Things To Remember If Planning When Traveling On A Pet Friendly Airlines

Read though this so you can be prepared when traveling on a pet friendly airlines. There are many pet friendly airlines to consider when making reservations. They are readily available to answer and questions about flying with your pet. Additionally, if the airlines you are considering traveling on truly are pet friendly, you should easily find their Pet Policy page online. The key to flying with pets is preparation. Following are some suggestions you may want to read with regards to pet-friendly airlines and how to make flying with your pet as easy and smooth as possible.

Pet-Friendly Airlines – Pet Policy

Pet-friendly airlines have a Pet Policy page. Your pet’s size determines whether your pet travels with you in the cabin or in cargo. Make sure you understand the airline’s rules, regulations and extra charges if there are any. The Pet Policy page is typically comprehensive and will inform you on the limits of the size of dog it allows in the cabin, what kinds of carriers are permissible and special immunizations or pet health required. It is important to remember that many pet-friendly airlines will only accept one pet per flight so make your reservations early.

Best Times to Fly with Your Pet

• During off-peak season is the best time to fly with your pet. Avoid traveling with your pet on holidays when it’s busy and there’s a lot of commotion, and during hot summer months.

Reserving Your Flight 

Ruffus weighs in at 72 lbs. He diligently checks out the Pet Policy pages on all pet-friendly airlines to see if he can travel in the cabin. His fave? First Class of course!

• When possible, book a direct flight. Keep in mind your pet’s digestion habits in mind.
• There are many pet-friendly airlines to consider when making reservations. They are readily available to answer and questions about flying with your pet. Additionally, if the airlines you are considering traveling on truly are pet friendly, you should easily find their Pet Policy page online. The key to flying with pets is preparation. Following are some suggestions you may want to read with regards to pet-friendly airlines and how to make flying with your pet as easy and smooth as possible.

Medical/Hygiene

• Before your flight, take your pet to your vet for a checkup and make sure he or she is up to date on all vaccinations. If you are traveling to a part of the country that has certain diseases, please discuss this with your vet as there are vaccinations and medicines available that can keep your pet healthy.
• Clip your pets nails prior to flight so they don’t get caught or hooked in the carriers door, ventilation windows or other crevices.

Travel Carriers

• Most pet stores sell carriers. There also are plenty of online sources. Additionally, many of the airlines sell carriers at the counter, but this purchase should be arranged prior to your flight.
• There are many soft- and hard-sided carriers available. Find the one that you think will be easiest. Make sure it is on the list of approved carriers provided online for each of the pet-friendly airlines.
• Each carrier’s manufacturer has recommendations on the weight the carrier will hold. Your pet should be comfortable and able to stand up, turn around. When traveling with your pet, it’s good to bring an article your pet is familiar with. If it’s a blanket, line the bottom of the carrier with it. Most important, make sure the carrier is designed for good ventilation.
• Get your pet familiar with the carrier. Start toting your pet around in it for about a month prior to travel to minimize his or her stress level.

Important Tips

• As with your own personal items, it’s best to pack early so you don’t forget anything. This will help eliminate stress for you and your pet.
• Bring several current photos of your pet. It can be a copy of the same photo. You would do this as a precautionary measure should you and your pet become separated.
• Don’t over feed or water your pet before traveling. A rule of thumb is to not feed your pet for four to six hours before boarding the airplane. Ice cubes are a great way to keep your pet hydrated. A good idea is to fill the water bowl with these to prevent spillage.
• Don’t sedate your pet on a flight. Since you will be traveling with your pet 30,000 feet in altitude, sedatives can have a dangerous effect. If you do decide to do this, it would be wise to get your vet’s approval first.
• Keep your pet’s leash and collar in your carry on baggage, purse or other tote so you can easily take your pet for a walk before departure. Do not attach or put the leash in or onto your pet’s carrier.
• Make sure your pet stays in the carrier in the airport terminal at all times.
• Taking your pet for a walk should be a priority upon landing. Find a safe place and make sure your pet is on a leash.
• Never use a muzzle on your pet during travel.

Traveling in the Cargo Hold

• Don’t ship pug-nosed dogs or cats in the cargo hold, as they can be deprived of oxygen and susceptible to heat stroke because of their short nasal passages.

Make sure to find the Pet Relief areas for airports you will be visiting.