In the United States, more than 2 million pets travel by air each year. Yet, pet
travel by air is a bit more complicated than you may think.
Every airline has a different pet policy,
which means the requirements and prices range. Before you can plan your trip
for you, it’s smart to plan how your pet will get there.
For instance, you may be forced to take a
specific airline, and the fee to bring your pet may end up being more expensive
than your ticket. Having this information beforehand can help you plan your
budget and itinerary to make your travel experience as seamless as possible.
We have compiled a guide to help you learn how
much traveling with your furry companion by air costs, so keep reading
below.
What Airlines Accept Pets?
Not all airlines accept pets, so this will
already limit your travel options. However, most major airlines do accept pets,
with significant restrictions, fees, and requirements.
To be the most successful with your pet
travel, plan your trip way ahead of time.
American Airlines
American Airlines does accept pets on board,
but only as an in-cabin pet, as they do not allow pets in the cargo hold. You
can only travel with a cat or dog, and the pet combined with their pet carrier
cannot exceed 20 pounds.
You must book the pet’s flight with a travel
agent beforehand. You cannot book it online. When you arrive for your flight,
you must check in with the travel agent and pay the pet fee before boarding
your plane.
American Airlines charges a standard $125 fee
per pet carrier each way. You can have a maximum of 2 pets onboard.
Because American Airlines only allows seven
pets onboard each plane at any given time, it’s wise to book your pet’s flight
months in advance.
United Airlines
United Airlines has a more flexible animal
policy, allowing you to bring cats or dogs in-cabin or in the cargo hold. This
is a great option if you are traveling with a pet that weighs more than 20
pounds.
For pets that will be in the cabin, they also
charge the standard $125 fee per pet carrier each way. There is an additional
$125 charge for each stopover of more than 4 hours in the United States or more
than 24 hours outside of the United States.
There are no specific weight restrictions, but
the pet and their carrier must be able to fit under your seat.
If you are to bring a larger dog or cat that
will be transported in the cargo hold, you must call the airline for fees and
requirements.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines is another excellent option
when flying with a pet because of their flexible policies.
They allow both in-cabin and cargo-hold pets,
so if you have a larger animal, they can be shipped in the cargo hold. For
prices for animals weighing more than 20 pounds, you must contact a travel
agent at Delta.
If you are traveling with animals that weigh
less than 20 pounds, Delta charges the standard $125 fee per carrier each way.
However, because it is per carrier, they allow you to have multiple animals in
one carrier if they can move around and collectively weigh less than 20 pounds.
This could end up saving you a good amount of
money, especially if you have smaller teacup-sized pets.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest
options when planning your travel with your pet. Like Delta, they allow you to
have multiple animals in your carrier if they together weigh less than 20
pounds.
Their standard fee per carrier each way is
$95, so you could save $30 going with this airline. However, they only allow
in-cabin pets, so if you have animals weighing more than 20 pounds, Southwest
Airlines is not an option.
They also allow only one pet carrier per
person, so if you have two animals that weigh 20 pounds, you’ll need to have
someone else fly with them.
JetBlue Airlines
JetBlue Airlines is another cheaper option,
with their standard fee per pet each way being $100.
However, they only allow you to have one total
pet that weighs less than 20 pounds when combined with their pet carrier.
They also only allow four total pets onboard
each plane at any given time, which has led to them being booked months out. If
you choose JetBlue, you’ll want to make sure your trip is at least six months
down the road.
Traveling With Service Pets
Airline travel with service pets is a much
different experience than with pets that are not certified. Many fees are
waived, which means your travel can be a lot less expensive.
The requirements are also loosened up a bit,
depending on your situation. For instance, if you have a dog that is more than
20 pounds, you may be able to have them in the cabin with you if they are
certified as a service pet.
The laws, requirements, policies, and fees are
often changing, so it’s best to check in with your airline to see exactly what
they allow in regards to service animals.
If you’d like to look into certifying your pet
as a service pet, check out https://my.americanservicepets.com/.
Use This Guide to Plan Your Pet Travel by Air
Your pet is your best friend, so it makes
sense that you want to travel with them. It may be necessary due to work, or
perhaps you’re moving.
Whatever the case, knowing pet travel by air
costs can help you plan your trip successfully and bring your pet along on your
adventures.
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