Air Line Travel

AirLine Traveling with Pets

As you plan for your flight with your pet

Choose the most direct flight to your destination. This will help reduce the stress on your pet.

If warm temperatures are a concern, book an early morning, evening, or overnight flight when the temperatures are cooler. If cold weather is an issue, book your flight for the middle of the day.

Pet Flight News

Is Airline Travel Safe For Your Pet? Pet Carrier kennel test and Flight Travel Checklist Offered by DryFur.com - With new laws that took effect as of May 2005, the government requires all major U.S. airlines to report pet travel incidents (death, injury or loss) to the appropriate governmental agency. These reports are then compiled and released to the public monthly by the U.S. Department of Transportation. DryFur.com provides help to pet owners planning their next flight with pet in tow.

Airline Pet Rules

The Internet's most complete source of information for airline travel with your pet.
Airline Rules for your pet.
We have information about taking your pet on the following airlines:

Airline Regulations

Airline Pet Travel Regulations - www.pettravel.com/airline_rules.cfm
Airline Pet Container Requirements -
www.pettravel.com/passports_container_requirements.cfm
Airline Temperature Restrictions
www.pettravel.com/passports_temperature_restrictions.cfm
Tip for Traveling Cat Owners
www.pettravel.com/passports_travel_with_cat.cfm

Have Pet - Will Travel - For some travelers, the notion of leaving their pets behind is too difficult to consider. Flying with your pet is certainly not the easiest thing to do, as there are many additional factors to take into account. Air travel can be very traumatic on pets, so it is vital to be well prepared if you are bringing a pet with you. Some airlines will not allow pets at all, and others may have restrictions based on time of year or aircraft type. Contact the airline to make sure that these restrictions do not apply before you book!

Taking your Cat on a plane - Cats almost always prefer to stay at home in their own territory, even when you are away. Still, sometimes you just have to take kitty along. Here are some tips to help make flying less stressful for both of you.

Discuss your pet's trip with the airline officials and make sure you can take the cat in the cabin with you. Be aware that the airlines will charge you for this privilege, and make sure you understand what the charges will be. Cover yourself by documenting all conversations, including a list of whom you spoke with, where and when.

Reserve tickets as early as possible for both you and your cat, because airlines limitthe number of pets they allow in the cabin on any one flight.

Pet Passport Information

The Internet's most complete source of information for traveling with your pet anywhere in the World by car, train or air.

Airline Pet Container Requirements

The rules regarding approved types of containers for cats, dogs, ferrets and birds flying in cabin and as cargo were created by IATA and for the most part have been accepted by the world's airlines.

Air Canada
Alaska
US Airways
American Airlines
Continental Airlines
Delta Airlines
Northwest Airlines - see Delta
TWA
United Airlines
JetBlue
Southwest

Travelling On Air Canada-

Carry-on in the cabin

Small pets permitted in kennels that fit under passenger seat. Number of pets limited by aircraft type. Kennels must conform to carry-on limitations (9 X 15 1/2 X 21 1/2 inches).

If you are checking-in your luggage or cargo

You can check in your cat as checked baggage all year except during peak travel times, including blackout periods. Pet travels on same flight as owner in a temperature controlled baggage compartment. Pets not allowed on CL65 or BAe146 aircraft between November 1 and March 31 or anytime outside temperature is below zero celcius.

Cat Kennel Specifications

Kennel should offer enough room for your pet to be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. Must be leak proof, secure, with proper locking mechanisms. No part of animal is allowed to protrude, therefore wire or weld/mesh containers are not acceptable.

Kennels are available from Air Canada.
Call Central Baggage Office with any baggage questions, 1 888 689-2247
For reservations call 1-800-776-3000 or customer relations 1-800-272-4088.

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Travelling On Alaska Air
Read More: www2.alaskaair.com/Help/FAQs/PetsCarryOn.asp

Carry-on in the cabin

Small cat may travel in the passenger cabins. You must reserve for any cat traveling in the passenger cabin. The cat has to stay in the kennel or special bag at all times while onboard The container has to be stowed under the seat during takeoff and while landing.

