Even though organizing an air vacation can be stressful, you also need to think about your pet's welfare if they are going with you. It's vital to choose an airline carefully because different airlines have different policies on animal travel. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta Airways are the top airlines for pets in terms of safety.
The species, breed, and size of your pet, though, may have a bearing on whatever airline you ultimately choose. This guide will give you the confidence to fly with your furry, feathery, or scaled companion, from the top airlines for carry-on pets to the few carriers that take reptiles.
Pet-Friendly Airlines
When traveling, you may have a favorite airline, but have you thought about which ones are the most pet-friendly? One of our top five airlines might be a better option than another, depending on your pet's size and species.
Alaska Airlines, Inc.
Based on safety data, Alaska Airlines is one of the top options for pet travelers. Alaska has the lowest frequency of reported animal-related events between 2015 and 2020, according to Air Travel Consumer Reports from the US Department of Transportation. This information is even more amazing given that they supposedly fly more pets than any other domestic airline.
Alaska has a reputation for safety and is home to many different animals. Alaskan Airlines allows small dogs, cats, rabbits, and domestic birds to travel in the cabins if they weigh under 20 pounds and can fit comfortably in a carrier that is no larger than 17 by 11 by 7.5 inches.
Alaska will let a passenger bring two pet carriers on a flight, unlike many other airlines. But if you want to take two pets, you'll need to buy two seats.
In the climate-controlled baggage compartment, Alaska will also transport dogs, cats, hamsters, ferrets, guinea pigs, domestic birds, fish, pot-bellied pigs, and non-poisonous reptiles. They have a substantial weight limit of 149 pounds, which is more than most airlines will allow for your pet and their kennel together.
American Airlines
American Airlines, which has a rigorous pet policy and few pet-related mishaps, is second only to Alaska Airlines in terms of safety. Due to their pet carrier size allowance, this airline is your best bet if you decide to transport your cat or small dog as a carry-on. You are allowed to bring your pet on mainline American flights in a kennel up to 19 by 13 by 9 inches in size. Only small dogs and cats are permitted inside the cabin, though. American is the only species that may fly.
You can even mail your cat or dog via American Airlines cargo if you won't be taking them in the cabin with you. Just keep in mind that they do have weight restrictions, so your pet's kennel must weigh no more than 100 pounds. Through temperature limits, American ensures that no animals are exposed to hazardous conditions while the cargo is being transported. If the ground temperature is either above or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, they won't let pets fly. If you find out your pet can't travel, it can be upsetting, but it's for their safety.
Frontier Airlines
Pets of many different kinds, including cats, dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and small birds, are welcome on board Frontier Airlines flights. Their 18 by 14 by 8-inch pet kennel allowed is comparable to American Airlines' huge size.
Pets traveling within the United States do not need a health certificate to be issued, unless the state you are landing in (like Hawaii) requires additional certification. Unfortunately, you cannot fly with your pet on Frontier if it is a larger dog or if it cannot fit comfortably inside the designated carrier dimensions. Pets cannot be shipped as cargo or checked baggage by the airline.
JetBlue Airways
For the same reason that JetBlue is a popular airline with passengers, they are also a preferred choice for traveling with pets. Compared to other airlines, JetBlue's standard seats have more legroom, while you may upgrade to a seat with even more. You'll have plenty of room to move about even with the pet carrier under the seat in front of you.
Those who travel by air with their assistance dog can also take advantage of this additional room. The airline does not carry pets as luggage or freight; they only allow small dogs and cats to fly in the cabin.
Delta Airlines
You are welcome to bring your cat, small dog, or house bird on a flight with Delta Airlines. They permit animals to live in a spacious 18 by 11 by 11-inch soft container. At just $95 per pet roundtrip, Delta has one of the lowest carry-on pet fees.
Larger animals must be transported in cargo. They won't send pets when the ground temperature is over 80 degrees Fahrenheit or below 20 degrees since they have temperature restrictions in place to keep cargo pets safe.
You might be disappointed to learn that most airlines won't fly these "snub-nosed" breeds if you own a brachycephalic dog. Due to their unusual anatomy, short-nosed dogs are considerably more likely to experience breathing issues, which can make flying extremely risky for them. As a result, the majority of airlines no longer allow these dogs to travel in cargo. These breeds consist of:
Nearly all airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Frontier, allow you to fly in the cabin with a small, short-nosed dog if it can fit in a carry-on cage of the proper size.
By reducing their level of stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding travel on hot days, you may help to keep your pet safe. Unfortunately, you might need to plan to travel by car, train, or boat if your dog is huge.
Airlines for Reptiles as Pets
Reptiles of any kind are not permitted in the cabin on airplanes. Reptiles can sometimes be transported as cargo or checked baggage, though. In their climate-controlled luggage compartment, our top selection, Alaska Airlines, will take non-poisonous reptiles with a current health certificate. Make sure the carrier you select fits within their dimensions and is secure and well-insulated.
Airlines with the best dog services
Service dogs are not categorized as pets but as working dogs instead. As a result, they are not constrained by airline pet regulations. Your assistance dog can travel in the cabin with you for free, regardless of breed or size, because no airline operating within or from the United States is allowed to discriminate against service animals under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).
When traveling by plane, an assistance dog must either sit on the floor in the area under your seat or, if it is small enough, on your lap. The airline with the biggest legroom would be the best option for service dogs based on this standard. Top of the list in this category is JetBlue Airways.
You might not be able to travel with your emotional support animal (ESA). As of December 2020, emotional support animals will no longer be allowed to travel as service animals, therefore you'll have to bring your ESA along as a pet. Since service animals are also considered "dogs," rules that provide protection for them do not apply to miniature service horses.
Take a Trip with Your Animal
You want your pet to arrive safely whether you're traveling or moving across the nation with them. The leading contender for the best and safest airline for traveling with pets is Alaska Airlines.
However, it's crucial to remember that there are always some risks involved in flying with animals. Consult your veterinarian to make sure traveling with your pet is safe, then reserve a seat on the trip of your choice with that airline.
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