Can I bring my pet on a plane?

Almost everyone prefers to fly with their pets when traveling with a concerned airline, so they often ask, "Is it allowed to bring my pet on the plane?" Answering this question is quite complicated because it depends on various factors, so consumers face issues finding an appropriate answer. Read ahead to find all the necessary information about pet travel with an airline, including the eligibility criteria, ticket cost, kinds of pets allowed to travel, etc.

Can I take my pet with me on a plane?

Most airlines generally allow passengers to bring their pets on their flight journey. However, whether your pet can travel with the respective airline depends on multiple factors, such as the kind of pet you own, its age and weight specifications, and the destination you are flying to. Generally, dogs, cats, and domestic birds are allowed to fly with their owner during the flight journey.

How much does it cost to take a pet on a plane?

The pet travel fee varies from airline to airline and is also based on the type of animal you are carrying, the flight class you have opted for, the destination and route of your flight, and other factors. The pet travel fee ranges from $100 to $200 on average each way. However, the charge you must pay for your pet journey may exceed the specified fee range, primarily if you selected an international flight. For detailed information, visit the website or contact the technical team of the concerned airline. 

Which airlines allow pets?

As a responsible and intelligent consumer, you should know which airline allows the pet to travel with them. Most airlines, especially the most renowned and used ones, will enable the pet to journey with them. These airlines include United Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta Airlines, Lufthansa Airlines, Air Canada, and many more. You can approach their customer service or visit the respective airlines' websites for explicit information about their pet travel.

Can I buy my dog a seat on a plane?

Most airlines do not allow passengers to reserve a seat for their pets on domestic or international flights. According to their pet travel policy, your pet should stay in the kennel or carrier throughout the flight journey. However, some airlines may allow you to buy a seat for your pet and charge an additional fee also.

What pet travel policy do you need to follow to fly with an airline?

Knowing about the respective airline's pet policy is crucial for hassle-free and comfortable pet travel. This policy decides various vital things, such as whether your pet can fly with the respective airlines, what kind of pets are allowed inside the cabin, etc. Refer to the pointers below to learn the critical components of this policy. Every airline has a different set of rules and guidelines for pet travel, so please ensure to visit the respective airline's website for accurate information.

• One passenger can carry at most two pets for domestic flights and one for international flights.
• Most airlines allow dogs, cats, and domestic birds on their flights, irrespective of their weight or breed.
• The pets should stay in the pet carrier/kennel throughout the flight journey, placed under the seat in front of you.
• Moreover, the pet kennel should be well-ventilated, and comply with the measurement guidelines of the concerned airlines.

What documents are required to carry your pet on a plane?

The document requirement for pet travel varies from airline to airline. Moreover, it is based on multiple factors, such as whether the country you are flying to has strict pet rules, what kind of pet you are flying with, etc. Generally, most airlines request the passengers to bring the following documents for pet travel approval: (i) Vaccination certificate and (ii) Pet health approval letter. A certified veterinarian should provide both of these documents at the latest.

How old should your pet be to be approved for flight travel?

Besides all the above-listed information, you should also know how old your pet should be to be qualified for flight travel. The pet age limitation varies from airline to airline and animal to animal. Generally, dogs and cats should be at least two months old for their domestic flight travels, and for international flights, they should be at least four months old. For service animals and domestic birds, the age restrictions may vary.