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On most airlines, small pets may travel in the cabin in an FAA-approved carrier.
Jane and Ken Swanson want to know if small dogs can fly with their owners on airplanes.
The good news is that, yes, on most airlines small pets may travel in the cabin.
The bad news: There are plenty of restrictions. And, in some cases, the ticket for your tabby or toy poodle may end up costing more than your own.
“The cost runs anywhere from $50 all the way to $125. And that’s each way,” says Kim Saunders of Petfinder.com. “Pets will also need a recent health certificate, while will require a veterinary office visit that can cost from $35 to $100. You’ll also need to be sure your pet is in an approved pet carrier that can fit underneath the seat.”
Passengers taking a pet on a plane should also keep these tips in mind:
- Make your reservation well in advance. Frontier Airlines allows up to 10 ticketed pets in the cabin, but most airlines only allow one or two. “You and your pet may not be able to take the flight you want,” said Saunders. And all pets need to remain in their carrier under the seat for the duration of the flight.
- Give your pet food and water far ahead of the flight so that your pet can visit the relief area before going through security. (A few airports have relief areas post-security; but every airport has a spot for Spot outside). “Even then, it’s a good idea to put something soft and absorbent in the carrier. Just in case,” said Saunders.
- Make sure your pet is social. Your pet must stay inside the carrier at all times, but at the security checkpoint, you’ll be required to take the pet out and either walk it or carry it through the metal detector. “If there’s an alarm because of the leash or a metal collar, the pet will be checked physically, in a sort of pet pat-down, by an agent to resolve any kind of issue,” said TSA spokesperson Nico Melendez.
Some people have tried to put their pets − and sometime their babies − through X-ray machines. “That won’t harm a pet or a baby, but we prefer they don’t do that,” said Melendez.
For more information about taking your pet on a plane, check your airline’s website or the resource section of a website such as Petfinder.com, which recently issued its 2011 list of the most pet-friendly airlines in the United States and Canada.
Have a travel-related question you’d like answered? Overhead Bin will track it down. Send us your question.
Other stories you might like
- Sizzling heat bad news for traveling pets
- Do pet passengers get pat-downs, too?
- Driven to distraction by your dog?
Find more by Harriet Baskas on Stuck at The Airport.com and follow her on Twitter.
Leave a Comment:
Just to clarify up front, I am a dog owner and have always taken my pets with me when possible and within reason on trips (in my car!). One thing I have always done is respect the area in which I would bring my dogs, for example open spaces that allow me to remove my pet in the event they are a disturbance and I have never brought them into a store or supermarket for that matter!! This would mean not taking them on airplanes, which are confined spaces. No matter how well behaved you think your pet is, it is still an animal and little things can easily set them off and the barking, screeching, etc will begin. I find it very disrespectful of pet owners who bring animals on airplanes. I have yet to see a dog or cat sit through an entire flight and worst of all, at least for me, is that I am extremely allergic to cats. Just having one in the cabin causes a reaction for me and I am sure I am not alone for those allergic to cats and/or dogs. On a 4 – 6 hour flight is difficult enough being crammed into a flying metal tube, but it is ten times worse when your sinuses close up, eyes become irritated and swelled and there is no escape! Then you have to land and your eardrums feel like they will explode from the pressure due to your stuffed sinuses. Even worse is when the owner decides little Tabby or Spike needs to come out from their carrier and sit on their lap. I have yet to see a flight attendant ask them to put the animal back and in fact on two occasions they stood with the passenger and laughed and played with the animal!
I can understand that if someone is moving a great distance to a new home that they would need to potentially take their animal with them and an airplane may be the only way, however this is the more of an infrequent reason and there is space below the cabin for animals. However in my experiences most are simply going on a vacation with their little rat dogs or cats. Seriously! Leave them at home with a trusted friend or kennel, they are not a person. It is less stressful on your pet and the rest of those that must deal with your insensitivity and self absorbed thinking. Again, I love my pets, but I also know not everyone else does and/or some have sensitivities to animal dander.
I fly cross-country twice a year with a 75-lb. Golden Retriever. He is a (very well) trained service animal, and he fits under the seat, believe it or not. Therefore, I take issue with your statement that no animal can make it through a flight without making noise. Almost every flight, when we get to the gate and he stands up and stretches, someone near us says, "Has he been there the whole time? I didn't even know there was a dog there!"
However, he has had a great deal of obedience and other training, and has been accustomed to helicopters, large and small boats, as well as lots of airports. I certainly wouldn't recommend taking the average pet onto an airplane--I agree with you there.
A large adult dog can go twelve hours without needing "relief areas", but to make the flight as comfortable for him as possible, we limit his food and water intake the night and morning before he flies.
I have a Golden Retriever also,about 85lbs. And although he has never flew, I am sure if allowed he would sit in the seat next to me without getting up. I'm just saying,thats how well mannered some Goldens are.
