How do you check in a pet at the airport?

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.




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You will need to check your pet in and pick it up at the cargo facility of your airline which is typically located on airport grounds but not in the airport terminal. Sometimes these terms, checked baggage or air cargo, create a false impression, but both describe humane ways of transporting animals.

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Pets are flown as baggage when you are on the same flight and they are traveling in the cargo hold beneath. This is usually applicable for pets that are medium sized. At all the time during the duration of the flight, your pet will be kept inside the kennel that meets the airline approved size limitation.

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Pets must be checked in at the airport ticket counter, however Customers can still secure their boarding pass online, at curbside check-in, the airport kiosk, or the ticket counter. A pet that engages in disruptive behavior may be denied boarding.

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The X-ray at the security checkpoint is used to screen passengers' personal property and carry-on luggage only. If possible, carry the pet through the walk-through metal detector during the screening process. Alternately, a pet can walk through the screening process if the owner has the pet on a leash.

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Most airlines also require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) issued within 10 days of travel. Federal regulations require pets to be at least 8 weeks old and they should be weaned at least 5 days before flying.

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If possible, carry the pet during the screening process. Alternately, a pet can walk through the screening process if the owner has the pet on a leash. A TSA officer will give the pet owner's hands an explosive trace detection swab to ensure there is no explosive residue on the owner's hands.

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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.


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Your pet dog or cat is secured inside their IATA-compliant crate before boarding the flight. Most airlines ensure your pet boards and disembarks the aircraft on priority.

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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. Pets are required to stay in their carrier throughout your domestic flight, stored under the seat in front of you.

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Generally, airlines charge a pet fee of $100 to $200 each way, but prices will vary depending on where you're traveling and your airline.

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Pets are placed in “hold 5”, at the rear of the plane. It is part of the cargo area underneath the cabin, but it is separated and it is heated. It is kept at the same temperature and pressure as the cabin, since the captain is notified of animals on board, and will make sure of this.

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Detection dogs are used at airports for a number scenarios. They sniff passengers and hand luggage at security checkpoints and if someone reports a suspicious package or incident on a plane, bomb dogs sniff the aircraft, its passengers and its cargo hatch.

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A good way to prepare your dog for air travel is to keep him/her as active as possible up until boarding. That will help your pup burn off energy and anxiety. Resist the urge to give your dog a sedative unless directed by your vet.

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Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog if he doesn't travel well. Strategies to reduce the stress of canine flights include: A Thundershirt® which swaddles the dog much like swaddling an infant and can reduce anxiety. A pheromone calming collar to help lower anxiety.

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Regardless of the type of animal, it must be able to travel in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. All pets must also be at least 10 weeks old for domestic flights, 16 weeks old for flights to the U.S. from another country, and at least 15 weeks when flying to destinations in the European Union.

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It may be hard leaving your dog at a boarding kennel, but most dogs are excited about their stay and see it as a rewarding experience. Many dogs settle into boarding kennels quickly and come home after their adventure happy and tired from plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

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The whole process of flying can be stressful for a dog, but those levels of stress can be greatly reduced with a few simple home comforts and reassurances. Ensuring your flight is a non-stop flight rather than one with changeovers can be a huge benefit to your dog, as can looking to travel at a suitable time.

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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.

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There are three ways you can ship your pet via the airlines:
  1. Your pet can travel on the plane with you (either in-cabin, as accompanied baggage, or as cargo). Your pet will be charged accordingly. ...
  2. You can book your pet on a separate flight. ...
  3. You can have your pet shipped through a licensed commercial shipper.


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