With so many airlines out there, it can be hard to know which are the best for traveling with pets. Whether you’re planning a vacation that involves flying with your pet or you just want to get from point A to point B as quickly and conveniently as possible, you need to know which airlines are pet-friendly. In this article, we explore the best airlines for traveling with pets in 2022. Although certain considerations may change over time, there are some general rules of thumb about traveling on the best airlines for pets right now. Read on to discover more!
Tips for Traveling by Air With Your Pet
As you prepare to travel by air with your pet, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. Certain airlines have strict regulations when it comes to pets traveling on their planes, so you’ll want to make sure that you follow all of the rules. You don’t want to get to the airport and be turned away because you didn’t know the rules. Here are a few tips to help ensure that you and your pet are prepared for your upcoming trip.
Make sure to book your pet’s flight as early as possible. Certain airlines have restrictions on the type of pet that can travel on a flight, so if you wait until the last minute to book, you may not be able to take your pet.
If your pet is traveling in the cabin with you, make sure it’s small enough to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Your pet also needs to be healthy enough to travel.
If your pet is traveling in the cargo section of the plane, it should be at least eight weeks old and healthy enough to travel.
Make sure that your pet has all of the necessary health documents.
If your pet will be traveling in the cabin, make sure that it is vaccinated.
Airlines That Are Currently the Best for Traveling With Pets
Certain airlines are more pet-friendly than others, and certain airlines have restrictions on where pets can be in the cabin or where they must be in the cargo section of the plane. Certain airlines also offer better deals on pet travel than others do, so you’ll want to make sure that you get the best deal. Here are a few airlines that are currently the best for traveling with pets.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is one of the best airlines for traveling with pets. They allow pets in the cabin, and certain sizes of cats and dogs can be seated right next to their owner in a special pet-friendly section of the plane. However, pets must be vaccinated, but don’t require documentation. The Pet Fare is $95 each way per pet carrier.
JetBlue is another great airline for traveling with pets. They have a special program called JetPaws that allows you to bring your pet on board the plane. They allow small dogs and cats in the cabin during all flights, and if your pet is less than 20 pounds, it can be strapped into a special seatbelt under the seat in front of you. The pet fee is $125 each way and can be added in the "Extras" section during booking.
Image credit: jetblue.com
Delta
Delta Airlines is a well-known name when it comes to flying pets in the United States. They are one of the few airlines that allow you to fly your furry friend with you as an extra passenger. Therefore, if you own a pet and would like to take your pet with you on vacation, Delta Pets may be the right option for you. However, they have some kinks that need to be worked out in order for them to become the best airline in the country for flying pets. they don’t allow you to bring your pet on their flights as an airline pet carrier, they do allow you to fly with your pet as a pet passenger in their aircraft. Delta Pet’s also offers a one-way flight option, meaning you can fly your pet to and from your destination as a one-way trip. Delta Pets charges $275 for an airline pet fee. This fee covers the cost of the cargo space and the pilot’s time. If your pet flies in Delta’s kennel, you will pay $50. If you would like your pet to fly in Delta’s carrier, you will need to purchase a $75 pet kennel. Finally, there is a $50 shipping fee for flying in a kennel or carrier. Delta Pets also offers pet care services for an additional fee. This includes grooming, transportation, and boarding. If you purchase pet care, you can choose either a two-hour or overnight stay. For the two-hour service, you will pay $75, while the overnight service costs $150.
American Airlines
American Airlines is another great airline for traveling with pets. They allow dogs and cats in the cabin, but certain breeds are not allowed, so you’ll want to verify with the airline that your pet is allowed. You must book a reservation as a Companion Passenger, which means you and your pet will fly with you. Each one-way itinerary with American Airlines where your pet travels in the cabin costs $125. In addition, you'll be charged an additional $125 on any one-way itinerary within the U.S. with more than a four-hour voluntary stopover. You might be able to get back some or all of the fees if you charge them to a credit card that offers airline fee credits.
United Airlines
Like most other airlines, United allows you to bring your pet as checked baggage on scheduled flights. But there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, you can only bring a pet on your scheduled flight. That means if you’re flying from Chicago to New York, you can’t bring your pet as checked baggage on your next flight from New York to Chicago. You also can’t fly with just your pet’s cage as checked baggage. United’s pet policies also differ depending on the airline and route you’re flying. According to United Airlines, you can bring aboard your in-cabin pet’s kennel in addition to your carry-on bag allowance. There’s a $125 service charge each way and an additional $125 service charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. or more than 24 hours outside of the U.S.
Nok Airlines
Nok Air, a Thai airline arranged for a "pet on board" flight. They allows domesticated dogs, cats and rabbits. If passengers want to bring their pets to travel, they have to send them to the cargo or check-in counter. Nok Air provided specially printed petcarriers, with the label "Nok Air Pet on Board", which equipped with large mesh panels so that the pets could be seen from outside while providing extra ventilation. According to Nok Air, this service is only available on Boeing 737-operated flights. The pet carriage fee starts at 410 baht.
Things to Know Before Booking Your Pet’s Flight
Before you book your pet’s flight, you’ll want to make sure that you know a few things. There are certain restrictions on where your pet can sit on the plane, so you’ll want to make sure that you know where your pet can sit. Some airlines only allow pets in the cabin during certain hours of the day, so you’ll want to make sure that you know your pet’s restrictions. Here are a few other things that you’ll want to know before booking your pet’s flight. - Certain airlines have restrictions on the type of pet that can travel on a flight, so if you wait until the last minute to book, you may not be able to take your pet. - If your pet is traveling in the cabin with you, make sure that it’s small enough to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Your pet also needs to be healthy enough to travel. - If your pet is traveling in the cargo section of the plane, it should be at least eight weeks old and healthy enough to travel.
1. Check Out the Carrier Options
When you’re traveling with your pet, you’ll want to make sure that you’re using a pet carrier that is the correct size for your pet. If your pet is flying in the cabin with you, it will need to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you. If your pet is flying in the cargo section of the plane, it will need a larger carrier that will fit properly on the pallet. Certain carriers come in all different sizes, so you’ll want to make sure that you find the right size for your pet. You should also make sure that the carrier is safety approved. Certain airlines have their own safety guidelines, so you’ll want to make sure that your pet’s carrier meets all of those requirements.
2. Find Out Which Airports are Pet-Friendly
Before you book your pet’s flight, you’ll want to make sure that you know which airports are pet-friendly. Certain airlines only allow pets in certain airports, so you’ll want to make sure that your pet’s airport is pet-friendly before you book. You can visit your airline’s website to find out which airports are pet-friendly.
3. Know Which Airline Is the Best Choice for You
When you’re trying to decide which airlines are the best for traveling with pets, you’ll want to make sure that you choose an airline that works best for your situation. If you’ll be traveling with a large pet, you may want to choose an airline that allows larger pets in the cabin. If you need to travel at certain times, you may want to choose an airline that offers more frequent flights. When you’re deciding which airline is the best choice for you, you’ll want to consider things like fees, rules and regulations, and destinations.
4. Check Out Current Deals and Promos
When you’re traveling with your pet, you’ll want to make sure that you get the best deal possible. Certain airlines offer special deals and promotions when it comes to traveling with pets, so you’ll want to make sure that you take advantage of those deals.
It can be a little challenging to travel with your pet, especially when it comes to getting them to the airport. But travelling with your pet can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you follow all these travel tips. There are many great places you can go with your pet to explore and have fun together. Don’t forget to bring your pets up to date on their vaccinations and make sure they are in a comfortable carrier.