The Best Pet-Friendly Airlines and Travel Tips
By Travellinglark
24 Feb 2025

Traveling with pets is thrilling but challenging too. Whether you are relocating, vacationing, or going on a weekend trip, finding an airline suitable for your furry friend is key. Most airlines do offer some accommodations for traveling with pets, but policies and services can vary wildly. In this guide, we take you through the best pet-friendly airlines and give you accessible travel tips to make your journey easy for you and your pet. 

Best Pet-Friendly Airlines

1. Alaska Airlines: 

Alaska Airlines is among the most pet-friendly airlines in the United States. It accepts small pets in the cabin for a nominal fee and offers cargo transportation for larger animals. Their Fur-st Class service entails utmost caring and pampering for all four-legged travelers.

Key Features:

  • Cats, dogs, rabbits, and pet birds are allowed in the cabin.

  • Affordable pet fee starting at $100 per segment.

  • Climate-controlled, well-facilitated cargo facilities for larger pets. 

2. American Airlines:

American Airlines is another excellent option for pet owners. They allow cabin travel with small pets and have an extensive PetEmbark program for cargo travel. 

Key Features:

  • Cabin travel for small pets weighing 20 lbs or less (including carrier).

  • Fees from $125 for carry-on pets to varying rates for cargo transport. 

  • Climate-controlled cargo area for the safety of pets.

3. Delta Airlines:

Delta Airlines has a pretty good reputation for being pet-friendly with both cabin and cargo options right on offer.

Key Features:

  • Small cats and dogs, as well as birds, are all welcome in the cabin.

  • Fees staring at $95 for domestic flights within the U.S. 

  • Delta Cargo ensures a safe, temperature-regulated environment for pets being shipped as cargo. 

4. Southwest Airlines: 

Southwest Airlines is famous for pet travel in its cabin, though cargo transport of pets is unavailable.

Key Features:

  • Small pets are allowed in the cabin.

  • Pet fee at $95, each way. 

  • Traveling with pets is allowed only intrastate. 

5. JetBlue: 

The JetPaws program makes it easy and convenient to travel with pets on JetBlue.

Key Features:

  • Carrying small pets (a maximum of 20 lbs including carrier) in the cabin.

  • The pet fee is $125 per flight.

  • JetPaws perks include free goodies: i.e. a pet travel guide and extra TrueBlue points. 

6. United Airlines: 

United Airlines would give you an excellent experience in pet travel through their PetSafe program.

Key Features:

  • Small pets in cabin with a fee of $125.

  • The extensive program for larger animals carried under PetSafe.

  • Veterinary assistance on long-distance travel for your pets. 

7. Air Canada: 

When it comes to international travel, Air Canada will be a great option for your pets, with in-cabin or cargo options.

Key Features:

  • Pets are allowed in the cabin for $50-$100.

  • Larger pets are shipped in the cargo hold.

  • Assistance for international pet traveling with clear rules.

Important Pet Travel Tips:

1. Choosing the Correct Carrier:

Ensure that the carrier used for the travel of your pets is airline-approved, well-vented, and comfortable for long travel. It should fit snugly so as not to allow excessive movement.

2. Make Your Reservation Early:

With only limited space provided for pet shouldering on airplane cabin, your securing of your furry friend spot is early reservation.

3. Let Your Pet Get Acquainted with the Carrier:

Prior to your departure, give your pet some time inside the traveling crate at home to get used to it; this will help ease their nerves.

4. Visit the Veterinarian Before Any Travel:

Airline companies insist you undergo a health check before flying. In fact, some need a certificate for health issued within 10 days.

5. Exercise Beforeboarding:

Please take your pet on a typical walk before leaving for the airport, which will help to get rid of some pent-up energy.

6. Pack Your Pet's Essentials:

Food, water, a leash, waste bags, and any meds for the pet are all to be packed.

7. Know Pet Relief Areas:

Most airports will have designated areas for pet relief. Knowing the locations of these Singapore will help make the journey easier.

8. Remain Calm and Reassure Your Pet:

Pets, especially dogs, can pick up on their owner's stress. During the journey, speak calmly and comfortingly to your pet. 

Conclusion:

Traveling with pets needs detail, planning, and some luck; however, with the right airline and preparations, your pet could be enjoying a peaceful time traveling with you. Be it traveling interstate or internationally; select an airline that puts the safety and comfort of your pet first. Implement the above travel tips, and you and your furry companion will be on your way to having an enjoyable travel experience!

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