The pet policies for major airlines can vary based on a variety of factors including your destination, the weather, the size of your pet and the breed of your pet. Many airlines have become more strict in their pet policies and some have stopped accepting pets entirely. The best way to know what is allowed (or not) by the carrier you’re considering is to check their website and/or call them to ask questions. It’s often best to do both, to be sure you’re getting the correct information.
The articles below outline the pet policies for many common pet-friendly airlines:
Continue reading below if you're looking for general guidelines referring to pet policies on all major airlines. And check out our article what to look for in an airline pet policy.
Many airlines allow dogs and cats to ride with you in the cabin, as checked baggage or as cargo. Some airlines allow two out of three, and some only offer cargo service for pets. The more types of aircraft the airline flies, the more convoluted the rules. That’s because smaller planes have smaller cargo holds. Either there isn’t enough room for both luggage and pets, or larger dog kennels literally do not fit. (Unlike your suitcase, your pet has to remain upright at all times!)
For in-cabin travel, some airlines have different policies depending on what class of ticket you purchase or your final destination.
Many airlines will not accept dogs they consider to be "dangerous breeds". The breeds on this list can vary by airline but pit bulls are often included. Some airlines may accept "dangerous breeds", but will require a special type of travel kennel.
Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats also face restrictions on most airlines. This can get really complicated. The goal is to ensure your short-snouted dog or cat can breathe comfortably at altitude, so there are a lot of factors at play, from plane size to pet size. If your pet fits this category, it is critical to discuss the situation with your vet as well as the airline.
Most airlines have some type of weather restriction in place that prevent pets from flying when it’s too hot or too cold. These rules apply to any location along your pet's itinerary. So if your pet is traveling from, to or transiting through an airport experiencing extreme weather conditions, flight plans could unravel. Airlines make day-by-day decisions about this in cases of extremely hot or cold temperatures. Some airlines will place a complete embargo on pet travel for certain airports during certain times of year.
The temperatures you need to worry about most are above 85o F or below 45o F. Some airlines will allow pets to travel when it’s as cold as 20o F, but may require an acclimation certificate from a veterinarian.
Although a few airlines will allow sedated pets only with a veterinarian’s permission, the American Veterinary Medical Association strongly recommends against using any tranquilizers on animals that will be airborne. Reputable professional pet shippers, such as Starwood, do not accept tranquilized animals and will not transport them.
Current best practices no longer support sedation because the dangers outweigh the potential benefits. Cats and dogs who have been sedated are physically and mentally disoriented. That can increase their anxiety instead of relieving it, and it can put them at risk of injury because they cannot maintain balance. Additionally, sedatives can cause cardiac or respiratory problems when pets are up in the air at high altitudes.
Contact a professional pet transport company as soon as you know your pet will need to travel by air. Whether you’re headed from San Francisco to Atlanta or Chicago to Singapore, the pros know all about airline policies. They know which carriers are truly pet-friendly, and they know which flights will get your dog or cat to their destination efficiently, to minimize stress.
Knowing the rules is important, but confidence and peace of mind trump everything when it comes to air travel for your beloved four-legged family.