Are You Going to Fly with a Dog? Read Here to Travel Conveniently

Flying with the dogs can be a bit troubling. But yes, they would indeed make it a valuable travel experience for their owners while enjoying the flight. But wait, you are here reading this article, then this means that you are also going to fly with your dog. Isnt this? Yes, you must be in the same situation while thinking to ensure your travel is convenient. It would hardly help you to scroll around and look for assistance. But in this comprehension, you can know how and what can help you embark on a happy and safe with your dog. Here it goes!

Flying with a Pup or an Adult Dog?

This is a facet that flying with a baby puppy, and an adult dog has a huge difference. Both scenarios would grant you different experiences filled with joy and hustle altogether. However, traveling with a pup would allow you to carry them inside the cabin along with you and keep your pet in a carrier just right to your feet. On the other hand, an adult dog will be allowed to carry within the cargo hold. In fact, for a few planes, the temperature is well-managed for the cargo zones, but some do not bother with this. So, you cannot keep your adult dog with you during the flight duration. Additionally, the passengers have to pay for the pet travel charges in the cargo and cabin. 

Carrying a Dog in a Cargo or Cabin: An Overview

Indeed, traveling in a cargo and cabin would add a difference to the journey of your dog. So, here is a quick comparison between both of them for your knowledge:

Cargo 

Cargo is a better option for adult dogs because accompanying the owner in a cabin can be a bit messy. Flying as cargo for dogs is like managing through the temperature-balanced zones that are very different from the cabins. The dogs who fly in cargo embark on the journey as a checked bag on your flight only as the shipping cargo/ manifest cargo/ air freight. Regardless of what you choose for your dog to travel, be it a cabin or cargo, you will have to strictly adhere to the pet travel rules followed by the airlines. These guidelines are about the age and weight of your dog to ensure their safety while they travel. 

Cabin

On a general note, the dogs that fit beneath the seat in front of yours with their carrier are allowed to go inside the cabin. Hence, this clearly justifies that the dog weighs about 20 pounds. The under-seat area can, of course, differ depending on the plane, and the airways can restrict the total no of pets to carry per flight. This is what you need to check- upon with the airlines and their pet travel guidelines. There are certain airlines that do not permit travelers to purchase a seat reservation for dogs and pups. 

Charges to Carry a Dog In-Flight

Indeed, carrying a pet on a flight is not free, and you, as the owner, will have to pay the charges for the same. First of all, it is essential to complete the reservation process for your pet. For instance, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Air need the pet owners to pay about $125 one-way for an in-cabinet pup. Meanwhile, Frontier Airways requires you to pay about $99, and the Delta Airlines charges are about $95. These charges are generally to be paid at the airport. The charges for the dog traveling on cargo are even more costlier with an added restriction to their weight, age, final destination and size. Most airlines do not disclose the final charges of carrying a dog in the cargo, so you will have to call the airline to get an actual cost. Besides, if you plan to have a layover of more than some hours, then this could actually trigger another pet charge. 

Flight Weight Criteria for Dogs

Do you know that there is a specific weight limit for a dog to fly? Yes, it is! However, these criteria would differ from airline to airline and also on whether your dog is flying in a cargo or a cabin. Additionally, you must confirm the pet carrier weight for carrying your dog to accompany you on your flight. For instance, Hawaiian Airlines curbs the combined weight within 70 lbs or 31 kilograms of your pet and kennel. 

Is it Secure to Fly with Dogs: An Analysis

This is widespread doubt amongst the passengers if it is safe to fly with the dogs. You, as a pet owner, would also encounter the same question. For an accurate answer, you can turn to the veterinarian, who will answer you about this in the rightmost manner. There are some species of dog, namely boxers and Boston terriers should not travel on a flight, and many airlines restrict this as well. Because higher altitudes make it hard for the dogs to breathe. You need to present a health certificate from a veterinarian doctor to the airlines six to ten days before you embark on your journey. Apart from all this, you even need to read through all the potential rules, restrictions, and other instructions from the airline’s official websites. 

Contemplate the Kennel

You need to understand that the airlines have a detailed and prolonged list of the requirements for dog boxes or crates. The kennel needs to be a bit larger than the size of your pup to stand up and turn around. There is a maximum size guideline for the crates or dog carriers. The pet experts claim that it is vital to conform the dog to the crate before you fly. So, here are some of the tips that would help you:

1. Add a contact info label to the kennel. 
2. Note “LIVE ANIMAL” on the top and the other side of the dog crate. 
3. Ensure to mark the arrows or write “THIS SIDE UP” on both the kennel sides. 
4. On the bottom of the crate, ensure to place a bedding or an “absorbent material.”
5. Put some empty water and meal dishes inside the kennel while keeping them accessible from the outside.

International Flights & Pet Challenges 

Flying on an international flight with a pet needs you to plan more as it can be challenging and filled with complexities. Besides, airlines like Southwest Air restrict passengers from traveling with a dog on an international flight. However, if you are allowed with the same, you must submit an International health certificate for your dog and ensure to meet the final destination requirements. 

Emotional Support to Dogs During Flight

If you want exceptional emotional support for your pet during travel, do not expect it for free. Yes, you got it right; there are certain charges for the same. One of the guidelines stated that emotional support pets would not be considered in the list of service animals. Therefore, the airline will not be subject to treat them as such. None of the significant airways would consider your pet as an emotional support animal and you will need to pay charges between $95-$125 on a single way. 

Some Additional Tips to Embark on a Happy Flight with Dogs

Here are some of the tips that would add some additional comfort to your travel with your dog. They are:

During Reservation:

1. Book your tickets for a non-stop flight to avoid inconvenience. This would even reduce the chances of leaving your dog on the tarmac during harsh climatic conditions or mishandling the airline staff. 
2. Ensure to have a layover, as most of the airways need minimum layover time while traveling with pets. 
3. Do not fly during holidays to avoid the hustle; during summer, fly in the morning or evening. 

Inside the Flight:

1. Animal experts often glare on tranquilizing the dogs, which would not fly with the airline. For instance, United Airlines never accepts pets that have been sedated. 
2. Freze water for your dog one day before your flight departure to avoid water spilling during the loading procedures.
3. You should attach a fresh photograph of your dog on the top of the kennel as its identity. 
4. Avoid feeding your dog during travel hours as they might feel discomfort due to a full stomach. 

During Check-in:

1. On the day of your flight, you should arrive at the airport on time and check- in at the ticket counters with your pet for flying in the cabin. 
2. For your pet flying as cargo, get knowledge of where to drop your dog.

During Security Screening:

1. For your dogs’ in-cabin travel, the carter must be placed on the conveyor belt and through the X-ray machine. 
2. You can buy a TSA PreCheck membership, to avoid hassles through the prolonged lines with your pet. 

Wrap- UP

In a nutshell, traveling with a pet can be a bit challenging for travelers. But with the proper planning and cautiousness, you can make- up with everything easily. You should speak with the airline representative about bringing your dog on board for your flight. They will help you plan out the entire journey perfectly so neither you nor your dog encounters any inconvenience.

Some Commonly Asked Questions