Cat Kennel Specifications

The carrier must be small enough so it fits under the seat and should provide enough space for your cat to be able to turn around and lie down comfortable. The bedding material must be absorbent to prevent leaks. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air have cabin kennels for sale at most airports

Cargo

Animals may travel unaccompanied by air cargo. The pet must be delivered to the Alaska Airlines Cargo facility two hours before scheduled flight departure, or to the Horizon Air Cargo facility one hour before departure. Allow for at least one hour processing time after flight arrival before your pet is available for pick-up.

Goldstreak

Pets may be transported unaccompanied by Goldstreak service on Alaska Airlines jet flights only. The pet must be checked in at least one hour before flight departure, but will not be accepted more than two hours before departure. Horizon Air does not permit animals to be shipped by Goldstreak

Rates

Rates for cats traveling in the passenger cabin, including connections to and from Horizon Air is $50 (USD) one way and $100 (USD) roundtrip.

Fees

The rate for a pet traveling in the passenger cabin, including connections to and from Horizon Air is $75 (USD) one way and $150 (USD) roundtrip. Tropical fish may be carried free.

General

For reservations and information about pets traveling as baggage or carry-on baggage, call Alaska Airlines at 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522) or Horizon Air at 1-800-547-9308.

For reservations and information about pets traveling as cargo or Goldstreak, call Alaska Airlines Cargo at 1-800-225-2752 or Horizon Air Cargo at 1-800-547-7660.

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Travelling On US Airways - America West Airlines merged with US Air and is now called US Airways

Pets in Passenger Cabin

The number of pets that may be carried in each cabin is limited. In order for your pet to travel with you, you must book your personal travel reservations on flights with cabin pet space available. Please contact US Airways reservations at 800-428-4322 to coordinate your travel plans as reservations for pets must be made in advance. Note: If the itinerary includes a code-share flight operated by United, please check with the originating carrier regarding carry-on pet policies and fees.

Carry-on pets are not allowed on transatlantic flights
Pets in cabin count toward the carry-on baggage allowance
One small domestic dog, cat, bird, or small aquarium fish (less than 4 inches) per passenger is accepted in the passenger cabin for an $80 fee each way
A health certificate is recommended, but not required for domestic itineraries.
Only dogs and cats will be allowed as cabin pets to/from Mexico and Costa Rica. Please contact US Airways for additional requirements for international travel.
Pets must remain within a self-provided, approved container under the seat directly in front of the passenger.

The container must:

Be leak-proof and escape-proof
Be ventilated on at least two sides, but not allow any part of the animal to protrude outside of the container
Provide room to stand and turn around
Be made of metal, wood, or a hard plastic/composite unless it is a soft-sided container made specifically for pet carriage

The maximum carrier size varies by aircraft. America West operated flights accept pet carriers up to 17 inches long x 16 inches wide x 8.5 inches tall. US Airways operated flights accept pet carriers up to 21 inches long x 16 inches wide x 8 inches tall. Use your confirmation e-mail to determine your aircraft type. If you have multiple flights on different aircraft or don't know which aircraft you'll be flying on, carriers up to 17 inches long x 16 inches wide x 8 inches tall are accepted on all US Airways aircraft

Exception Cities for Animals allowed in the Cargo hold: US Airways accepts dogs, domestic cats and birds as checked baggage on non-stop US Airways Shuttle flights in the BOS/DCA/LGA markets only. Connections are not permitted. The customer must travel on the same flight. Customers should advise US Airways when they wish to transport a pet as checked baggage on a US Airways Shuttle flight.

Hawaii Pet Quarantine Information

Hawaii is a rabies-free state. To prevent rabies from entering the state, the law requires that dogs, cats and carnivores complete a mandatory rabies quarantine. US Airways will not accept cabin pets for travel to/from Hawaii. US Airways will only permit service animals and emotional support animals in the cabin for travel to/from Hawaii. The Honolulu International Airport on the island of Oahu is the only port of entry for dogs and cats entering Hawaii. This includes service animals and emotional support animals.

