Improving Relationships Between People and Pets!

Airline Policies for Pet Travel

The information in the following chart was taken from the websites of various airlines and was current as of 8/20/2008. Rates apply to domestic travel only and apply to one-way travel. Double these costs for roundtrip travel. Baggage rules are complicated and this chart is a simplification. Rates change. For the most accurate information, you should phone the airline and get confirmation of your luggage entitlements and what the additional fees might be shortly before your flight.

When traveling by plane, plan to visit your veterinarian before your trip. Certification of health must be provided no more than 10 days before travel. Rabies and vaccination certificates are also required. Your dog should be at least 8 weeks old and weaned.

Airlines make it clear that it is the owner's responsibility to verify the dog's health and ability to fly. Also be sure to check the temperature of the flight's starting point and destination; it may be too hot or too cold to be safe for your dog.

Federal regulations prohibit shipping live animals as excess baggage or cargo if an animal will be exposed to temperatures that are below 45°F or above 85°F for more than four hours during departure, arrival, or while making connections. (Some airlines have additional temperature regulations for snub-nosed dogs such as Pugs and Boston Terriers.)

Remember that each airline has its own variations on regulations and services. For example, if your crate doesn't meet its requirements, the airline may not allow you to use it. They may, however, allow your dog in the passenger cabin if your crate or carrier fits under the seat in front of you.

When making your reservations, you must make reservations for your dog. There are restrictions on the number of animals permitted. They are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

For the latest information on personal baggage fees and restrictions, and other travel information from the AKC click
here.
Carrier
Allow Small pets in cabin (under seat)?
Allow Pets as Excess Baggage?
Fee for baggage
Allow Pets as Cargo?
AirTran
Yes -- $69 each way
No
NA
No
Alaska
Yes -- $100 each way
Yes
$100 each way
Yes. Cost varies depending on size of kennel and distance.
Yes--$100 each way

 

Yes (Restrictions apply)
$150 each way
Yes. Cost varies depending on size of kennel and distance.
Yes--$125 each way
No
NA
Yes.  Costs vary depending on size of kennel and distance.
Delta Airlines
Yes--$150 each way
Yes
$275 each way
Yes.  Cost varies depending on size of kennel and distance.
Frontier Airlines
No
Yes (Summer embargo applies to some markets)
$100 for small/ medium kennels; $200 for large each way
No
Hawaiian
Yes -- Fees vary
Yes
Varies
Yes.  Cost varies depending on size of kennel and distance.
Yes--$100 each way
No
NA
No
Yes--$100 each way
Yes
$100 each way
Yes. Restrictions apply
Yes--$80 each way
Yes
Varies
Yes.Cost varies depending on size of kennel and distance.
No
No
NA
No
Yes -- $85 each way
No
NA
No
Yes--$125 each way
Yes (Embargo
June 1-Sept. 30)
$125 for small/
medium kennels; $250 for large each way
Yes. Cost varies depending on distance and size of kennel.
Yes--$100 each way
Yes -- nonstop US Airways Shuttle flights in the BOS/DCA/LGA markets only
Call for information
No

(Effective Oct. 1, 2005)

 

No
No
NA
Yes -- call for information

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Copyright © 2001-Present - All Rights Reserved Rolan Tripp, DVM and Susan Tripp, MS  | Animal Behavior Network & Affiliates