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John Armstrong

Airlines rules for In-Cabin Pet Transportation



It is important to know the rules and regulations regarding in-cabin pet transportation set by major airlines. Each airline has different policies that you need to follow to ensure your pet can travel in cabin and is safe and comfortable. we will cover the in-cabin pet transportation policies of major airlines to help you better understand which airline would be best for your pet.




 

American Airlines:






Species Allowed: small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs


Pet fee: $125 per carrier each way

Max combined weight of pet and carrier: 20 lbs (Firm)


Pet Age: Pet must be over 8 weeks old


Documentation Required: Pets must be vaccinated, but we don’t require documentation.


Max Flight time: No more then 12 hours


Pet carrier dimensions: Max length 18", Max width 11", Max height 11"

*Kennel recommendations: Soft-sided collapsible kennel, slightly larger but still fits under seat and must be secure, padded, water-repellent, and have ventilation on 3 or more sides Carry-on pets not allowed in First or Business on certain flights


Max number of pets per carrier: 2 from related litters


Max number of pet carriers per flight:


Allowed destinations:


Airlines Airport Club Rules:


Seat locations :


Are Pet Reservation required:



 

Delta Airlines:






Species Allowed: small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs, birds.


Pet fee: $95 per carrier each way


Max combined weight of pet and carrier: No weight restriction; however must fit comfortably in carrier.


Pet Age: Pet must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel, 16 weeks old for travel to the U.S. from another country, and 15 weeks old for travel to the European Union


Documentation Required: Pets must be vaccinated, but we don’t require documentation.


Max Flight time: No more then 12 hours


Pet carrier dimensions: Soft-sided kennel with max dimensions of 18" x 11" x 11", must be leak-proof and have ventilation on 3 sides (4 sides for international travel) Must fit comfortably in kennel without touching or protruding from sides, kennel must fit under seat directly in front of you .


Max number of pet carriers per flight: in main cabin: 4, first class: 2


Max number of pets per carrier: 2 from related litters


Seat locations: not allowed in bulkhead seats, emergency exit rows, seats designated as "no stowage", flat-bed seats, rows 30-35 on A330-200, rows 30-43 on A330-300, center seats on B757-200, and Delta One seats. Pet must remain inside their closed/zipped up carrier for the entire flight.


Allowed destinations:


Airlines Airport Club Rules: Allowed in Delta Sky clubs inside carrier


Are Pet Reservation required:



 

Southwest:





Species Allowed: small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs


Pet fee: $95 per carrier each way


Max combined weight of pet and carrier: No weight restriction; however must fit comfortably in carrier.


Pet Age: Pet must be over 8 weeks old


Documentation Required: Pets must be vaccinated, but we don’t require documentation.


Max Flight time:


Pet carrier dimensions: maximum dimensions of 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H).

*Kennel recommendations: Soft-sided collapsible kennel, slightly larger but still fits under seat and must be secure, padded, water-repellent, and have ventilation on 3 or more sides


Max number of pets per carrier: 2 from related litters


Max number of pet carriers per flight: Six pet carriers are generally allowed per flight. However, sometimes we will allow more (or fewer) than six carriers. Pets will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.


Allowed destinations: Pets are not allowed to travel on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight. Pets are not allowed to travel on flights to/from Hawaii. Pets are accepted on flights between Hawaiian Islands. Visit our Hawaii travel Help Center page to learn more.


Airlines Airport Club Rules: No Club available


Seat locations : We have an open seating policy; however, those traveling with pets may not sit in an exit row seat or a seat with no under-seat stowage in front of them.


Are Pet Reservation required: Yes, space is limited, so we ask that you make a reservation in advance by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA®. We will accept pets on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach our six-carrier capacity. However, sometimes we will allow more (or fewer) than six carriers.



 

United Airlines:






Species Allowed: small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs


Pet fee: There is a $125 fee each way for traveling with your pet. There is also a $125 fee for each layover of more than four hours for flights within the U.S. and more than 24 hours internationally.


Max combined weight of pet and carrier: No weight restriction.


Pet Age: On domestic flights, puppies and kittens must be at least 2 months old. On international flights, they must be at least 4 months old to comply with vaccination requirements.


Documentation Required: Pets must be vaccinated, but we don’t require documentation.


Max Flight time: Unknown


Pet carrier dimensions: Soft-sided kennel with max dimensions of 18" x 11" x 11", must be leak-proof and have ventilation on 3 sides (4 sides for international travel) Must fit comfortably in kennel without touching or protruding from sides, kennel must fit under seat directly in front of you .