For information on requirements for allowing service animals and emotional support animals to enter Hawaii without quarantine, please contact the Hawaii Department of Agriculture at the contact information below, or visit their website at:

Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Animal Quarantine Station
99-951 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, Hawaii 96701-5602
Phone: (808) 483-7151

Pets in Cargo Compartment

US Airways hub cities of Phoenix and Las Vegas have extreme temperatures that regularly exceed 100 degrees. For the safety of your pet, US Airways does not accept any animals in its cargo compartment.

Service Animals

For information regarding Service Animals, please see US Airway's Special Needs section.

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Traveling on American Airlines

American Airline Pet Information -
www.aa.com/content/travelInformation/specialAssistance/travelingWithPets.jhtml

Carry-on/In Cabin

No carry-on pets to/from Hawaii or Transatlantic or Central or South America (except for service animals).
No carry-on pets in the First Class cabins of flights operated with a Boeing 777.
Passenger must check-in with pet at ticket counter.
Checked or carry on pets allowed on domestic flights in the 48 contiguous states, Alaska, Puerto Rico, USVI.
Minimum 8 weeks old for dogs and cats.

There is a carry on limit of one kennel per passenger. This may contain two dogs or cats provided they are the same species, between 8 weeks and 6 months old, less than 20 pounds each, may move around in the carrier, and have adequate ventilation. The maximum number of carry-on kennels per jet flight is 7 (2 in first class and five in coach and/or business class).

Checked Luggage/Cargo

Dogs, cats, household birds, are the only animals accepted for travel as baggage.

Live animals are not allowed to travel from May 15th through September 15th as checked baggage.

American Airlines does not limit the number of pets as baggage up to the space available on the aircraft allocated for animals. The animals must be in separate kennels unless they are of the same species and comparable size, weigh less than 20 lbs. each and are between 8 weeks and 6 months old.

Health and Age

Pets must be at least eight weeks old prior to travel.
All pets must have proper health documentation prior to travel. This would include a statement from a licensed veterinarian.

Kennel Specifications

Animal must be able to stand and turn around in a cargo kennel.
Carry-on carriers maximum sixe is 23" long x 13" wide x 9" high.
Maximum size for checked kennels is 40" long x 27" wide x 30" high
The maximum weight of pet and kennel (combined) cannot exceed 100 lbs.
Soft-sided kennels must be constructed of water-repellent, padded nylon with mesh ventilation on two or more sides.
Hard-sided kennels must be constructed of wood, metal hard plastic or similar material. Leak proof and escape proof, door must fasten securely, non-toxic absorbent bedding, ventilation on two sides, room to stand and turn around.
Cargo kennels must be marked LIVE ANIMAL, on top and two sides in large lettering, at least one inch high.

Maximum weight of pet and kennel combined: 100 pounds.

Fees

Within the 50 United States and between the 50 United States and Canada/Puerto Rico/USVI $80 US or $123 CAD (plus 7% Canadian goods and services tax) per container.

Between the United States/Canada and Mexico/Central & South America/Carribean $50 US or $59 CAD (plus 7% Canadian goods and services tax) per container.

General

For reservations, call 1-800-433-7300.

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Traveling on Continental Airlines

Carry-on/In Cabin

Contintental permits small, warm-blooded, domesticated pets including dogs, cats and birds to be carried in the aircraft cabin on all domestic flights (except to/from Hawaii). For international and Hawaii in-cabin pet acceptance information, contact Continental Airlines reservations.

Only one pet is allowed in the First or BusinessFirst cabin and two in Economy.

Customer is responsible to determine and comply with all state entry requirements which may apply.

Advance arrangements must be made.
Pets under 8 weeks old are not permitted.
One kennel per customer is accepted.
Pet must travel on same flight as the owner.
Pet must remain in kennel at all times aboard the aircraft.
No oxygen will be administered to a pet in the event of an emergency.

