Is it safe to fly with a pet?
Some principles can be followed to make a flight with a pet to be safe or to have fewer troubles with the pet. Pet preparation for travel by air entails familiarizing the pet with the travel crate, researching airline requirements, and consulting your veterinarian about your pet’s fitness for flying.
Even concerning pets, every airline has limitations and policies as to the type of crate to use and whether the animals are to travel in the cabin or the cargo section. Therefore, the right choice and planning that should be made before the trip will contribute to a safe journey for you and your furry friend.
Procedures for flight booking when traveling with a pet
When flying with a pet, the procedures for Flight ticket booking generally involve the following steps:
- Every airline is different when it comes to traveling with pets. Some aspects include the animal's size, charges, and the fact that the pet can travel inside the main cabin or as cargo.
- Check out the official website of FaresMatch for charges that would be incurred for travelling with these animals. Check with the airline for these requirements, as they differ depending on whether your pet will be traveling in the cabin with you or in the belly hold of the plane.
- It is recommended to prepare the necessary documents that may be required by the airline or country of destination, for example, health certificates or certificates of vaccination.
- Make sure the pet is okay with traveling; have a correctly sized carrier according to the airline's specifications. Ensure your pet is fitted with identification collars/ tags and is comfortable with the travel cage/ crate.
Airlines that allow pets
Most airlines today permit pet carriage, but there are variations in the way they do it. Here are some airlines known for accommodating pets:
- American Airlines: Permits pets in the aircraft cabin, checked baggage or as shipments depending on their size and the particular destination.
- Delta Air Lines: The airline offers choices for carrying pets in the cabin, as check-in baggage, or in the belly of the plane.
- Southwest Airlines: Pets are permitted, but specific areas are to be avoided namely the cargo section.
- United Airlines: Provides pet travel in a cabin, as well as in the cargo hold.
- Alaska Airlines: Permits pets within the cabin, in the belly of the aircraft and at the aircraft door.
Cheapest flight when we travel with a pet
To find the cheapest flight for traveling with pets, you should follow these steps:
- There are several airlines that you will find when booking tickets through FaresMatch. You have to compare the tickets with the different airlines and make sure to have cheap flights for your travel with your pet.
- Declare the pet at the destination for waiving any charges that are extra for conveying animals. Such fees can greatly differ from one airline to the other. Do not forget to include this in your total cost.
- It is wise to book early for this reason, to get the most favorable rates, and to confirm that your pet is allowed.
- At times, airplane companies may have offers or discounts of some sort that may be useful for your trip. Moreover, you will have the best deals and offers if you book tickets through the website.
Airline policy when we travel with a pet
When it comes to getting a flight with your furry friend, different airlines have policies and regulations that may differ depending on the kind of airline, where you're headed, and what animal you have. Here are some generally known features of airline pet policies that are provided by FaresMatch:
- Cabin travel is mostly permitted for small pets (usually dogs, cats, and sometimes little rabbits) if their owners present them in special carriers that can fit underneath any seat.
- If the animal is huge or doesn't meet the requirements for being in the cabin, then it will likely have to be put in the cargo hold. The animals should be placed inside durable cages that are in accordance with what each airline requires when taking animals.
- Service animals like service dogs are usually accepted by most airlines without charging extra fees. You may need to provide some sort of paperwork that shows this particular animal is indeed certified as a service animal.
- Most airlines require a health certificate showing that your dog or cat has been seen by a veterinarian within a specified number of days before leaving (usually 10). You may also need vaccination cards, for example, against rabies.
- A few airlines have limitations regarding certain breeds, most notably brachycephalic (short-nosed), due to their likelihood of experiencing respiratory problems during flights.
For compliance reasons, it’s important to always check individual pet policies with an airline before leaving for your trip dates.
Traveling with a pet can be as easy and safe as necessary, provided you follow certain measures. Before traveling, it is crucial to accustom your pet to the travel crate, understand the airline policies, consult with the vet, and thus minimize stress and possible problems. These rules are set by individual airlines, so a person must make the right decisions. Ensuring the following tips, both you and your pet will have a wonderful journey without many worries.