It goes without saying that traveling by air with your pet is not as easy as by car, but with enough forethought and planning, the stress and risks of pet airline travel can be minimized.
If you are thinking about flying with your pets, you have to check out the airline policies that are in effect during your planned travel time.
We’ve researched the airlines pet policies to assist you in finding the latest information. Just click on links below under the Airline Contact section to get the individual airline pet policy for the airline you are interested in.
You may want to check out several airlines before making your travel plans and reservations.
While we do not encourage frequently exposing your pet to the stress of air travel with you when you fly, or shipping your pet by plane, we know that in many circumstances there is no alternative. We hope the following suggestions answer many of your questions and help to minimize the risk of air travel for your pet.
Airline Travel & Shipping Carriers
Look at these product examples:
Sherpa American Airlines Duffle Dog Carrier Bag, medium Red
- American airlines bag red duffle trendy and usable shoulder bag
- It fits dogs up to 16-pound
- Mesh panels for ventilation, top entry
- Convenient shoulder strap; reflective trim for safety
- Available in red color
Sherpa Pet Delta Air Lines Deluxe Pet Carrier
- for pets up to 16lbs bag dimensions 18"Long x 10.5"high x 11" wide
- length is from nape of neck to base of tail height is from the floor to top of shoulder
- airline approved, please measure your pet.
- shoulder strap included, roll down flap for privacy, top and side entry
- removable faux lambskin liner machine washable
Petmate 21276 Kennel Cab Fashion Pet Carrier, Intermediate, Moss Bank/Coffee Grounds
- Approved for airline use
- Handy storage compartments
- For animals up to 20 pounds.
- Bleached Linen/Olive
- Measures 24 x 16.7 x 14.5 inches.
Airline Considerations
While the overall regulations for air transportation of pets is set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), each airline has its’ own rules and regulations over and above that of the USDA. In addition some airlines are more “pet friendly” than others.
You should contact various airlines to find out exactly what they offer during the period in which you want to travel. Airline accommodations for pets and their specific requirements vary by aircraft and time of year.
Make sure you write down their requirements, or get it in writing from the carrier. It is also a good idea to get the name of the person you talk to, in fact, you may want to call a couple of times and speak to different individuals.
All pets must be transported in an airline approved carrier or crate.
Reservations are always required. You should make reservations as early as possible as there are restrictions as to the number of pets allowed on an aircraft.
Charges for your pet vary by airline, and normally run between $50.00 and $100.00 one way.
Many airlines offer three travel options for your pet, depending on his size and weight.
- In Cabin – The best. The pet has to accompany you on the flight and must be kept in an airline approved carrier, under the seat in front of you at all times. The pet must stay in the carrier for the full duration of the flight. Size limitation varies by airline and aircraft type. There also may be weight restrictions. You will need an Airline Approved Pet Carrier, so you don’t have to worry if your carrier will be accepted by the airlines.
- Checked baggage – Second best, more risky. The pet must accompany you on the same flight and must be kept in an airline approved crate (such as a fold away carrier). The total weight of your pet and the crate usually cannot exceed one hundred (100) pounds.
- Cargo – Try to avoid. If your pet doesn’t qualify for either of the above options, he must travel as cargo. You should specify priority shipping or “counter-to counter” to insure your pet is shipped on the flight you are on, or a specific flight if he is traveling alone. Otherwise, there is no guarantee as to which flight your pet will arrive on.
And remember; don’t wait until the last minute to get your precious cargo use to his carrier crate. Get an approved carrier or crate at least two weeks before you travel.
Airline Contact Information – US carriers
| Airline Name | Number | Pet Policy Info |
| Air Canada | 1-800-776-3000 | General Information |
| Air France | 1-800-237-2747 | General Information |
| Alaska Airlines | 1-800-426-0333 | Animal Special Handling |
| American Airlines | 1-800-433-7300 | Travel Help |
| American West Airlines | 1-800-235-9292 | Pet Travel Policies |
| Continental Airlines | 1-800-231-0856 | Dash Service |
| Delta Airlines | 1-800-325-1999 | Pets FAQ |
| Frontier Airlines |
1-800-265-5505 | Customer Help |
| Lufthansa | 1-800-645-3880 | General Information |
| Northwest Airlines | 1-800-225-2525 | Travel Tips for Pets |
| Southwest Airlines |
1-800-435-9792 | Pet Travel Center |
| United Airlines | 1-800-241-6522 | General Information |
| US Air | 1-800-428-4322 | General Information |
| Swiss Air | 1-800-221-4750 | General Information |