Flying with your Dog: The airlines and what you should know
Almost every week, there is a report in the media that a passenger was not allowed to bring his or her dog on board the plane. In some cases, the dog could not even be shipped because the crate was the wrong size or the wrong fabric. Almost all airlines have their own rules regarding pets, crates, and carriers. Because there are no universal guidelines on how to fly with your pet, this can be very infuriating for the traveler. Hence, here we provide you basic details on how to fly with your dog. Of course, before any travel with a dog, it is vital that you speak to the airline directly because the rules are forever changing. This article does not deal with service animals (will appear later on our website).
What is an in-cabin dog?
An in-cabin pet is a dog that is domesticated and suitable to fly in a carrier. However, the carrier has to be fit below the seat or space in front of you. No matter what breed of dog you bring, the minimum age required for travel is 16 weeks (4 months). An adult has to accompany the pet; a minor or an individual under the age of 16 cannot bring an in-cabin dog. At all times, the dog must remain in the space in front of you. You cannot remove the dog from its crate/carrier for the duration of the journey.
Do airlines allow all breeds of dogs as in-cabin pets?
No, some breeds like the Cane Corso, pitbull, rottweiler, etc are not permitted to fly as in-cabin pets. You have to consult with the airline prior to departure to determine if your breed is allowed as an in-cabin pet. Every airline has its list of dog breeds that are allowed for travel.
Do airlines usually allow in-cabin pets for all their flights?
The rules governing in-cabin dogs are not set in stone. In general, for international travel and/or flying to Hawaii, the majority of airlines will not allow in-cabin pets. And this is for good reason; the journey is too long for the dog to go without food and not being able to urinate. Keeping a dog enclosed in a narrow space is not only uncomfortable but also stressful.
Can I bring the dog’s kennel inside the cabin?
Yes, many airlines will permit a dog’s crate/kennel inside the cabin but there is a service charge each way. Depending on the airline, the service charge each way will range from $75-$125. If you have a stopover of more than 4 hours, then most airlines will also have an extra service charge.
Do I need any type of documentation when traveling with in-cabin pets?
To ensure the safety of pets and other travelers, there are both state and federal rules and regulations that a pet owner should be aware of: They include the following:
- If you are traveling within the continental US, you must bring the dog’s health certificate and proof of the last rabies vaccine. If your dog has recently received the rabies vaccine, you will not be allowed to travel with the pet for at least 4 weeks.
- For travel to Hawaii or international flights, you have to speak to the airlines as to what additional paperwork is required.
Is there a limit on how many in-cabin dogs one can bring?
In general, the limit is 2 dogs only. For the second dog, the traveler will need to buy an extra ticket and also pay the additional service charge for travel each way.
Is there a size limit for an in-cabin dog?
Yes, the carrier or kennel should be of an appropriate size so that the dog can rest comfortably inside. If the carrier or kennel does not fit underneath the seat or space in front of you, then the dog must be shipped via the special cargo compartment designed for animals. There is a fee for this cargo travel also.
What type of carrier or crate do airlines recommend for in-cabin dogs?
- In general, the kennel or the carrier must be a soft-sided or hard-sided carrier.
- The crate or carrier must fit directly underneath the seat or space in front of you.
- The maximum dimensions for hard-sided kennels should be 12 inches wide x 17.5 inches long x 7.5 inches high. For soft-sided kennels, the maximum recommended dimensions are 11 inches wide x 18 inches long x 11 inches high.
- Airlines do suggest that you select soft-sided pet carriers as they are collapsible and can slide underneath the seat without obstructing other passengers or the aisle.
- Only one pet per kennel is permitted.
- Finally, the dog must be able to stand up and turn comfortably in the carrier. If the airline staff deem that the carrier is too small or too large, they may not permit your pet to fly.
Do I need to book the in-cabin pet trip ahead of time?
Yes, all airlines recommend booking ahead of time: if you show up at the airport ticket counter with your pet without a prior booking, chances are your pet will not be permitted to travel. All airlines do permit pre-booking your in-cabin pet on their website. When you arrive at the ticket counter with your in-cabin pet, an airline representative will inspect and tag your carrier/crate to determine if you have met all the requirements.
Where does one buy airline-approved dog carriers or kennels?
Today, you can buy airline-approved carriers and kennels from Amazon, Walmart, or any pet shop without any hassles. Mind you the carrier you purchase should be waterproof, have a breathable wall and a comfortable base; some may also have a dog bowel and a water sipper. All the in-cabin dog carriers come with straps so that they can be carried on the shoulder. Some even come on wheels which makes it easy to move the carrier around. All dog carriers pre-approved by the airlines are safe and can be reused for many trips in the future.
What about traveling with a pet during the covid era?
So far, there are rules regarding pet travel and covid. The currently available vaccines are only for human use. But airlines are known to be very finicky and it is best to call them and find out what rules they have in place. There are already many reports of passengers not allowed to fly with their pets during the present time. If all this sounds too much of a hassle, travel by car or stay at home.