If you are planning a long-distance journey with your dog and want to minimize travel time, booking a flight may be a safer option compared to driving across the country. Statistically, flying is considered safer than driving, making it a viable choice for pet owners looking to save time during their travels.
If your dog is small enough to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you, you have the option to bring them with you in the cabin during a flight. However, there are certain procedures and guidelines you need to follow. Here are some important points to consider:
- Notify the airline in advance: Inform the airline that you will be traveling with a pet and inquire about their specific policies and procedures for traveling with a dog in the cabin. Keep in mind that there is usually a pet fee, typically around $100 each way.
- Book early: Since airlines have limited space for pets in the cabin, it’s advisable to book your flight and make the necessary arrangements as early as possible.
- Size restrictions: There is no universal rule for which dogs can be carried onto a flight. The determining factor is usually the size of the animal’s carrier and how well the dog fits inside it. Each airline has its own maximum dimensions for carriers, and these dimensions may vary depending on the type of aircraft used for your journey. Make sure your dog’s carrier meets the airline’s requirements for under-seat pet carriers.
- Additional requirements: Airlines have various rules and regulations regarding vaccinations, health certificates from a veterinarian, and other necessary paperwork for your dog. Take the time to carefully read and understand these requirements. Schedule a vet visit within the specified timeframe before your trip to obtain the required health certificate.
- Allow extra time for check-in: On the day of travel, allocate sufficient time to check in with your pet. Depending on the airline, you may need to bring your pet to a designated cargo area before proceeding to the passenger terminal for your own check-in. Have all the necessary paperwork readily available and easily accessible.
By following these guidelines and preparing in advance, you can ensure a smoother travel experience when flying with your dog in the cabin.
Should you medicate your dog before flying in cabin?
It is important not to administer sedatives to your dog before flying in the cabin. Sedation can have negative effects on your dog’s heart rate, respiration, and balance. Additionally, most airlines have a policy against accepting pets that have been intentionally sedated.
Flying your dog as cargo
If your dog does not meet the size requirements to travel in the cabin and is not a task-trained service dog, she will need to be transported in the cargo hold. The cargo hold is a pressurized and temperature-controlled area designated for live animal transportation.
However, it’s important to note that not all planes are equipped to transport live animals, and space in the cargo hold may be limited. Each airline has its own policies and restrictions for transporting larger pets. For instance, Alaska Airlines in the United States allows larger dogs to be transported as “luggage” in the temperature-controlled section of the cargo hold for a fee of $100 each way. American Airlines only accepts checked pets for active U.S. military members, while all other large dogs must be transported through American Airlines Cargo, which tends to be more expensive, sometimes exceeding the cost of the passenger’s ticket. United Airlines no longer transports pets that do not meet the requirements for in-cabin travel.
It is crucial to check with the specific airline you plan to fly with to understand their regulations and procedures for transporting larger pets in the cargo hold.
If your dog does not meet the size requirements to travel in the cabin and is not a task-trained service dog, she will need to be transported in the cargo hold. The cargo hold is a pressurized and temperature-controlled area designated for live animal transportation.
However, it’s important to note that not all planes are equipped to transport live animals, and space in the cargo hold may be limited. Each airline has its own policies and restrictions for transporting larger pets. For instance, Alaska Airlines in the United States allows larger dogs to be transported as “luggage” in the temperature-controlled section of the cargo hold for a fee of $100 each way. American Airlines only accepts checked pets for active U.S. military members, while all other large dogs must be transported through American Airlines Cargo, which tends to be more expensive, sometimes exceeding the cost of the passenger’s ticket. United Airlines no longer transports pets that do not meet the requirements for in-cabin travel.
It is crucial to check with the specific airline you plan to fly with to understand their regulations and procedures for transporting larger pets in the cargo hold.
Importance of Early Planning
Proper planning is crucial when it comes to flying with your dog. It’s important to conduct thorough research and plan ahead to avoid any complications. Coordinating a significant relocation can be challenging, so being well-prepared is essential. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the rules, regulations, and complexities of flying with your dog, it may be beneficial to enlist the services of a reputable pet relocation company. These professionals specialize in pet transport and can guide you through the process, ensuring the safe transportation of your furry friend from Point A to Point B during your move. For more information about working with a pet relocation company, you can visit the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association.
If you decide that flying is not the best option for your dog, you can explore alternative methods such as driving long-distance. Check out our guide on “Driving Long-Distance With Your Dog” for valuable tips on ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for your canine companion.
