Everything You Need to Know About Traveling with a Pet by Plane

There are a lot of reasons to travel by plane. Either you want you to spend your holiday in a new and refreshing place or you have to move for a job, traveling by plane is the obvious choice. But what if you have a lovely pet? What happens then?

If you’ve decided to take an animal under your care, from that moment on, it becomes your responsibility until you or your pet leaves this world. So, you can’t abandon it or leave it with somebody else, you are in this together.

There are a lot of options for taking your pet with you while traveling, but only if you care enough. Our furry friends deserve our care and attention, and no price is too high when it comes to them.

Now, if you decided to travel by plane and you simply won’t leave without your beloved pet, sit tight and pay attention. In today’s post, we’re presenting you everything you need to know about traveling with a pet by plane.

Traveling with Small Pets

The rules for traveling by plane with small and large pets are a bit different, meaning that if your pet weights up 20 pounds or less, you can bring your furry friend in the cabin with you. Of course, this is not as easy as it sounds. There are rules to follow in this case and several restrictions. But, if you manage to meet them, you can enjoy the flight with your bestie.

Restrictions

Firstly, if you’re your pet happens to be younger than 16 weeks, be aware, as some airports have age restrictions. In this case, you may not be able to take your pet in the cabin with you. You can spare all this trouble by making a call to the airline first and ensure that everything will go as planned.

Registrations

As you must register yourself to travel by plane, you must do the same with your pet. Most airlines demand a phone call before a pet seat gets booked. The earlier you announce them the better. Otherwise, the pet spots might be already filled by the time you call.

International Travel

If you fly internationally, the rules change. This means that most airlines are not allowing you to transport your pet in the cabin. They must go in the cargo hold. But of course, there can be exceptions, so call the airline and find out.

Fees

You didn’t expect your pet to fly for free, did you? As stated above, no price should be too high for our friends. The fee figures around $95 to $150 for one way, which should be just fine if you’re not planning to come back any time soon.

Paperwork

An airport is not a place for preparing the paperwork, so you’d better have it done ahead. Each airline has its own rules, and they can change them any time. Some don’t require the pet’s vaccination and health records, while others require to check 2 hours prior to the flight. Either way, you’d better have them with you just in case something unexpected happens during your trip.

Carriers

Carriers must be TSA-approved and are very much required if you want to be able to take your pet in the cabin with you. As well, make sure that the carrier fits the airline size restrictions, that it can fit under the seat in front of you, and that it is well ventilated. And don’t forget that the carrier counts as a personal item or carry-on bag!

When you purchase a carrier, think in terms of quality. As an A-grade student, I never choose cheap writing services to get past the critical deadlines. I expect the best for myself, so I add a little extra budget. If I invest a bit more, the results are always better.

It works exactly the same with your pet’s carrier. Your companion’s journey is surely difficult. Make sure you make it a little easier by buying a high-quality carrier!

Check-In

Traveling in the cabin with your pet requires you to check in with him. You’d better save some time for the check-in, as you can’t do it online.

Security

Remember that only the carrier goes through the x-ray machine and not your pet too. You and companion will go together through security. Once you’ve passed, you can put your pet back in the carrier.

On-Board

While on board, there’s no way you’re allowed to remove your pet from the carrier. He must always remain there. Period. Otherwise, there’s a lot that can go wrong.

Behavior Rules

If your pet presents signs of aggression to anyone from airline staff to other travelers, the airline has the right to deny you to board along with your pet. Rules are rules.

Traveling with Larger Pets

If your furry friend is larger than 20 pounds, unless it is a service or emotional support dog, he must travel all the way in the cargo hold. Before you book your flight, ensure that the airline offers this option for larger pets. Having your pet traveling in the cargo hold means that you’re not allowed to see him during the flight.

Booking

First, you must check if the airline allows pet traveling in cargo and book the flight once you’re sure. Second, there’s a big chance that you won’t be able to book your pet via cargo sooner than 2 weeks before the flight. Most airlines have this policy.

Crates

During the flight, your pet must travel in well-secured crates. Make sure your companion can move freely and that it can sit and stand without his ears touching the roof. Make sure you provide a strong and safe crate and ensure that the crate meets the requirements for cargo travel.

Paperwork

Of course, your pet’s documents vary according to the place where you are and the place you’re going. That’s why you must do your research accordingly. Be aware as some airlines might need your pet’s health and vaccination records 10 days prior to the flight.

Restrictions

The same as the small pets, there might be restrictions if your pet is younger than 16 weeks. Besides the small pets, concerning the dogs, there are some breed restrictions. For instance, breeds with breathing and aggression problems.

Fees

The price for a one-way flight is a bit more expensive compared to the smaller pets, starting at $200.

Pick-Up & Drop-Off

Having your pet travel via cargo requires you to leave him at the special location with at least 2 hours before the flight. After the flight, you can meet your friend at the cargo location.

Conclusion

Traveling with your pet by plane is surely not always convenient. However, it’s far from impossible. If you truly need to move your furry friend along with you, you’ll definitely find a way to do it.

Your beloved companion deserves your attention and care, so always make sure you can improve its transportation conditions by providing the best carry and a lot of affection before and after the flight!