Dear Pocket Clam,
Why don't you get your head out of the sand and look around you... I have travelled with my service animal on many flights (4hrs) or more and he has never disturbed anyone.. I always look for the flights with two across seats and purchase both seats. My service animal always lays on the floor by the window and does not get up. My service animal is a Boxer with short hair and is always given a bath on the day of travel. It is not required by law to purchase the extra seat, I do it to avoid any conflict or commentary from any other passengers. I too have heard from many passengers on my flights at my destination, "oh, I didn't even know you had a dog".
If you are so allergic to pet dander, perhaps you should consider using a nose plug, face mask or taking sinus medication. Remember, you have a choice... you could choose to stay home.
OK, here are a couple of money saving tips.
1. First and foremost, that certificate of good health thing is totally bogus! I paid for one once, and no one even asked to see it. My advise is to google up a copy on net, then change the date and create a phony vet and signature. I've done this 5 times and never had a bit of trouble.
2. If your pet is quiet by nature, try just walking onto the plane with it. It's not like you need a ticket. Use a very dicrete soft sided carrier, and you may just be able to avoid paying anything all. This worked for me on an American Airlines flight one way flight when I was moving.
3. Never, never, EVER have your pet ride in the belly of the aircraft. At least 10% of animals transported this was DIE each year. That's a one in ten chance you'll end your trip in mourning.
You don't seem to have very good morals, do you Ben?
You have no problem with faking a legal document and stealing from an airline?
Awesome.
You want to know why health certificates are required? Here's a story:
I was flying when a carry-on dog had explosive diarrhea on board.
It managed to get poop all over my carry on, which contained my clothing and shoes for my business meeting the next day.
Since I work in the veterinary field, I can't walk into someone's ICU carrying parvo (the most likely cause of explosive diarrhea) on my shoes and clothing.
Luckily, after making a fuss, we were able to get access to the Health Certificate, which assured us that the puppy had the proper vaccinations.
Without the Health Certificate, I would have needed to cancel my trip, costing my company thousands of dollars. Dollars for which they would have sued the animal's owner.
You seem to have this idea that taking your pet to the vet is a rip-off, along with paying for your pet in an airplane.
Your desire to illegally save yourself a couple of bucks could very easily lead to a complete massacre of innocent puppies/kitties since your animal is not vaccinated (you know, they give you a vaccination record or health certificate when you get your legally-mandated vaccinations).
So, don't be cute and try to tell other people how they can "stick it to the man". Your actions are dangerous and illegal.
It's good to know you don't mind putting others at risk for your peace of mind and saving a buck, Ben. Honestly that's the most pathetic thing I've read all day. You commit fraud as a way to get past the rules and regulations that have been set up to protect others from people like you. You many not agree with it, but those rules are there for a reason, to keep others from the risk of a sick animal, and since I highly doubt that you are a vet, your assumptions that you would 'know' when your animal is sick, could be wrong.
The ONE thing I agree with is to never (if you can help it) travel with your pet in the cargo area, it's dangerous, the animal doesn't know what's happening and it 'can' result in death. My pups always travel with us, in a car, and we always pay attention to where we can let them out. Pets are YOUR privilege and responsibility, not everyone elses, putting others at risk just because you feel like it is a sorry example to share.
Do you think I could get away with putting a baby bonnett on my bunny and just telling them he's an ugly kid? Im sure he would have lots of fun running up and down the aisle, and jumping in peoples laps begging to be petted, after all, he's such a cute bunny!
Steve
I used to have 5 house rabbits.
We had newborn outfits for them - one was a bunny outfit - and they used to dress up and go to work with me all the time LOL.
Cassivella
Mine is a lop ear and he has the run of the house, we leave his cage door open so he can get to his potty, other than that, he goes where he wants.
Yup - nothing more fun than waking up with a bunny sitting on your chest grunting at you because it is time for breakfast!
I will not travel with a pet. They are simply taking this pet thing too far. What happens to passengers who are allergic to pets? If I were to find myself, with assign seating next to a pet, I would immediately ask to be removed from the plane and,,,,,, I would expect for the airlines to reschedule a more appropriate flight for me.
I do not ever want to fly across country with a pet near or around me. They are cute to owners only. Putting up with children crying is one thing but having a pet in the cabin is too much. They are not human and should not be treating as humans.
I fly to Europe regularly ( every month or so) and my dog is a "companion animal". I pay nothing on KLM /Delta/Air France. He is well behaved and always gets attention form the crew and passengers. The kids on the plane like being able to pet him and calms their fears of flying. After an hour into the flight the kids fall asleep (no crying) I get sleep and my dog is not subject to the potential hazards of flying in the belly of the plane. @ Mimi, maybe we should stuff you in the cargo hold!
I fly 1st class and you "coach fliers" complaining about animals can kiss my backside. I pay 5 times what you do and guess what, I do not care if you are "allergic" to my dog. He gets bathed hours before the flight and no one has had a "reaction" from him. Better than the smelly coach crowd who do not know the meaning of soap!
