Starting next month, American Airlines will allow passengers to bring their dogs and cats on flights. The airline will also permit pets to travel in the cabin. This is a first for the airline, which previously only allowed service animals in the cabin.
Traveling with pets can be a real adventure, and more airlines are recognizing the need for pet-friendly policies.
Flying with pets in the cabin is becoming increasingly popular, especially for those who prefer not to be separated from their furry friends. A recent announcement from Virgin Airlines has created quite a buzz. The airline plans to introduce pet-friendly flights, making them the first in Australia to allow pets in the cabin during flight.
Virgin Airlines conducted a survey in which 85% of people supported the idea of bringing pets onboard. Moreover, 57% stated they would fly more frequently if they could bring their pets along. Following this positive feedback, the airline is working to design a service that allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin.
To ensure a smooth experience, pets must be housed in an approved carrier that can fit under the passenger seat.
While this is a significant development for Australian pet owners, many airlines in North America already offer similar services on domestic flights.
For instance, Delta, Frontier, and Southwest are known for their budget-friendly pet-in-cabin fees, usually below $100 for domestic flights. Some airlines, like Aero and BLADE, allow even large dogs in the cabin, provided an additional seat is purchased for the pet.
It’s essential to understand each airline’s pet policies before booking a flight. Here are some common considerations:
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Size and Weight Limits: Most airlines have a maximum size and weight limit for pets traveling in the cabin.
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Typically, small dogs and cats that fit in an under seat pet carrier are allowed.
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Health Certificates: Airlines often require a health certificate from a veterinarian, confirming that the pet is in good health and up-to-date with vaccinations.
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Pet Fees: There are usually additional fees for bringing pets onboard, varying by airline and whether the flight is domestic or international.
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Kennel Requirements: Pets must be transported in an airline-approved pet carrier, which can be soft-sided or hard-sided. The carrier should be well-ventilated, secure, and comfortable for the pet.
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Service Animals: Service animals, including service dogs and emotional support animals, have different rules.
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They usually travel without any fees and have specific guidelines regarding their behavior and documentation.
Various airlines participate in pet-friendly travel, accommodating different types of animals:
| Airline | Pet Allowed | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Airlines | Dogs, Cats | TBD | First in Australia; small pets |
| Delta | Dogs, Cats | <$100 (domestic) | Health certificate required |
| Frontier | Dogs, Cats | <$100 (domestic) | Limited destinations |
| Southwest | Dogs, Cats | <$100 (domestic) | Must fit under seat |
| Aero | Large Dogs | Full seat price | Up to 65 lbs |
| BLADE | Large Dogs | Full seat price | Over 25 lbs allowed |
Traveling with pets does come with its own set of challenges, such as ensuring the pet is well-behaved and keeping them calm during the flight. Providing favorite toys and ensuring they are fed before boarding can help reduce anxiety.
Pet owners should also be aware of breed-specific restrictions, especially for snub-nosed breeds like pit bulls, which might face travel limitations due to breathing issues.