Max number of pets per carrier: One pet per carrier, and they must be able to stand up and turn around while inside.


Max number of pet carriers per flight: Unknown


Allowed destinations: As long as United allows pets, you can take them with you on any flight operated by United or United Express. If you’re flying internationally, you’ll need to call 1-800-864-8331 to add a pet to your reservation. If you’re traveling on multiple airlines, including our partners, you’ll also need to check with each one to see what their pet policy is. Excluded locations


Airlines Airport Club Rules: Allowed in United clubs inside carrier


Seat locations : If you’re traveling on a Boeing 737 MAX 9, your pet carrier can be no more than 10 inches tall.


If you’re traveling with a pet in Economy on this type of plane, you must be in a window seat for a carrier to fit under the seat in front of you.


Are Pet Reservation required: Yes, Can be done online after booking



 

JetBlue:





Species Allowed: Only small dogs and cats may travel in the cabin


Pet fee: $125


Max combined weight of pet and carrier:


Pet Age: Pet and the carrier must not exceed 20 pounds


Documentation Required:


Max Flight time:


Pet carrier dimensions: Your pet carrier cannot exceed 17" L x 12.5" W x 8.5" H


Max number of pets per carrier: Only one pet is allowed per carrier, and they must be able to turn around comfortably when it’s closed. A maximum of two pets per traveler is allowed, each in their own carrier. In order to bring a second pet, a second seat and pet fee must be paid.


Max number of pet carriers per flight: A total of six pets are allowed on each flight, so it’s best to book early.


Allowed destinations:


Airlines Airport Club Rules: N/A


Seat locations : We highly recommend that you sit in a window or aisle seat. You will not be assigned an exit row, bulkhead seat or any seat restricted for under-seat stowage. We know how much you love to spoil your pet, but they’re not allowed in Mint.


Are Pet Reservation required: YES



 

Alaska Airlines:





Species Allowed:


Pet fee: $100


Max combined weight of pet and carrier: Pets must be small enough to fit and stay comfortably in a kennel under the seat.


Pet Age: Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old


Documentation Required:


Max Flight time:


Pet carrier dimensions: 17" x 11" x 9.5"


Max number of pets per carrier: Up to 2 pets of the same species and similar size may travel in the same carrier, provided no body parts protrude from the carrier and the animals are not in distress.


You may travel with a maximum of 2 pet carriers in the main cabin, only when you purchase a second ticket with an adjacent seat.


Max number of pet carriers per flight: The First Class cabin can accommodate a total of three pet carriers per flight, and the main cabin can accommodate a total of eight pet carriers per flight


Allowed destinations: Hawaii Rules


Airlines Airport Club Rules:


Seat locations : When traveling with a pet you may not occupy an emergency exit row or bulkhead row


Are Pet Reservation required: Reserve your pet’s travel early. There is limited capacity and pets are accepted on a first-come first-served basis.


Sedation is not advised since the effects of tranquilizers on animals at high altitudes are unpredictable. The decision to prescribe a tranquilizer for your pet should be made by your veterinarian.


Pets in the baggage compartment: The pet and carrier combined may weigh up to 150 lbs.


RULES FOR BAGGAGE COMPARTMENT TRAVEL:

Accepted pets include cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish.


You must travel on the same flight(s) to your pet's destination. If you are not planning to travel, please visit alaskacargo.com for information about our Pet Connect™ service


  • Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks of age and weaned.

  • Pets may not travel in the baggage compartment of an Airbus aircraft. More information on identifying our Airbus fleet is available later on this page

  • Pet and carrier must weigh no more than 150 lbs, combined.

  • Brachycephalic dogs and cats are not accepted for travel in the baggage compartment

  • A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian is required for each pet traveling in the baggage compartment.

  • No more than 1 live dog or cat, 6 months of age or older, may be transported in the same carrier.

  • No more than 1 live puppy, 8 weeks to 6 months of age, and weighing over 20 lbs, may be transported in the same carrier.

  • No more than 2 live puppies or kittens, 8 weeks to 6 months of age, that are of comparable size, and weighing 20 lbs or less each, may be transported in the same carrier.

  • Animals must be harmless, inoffensive (not destructive to itself or the carrier), and require no attention during transit.