Wow Paul, I was ok with you until you started throwing your prejudices around with us 'smelly coach crowds'. Yeah I want to fly 1st class, but ya know what? I don't. Doesn't mean I don't know how to take a shower or use soap. If you fly first class and your dog IS making a ruckus then you bet your creased britches that I will complain, I don't care if you paid 5x more, that doesn't mean you are 5x better then anyone else. If your dog plays nice, I would wager "coach fliers" will play nice as well.
well I dont see a problem with pets flying in the cabin. I my self would rather ride with a Pet than a yelling screaming kid or sometimes the stinky, you did not take a bath, have bad breath and want to talk to me seat mate. I just have one question why if a pet is going to travel we make sure it is up to date on its shots and is in good health but not people why you think about it I am surprised we don't, considering its a closed environment.
Just because you choose not to get a health certificate from the vet within the last 30 days (currency required by most airlines) doesn't mean your pet is not vaccinated and you are dangerously exposing unknowing passengers. Our pet sees the vet regularly, is vaccinated, and is healthy, but we do not waste money on a health certificate each time we fly with her; as Ben said, no one asks.
Few vets charge for a health certificate.
And, if your pet is actually vaccinated, then you should have received a vaccination certificate or a health certificate at that time.
Regardless of whether your animal is or is not vaccinated, if you cannot prove so with a legal document, if your animal bites someone or if your animal sprays fecal matter, it is assumed your animal is not vaccinated.
That means that anyone who is bitten has to obtain rabies vaccinations. It means your pet will be quarantined away from home at your expense. It means other animals might have to be quarantined or euthanized because they were exposed to your pet.
I don't think you understand the seriousness of the situation.
I have flown several times, and more than once I have seen cat carriers--occupied--in the overhead bin. Quiet, but mean to the animal.
I'm a pet lover and owner of 2 cats and the "World's Greatest Dog!!!" Our 70# chocolate lab is absolutely the most well-behaved dog and LOYAL to beat all! It's like she understands every word I say and when she 'speaks,' she just doesn't BARK-BARK! She does this awesome thing like she's really trying to 'talk' at a very respectible volume level. "rrrroWwwwWowwww. MmmmPfh. rowwwwwwwwwRowwowow." That basically said, "My master is the World's Greatest Master!" LOL
At any rate, all silliness aside, I am completely aware that just because my dog is the best for me--that's it. I don't feel this need to expect that anyone BUT me to feel this way about my dog. Sure, some may be impressed, but for me to expect everyone to have to put up with her in a confined space-is wrong. And it's RUDE; especially for those who ARE allergic to pet dander.
To those people who think their little poopy-kins is just 'sooooo sweeeet and adooooorable...' Can it! To 99% of the rest of us, those little pets aren't called "KICK ME DOGS" for nothing. And cats? as I said, I have 2. They're just like all others. Independent. Come to you when THEY want to and really could give a crap about anything about me--except that their food dish and water are full when they're hungry. I love my two cats--but hate every other one on the planet! And that's exactly how I would expect others to feel about mine. Again, I don't presume anything and don't push my pets on anyone. To those who do--maybe THEY should go ride in the belly of the plane with them.
Lol Takin,
I have to agree, I love my pups and kitten to death, I think they are the most awesome pets ever. But I fully understand that my husband and I are the only ones that think that and as such we would never assume others do as well. We don't have a right to expect others to tolerate our 'babies' just like we wouldn't want to be expected to tolerate others 'babies'. Your dog does sound flippin' awesome though. Your post made me laugh.
It's gone too far ,you pet nuts have to get a LIFE,I fly everyday.always some commotion about pets on board.
I can walk into a house I've never been in before and know that they have a cat within 15 seconds even if I don't see the cat or see cat hair or toys, etc. My eyes get red and itchy and run and I sneeze all over the place. I have nothing against cats, I just happen to be allergic to them. I couldn't possibly spend even half an hour on a commuter flight with a cat because it would take a couple more hours for the allergy symptoms to settle down.
I have had dogs my entire like (for some reason they don't bother me) and have always loved them dearly but that doesn't mean you should have to put up with them whining under the seat for four hours. Besides, Fluffy might get cranky and barky, and then what can I do? I can't take him outside like you might do with a cranky toddler at a restaurant.
I don't know how to best handle traveling with pets, but according to this write up I don't see how this pet thing can possibly. . . . . I was going to say fly. . . . I don't see how this pet thing can possibly fly.
P.S. I have no problem whatever with service animals. I think they are the greatest creatures in the world.
I can't believe this! I just heard from my brother, who is in MX City on business and this is No Lie! In Mexico, they allow CHICKENS on flights!
I had to ROLL!!!
I wouldn't travel anywhere without access to my dog. She has been to England twice (QM2) and she has
no clue she is on the ocean. The kennel is clean as my cabin and I can visit four times a day. I would never
trust her to an airline ever!
what a timely article. i have not read any posts yet, but i had the most disgusting flight of the over 1M miles i have flown last night on delta flight 1713 because (as i overheard) someone from the FBI was coming home from barcelona with his full-grown german shepard who whined for nearly an hour before it voided directly under my seat, inches from my nose.
it smelled as though the dog voided in my lap the entire rest of the flight. i simply can't believe no one on the flight got sick from the stench. on what planet has that become acceptable in any way?
disgusting delta. unacceptable.