: There is no definitive answer to this question since policies and procedures vary among airlines.
That said, many people believe that JetBlue is one of the most pet-friendly airlines because they do not charge pet fees (with the exception of service and emotional support animals).
Q: Which airlines allow large dogs in cabin?
Answer: As mentioned above, some airlines make exceptions for larger breeds of animals. JetBlue, for example, allows animals that fit comfortably in a kennel under the seat in front of the customer to travel in the cabin with their owner, as long as the animal is at least eight weeks old.
Q: How much is a pet flight ticket?
Answer: The cost of bringing your pet on a plane will vary depending on the airline you are flying with and other factors such as whether or not your animal needs its own seat. The average fee of different airlines starts from $50-$150 each way.
For example, Delta charges $125 per kennel (up to $200 for international flights) plus a $75 fee if your animal needs its own seat in addition to the kennel fee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to buy a seat for your dog on a plane, but there are some restrictions and fees that apply. After researching various airlines, it appears that each airline has different rules and regulations regarding flying with a dog.
Some airlines allow dogs in the cabin for an additional fee, while others do not allow dogs on the plane at all. It is important to research the policies of the airline you are flying with before making travel plans with your pet.
Above mentioned tips in this blog post will help make traveling with your pet a smooth and stress-free experience.