Can You Bring A Dog On A Plane? Policies For Travelling With Dogs

Can you bring a dog on a plane? you may be wondering whether it’s possible to bring your dog on the plane with you. Assuming your airline allows pets, you’ll need to decide whether to bring your dog with you in the cabin or check them as cargo. This will depend on your dog’s size and weight, as well as the airline’s policies.

Traveling with dogs is a whole lot of fun for pet lovers like you. Isn’t it? We bet you won’t agree to let your pet stay with your relatives while you leave for a vacation. Even if you have to do it out of compulsion, you will feel something missing on your journey. 

Well, everything is understandable when it comes to taking your daily use items or even food products in luggage. But, what to do when it’s about traveling with pets? 

It’s a fact that a pet at home becomes your lovable companion. It’s your family member and you want it to travel along with you. But, as you may already be aware of the tight security norms followed by the TSA at airports, this question must be hitting your mind, can dogs fly on planes, right? 

Besides, there are also aspects related to the health conditions of your dog. Whether your dog is fit to travel, is it in the perfect state of emotional balance, or will it be able to tolerate the environment at crowded places. 

To find all such answers, go ahead and read this informative article. 

TSA Rules For Flying With Dogs

As far as the TSA is concerned, there are no such rules mentioned for taking a dog on a plane. Small pets are permitted to be taken through airport security. The very fact that your pet is so dear to you and can’t be left without you is totally acceptable to the TSA. 

The TSA has clearly stated on its website that for rules related to flying with a puppy, passengers should abide by the policies defined by the airline they are traveling with. 

Important Advice On How To Fly With A Dog

However, pet owners are advised to go as per the following instructions at the security checkpoint. 

1. It’s beneficial to take your pet in a carrying case or travel carrier. Before the screening process begins, you must take the pet out and run the empty case through the X-ray machine. It will be examined physically and/or visually. Your preparedness at the checking area will help expedite the X-ray screening procedure.
2. Please keep in mind not to put your pet in the X-ray section. It is only meant for your non living personal items. 
3. Although passengers must control their pets with the help of a leash, they should be taken off when the pet goes through a metal detector test. 
4. Owners should put their pets back in the travel carrier when screening is over. The safety of pets and other passengers is aided by this separate location.

Tips For Hassle-Free Verification

Here are some more tips or additional practical advice given by the TSA to go through security as quickly as possible.

1. It will be better for your pet to be more at ease when it passes through security at the airport. Hence, in the days before your trip, get your pet used to the travel carrier to help it get accustomed to the process of traveling. For this, you can keep it in the carrier at home and let it remain in it while it has food and water. 
2. Keep looking for working K9s and their handlers at the airport. A security checkpoint or the terminal concourse are likely places where a working K9 can be seen. If you come across a working dog, kindly go through screening at a different checkpoint.
3. Please be aware of the mood and nature of your pet. Make sure that you will be able to control it in a bustling place packed with countless travelers.

Can I Buy My Dog’s Seat On An Airplane?

Seats are not allowed to be bought for your pets. They can be taken in a carrier having proper space and ventilation. Usually, the airlines allow these carriers to fit underneath the seat in front of you. Some may also have the rule to fit them under your own seat.

Nevertheless, some airlines may allow you to purchase a seat to keep your dog’s carrier on it. Similarly, there are many more regulations or points defined under pet policies by airlines. Please be alert and collect this information from your airline in advance. 

Can My Dog Sit On My Lap During A Flight?

Generally, this is not permitted by airlines, as pets are allowed to be taken in separate carriers only. However, some airlines may have defined a rule that you can keep your pet’s carrier on your lap during the flight. 

This may also be allowed, except for the times when the plane takes off or lands at the destination. Therefore, please be sure to be informed about your airline’s policies and comply with the same. 

Is Air Travel Stressful For Dogs?

Of course, you could be taking your dog on a plane owing to important reasons or considerations. But, the fact is that a dog has to go through a similar process as that of humans when they proceed to travel on a plane with their owners. 

Dogs are not accustomed to checking in at the airport, going through airport security, getting ready for the screening process, going towards the boarding gate, boarding the plane, or getting settled inside. Apparently, they have to go through this entire procedure.

Furthermore, they are not used to the vibes, smell, fast-paced scenes, and atmosphere at the airport. Especially, in an environment where some dogs are put in a separate carrier placed under a seat in the cabin and some dogs are taken as checked baggage in the cargo section, being away from their owner could be all the more frightening for them.

However, if seen on the grounds of anxiety levels and mental state, some dogs may be strong enough to cope with such scenarios at the airport and on the plane. 

So, you can consider whether it is really necessary for you to take your pet along or you can leave it with a trusted relative or friend. In the former case, you must ensure to choose the airline whose pet policy suits you the best.

