We only allow service dogs flying with their owners, or service dogs in training who are flying with their trainers, on our flights for free. All other cats and dogs fly as pets.
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For domestic flights, there are only a handful of airlines that allow pets in the cargo hold and therefore alone. The cost of a pet in the cabin is between $90-$125. For the cargo hold, the cost can range from as low as $100 to $1,000. So now you know you can send a pet on a plane without you.
Pets traveling in the cabin need to stay inside a carrier. Carrier requirements may change from airline to airline, but dogs should be able to stand naturally and turn around inside it without touching the sides or top. Can my cat or dog sit on my lap? No.
In general, if your pet carrier (with your pet inside) can fit under the seat in front of you, your dog can ride in the cabin on flights that permit it. Typically, this would be a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.
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.
The simple answer is airlines charge cargo rates for pets and other animals. There are no discounts. Period. No matter how much we pet lovers want to believe our pets are people, the travel and transportation industry classifies them as cargo.
To make a reservation for your pet on Southwest Airlines, call 800-I-FLY-SWA (800-435-9792). Bottom Line: Each pet carrier brought on to a Southwest Airlines flight can contain up to 2 dogs or 2 cats. There is a $95 fee each way per pet carrier.
Flying pets in cargo domestically on a pet-friendly airline, owners can expect to spend an average of $300 for a smaller pooch. Bigger breeds will cost up to $1,000. On top of the cargo fee, owners must also ensure they purchase an airline-approved cargo carrier, which can be an additional $100+.
Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel with you in-cabin under the seat in front of you. All pets must be carried in an appropriate carrier, as indicated below. Pets are not allowed to travel in-cabin on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight.
So long as your dog is crated, many airlines, such as Alaskan or American Airlines, allow large dogs to be checked baggage. As the pet owner, you will bring your dog to check in as you would normally with your other bags, and then they will be weighed and moved like the rest of your bags.
We only allow service dogs flying with their owners, or service dogs in training who are flying with their trainers, on our flights for free. All other cats and dogs fly as pets. Any other type of animal needs to stay at home.
Line the carrier with an absorbent “puppy potty pad” in case your dog needs to urinate or defecate during travel. Carry extra pads as well as a couple of plastic zip-lock bags, some paper towels, and a few pairs of latex gloves for any necessary cleanup and containment of a mess.
The simple answer is yes, you can send your pet on a plane without you. But the more detailed answer is a bit more complicated. When it comes to transporting a pet internationally, most airlines let you send them in the cargo hold.
Dogs must stay in their carriers while at the airport unless they are using a pet relief area. If the airport does not have pet relief areas, you and your dog will have to leave the airport and return through security.
The main benefit of air travel is that it's much faster for your pet to get to their destination. The cons of flying could include the cost of bringing your pet on a plane, the stressful experience of the flight, the possible separation of your pet, and the extreme conditions your pet may endure in cargo.
You will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to travel and some airlines require an acclimation certificate. Both of these certificates can only be completed and signed by a federally accredited veterinarian.
On by-the-seat flights, pets under 25 pounds can sit in a carrier on their owner's lap for a pet fee of $95. For dogs heavier than 25 pounds, the owner must purchase an additional seat. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
With that said, assuming your dog or cat is in very good health (as confirmed by your licensed vet) and assuming you properly prepare your pet for cargo travel (i.e. ensure he or she knows how to eat and drink from the kennel's bowls), cargo travel should be a safe travel option for your four-legged family.
Can I buy a seat for my dog on United Airlines? Yes, if you're traveling with an additional pet. United will let you buy an extra seat if you're traveling with more than one dog – you'll need to buy an extra ticket for the pet and pay an additional $125 each way. Read more detailed info here on flying with your dog.