Taking your dog with you on a plane this holiday season?
It’s coming up on that time of year again – the holiday season! While we know things may look different this year due to COVID-19, airlines are still open. People are starting to travel again, and sometimes we like to take our pets along with us. Traveling with your dog on a plane takes some preparation, so we hope this article helps!
Not all airlines will allow you to fly with a pet, and they may restrict checking a pet to only cats or dogs. During this unprecedented time, increased flight changes have also had some airlines suspending checking animals. However, they may still allow your pet as a carry-on if it’s small enough. Service animals and Emotional Support Animals are allowed on most airline flights as long as they meet the airline’s requirements.
What are some of the requirements?
You may need some extra prep time to travel with your dog on a plane, but it could be well worth it! Requirements and restrictions can vary between different airlines, so please contact your carrier of choice when you make your reservation. If you’re checking your dog or if they are your “carry on” item, there may be extra charges – plus the airline will want to notify you if there are any changes in your reservation that will affect traveling with your dog.
Here are some common requirements/restrictions whether you check your dog or carry them on:
- Most dogs have to be of a certain age before they can travel and up to date on shots.
- A vet’s clearance within a certain amount of time before your trip will be required. This can be for the day you travel, as well as the return date so make sure your clearance covers both dates.
- There can be set months of the year dogs aren’t allowed to fly due to temperature restrictions. There can also be temperature restrictions for days outside of these set months (for heat and cold) which can affect your travel plans.
- You need to check with your destination for their requirements or restrictions to make sure your dog can go there. Some may not allow carry-on animals, some may not allow any dogs at all.
- The length of the flight. Airlines have a limit on how long the flight can be to allow dogs (the time limit includes time to clear customs if needed).
- You will need proper documentation for your dog, so check with your airline to make sure you have everything they require.
Your dog is your carry-on
If your dog is small enough or a service animal, you can bring your dog as your carry-on. They would count as your carry-on, so you’re only allowed one other personal item, so keep that in mind while you’re packing! Airlines may vary on their guidelines here, but in general:
- They must stay in their kennel under the seat in front of you the entire flight.
- There is generally an extra charge.
- There are kennel guidelines that must be followed. Types of kennels, their size, and the number of kennels allowed on a flight at one time.
Checking a dog:
Checking your dog in the cargo area may be your only option if they won’t fit in a carry-on bag in the cabin. Each airline can vary on their requirements and restrictions, but here are a few common ones:
- Some breeds (or mixes) aren’t allowed to fly. Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs of any ‘mix’ are in this category because their short noses can make it hard for them to breath at those elevations.
- There can be kennel guidelines. The material, the size, how secure it is, etc. You need to know these before you pack your dog and head to the airport. Also, if you’re going to have more than one dog in the same kennel there are other guidelines.
- Food and Water Guidelines. How much, how to secure it to the kennel, and written certification you have fed them recently and instructions if you’re traveling over a 24-hour period.
- List of medications. If your dog needs any medications while in-flight, that will need to be provided. It’s not recommended to sedate your dog for the flight, and if they’re sedated before you head to the airport the airlines will need to know the medication, amount, and when it was last given.
- Connecting flights. Airlines may not be able to connect your dog on the next flight in EVERY city they fly to. You may need to adjust your itinerary to accommodate where you can connect your flight so your dog can be transferred.
- Types of planes. Airlines may only have certain types (or sizes) of aircrafts that can accommodate checking a dog.
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals have less restrictions.
Traveling with a service dog on a plane is different than with a pet. These animals are generally allowed in the cabin regardless of their size, but you may need to buy them a ticket for the seat next to you if they aren’t “carry on” size. Again, check with your specific airline carrier for their requirements and restrictions (if any) – but here are some general guidelines:
- The dog must be well-behaved.
- There can be a limit on how many service animals you are allowed per person.
- They may need to be a certain age before they can travel with you.
- There can be restrictions on which rows or seats you can sit with your dog. They are not allowed to sit in exit rows, for example.
- Where the dog can sit while in the cabin with you and if they need to be in a kennel. For example, they can’t occupy an actual seat, but if they are too large to fit under your seat they can sit in front of the seat next to you if you buy them a ticket.
- The behaviors that are/are not allowed of your dog.
- If advance notice is required and how far out they need it.
- Forms may be required for your airline, so check to make sure you have all the proper paperwork and documentation.
- Travel destinations with restrictions. They may have to go through certain airports that can accommodate animals.
Related: Traveling With Your Dog
We hope you’re doing well and staying safe during these COVID times. Traveling with your dog on a plane could bring you some extra comfort once you’re at your destination. If you do decide to take your dog on a trip with you, have fun and make sure you’re prepared!
Update 12/2/2020: U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Final Rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals
Need help getting your dog to behave before getting on a plane? We would love to help you!
Call today: 803-561-9090 FIRST VISIT FREE!
Any age, Any breed; Veterinarian Recommended
