Flying with Pets: Tips and Airline Comparisons
Overview:
Traveling with pets can be a challenging experience. Your furry companions often find themselves confined to a carrier beneath the passenger seat while surrounded by unfamiliar noises and movements. Airlines typically charge upwards of $100 for this service, and not all carriers permit pets on every route or aircraft.
To help navigate this, we evaluated the pet policies of major U.S. airlines, focusing on those catering to pet owners traveling with small dogs and cats in the main cabin.
Methodology
We assessed nine major U.S. carriers:
- Airlines Evaluated: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines.
Criteria for Evaluation:
- Pet Transport Availability: Availability of pet travel on domestic routes.
- Fees: Cost analysis for pets flying in the cabin.
- Species Acceptance: Accommodation of various small animals.
- Policy Clarity: Consistency and transparency of pet policies.
- Booking Experience: Ease of booking pet travel.
Each airline received a score out of 60 points based on these factors.
Best Airline for Pets: Alaska Airlines
- Score: 57/60
- Fees: Starts at $100 each way, among the lowest.
- Policy Details: Accepts dogs, cats, and rabbits in the cabin. Carrier dimensions must be within 17″ long x 11″ wide x 9.5″ high. Allows two pets of similar size in one carrier.
- Booking: Requires a call or chat to make pet reservations (not available online), which can be a hassle.
A Close Second: Hawaiian Airlines
- Score: Comparable to Alaska.
- Fees: $100 each way for pets in the cabin (reduced from $125).
- Limitations: One pet carrier per passenger, and each carrier can only include one adult pet.
- Booking: Requires calling to reserve.
Budget Pick: Frontier Airlines
- Score: Strong showing due to low fees and straightforward policies.
- Fees: $99 each way, the lowest available.
- Species: Accepts a wider variety of pets, including small household birds.
- Booking Experience: Offers online booking options, a significant advantage.
Other Tips When Traveling with a Pet
- Confirm Species Acceptance: Check if the airline allows specific breeds and species.
- Understand Temperature Restrictions: Airlines impose limits to safeguard pets during extreme weather.
- Book Early: Due to capacity limits for pets on flights, reserve your pet’s spot as soon as possible.
- Measure Your Pet Carrier: Ensure it meets the airline’s size requirements.
- Consult Your Veterinarian: Discuss best practices for flying with your pet, including the use of familiar items in the carrier.
By considering these factors and selecting pet-friendly airlines, you can make traveling with your pet a smoother experience.
