Important Information You Need to Know Before Flying with a Dog

flying with a dog

If you’re one of the two million people who will fly with their pet this year, you’re going to need some pointers.

Did you know you may need your dog’s shot record and a certificate from your vet stating your pup is healthy to fly? You’ll also need to make sure your pup’s tags and/or microchip are up to date in case they get lost. Yes, airlines lose pets the same way they lose baggage.

Flying with a dog can be stressful for you, your pup, and your seatmates. But it doesn’t have to be! If you’re prepared, both you and your pup can fly the friendly skies with ease.

In this article, we go over everything you need to know if you’re planning to fly with your dog.

Flying With a Dog Under the Air Carrier Access Act

There is a lot of discussion right now on what service dogs the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) protects.

The ACAA allows service animals trained to perform tasks, work, or assist someone with a disability. It includes any animal trained to provide emotional support to someone with a disability. Airlines may need documentation if you’re flying with an emotional support or psychiatric service animal.

Airlines determine if an animal is a pet or legitimate service animal using the following criteria:

  • Verbal assurances of a passenger using the animal.
  • Physical indicators like a harness, patch, tag, or vest.
  • Documentation proving they’re a psychiatric or emotional support animal.
  • Watching the animal’s behavior.

Airlines can request specific documentation and/or 48 hours advanced notice for psychiatric and emotional support animals. If you have a disability and need a service animal to assist you, speak to your vet, caseworker, or attorney about your specific situation.

Airlines Who Are Pet-Friendly

There are plenty of airlines who are pet-friendly for a fee. However, you don’t have to pay a fee for service animals protected by the ACAA. Your puppy has to be at least eight weeks old and weaned for five days, but airlines can impose other age restrictions.

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Some of the friendliest and welcoming airlines for traveling with your dog are:

Allegiant Air – $100 fee per carrier per flight. There’s a two-dog per carrier limit. Carriers must be soft-sided and leakproof and fit underneath the seat in front of you. Pets aren’t allowed on flights to/from Alaska or Hawaii.

American Airlines / American Eagle – Checked pets traveling in the U.S. are $200 per kennel (100 Lb. weight limit). Pets in carriers are $125 (20 Lb. weight limit) and must fit underneath the seat in front of you. Pets are not allowed to fly when the forecasted temperature is above 85F at any location on the itinerary.

Delta – $125 fee per carrier per flight. Carriers must fit underneath the seat in front of you. Seat dimensions vary on Delta planes, so call to confirm your plane’s seat sizes. Puppies must be at least 10 weeks old to fly.

Jet Blue – Instituted the JetPaws Program where your pet can earn “pet points” when they travel. $100 fee each way per carrier. Including carrier, your dog can’t exceed 20 pounds.

Southwest – $95 fee per carrier per flight. Carriers must fit underneath the seat in front of you.

United Airlines – $125 fee per carrier per flight and the carrier must fit underneath the seat in front of you. Like Delta, seat dimensions vary on United aircraft so check ahead for the seat dimensions for your flight.

US Airways – $125 fee for the first dog. Your dog must be in a carrier that fits underneath the seat in front of you. For bringing a second dog, US Airways requires you to pay for another seat on the flight. You don’t have to pay an extra pet fee.

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Always check around if you’re planning to bring your pet along on your trip. Major airports service more than one airline, so you may have options.

Airlines With Breed Restrictions

Many airlines restrict certain breeds from flying. For example, American Airlines is one of the pet-friendliest airlines, but they restrict snub-nosed dogs from flying in cargo.

American Airlines restricts 20 breeds in all from flying in cargo. These dogs range in size from Shih Tzus to Mastiffs. Check your airline for breed restrictions before booking your air travel.

Airlines Who Won’t Fly Your Dog in Cargo

While most airlines will allow your dog to fly in cargo, some airlines don’t. Here are a few of the major airlines that will not fly dogs in cargo:

  • Frontier
  • Jet Blue
  • Southwest
  • Virgin America
  • US Airways

If you’re flying one of these airlines, be sure your dog and carrier weight less than 20 pounds combined.

Plan Ahead

If your dog isn’t crate-trained, you’re going to want to get that started before your flight. If your pup weighs over 20 pounds, they’ll have to fly in cargo which is nerve-wracking for both of you. The kennel should be roomy enough that your dog can stand up, turn around, and have room to stretch.

A plane is loud with unfamiliar sounds your dog isn’t used to. This can cause anxiety and stress which leads to barking and bad behavior. Take your dog for walks in a busy area with lots of strange and loud sounds to get her ready for her flight.

She should be 100% socialized and ready for anything when flight day rolls around.

If your pup suffers from nervousness or anxiety, talk to your vet about giving your dog pet sedatives over the counter or by prescription.

Day of Travel Tips

There are a few things you can do the day of the flight to make the traveling process more bearable for you and your dog.

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Watch your dog’s food and water intake. Flights get delayed all the time and a 2-1/2 hour flight can double due to unforeseen circumstances. That means, your dog won’t be able to relieve him/herself.

You don’t want them to get dehydrated but you also don’t want any “potty accidents” onboard the plane if you can avoid it. The kennel must have a water bowl attached but be wary of allowing any food inside. Your dog could choke on his food with no one around to help.

Give your dog gets plenty of exercise to wear him out before the flight. The best flight for you and your dog is one she sleeps through.

Before boarding the plane, make sure your dog relieves themselves. Check your airport’s map for grassy areas. If you’re flying with a dog in cargo, make sure they “go” before you check them in.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

If your dog is flying in cargo, make sure you understand the airline’s liability if something should go wrong. Also, check their handling procedures as your dog is your family member but to them, your dog is cargo.

It may seem illogical, but luggage gets offloaded first. Don’t panic when you’re waiting for what seems like forever at the luggage carousel with no sign of your dog. They’re coming!

Travel the World in Luxury and Style

Flying with a dog will take patience, understanding, and cost a few extra bucks. But if you’re going to take your precious pet on an airplane, you now know what to expect.

At Swiss123, we have tips and hacks for all your traveling needs. We know the hottest destinations and the latest travel trends. Before you travel the world, let us help you travel in luxury and style.