Checked Luggage/Cargo

Continental's PetSafe program will allow pets that previously traveled as checked baggage to experience these safeguards when they travel as cargo, keeping them safe and their owners reassured:

Dedicated 24-hour Live Animal Desk (1-800-575-3335 or 281-553-5052)

Confirmed booking prior to departure
Weather conditions constantly monitored at all points
The ability to track and trace the animal from its origin to its destination
Personal handling in climate-controlled vehicles for connections over Continental's hubs when the animal will be exposed to temperatures above 85 degrees for more than 45 minutes.

Continental recommends (but does not require) that SENIOR DOGS AND CATS (over 7.5 years old) receive a more extensive health examination (i.e. liver and kidney screens).

Pets can travel as ®QUICKPAK, Continental's cargo service offering same day, airport-to-airport delivery with features designed to ensure an animal's comfort and safety.

Kennel Specifications

Pets must be in an approved in-cabin kennel. The pet must be able to move comfortably in the kennel (stand up and turn around). The kennel must fit completely under the seat forward of the customer. Maximum dimensions are: 14" W X 22" L X 9" H.

Fees

There is a service charge of $80 each way for carry-on pets.

General

For reservations, call 1-800-525-0280. For Live Animal Help desk, call 1-800-575-3335.

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Traveling on Delta Airlines

Pets can fly. But whether your pet gets carried on, checked in or shipped as (very special) cargo, there are a lot of requirements and restrictions in place to make sure she's comfortable and safe. Get the guidelines for happy, healthy jet-set pets.

Connection Carriers & Pet Travel
Travel rules for pets on all of our Delta Connection® carriers.

Pet Travel Options
Should your pet travel as carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or air cargo?

Pet Travel Requirements & Restrictions
Weather restrictions, health requirements and other rules to keep your pet safe and sound.

U.S. Domestic & International Pet Travel
Global rules for pets on the go.

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JetBlue

JetBlue accepts a combined total of 3 small cats and dogs in the passenger cabin of the aircraft except on flights to and from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas

Kennel / Pet Carrier Information

Your pet must fit in a carrier that is smaller than 18"l x 15"w x 8"h (45.72 cm L x 38.1 cm W x 20.32 cm H) and must be placed under the seat in front of you.

Carriers that are 17"l x 12.5"w x 8"h (43.18 cm L x 31.75 cm W x 20.32 cm H) may be purchased with cash, check or credit card at any JetBlue ticket counter for a nonrefundable fee of $20 USD.

Combined weight of the pet and carrier may not exceed 20 pounds (9.07 kg).

Documentation Requirements

No further information available.

Restrictions

No further information available.

Notes

Your pet and carrier will count as your one personal item.

Airline Fees

$50 USD Each way

JetBlue Airways - Web Links

Read More:JetBlue Airways - Homepage

Read More: Jet Blue Pets Page

JetBlue Airways - Contact Numbers

800-538-2583 - JetBlue Reservations

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NorthWest Airlines see Delta Airlines

Weather Restrictions

Northwest personnel will determine if the weather temperatures are in acceptable ranges at time of check-in. If your pet cannot be accommodated due to temperature limitations, Northwest personnel will work with you to arrange alternate dates for your pet to travel. Always contact our Reservations office or Cargo office prior to departing for the airport. We can advise you if temperatures for any point in the itinerary are too extreme on the day of travel.

Low Temperatures

No animal travel (other than Carry-on) when the temperature at any point on the planned routing is below 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 C).

Choose mid-day flights when temperatures are likely to be warmer.

High Temperatures

Animals will not be accepted on any Northwest flight if the temperature at ANY point on a planned itinerary is forecast to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.5 C) at time of travel.

Choose early morning or late evening flights during summer, which avoid the worst heat of the day.

Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) dogs and cats are very sensitive to high temperatures and will not be accepted when temperatures at any point on the planned itinerary exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 C).

Fees

Checked Luggage Charges:

There is a one-way per kennel, per airline, charge for pet transportation. This charge cannot be substituted, nor count as part of your free luggage allowance. This transportation charge will always apply.

