Traveling with Pets: A Comparison of Airline Policies for the Major Airlines
Traveling with pets can be stressful, especially when you're flying. It's important to research the policies of the airlines you're considering to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for you and your pet. In this blog post, we'll compare the policies of five major US airlines: Alaska, Delta, Southwest, American, and United, and provide helpful resources to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines allows dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds on their flights as both carry-on and checked baggage. However, they do not allow pets to travel in the cargo hold. The cost of bringing a pet on board is $100 each way, with a limit of one pet per customer. The pet must be able to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you, and the carrier dimensions cannot exceed 17" x 11" x 9". Additionally, the combined weight of the pet and carrier cannot exceed 150 pounds. Alaska Airlines requires a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin, and proof of rabies vaccination is required for all pets.
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Delta
Delta allows dogs, cats, and household birds on their flights as both carry-on and checked baggage. They also allow some breeds of dogs to travel in the cargo hold. The cost of bringing a pet on board varies by destination, and there is a limit of one pet per customer. The pet must be able to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you, and the carrier dimensions cannot exceed 18" x 14" x 8". The combined weight of the pet and carrier cannot exceed 50 pounds. Delta Air Lines requires a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin, and proof of rabies vaccination is required for all pets.
Helpful Resources:
Southwest
Southwest Airlines allows dogs and cats on their flights as both carry-on and checked baggage. They do not allow pets to travel in the cargo hold. The cost of bringing a pet on board is $95 each way, with a limit of one pet per customer. The pet must be able to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you, and the carrier dimensions cannot exceed 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5". The combined weight of the pet and carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds. Southwest Airlines requires a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin, and proof of rabies vaccination is required for all pets.
Helpful Resources:
American Airlines
American Airlines allows dogs and cats on their flights as both carry-on and checked baggage. They also allow some breeds of dogs to travel in the cargo hold. The cost of bringing a pet on board is $125 each way, with a limit of one pet per customer. The pet must be able to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you,and the carrier dimensions cannot exceed 19" x 13" x 9". The combined weight of the pet and carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds for cabin travel and 100 pounds for cargo travel. American Airlines requires a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin and cargo hold, and proof of rabies vaccination is required for all pets.
Helpful Resources:
United
United Airlines allows dogs, cats, and household birds on their flights as both carry-on and checked baggage. They also allow some breeds of dogs to travel in the cargo hold. The cost of bringing a pet on board varies by destination, with a limit of one pet per customer. The pet must be able to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you, and the carrier dimensions cannot exceed 18" x 11" x 11". The combined weight of the pet and carrier cannot exceed 16 pounds for cabin travel and 165 pounds for cargo travel. United Airlines requires a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin and cargo hold, and proof of rabies vaccination is required for all pets.
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When it comes to traveling with pets, it's essential to know the policies of the airline you're flying with. Each airline has its own rules and regulations, including fees, carrier dimensions, weight limits, and required documentation. By doing your research and following the guidelines, you can ensure a safe and stress-free journey for both you and your furry friend. Remember to always double-check with the airline before booking your flight, as policies may change without notice.
