Airline requirements when travelling with pets

Airlines today have implemented a series of requirements and safeguards for animals that will be traveling with them, that were designed with the safety of the animal in mind. Unfortunately, it is not always easy for pet owners to know what are these requirements, as they vary greatly from airline to airline.

A number of airlines, for example, no longer allow pets to fly in their luggage. However, some of these airlines allow pets in the cabin of an aircraft, as long as they are in appropriate vectors that can fit under the seat in front of them. Airlines also require that the pet will remain in its carrier during the entire flight and have a reservation, as most limit the total number of animals that are allowed in the cabin of an aircraft on any given flight. The exceptions are service animals such as seeing eye dogs, which are allowed on a plane, regardless of how many other animals are already planned. Also, a pet in its carrier is generally considered to be one of the carry-ons of its owner, so luggage plans should be made accordingly.

Also on airlines that allow pets in the cabin, some destinations, including Hawaii and the United Kingdom, do not allow pets to be brought as carry-ons. Also check with your airline if you have a pet other than a cat or a dog, as there are often restrictions on what types of animals may be allowed in the cabin of an aircraft.

Of course, not all animals are small enough to qualify as hand luggage. Fortunately for those pets, there are still some airlines, like Delta and Alaska, which still accepts pets and their carriers as baggage check-in. For security reasons, many airlines require that the animal has at least eight weeks of age and flying into a vector not compressible that is large enough to allow it to stand.

Some airlines such as continental, we do not accept pets as checked baggage, but instead offers a cargo service that you feel is most suitable for the transportation of pets.

Because policies vary by airline, it is important for a pet owner to verify with your carrier of choice to ensure that he will be in accordance with particular requirements. In addition, some States require paperwork when transporting a pet from one State to another, so owners should visit the page of animal welfare the Department of agriculture. This site has links to area veterinary services offices in different States who may be able to provide the necessary information regarding the paperwork required.

Finally, if a pet flies as a hand luggage, baggage or cargo service, its owner is typically charged a supplementary fee.

JoAnn Carlisle is a writer who loves to share his experience, knowledge and advice on a number of different subjects. For more information about pets, the real owner gives pet owners tips for doing their puppy proof houses.