If you have ever needed to travel with your pet, or have your pet come with you on a flight, but you have been worried about the process (or that your pet would have a bad time) we have good news! Many airlines have improved their policies so that our furry friends can travel with us, we are going to tell you everything you need to know so that the next flight with your pet is safe and above all, calm!
Which one is the best airline to travel with pets?
You have to keep in mind that not all airlines have the same policies regarding animals. Some options are much more pet friendly than others. In the United States, the best airlines to travel with pets are the following:
- Delta Airlines: allows dogs and cats to travel in the cabin as long as they have certain size limits, do not worry if they exceed these limits because they are large dogs, they have special programs so that pets that travel in the cargo areas of the planes are comfortable while travelling. They have a real-time tracking program from inside the plane to be able to control the animal.
- American Airlines allows pets in the cabin as long as the carrier fits under the traveller’s seat. In addition, they have a customer service so you can ask them all the questions you need to resolve your doubts about traveling with your pet.
- South West Airlines: this domestic airline is ideal if you need to travel with your furry friend because they accept pets in the cabin (and for a very small fee!). The best thing about this airline is that its policies are direct and simple.
- Lastly, JetBlue stands out with its JetPaws program with which offers rewards and a travel guide for pet owners! Its policies make travelling with these pets much more comfortable in the cabin.
The rules of each airline
So, you’re going to travel with your pet. The most important thing and the first thing you should know is that each airline varies in travel policies, so before booking a flight with your pet, make sure you check basic key points such as the size and weight limit of the animal. For example, for travelling in the cabin, the pet transportation that usually fits under the seats generally has approximate measurements of 18 x 11 x 11 and a maximum weight of 20 pounds, but you will have to verify this with the airline you are going to travel with.
You will also have to check the cost of your pet’s ticket and are usually between $90 and $130 per trip.
The required health documentation for your furry friend: they normally request your pet’s passport or vaccination records to make sure that it is healthy (and that, for example, it does not have rabies or will infect other animals).
Prepare for the trip.
Before the trip, you will have to make sure that your pet is physically and emotionally prepared to travel on a plane.
The steps before the flight are, as always, to visit the vet to confirm that your pet is up to date with its vaccinations. If necessary, request a health certificate stating that everything is OK. (This document will be requested especially for international flights)
If your animal has never been in a pet transportation, a couple of weeks before the trip, put it near it so that it can sniff, get inside, play or sleep. In this way, you will make it feel that this object is a safe and familiar place for it to spend the hours of the flight.
Finally, do a little exercise or play with your pet before flying so that it is calm during the flight.
Does your pet not like flying?
- First of all, you will have to stay calm. As you well know, your pet feels when its owner is stressed and will also get stressed.
- Do not take the animal out of the pet carrier, because, although it may be tempting, it can create problems with the crew and other passengers.
- Bring food and water during the flight so that it is well hydrated and nourished.
- You have probably been told this, but veterinarians can recommend natural tranquilizers that will make your pet’s trip much smoother!
Although traveling with our pets is easy, the important thing is to prepare well and follow the airline’s rules so that our pet feels as comfortable as it would at home