International destinations: Pet charges are excess luggage charges, which are based on the size and weight of the pet and kennel. Contact Northwest Reservations (1-800-225-2525) for details.

Carry-on

Within 50 United States and Canada: USD $80.00 or CAD $123.00 per kennel.

VIP Same Day Package Service:

The cost of your pet's travel will vary depending on the shipping option you choose and your pet's destination. For more information, contact Northwest Cargo at 1-800-NWCARGO (1-800-692-2746).

Cargo Charges:

For complete rate schedules for warm blooded live animals check the Northwest website.

Charges may be pre-paid or payable at an Airport Ticket Office, City Ticket Office or Travel Agency. Pet charges are payable by cash, check, or credit card.

General

For reservations call 1-800-225-2525.

Northwest Airlines Website Pet Info

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Travelling on TWA

Carry-on/In Cabin

The following in-cabin pet restrictions apply:

Passenger is responsible to determine and comply with all State entry requirements which may apply.

Owner must be in possession of a valid veterinary health certificate that is current within 10 days of the origin travel date. 30 days is allowed (from date of certificate) for return travel or another certificate will be required.

The pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned.

Pet must travel on same flight as the owner.

There are no weight restrictions provided the pet fits comfortably in the kennel. (Can stand up and turn around)

One pet per kennel and one kennel per passenger is accepted. (EXCEPTION: 2 animals of the same species are allowed provided they fit comfortably together and can move about normally).

Unaccompanied minors are allowed to carry a kennel onboard.

Seating is not permitted in the bulkhead row since the kennel must be placed under the seat in front of the passenger.

Pets must remain in their kennel at all times while on board the aircraft or in the terminal. Kennel must be ventilated on 2 sides and animal(s) must be able to stand in a normal manner. The gross weight of animal and container combined must not exceed 100 lbs.

Pets in cabin are NOT permitted on international or to/from Hawaii.

Total weight of in cabin pets cannot exceed 20 lbs.

Checked Baggage

Effective July 01, 2001 TWA will accept pets as checked baggage under the following regulations and guidelines:

Embargo dates: May 15 through SEPT 15. No animals will be accepted as checked baggage during this period due to the extreme temperatures at some locations.

Dogs, cats, household birds, pot-bellied pigs and miniature horses may be checked as baggage.

Pot-bellied pigs may be checked within the contiguous US, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands only.

Household birds do not include poultry and non-domesticated birds of prey.

If you are connecting from TWA to another airline your pet cannot be checked through to your final destination. You must claim your pet at the TWA termination point and check-in at the connecting airline.

Pets being transported as checked baggage on international flights are subject to government entry regulations. There are specific requirements concerning health documents, export papers, etc., for each country. Check with each country's local consulate for complete details.

Animals not listed above may be eligible for carriage by TWA Air Cargo. For rules and rate information visit the TWA airfreight website or call 1-800-892-2746.

Two pets are allowed to be checked per passenger. The animals may be in 2 separate kennels or in 1 kennel. A kennel may contain 2 animals under the following conditions:

Same species and comparable size

Each animal weighs less than 20 lbs each

Each animal is between 6 and 8 weeks old

Both animals can stand, turn around, and lie down in a natural position

In addition to the checked allowance, an additional pet may be carried on board provided they meet the pet carry-on guidelines. These limits also apply to passengers traveling to animal shows.

Health and Age

The pet must be at least eight weeks of age and weaned. The passenger must be in possession of a valid veterinary health certificate that is current 10 days prior to the date of departure. 30 days is allowed for return travel or another certificate must be issued.

Fees

The fee for pets onboard the aircraft is $75.00 for each direction, and this charge applies for pets in cabin or as checked baggage. Customers must also contact the airline ahead of time to make arrangements for traveling.

General

For domestic reservations call 1-800-221-2000. International reservations call 1-800-892-4141

TWA Website Pet Info - http://www.petswelcome.com/milkbone/twaair.html

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Travelling on United Airlines

United allows dogs or cats to travel in the cabin or unaccompanied as cargo. If you are bringing a pet other than a cat or dog, contact United to make sure your pet can be accepted for travel.