Points To Remember Before Travelling With Pets

When some days are left for your travel, you can:

• Get your dog a bit acclimated to traveling on a flight.
• Start putting your dog in a carrier (a good-quality carrier made of comfortable material) at home and let it operate inside it.
• Visit your veterinary doctor, get its health checkup done beforehand, and check its stress levels or symptoms like nausea, loss of appetite, restlessness etc.
• Get a letter stamped by the doctor or other related certificates, as per the pet policy of your airline, to show at the airport.
• Pack the regular food and liquid items, or those suggested by the doctor to feed your dog with. 

Rules By Airlines On Flying With Pets

You need to make a reservation for your pet too. But, you must confirm the policies related to pets with your airline. We bring to you the respective guidelines by some of the major airlines operating in the USA. However, make sure to contact your airline for its complete rules, instructions, and the applicable pet fee, before you proceed with travel.

United Airlines Pet Policy

• Flying with a dog in cabin is permitted.
• A hard-sided or soft-sided carrier may be used to carry a pet. Only one pet is allowed inside one carrier. 
• Maximum dimensions of hard-sided carrier – 
  • Length – 44 cm/17.5 inches
  • Width – 30 cm/12 inches
  • Height – 19 cm/7.5 inches
• Maximum dimensions of soft-sided carrier – 
  • Length – 45 cm/18 inches
  • Width – 27 cm/11 inches
  • Height – 27 cm/11 inches
• The carrier must have enough space for the pet to move and stand easily inside.
• You should be able to fit the carrier under the seat located in front of you. 

JetBlue Airlines Pet Policy

• You can travel with your small dog only in the cabin.
• The pet can be put in a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier. 
• Maximum dimensions of hard-sided carrier – 
  • Length – 43 cm/17 inches
  • Width – 31 cm/12.5 inches 
  • Height – 21 cm/8.5 inches 
• Maximum dimension of soft-sided carrier – 21 cm/8.5 inches
• The total weight, combining the pet and the carrier, needs to be more than 9 kg.
• Make sure to take a spacious carrier with adequate ventilation for the easy movement of the pet inside.

Pet Policy of Frontier Airlines

• You can travel with your domesticated dog in a carrier in the cabin. They are not allowed to be taken as checked baggage. 
• Maximum dimensions of carrier – 
  • Length – 18 inches 
  • Width – 14 inches 
  • Height – 8 inches
• The carrier should have sufficient space for the easy movement of the pet.
• The carrier should fit finely under the seat set in front of you.

Does Southwest Airlines Allows to Bring A Dog On A Plane?

• You can travel with your vaccinated domestic dog in the cabin on domestic flights. 
• You must use a suitable pet carrier to take your dog, and it must be placed under your seat.
• Maximum dimensions of carrier – 
  • Length – 18.5 inches 
  • Width – 13.5 inches 
  • Height – 9.5 inches
• There are particular regulations for taking pets on flights going to Puerto Rico.
• Pets are not allowed on flights coming from or going to Hawaii.

Delta Airlines Pet Travel Rules

• You can travel with your small dog in the cabin.
• As per size, some pets can be taken on cargo.
• You must use a suitable pet kennel to take your dog.
• As per Delta, you need to confirm the dimensions of their particular aircraft and then take the kennel that fits properly under the seat in front of you. Still, they advise you can bring a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of – 
  • Length – 18 inches 
  • Width – 11 inches 
  • Height – 11 inches
• Your pet must not be less than 10 weeks of age for domestic travel.
• If you are taking it to the US from another country, it must not be less than 16 weeks of age.
• If you are taking your pet to the European Union, it must be a minimum of 15 weeks old.

Pet Travel Rules of Alaska Airlines

• You can travel with your pet in the cabin, but you must not be less than 18 years of age.
• A passenger is permitted to bring up to two pet carriers under certain conditions. 
• Maximum dimensions of hard-sided carrier – 
  • Length – 17 inches
  • Width – 11 inches
  • Height – 7.5 inches
• Maximum dimensions of soft-sided carrier – 
  • Length – 17 inches
  • Width – 11 inches
  • Height – 9.5 inches
• Your dog must not be less than 8 weeks of age.
• The pet must remain inside the carrier all the time, and the carrier needs to be placed under your seat.
• Passengers taking a pet on a flight may not be able to take a seat in an emergency exit row or bulkhead row.

Bring A Dog On A Air New Zealand Plane

• Your pet can travel in a carrier as checked baggage on domestic flights. Rules are different for international flights. 
• IATA approved carriers are accepted. 
• The carrier must have sufficient space and ventilation for the comfort of your pet.
• Maximum dimensions as per the type of aircraft – 
  • A320 and A321 aircraft 
    • 90 cm H x 80 cm W (bulk hold only)
  • ATR aircraft
    • 150 cm H x 120 cm W
  • Q300 aircraft
    • 150 cm H x 120 cm W

Etihad Airways Pet Policy

• You are permitted to take your pet on flights coming from or going to Abu Dhabi.
• In the case of any other destination, you need to confirm with its authorities.
• The pet must be a minimum of 16 weeks old, with weight not exceeding 8 kg (including carrier).
• Maximum dimensions for a carrier fitted under a seat –
  • Length – 40 cm
  • Width – 40 cm
  • Height – 22 cm
• Maximum dimensions for a carrier if you have also bought the adjacent seat – 
  • Length – 50 cm
  • Width – 43 cm 
  • Height -50 cm

Qatar Airways Pet Policy

• Your domesticated dog can travel as checked baggage on your flight or on a different flight.
• The pet must be in good health.
• The maximum total dimension allowed for a crate (carrying the dog in checked baggage) needs to be 300 cm or 118 inches.
• The pet must not be less than 12 weeks of age.
• Service dogs can be taken in cabins under certain conditions.

