If you’ve ever wanted to fly with your pet but worried about the process or their comfort, we’ve got great news! Airlines have improved their pet policies, making travel safer and easier for your furry companion. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smooth, stress-free flight for both you and your pet!

Best Airlines for Traveling with Pets

Not all airlines have the same pet policies—some are far more pet-friendly than others. If you're flying within the United States, these airlines offer the best options for traveling with your furry companion:

• Delta Airlines: Allows small dogs and cats in the cabin within size limits. For larger pets, Delta offers special cargo programs designed for comfort, including real-time tracking to monitor your pet’s journey.
• American Airlines: Pets can travel in the cabin as long as their carrier fits under the seat. They also provide dedicated customer service to assist travelers with pet-related questions.
• Southwest Airlines: A great domestic option for pet owners, Southwest allows pets in the cabin for a low fee. Their simple and transparent pet policies make travel hassle-free.
• JetBlue: Their JetPaws program offers rewards and a travel guide for pet owners, making flying with pets more convenient and comfortable.

Choosing the right airline can make all the difference in ensuring a stress-free and safe journey for your pet!

The rules of each airline

So, you’re going to travel with your pet. The most important thing and the first thing you should know is that each airline varies in travel policies, so before booking a flight with your pet, make sure you check basic key points such as the size and weight limit of the animal. For example, for travelling in the cabin, the pet transportation that usually fits under the seats generally has approximate measurements of 18 x 11 x 11 and a maximum weight of 20 pounds, but you will have to verify this with the airline you are going to travel with.

You will also have to check the cost of your pet’s ticket and are usually between $90 and $130 per trip.

The required health documentation for your furry friend: they normally request your pet’s passport or vaccination records to make sure that it is healthy (and that, for example, it does not have rabies or will infect other animals).

Prepare for the trip

Before the trip, you will have to make sure that your pet is physically and emotionally prepared to travel on a plane.

The steps before the flight are, as always, to visit the vet to confirm that your pet is up to date with its vaccinations. If necessary, request a health certificate stating that everything is OK. (This document will be requested especially for international flights)

If your animal has never been in a pet transportation, a couple of weeks before the trip, put it near it so that it can sniff, get inside, play or sleep. In this way, you will make it feel that this object is a safe and familiar place for it to spend the hours of the flight.

Finally, do a little exercise or play with your pet before flying so that it is calm during the flight.

Does your pet not like flying?

First of all, you will have to stay calm. As you well know, your pet feels when its owner is stressed and will also get stressed. 

• Do not take the animal out of the pet carrier, because, although it may be tempting, it can create problems with the crew and other passengers.
• Bring food and water during the flight so that it is well hydrated and nourished.
• You have probably been told this, but veterinarians can recommend natural tranquilizers that will make your pet’s trip much smoother!

Although traveling with our pets is easy, the important thing is to prepare well and follow the airline’s rules so that our pet feels as comfortable as it would at home