Carry-on/In Cabin

A small dog, cat or domesticated household bird can travel in the passenger cabin if the animal is small enough to fit comfortably in a kennel that is placed under the seat. Animals are never allowed our of the kennel during flight.

Unaccompanied pets

An unaccompanied pet will travel as part of the cargo system. Animals in the cargo system are accepted at the cargo facility and travel in the pressurized cargo compartments of our aircraft. Fees vary based on weight, size and destination. United Cargo accepts live animals for shipment mainly from "Known Shippers". "Known Shippers" are individuals or companies that have a shipping history and cargo account with United Cargo, i.e. commercial animal shippers and licensed pet breeders. Extreme weather guidelines will apply, preventing cargo shipment of any live animal when the temperature is forecast to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit at any point in the animal's journey. lease contact United Cargo at 800-UA-CARGO.

Kennel Specifications

You and United¨ must follow USDA regulations on the size of your pet's kennel. The kennel must be sturdy, properly ventilated, and large enough for your pet to stand, lie down, and turn around freely. The kennel must close securely with a mechanism that requires no special tools to operate. Prescribed kennels are available at most airlines for a fee. When in doubt, check with United, because the USDA assigns full responsibility for accepting the proper kennel to the airline.

Kennel requirements Your pet's kennel must:

Contain no more than one adult dog or cat, or no more than two puppies or kittens younger than six months and under 20 pounds each

Display "LIVE ANIMAL" labels with letters at least one inch high; labels must appear on top and on at least one side (labels are available at check-in)

Certify with a signature the last time (within four hours before bringing your pet to the airport) that your pet was offered food and water

Indicate your name and address

Indicate the top with arrows or "This End Up" marking (labels available at check-in)

Include food and water dishes (both empty) secured inside the kennel and accessible from outside

Contain absorbent material or bedding, such as newspaper

Show a food and water schedule

If any food is necessary, an ample supply should be attached in a bag to the outside of the kennel.

Health and Age

A valid health certificate is required from a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of travel. This must be presented at check in. Pets must be at least 8 weeks of age and fully weaned before travel.

Do not use tranquilizers, as their effects are unpredictable.

Weather Restrictions

Pets should not travel during periods of extreme heat or cold. Consider itineraries which avoid midday travel in the summer (morning or evening are preferable).

Extreme weather guidelines will apply, preventing cargo shipment of any live animal when the temperature is forecast to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit at any point in the journey.

Fees

Carry-on pets are subject to a $75 charge for domestic travel. International rates vary by destination. For pets traveling as cargo, fees vary based on weight and size of the kennel.

General

If your pet will travel as carry-on baggage, call reservations at 800-241-6522. If your pet will be unaccompanied, contact United Cargo at 800-UA-CARGO or unitedcargo.com.

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Southwest

Does the airline allow pets as carry-on: No

Southwest Airlines does not accept live animals in the aircraft cabin or cargo compartment other than fully trained service animals accompanying a person with a disability or being delivered to a person with a disability.

Does the airline allow pets as baggage: No

Read More: Southwest - Homepage

Read More: Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Page

Southwest - Contact Numbers

800-435-9792 - General Southwest number from within the United States

214-792-4223 - Customer Relations

Pet Flight News

February 2007 Airline Pet Travel Report

Alaskan Airlines reports the death of one and the injury of two dogs. The death was a pug, but no additional information was given. The first injury was a dog that escaped its kennel and received a broken leg in the process. The second injury was a small greyhound that had managed to get her jaws locked while biting the wire kennel door. Delta reports the loss of a cat who escaped from a

January 2007 Airline Pet Travel Report

United Airlines reports a single, unfortunate death. A 14 year old cat was discovered deceased upon arrival in Chicago from Los Angeles. The owner stated that she was not surprised as the cat has recently undergone surgery and her vet had recommended against the travel.

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