Whether your pet is a seasoned jetsetter or a first-time flyer, navigating air travel with a four-legged friend takes planning, patience, and know-how. From booking the right seat to ensuring a smooth security check, here’s how to make flying with your pet a paws-itively stress-free adventure!
Cabin or Cargo? Choosing the Best Travel Option
Your pet’s size will determine whether they can fly in the cabin with you or if they must go in cargo. Cargo is not for every pet, and if you must consider it, make sure to check with your vet that it is safe for your pet’s breed, age and health.
Carry-On Pets:
- Pets in the plane’s cabin are limited to cats and small dogs meeting size requirements.
- Your pet must remain in a carrier under the seat in front of you for the flight.
- Some airlines allow you to purchase an extra seat for your pet carrier. You still will need to keep your pet in the carrier, and you also will need to place the carrier under the seat during takeoff and landing.
- Choose a window or aisle seat which will have the most room to stow your pet’s carrier under the seat. Avoid emergency exit rows and bulkhead seats.
- A pet fee applies. Check with the airline for the exact amount.
Cargo Travel:
- Larger dogs must fly in cargo, which is the space at the bottom of the plane where luggage is stored.
- While cargo is ventilated, it is not temperature controlled, and airflow is not the same as in the cabin. Pets may not be allowed in cargo during extreme heat or cold.
- Short-nosed breeds like bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats are at higher risk for breathing issues and should never fly in cargo.
- Pets must be placed in cargo-approved kennels. Check your airline for specifications.
- While most pets travel safely in cargo, poor ventilation or mishandling can pose risks.
- Most airlines are required to report on companion animal safety. Check your airline’s safety record before booking your pet in cargo.
- A pet fee also applies.
Service Dogs:
- Service dogs are an exception to the pet traveling policies. They are allowed to be out of a carrier but must not block the aisle. Generally, they are not allowed on seats.
- To qualify as a service dog, they must be fully trained and certified to assist a person with a disability.
- Emotional support animals are considered pets and not service dogs. They must follow standard pet travel guidelines.
- Service dogs will usually fly free of charge.
Booking Your Flight
- Research quarantine, vaccine, and other restrictions for your destination so you will have the right paperwork.
- Always communicate with the airline in advance. You don’t want any surprises.
- Book direct flights. There is less chance of handoffs going wrong.
- For cargo, if traveling in the summer, pick early morning or evening flights to avoid the hottest parts of the day. In winter, book midday flights to avoid the cold.
Prepping Your Pet for Takeoff
Before your trip, make sure your pet is in tip-top shape for travel. Here’s how:
- Vet Visit: Schedule a checkup to ensure your pet is healthy enough to fly. Some destinations require a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
- Skip Sedatives: Tranquilizers can affect breathing. Ask your vet for guidance on whether you should use them. You also can consider pet calming chews with melatonin or chamomile. For nervous cats, try pheromone sprays to help ease anxiety.
- Microchip & ID: Make sure your pet’s microchip info is up to date and their collar includes both your home address and temporary travel address.
Helping Your Pet Adjust to Air Travel
Crate Training: Get your pet comfortable with their travel carrier well in advance. Reward them with treats and praise.
- Crowd Exposure: Airports are busy and noisy! Take your dog to a crowded, dog-friendly area to get them used to similar sights and sounds.
- Practice Security Checks: TSA requires pets to go through security outside of their carrier. Practice taking your pet in and out calmly.
Packing List: Don’t Forget These Essentials
Proof of vaccinations and vet contact info
- Microchip number and pet license
- Airline-approved carrier (waterproof & spacious enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down)
- Collapsible water bowl
- Small bag of food in case of delays
- Treats and chew toy (helps with pressure changes)
- Poop bags and pet wipes for clean-ups
- Extra collar and leash
- A recent photo of your pet (for ID purposes)
Pro Tip: For pets traveling in cargo, freeze water in the collapsible water bowl. This will help prevent spills. By the time your pet is thirsty, the water will have defrosted. You can also attach a water bottle dispenser.
Airport Tips: Navigating the Terminal with Your Pet
Strange sounds, sights and smells can be challenging even for the most well-trained pet. Changes in diet and water also can affect your pet. Here are some ways to navigate specific issues with traveling.
Skip Breakfast? A light stomach may help prevent nausea—check with your vet.
- Pre-Flight Potty Break: Ensure your pet relieves themselves before heading to check-in.
- Cargo Flyers: Label crates with LIVE ANIMAL in large letters and add arrows to indicate the upright position. Attach a photo of your pet, and line the bottom with towels. This will help absorb any liquids if there are accidents. You will be dropping off your pet at the check-in counter along with your luggage.
- Cabin Flyers: Be prepared to remove your pet from the carrier for TSA screening. Once through security, locate pet relief areas before boarding.
- Alert the Flight Crew: If your pet is traveling in cargo, notify a flight attendant so they’re aware. They should be able to confirm that your pet is safely on board.
- Meet Your Pet: The airline will direct you to a place where you can meet your pet and show them some love following your flight.
Are you flying with small children, too? Check out our blog on Flying with Kids.
Travel with Peace of Mind
Finally, don’t forget to protect your fur baby with pet insurance for added peace of mind, and to save on your vet bill. Remember, you can easily add pet insurance from Pet’s Best to your California Casualty auto or home policy. Find out more about what pet insurance can cover by talking with a California Casualty customer service representative today.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
- Safety Tips for Long Shifts & Late-Night Driving - April 21, 2025
- Prom & Graduation Season: Keeping Your Teen Safe on the Road - April 16, 2025
- Spring Cleaning: Tips for Reducing Clutter - April 10, 2025