which airlines allow pets in cargo during covid

Allowable pets can fly in all cabins of service (except international business and international Delta One) or as freight through Delta Cargo. The animal must stay inside its kennel, with the door closed, while on board the aircraft, as well as in the boarding area and in any Delta airport lounges. Some airlines, like American Airlines, don't allow cargo pets that have been sedated. Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020. One big reason is that while other airlines will fly cats and dogs only, Frontier accepts rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small household birds, too (though international flights still limit pets to cats and dogs only). The carrier must be placed below the seat in front of you for takeoff and landing, but you can keep your friend (in their carrier) on your lap during the flighta big departure from other pet-friendly airlines. , your pet can come too as long as its well-behaved. Your pet can go in cargo, but youll need to show a valid health certificate for each animal. Stress associated with flight can make those conditions worse.. Check with your airline before boarding. American can accept only five to seven kennels on board each flight, so be sure to book early. Spirit Airlines does not accept pets in cargo. Consider earning. Aviation regulator DGCA on Tuesday advised airlines to formulate and prominently display on their websites the policy for carriage of pets. And for your pet to fly in the main cabin, it must fit in a pet carrier underneath the seat, with a maximum size of 18.5 inches by 8.5 inches by 13.5 inches. A rabies certificate is required for pets traveling to Puerto Rico. The carrier, with your pet inside, must weigh 20 pounds or less and will count as your personal item. Some individual routes or aircraft have their own unique limitations beyond the standard airline pet policy. Always confirm space is available before booking your own seat, as you dont want to deal with the headache of canceling should there be no room for your pet. Yes, on domestic flightsbut not on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight. Yes, as long as theyre at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel, 15 weeks old if traveling to or from the European Union, and 16 weeks old if traveling to the US from other countries. Pets cannot hang out in exit rows or in the bulkhead. American Airlines has great safety procedures in place, but unfortunately they dont allow pets to be checked as cargo, unless its by an active service member on assignment (this could change in a post-COVID world). In summer, try to fly in the early morning or later in the evening, especially if youre traveling to and/or from someplace hot. Additionally, pets may not be checked in cargo on many flights between April 15 and October 15 every year, and pets are not allowed to travel as checked baggage or cargo if the temperature is below 20F or above 85F at the origin, destination, or connection airport. Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks of age to travel. Of course, youll need to check your individual airline for size requirements of carry-on and cargo pet carriers, but checking FAA requirements and the Center for Pet Safety will also be helpful. Frontier allows a large variety of pets to be carried onboard, but only dogs and cats can be carried on international flights. On airlines that allow pets to travel, only small dogs and cats that can fit in special carriers under the seat are allowed in the cabin. There is a fee of $125 each way, and an additional $125 service fee for each stopover of more than four hours (or 24 hours for international flights). Caroline Teel of SmarterTravel recommends asking these questions to see if it really is the most pet-friendly airline: Additionally, when in the airport, some pets will need to run around or use the litter box before the flight. Pets are not allowed inMint, which is JetBlues premium cabin. Written with additional research by Ramsey Qubein. We didn't factor in pet-friendly international airlines, as those policies can also vary significantly. Is there a fee to travel with your pet? For pets traveling in the cabin, the cost is $125 each way. Yes, on all domestic flights and some international ones. Cost for cargo, if even possible: Whether pets are allowed in checked baggage or cargo, and, if so, how much it costs. Today, all major airlines have fees for flying with your furry friend, but these are our recommended options for the best airlines for pets. While at the airport terminal and onboard the aircraft, pets must remain completely in the carrier and only be handled by the traveler. Pettravel in the cabin: Southwest Airlines permits small, vaccinated dogs and cats that are at least eight weeks old to fly with travelers in the cabin for a $95pet fee each way. Most airlines force you to pick up the phone and call to reserve your space, which might entail a long hold time. Health and vaccine requirements: Dogs traveling in cargo must have a health certificate dated within 10 days of the outward journey and 30 days of the return journey. She covers travel rewards, including news, airline and hotel loyalty programs, and how to travel on points. Contact reservations by starting a chat using the link below or calling 1-800-252-7522 to reserve space for your pet 4. Let the 80/20 rule guide you. Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Alaska was the best of the bunch, but even animal travel on Alaska has limitations. Travelers must pay $100 per carrier each way, in both baggage and cabin. Your pet carrier will not count toward your carry-on baggage. Will pet handlers be able to let your dogs out for a relief stop or exercise before boarding? Cons: Like with Southwest, only small pets are allowed. If they do, they will very likely charge a fee to have Fido on board. Are there other restrictions on pets in the cabin? Effective today, Delta passengers will have two options when flying a pet. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. Its always a good idea to be in direct contact with the airline about bringing a pet, since some airlines have a cap on the amount of animals allowed per flight. Above all else, make sure to check out the airlines safety measures. Pets in cargo: Hawaiian Airlines accepts dogs, cats, and household birdsas checked baggage for $60 one-way on flights within the state of Hawaii and $225 one-way on flights between Hawaii and North America. Sally French is a reporter for NerdWallet. The IATA Live Animal Regulations is the standard for transporting live animals by commercial airlines. However, two puppies or kittens may travel together in the same kennel if they weigh less than 20 pounds, are between eight weeks and six months old, and are similar in size. Airlines are allowed to carry to, from and within India, animals, birds, and reptiles. They must be at least 16 weeks old. Exotic pets such as snakes, spiders, rodents, etc. If your pet needs in-flight feeding, you need to provide the food and directions (theyll feed your pet, which is rare!). Weve got you covered. For a safe and comfortable journey for . Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Booking pet tickets. Refunds, accessibility and ease: Were pet fees refundable? Members ofTrueBlue, the airlines reward program, can earn 300 extra points for each segment their pet flies with them in the cabin. And unlike many other airlines, Hawaiian doesnt count your carry-on pets toward your carry-on luggage. Pets in cargo Yeson all domestic flights, plus flights to/from the Dominican Republic and Mexico. COVID. Spirit Airlines is known for their bargain airfare, but your pets ticket may cost just as much as your own! There will be no need to use the restroom during the flight because the cargo compartment's lights will be turned off. Due to pandemic-related flight changes, at the time of writing, dogs may not be checked in cargo. Are dogs allowed in cargo/the baggage compartment? The airline allows two pets of the same size and breed between 10 weeks and six months old to fly together in the same kennel (and charges them as one pet), so long as they get along and can fit into a single kennel. You can pay this in advance or when you check in for your flight. On Alaska, pets arent accepted in baggage or cargo for the entire period from Nov. 15 to Jan. 10. Travelers with carry-on pets cannot sit in certain areas, such as the emergency exit rows and bulkhead seats, as well as in specific rows on certain planes. Delta Is Launching Free In-Flight Wi-Fi on Most Domestic Flights, Around-the-World Cruise Guide: Everything You Need to Know About These Far-Reaching Voyages, The Delta SkyMiles Platinum AmEx Card's Biggest Perks: The Annual Companion Pass and Sky Club Access. Hawaiian allows one adult dog or cat per kennel, or up to two puppies or kittens of the same breed or litter that are between eight weeks and six months old. Whether you are planning on getting your dog CGC certified or just looking to learn more about the test this e-book is a great place to start. Jetblue - allows pets in the cabin, but never as cargo Southwest - allows pets in the cabin, but never as cargo Spirit - allows pets in the cabin, but never as cargo United Airlines -. The first question is, should you fly with your pet at all? If youre checking your pet, then ferrets, hamsters, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, and tropical fish are also allowed on board. How easy is it to book a space for your pet on the flight? Certified service animals are still permitted at no additional cost under the Air Carrier Access Act. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This week, American Airlines flew COVID-19 (coronavirus) tests on a regular, non-cargo narrowbody planea classification that includes any airliner with just one aisle and six seats . Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Yes, dogs are allowed to fly in cargo. No more than one dog or one cat can be transported in the same kennel if theyre going in cargo. Pets of larger size/weight will be carried in the cargo hold. Is there a fee to travel with your pet? Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? Pets in cargo: JetBlue does not accept pets in cargo. Pets in cargo: Alaska Airlines allows a more diverse selection of pets to fly in its climate-controlled cargo hold for $100 each way: dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish. Quarantine, vaccinations, vaccination records, and health certificates: what are the requirements at your destination, your airline, and your point of origin if its a return trip? Similarly, if your dog is on a prescription diet or has food sensitivities, make sure theyll be able to eat at your destination. While none are exactly great, here are the best airlines for traveling with a pet. Email: Airlines that allow dogs, cats and other pets, recapped, Methodology: How we made our pet-friendly airline rankings. Upon arrival, theres a chance youll be denied boarding if the gate agent hears or sees any disruptive behavior. Allegiant does not transport animals in cargo. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Though they will still allow pets in the cabin, this only works for dogs small enough to fit comfortably under the seat in front of you, which means for a lot of pets, flying will not be an option, Dr. Freyer says. Veterinary experts say that short-nosed animals commonly have abnormalities that can compromise their breathing, according to Alaska. Before you go, take a look at pet-friendly hotels (and hotel trends), rules to follow next time you fly, and the difference between booking hotels vs. Airbnbs. Pettravel in the cabin: Dogs and cats cantravel in the cabin onHawaiian Airlines flights that go from Hawaiian island to island, as well as between the Aloha State and most destinations in North America. We gave each airline a score from 1 to 5 across 12 categories. Make sure to check well in advance, gather the relevant records, and leave time to make appropriate arrangementsand to check any regulations for the journey home, too. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication. Alaska also has rules around whenpets can fly to Hawaii, which experiences strong headwinds during some months. The embargo applies to all live animals transported in cargo under the PET product code throughout the domestic and international network. Which Loyalty Program Is Best For You in 2023? Pets on Southwest are accepted on a first come, first served basis and are not permitted to travel internationally. Themost pet-friendly airline for your journey depends on the type of animal you have, your pets size, where youre traveling, and whether youd like your pet to fly in the cabin or in the cargo hold as checked baggage. Pettravel in the cabin: For $99 each way, pets maytravel in the cabin onFrontier Airlines flights. Pets are not allowed in Mint (JetBlue's business class), but for TrueBlue members, traveling with a pet can earn you 300 extra TrueBlue points per flight. Ad Choices. Allegiant allow smalls dogs and cats in the aircraft cabin if traveling within the 48 contiguous United States (including Washington, DC, but not Alaska or Hawaii). Birds are not allowed to and from cities in Puerto Rico or the U.S.V.I. If your reservation gets changed, you'll have to wait until the next flight that allows an animal. Lead Writer/Spokesperson | Travel, credit cards. 4 (if you purchase an adjacent seat, otherwise two). This is more prevalent if youre flying out of the country with your pet, as domestic flights may not have such a requirement. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. They strongly suggest a soft-sided carrier, no larger than 9 inches by 16 inches by 19 inches. Some airlines no longer offer this option and some countries do not allow pets to enter the country in-cabin. And accept that sometimes a road trip (or even a private jet) might be better. Yes: Southwest only accepts up to six pet carriers per flight and one pet carrier per customer. She also has worked for MarketWatch and The Orange County Register. They also have not been taking pets in cargo since April 2020but they have been taking small pets in the cabin. Currently, at least two Indian carriers - Air India and Akasa Air - permit passengers to carry pets onboard. Thats due to a December 2020 ruling from the U.S. Department of Transportation that eliminated a requirement that airlines allow emotional support animals free of charge. OK92033) Property & Casualty Licenses, NerdWallet | 55 Hawthorne St. - 11th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Read the fine print before attempting to travel with pets on a plane. On Alaska, pets arent accepted in baggage or cargo for the entire period from Nov. 15 to Jan. 10. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. Small dogs, cats, and birds can travel for a one-way fee, which youll pay at check-in. All rights reserved. It was there that 25 airline passengers and six crew members were headed Jan. 9 after boarding an IrAero Airlines plane in the inland city of Magan. Types of animals allowed in the main cabin: Can you fly with a pet bird? By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. Cat or dog (maximum of six pets per flight). Those individuals may check up to two pets to fly in the cargo hold, so long as they meet the destinations age and health requirements. Unfortunately, this is another airline that hasnt been taking pets as cargo since early 2020, due to COVID restrictions. Animal owners and shippers rely heavily on airlines to carry their precious cargo. That way, you have up-to-date health information on your pet and can prove theyre caught up on vaccinations. Service animals are not pets. Is there a fee to travel with your pet? Note: These guidelines are for dogs considered pets. And even though youve paid for a second seat, you still need to keep your dog inside a carrier for the whole flight. If there are any delays and your pet needs to be placed in a kennel facility until a flight can be arranged, costs can add up, and theyll be the responsibility of the owner. Health and vaccination requirements: Spirit doesnt require a health certificate for dogs traveling in the cabin, except for travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Note, too, that most airlines will not allow these dogs to travel in cargo. Domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters or small household birds. Southwest also sells their own approved pet carriers online for $58. 2 (Only one pet per carrier. Fortunately, there are manypet-friendly airlines that allow dogs, cats, birds, and a handful of other household animals to fly with you to your destination. Frontier was the third-place winner. Animals must stay in their carrier for the duration of the flight, and the animal has to be harmless, inoffensive, and odorless. The combined weight of the pet and carrier cannot exceed 40 pounds, and youre able to sit anywhere except for the first row and emergency exit rows. AirlineRatings.com was launched in 2013 and rates the safety, in-flight product and COVID-19 compliance of 385 airlines using its unique seven-star rating system. However,Southwest Airlines only allows six total carriers on each flight, and those spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No: at the time of writing, Uniteds PetSafe cargo program for pets has been suspended due to the pandemic. Most airlines won't transport brachycephalic or "short-nosed" dogs and cats in cargo, though they might still be allowed in carry-on. Your pet will need to stay in his carrier at all times in the airport and on the airplane. Sam's work has been featured by the . If your pet is too large to fit in an under-seat carrier, he will need to stay home. Buy and pack any medications your dog will need during the trip, including. Health and vaccine requirements: Your dog will need ID tags and a pet license. The weight of your pet and the carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds to fly in the cabin. It had among the lowest fees and the most flexible pet policy in terms of what types of pets you can bring. With the resurgence of travel, if youre thinking of traveling with your pet, finding the most pet-friendly airlines will be crucial to making sure your trip goes off without a hitch (and without any fur flying). Up to two pets of the same species may travel together in a carrier, but they must be able to stand up and move around while inside. When you arrive at the airport, United will give you a bright yellow tag to put on your pets kennel, and youll need to sign a form stating that you understand the airlines travel requirements. A maximum of 2 pets per container is permitted, but only one container per guest . Are dogs allowed in cargo/the baggage? Alaska also limits the number of carriers onboard per flight: three in first class and eight in the main cabin. Spirit only allows soft-sided carriers for petsflying in the cabin and they may be no larger than 18 by 14 by 9 inches. Is there a fee to travel with your pet? Though air travel is sometimes unavoidable, it can take a toll on dogs health and emotional wellbeing. With Frontier, maximum pet container dimensions are a tad smaller than Southwests at 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches. Soft-sided, collapsible kennels can be slightly larger but still need to fit under the seat without having to excessively collapse the carrier. No. No. Bringing a pet in the cabin does not count toward your carry-on allowance with Hawaiian, meaning you can bring a bag and a personal item, in addition to your pet. If your pet is too large to fit under the seat, it can travel in the climate-controlled baggage compartment within the U.S. for $100. As a general practice, its a good idea to schedule a vet visit for seven to 10 days before your trip. On American Eagle flights, the airline only allows five total carry-on kennels, including one in first class. Here's a more complete listing of airlines' pet policies, using these considerations: cost per pet, allowed in cargo or cabin, size restriction. Pets are not allowed as checked baggage to or from John F. Kennedy International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old to board. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. The pet fee is $125 per pet each way. Are dogs allowed in the cabin? A health certificate must be provided, and Delta does not recommend traveling with older or snub-nosed dogs. Are accurate and items are in stock as of time of writing, PetSafe... Stress associated with flight can make those conditions worse may cost just as much as your own to fit an... 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