  • For travel to Hawaii or international travel; additional restrictions apply and additional documentation may be required.

  • You must offer food and water to your pet no more than 4 hours before check-in. You will be asked to complete a Pet Check record to certify that you have done so.

  • On the day of travel, check in no more than 2 hours prior departure, but at least 90 minutes before departure in Seattle or Guadalajara, or at least 1 hour prior to departure at all other airports. Visit the airport guide for recommended arrival times at your departure airport.


Breed restrictions

Dogs: American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Mastiff (All Breeds), Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Chow Chow, Dutch Pug, English Bulldog, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Boxer, Japanese Pug, Japanese Spaniel, Pekingese, Pug, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Cats: Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian


Preparing for traveling with a pet in the baggage compartment

  • Arrive at the airport prepared with the required health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian for each pet traveling in the baggage compartment.

  • Ensure your pet’s carrier is comfortable, and they are able to turn around freely. The carrier should also prevent the pet from putting any part of its body outside the carrier.

  • Please provide a food and water dish attached to the inside of the carrier for your pet. We will be happy to feed them the food you provide (without having to open the carrier door).

  • There may be specific check-in requirements at your departure airport. Your pet will be available for pick-up in the baggage claim area approximately 30 minutes after the flight arrives.

  • Sedation is not advised since the effects of tranquilizers on animals at high altitudes are unpredictable. The decision to prescribe a tranquilizer for your pet should be made by your veterinarian.

Call Alaska Air reservations at 1-800-252-7522 or start chat with reservations to reserve a spot for your pet as soon as your travel plans have been finalized. We have a limit on the number of pets allowed in the baggage compartment and reservation is on first come basis.


Cargo Area/Checked Baggage Pet Fee: $100 one-way



 

Spirit Airlines:





Species Allowed: Domestic dogs, Cats, Small household birds and rabbits


Pet fee: $110


Max combined weight of pet and carrier: 40 pounds


Pet Age: The pet should be at least eight (8) weeks old and fully weaned.


Documentation Required: Spirit Airlines does not require a health certificate for pets traveling with guests in the aircraft cabin, except for Guests traveling to USVI


Max Flight time: N/A


Pet carrier dimensions: 18"x14"x9"


Max number of pets per carrier: maximum of 2 pets per container is permitted, but only one container per guest is allowed.


Max number of pet carriers per flight: N/A


Allowed destinations:


Airlines Airport Club Rules: N/A


Seat locations : You may choose to sit anywhere you wish with the exception of the first row and emergency exit rows.


Are Pet Reservation required: Advance notice is recommended but not required.




 

Frontier Airlines:


Species Allowed: Domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, or small household birds may be carried on flights within the United States. Only domesticated dogs and cats may be carried to or from international destinations.


Pet fee: $99


Max combined weight of pet and carrier:


Pet Age: 8 weeks of ag


Documentation Required: We do not require a health certificate for pets carried in the cabin traveling within the U.S, For international travel, a health certificate is required.


Max Flight time: N/A


Pet carrier dimensions: 18" length x 14" width x 8" heigh


Max number of pets per carrier: One Pet Pet carrier, One Carrier per person


Max number of pet carriers per flight: N/A


Allowed destinations:


Airlines Airport Club Rules: N/A


Seat locations : You may choose to sit anywhere you wish with the exception of the first row and emergency exit rows.


Are Pet Reservation required


 

JSX Airlines (Large Pets):





Species Allowed:


Pet fee: JSX permits cats and small dogs to be transported by customers in-cabin for free, as long as they are inside a secure carrier. Larger dogs under 65lbs (30kg) are also welcome inside the cabin, as long as they are leashed and customers purchase a window seat in addition to an aisle seat to allow room for the dog. Dogs are not all


owed on the seat itself, but are permitted to lie down in front of the window seat for the duration of the flight. The price for this service is the price of the second seat.


Max combined weight of pet and carrier: 65LBS


Pet Age: N/A


Documentation Required: N/A


Max Flight time: N/A


Pet carrier dimensions: N/A


Max number of pets per carrier: N/A


Max number of pet carriers per flight: N/A


Allowed destinations: N/A




Airlines Airport Club Rules: None


Seat locations : N/A


Are Pet Reservation required: To purchase your seat and your medium-to-large dog's space, call Customer Support at (800) 435-9579. Inform the Airport Services Concierge upon check-in if you are traveling with a pet that requires an adjoining seat and fill out a pet liability form.






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