Can I buy my cat a seat on a plane?

Even though you can't buy an extra seat for your cat, you'll still have to make a reservation for it. Several of the biggest airlines in the U.S. charge $125 each way for an in-cabin cat. However, fees are somewhat less on other airlines, like Southwest Airlines ($95) and JetBlue ($100).



People Also Ask

Usually dogs are only allowed to fly in the cabin—known as carry-on pets—if they can comfortably fit in a carrier that you can stow under the seat in front of you. A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet.

MORE DETAILS

Many airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin as a carry-on, so long as they stay inside a carrier that's small enough to fit under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. Southwest, Alaska, United, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Frontier are some of the airlines that allow pets as carry-ons.

MORE DETAILS

Though your cat may not be happy with plane travel, there are ways to keep your cat calm during a flight.
  1. Choose a Comfortable Cat Carrier. ...
  2. Train your Cat to Like the Carrier. ...
  3. Try Using Pheromones to Calm Your Cat. ...
  4. Prepare for Security Checks. ...
  5. Consider Putting Your Cat in the Cargo Area.


MORE DETAILS

These short-headed brachycephalic cat breeds are more prone to respiratory problems in general; adding the stress and anxiety of air travel can make breathing even more difficult. Additionally, pressure changes at altitude can hurt cats' ears, similar to how your own ear might pop, says Dr. Smith.

MORE DETAILS

Most of the time, cats travel quite well without the need for medication. Some cats, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your cat if she does not travel well.

MORE DETAILS

Undeniably, cargo is the more dangerous option for pet travel. The safest way for any animal to fly is in the cabin as carry-on luggage, provided that's an option.

MORE DETAILS

When checking a pet, you need to:
  1. Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel.
  2. Check in at the ticket counter with your official orders.
  3. Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours before your flight)
  4. Complete a checklist with an agent.
  5. Provide a health certificate.


MORE DETAILS

Most of the time, traveling is quite safe for cats. For extended trips that will be a week or longer, traveling with your cat may make more sense than leaving them at home.

MORE DETAILS

You probably have a plan for your own passport, but your animal companion needs one too. All pets traveling to and from the United States need a passport.

MORE DETAILS

For travelers bringing their pets in the cabin, she said, book a window seat, as the pets will be farther from commotion in the aisle. Those seats also may have more space underneath. Thompson said most airlines only allow dogs and cats in the cabin, though some allow birds.

MORE DETAILS

However, some airlines just don't allow pets in the cabin and to ensure that no passengers suffer from an allergic reaction while on board. Airlines must choose to put the needs of their human passengers first.

MORE DETAILS

Window and Middle seats usually have wider space underneath the seat in front of you between their supports. Underneath the aisle seat is typically more narrow. If it were me I would recommend the window seat that way no one will jostle the dog if they get up to use the restroom during the flight.

MORE DETAILS

At the time you book your trip, call the reservations number of the airline (in-cabin and checked baggage) and tell them that you will be traveling with an animal. In many cases, you cannot book your pet's reservation online.

MORE DETAILS

Sedation carries various risks and is not recommended for pets during air travel. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), sedating cats or dogs during air travel may increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems.

MORE DETAILS

“Because dander is so small and sticky, it attaches itself to clothes, furniture, air and airplane seats. The confined space of a plane could definitely pose a hazard for patients with cat allergy,” Jacobson says, adding that wiping down your seat is a good idea.

MORE DETAILS

As long as your kitty stays in the kennel, there's nothing you can do if your cat starts meowing. Call the airline about their pet policy so you won't get a big surprise. You vet can also prescribe a mild sedative to help your cat relax a bit.

MORE DETAILS

Strategies to de-stress cat road trips include:
  1. A Thundershirt® which swaddles the cat much like swaddling an infant and can reduce anxiety.
  2. Feliway® pheromone wipes and spray can be used to prepare the carrier and can help to lower anxiety.
  3. A pheromone calming collar can contribute to reduce anxiety.


MORE DETAILS

With some research and preparation, both you and your kitty can fly safely and in comfort. The rules are much the same as when flying with a dog, but as with canines, you should still talk with your vet and your airline ahead of time.

MORE DETAILS