Preparing Your Pet for Air Travel: Tips and Tricks

Dropping the plan because your pet will be all alone and you can’t take him with you! Don’t worry, now you can definitely travel with your pet by air to almost any destination across the world. After all, as along with humans, now pets are also traveling in the flights. However, you also have to understand and conform to the policies airlines have stipulated regarding pet travel by air. It’s absolutely imperative for you to make sure that whenever you plan to fly with your pet, it doesn’t cause any inconvenience to other people on the plane. For this reason, it is better if you are aware of some crucial tips on how to fly with pets on a flight.

It is true that pets have the privilege to fly with the family, some of the complications in the whole process are still there. That is to say, it is not that easy as adding an extra bag of luggage for the trip. It can be quite a stressful experience for anyone planning to travel with a pet on a flight. But, there is nothing to worry about, this article will clear all your doubts and make your trip as joyful as you could have anticipated. So, let’s get started and try to understand all the nuances as well as know what are the pre-requisites of doing so at the present time.

Policies Of Some Of The Major Airlines For Pets

Different airlines have different sets of policies for pets. We have researched a few of them and outlined for you all. Run your eyes through this article to know all the details regarding how to fly with pets.

Delta

The oldest and a reputed airline of the US, Delta airlines, welcomes people traveling with pets with open arms. However, reservation of a separate space is an essential step for availing this service they offer. Spaces are indeed provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. As per their policy, the total number of pets in a single flight should not exceed 10 in number; 2 in first class, 2 in business class and 4 in the main cabin.

Flying with a pet in a cabin: Travelers are allowed to get pets of at least 16 weeks old and can get 2 pets of the same breed which can fit in their crate.
Flying with pet in a carrier: Delta airlines is the most trusted one in shipment of pets as they have veterinarian staff along with well-trained ground handlers.

United airlines

United Airlines being one of the major airlines, has some restrictions when it comes to flying with pets. In other words, you can only carry specific breeds of cats and dogs mentioned in their policy document. It’s equally imperative to confirm your reservation before 30 days of the date of departure.

Flying with a pet in the cabin: Small pets can travel with their owners only if they are in a proper crate. Along with that, a tag from an agent at the time of check-in should be attached to the carrier. The crate must fit underneath the seat of the owner.
Flying with a pet in cargo: United Airlines does not allow pet shipments in the cargo. However, only members of the US military have the permission to transport their pets by adhering to some specific conditions of the company.

American Airlines

American airlines also allow pets to fly with their owners. However, there is a limit on the number of pets passengers can take with them in this airline. Only 7 dogs are permitted to fly with the airlines on a particular flight.

Flying with a pet in the cabin: AA allows pets to fly with their owners inside their cabin. The condition being the total weight of a pet should not exceed 20 pounds and the carrier of the pet must remain under the seat.
Flying with a pet in cargo: American airlines only allows transport of pets of the US military and US state department foreign service personnel in the cargo, that too on official orders.

Southwest Airlines

Only six pets are allowed on Southwest airlines and spots are to be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are traveling on this airline with your pet, don’t forget to book a spot for your pet at least before 30 days of departure.

Flying with a pet in the cabin: Small pets are welcome in their domestic flights. Apart from that, your pet carrier needs to fit under your seat and 2 pets of the same species can be carried in a single carrier.

JetBlue

Along with the size of pets, there is also a limitation on the number of pets you can carry. The airline allows to carry four pets in a single flight as per their policy. However, reservation for the spots should be done as early as possible for securing the confirmation.

Flying with a pet in the cabin: It’s essential for human companions to accompany their pets. Similarly, another crucial thing is that you must be able to fit the pet carrier under your seat. The weight of the carrier must not exceed more than 20 pounds each.

Hawaiian Airlines

This airline allows small pets in the cabin and bigger ones in the cargo. In fact, both cats and dogs are welcome to fly with their owners. Limitations on the number and time of reservation are strictly mentioned as per the policy of the airlines.

Flying with a pet in the cabin: This airline allows small cats and dogs in the cabin. The combined weight should be 25 pounds and the carrier must fit underneath your seat.
Flying with a pet in a cargo: As a checked luggage, cats, dogs and household birds are welcome on the flight. The combined weight must be less than 70 pounds. In case the weight of a pet exceeds the limit, it will require to transport him to the cargo department.

Some more tips about how to fly with pets every air traveler needs to take note of are detailed below. Most importantly, it’s your duty to make sure that your pet should be comfortable to fly and in good health. Therefore, you it’s absolutely necessary that you do not overlook the points we are mentioning below.

Visit the vet: Always consult your vet before you plan to fly with your pet. This will ensure that your pet is in the pink of health and will help you anticipate all the problems coming in the way of your travel.
Reserve the spot early: We would like to reiterate this again, many airlines have rules of flying with a limited number of pets. Therefore, decide accordingly and reserve the spot for your pet well in advance.
Fly nonstop: Try booking direct flight and prefer to travel during weekdays. After all, this will ensure that fact that your pet faces less issues and you both reach your final destination sooner.
Get a carrier: Most of the airlines allow pets in the cabin only within the carriers. This makes is essential for you to check all the details beforehand and buy pet carriers accordingly.
Crate train your pet: Flying is obviously a challenging a task for these fur babies. Moreover, things can get worse if you fail to train your pets properly. In other words, train them early enough so they feel comfortable enough within the crate space.

Tips To Travel With Your Furry Friend Through Airports

For a smoother travel experience with your furry friend, here are some invaluable tips to make them airport ready.

Prepare the carrier: Pack some food and water for your pet. To reduce the nervous energy, play with your pets is always a great thing to do before reaching the airport.
Arrive early: We will recommend you to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours earlier before your flight. Perhaps this will help you a great deal and give you ample time for acquainting your pet to a new environment. Check for a pet relief area before the flight and take them for a walk.
Check the airline guidelines: Always read the rules and policies of the airlines carefully to be on the safer side. In fact, doing this will guarantee that you prepare well whenever you plan to fly with your pet.

Takeaway

To conclude, we can say that following these tips will help you and your pet in familiarizing with the environment. At the same time, you’ll learn about the set of rules you need to adhere to which will eventually prevent any further hindrances in your travel experience. A majority of domestic flights offer you a chance for a pet friendly travel.

On the contrary, only a limited number of flights are available which allow civilians to travel with their pets internationally. This of course makes it important for you to plan beforehand and decide the course of your journey. If booking international flight tickets to India from the US, go through all the airlines’ policies in detail to avoid any confusion. For further help, related to flight booking and other information, feel free to contact FlightsToIndia.