Bring A Dog On A Singapore Airlines Plane

• Your dog cannot travel in the cabin, but can travel as checked baggage on some flights.
• Service dogs may be allowed in cabins for people with disabilities.
• The dog must be a minimum of 3 months of age.
• The total weight of your pet and the carrier must be less than 32 kg. If it exceeds the limit, the pet will be taken in cargo.
• Maximum height of crates allowed as per aircrafts – 
  • A330 aircraft – 22 inches 
  • B777 aircraft – 43.3 inches 
  • A380 aircraft – 23.6 inches
  • A350 aircraft -27.5 inches

Emirates Airlines Rules For Pet Travel

• Your dog cannot travel in the cabin, but can travel as checked baggage on certain flights.
• Service dogs may be allowed in cabins for people with disabilities.
• The dog must be at least 4 months old.
• If your pet cannot fit under the seat or it’s too large, it may have to travel in cargo with a suitable atmosphere.
• The crate carrying the pet must be approved by IATA.

In cabins, dogs are allowed on inter-island flights and flights operating between the State of Hawaii and North America, under some conditions.

Does Hawaiian Airlines Allows to Bring A Dog On A Plane?

• In cabins, dogs are allowed on inter-island flights and flights operating between the State of Hawaii and North America, under some conditions.
• They will have to travel as checked baggage, if the total weight of the pet and the carrier is found to be more than 25 pounds.
• If the total weight of the pet and the kennel is more than 70 lbs, it will be transported in cargo.
• Maximum carrier dimensions allowed –
  • Length – 16 inches
  • Width – 10 inches
  • Height – 9.5 inches

Are There Restrictions On Flying With A Large Dog?

Undoubtedly, passengers are allowed to travel with their large dogs on planes, but under some specific restrictions. Usually, taking small pets or dogs in a cabin is permitted by the airlines.

Moreover, some weight limitations are also there that combine the weight of the dog and that of the carrier in which the dog is taken. Therefore, when it comes to large dogs, most airlines accept them as checked baggage and they are taken in the cargo section.

Nonetheless, please be careful as some airlines don’t even allow dogs to be taken as checked baggage. They are only permitted to be carried in the airplane. Some airlines even have entries permitted for particular types of breeds. So, make sure to stay familiar with the pet policy of your airline. 

Tips On How To Bring A Dog On A Plane

Here are some tips on taking a dog on a plane for a trouble-free experience. 

• Get in touch with your airline’s team to confirm the reservation process for your pet, applicable charges, and the related policies.
• Make sure your pet is vaccinated and in a proper healthy state before you travel. It is beneficial to get a health certificate and microchip your pet through a veterinary doctor.
• It is suggested to give priority to booking a direct flight rather than taking a halt.
• Put your pet in a good-quality comfortable carrier, which has complete space for your pet to stand, or move around easily.
• Don’t forget to keep food and water for your pet.
• Also, keep in mind to inform the crew about your pet on the flight.

How To Bring A Dog On A Plane For Free?

If you bring a dog on a plane, you need to make a reservation for the same. You may already be knowing that passengers are charged by airlines for traveling with pets. Nevertheless, your pet may travel for free in the following cases. 

1. Some airlines may let your pet travel for free, depending on the fact that your dog needs emotional support, as proven by a medical expert. In this case, you need to provide the airline with certain documents stamped by your veterinary doctor, specifying the health conditions of your pet. 

2. Another scenario could be that you take a fully-trained service dog that is skilled at assisting visually impaired people or those with difficulties. You may have to show documents like the passport of your pet or others required by the airline. They need to be authorized by your veterinary doctor.

This passport is issued only when your pet is able to pass certain health checks or/and is protected by a vaccine against rabies or other diseases. It is also important to microchip your dog.

Although these could be possible situations when you can take your dog on a plane without any charge, it is advised to confirm the same with your airline. There could be additional instructions or some charges associated with the same. So, it’s better to stay informed rather than to repent later. 

Conclusion

All in all, flying with dogs in cabin is allowed by most airlines, provided they are small pets. Large dogs need to be checked as baggage and they are taken in cargo. Still, some airlines don’t even provide this facility. As per the TSA, you have the freedom to bring your pets or dogs on a plane. But, it suggests you to collect all such necessary information about the policies defined by your airline and proceed accordingly. Happy travels! 

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FAQs On Can You Bring a Dog on a Plane?

Take a look at some of the most commonly raised queries on Can You Bring a Dog on a Plane, and enjoy a pleasant trip with your pet.

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