Rules and Charges While Flying With Pets on a Plane

1. Cabin/Cargo

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If your pet can fit under the seat along with its carrier then it’s perfect! It can fly with you in the airplane cabin. Also, it should not weigh more than 20 pounds and you can’t book/buy an extra seat for a bigger pet.

For bigger pets, you have to carry them as shipping cargo, such as checked luggage. However, the Humane Society of the United States recommends pets to fly in the cabin with the passenger for safety reasons. And, some airlines don’t allow pets to transport as cargo due to this reason. Airlines like JetBlue Airways and Southwest allow only in-cabin flights for small pets like dogs and cats.

2. Crates

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Every airline has their detailed requirements for the box in which your pet rides. These are either crate carrier or kennel. Generally, it is recommended a large space so that your pet can stand up and turn around inside. Animal experts suggest training the pet to the crate before flying to reduce their stress.

3. Charges

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• Air travel with pets can cost you a hefty amount in some airlines. Some of the biggest domestic airlines charge up to $125 each way for in-cabin pets. Also, you might have to pay to check your carry-on bag as your pet will be counted as carry-on baggage.
• Flying a pet as cargo will cost you even more than in-cabin. You may have to pay up to $200 in some airlines for pets to be checked as luggage.
• Additional charges may include the expense of a pet carrier and a recommended preflight veterinary visit.
• Flying with pets is more complex when you are traveling internationally. It requires more planning and documentation. Connect with your airline for more details on how to fly with pets. 

Here are more details regarding additional fees and restrictions on the airlines while flying with pets.

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Alaska: You can fly with your pet as checked baggage or ship your pet as cargo. However, the airlines may refuse an animal to fly with in an extreme outdoor temperature.

American: You can travel with your pet in American airlines as checked baggage for $200 each way only if the ground temperature is not below than 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Delta: Ship your pet (cat/dog) as cargo to make them travel with you in Delta Airlines. The ground temperature should not cross 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

United: Ship your pet as cargo by taking them to a separate cargo location. It will cost you around $338 per trip. Your pet must meet certain requirements to fly in United flight. Also, you need to take care of traveling month as certain seasons have restrictions to fly with pets.

Please note that the traveling fee of the pets tends to vary according to the airline and the size of the pet. Don’t forget to take all the pet documents while traveling with them. Book cheap air tickets at EaseMyTrip to have an awesome experience of flying with pets.