Air Travel with Your Favorite Pet
Air travel can be stressful and infrequently a dangerous experience for pets, especially if they travel in the excess baggage or cargo hold. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which governs air travel for pets�¯�¿�½with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), reports�¯�¿�½that over half a million dogs and cats travel on commercial airlines in the United States annually.�¯�¿�½
99 percent ofÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½our four legged friends arrive at their destination without mishap. Nevertheless, there is that one percent that should make you, the pet onwner, very cautious. To ensure your pet’s safety, doÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ your homework.
Each airline has its own regulations travel for pets. Reconfirm your plans 24 to 48 hours before flight departure. It’s a good idea to get written confirmation of your arrangements from the airline. Most airline Web sites have information regardingÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½travel for our furry friends.
To travel by plane, your pet will need an airline-approved pet carrier along with a current (within 7-10 days) health certificate.
Usually healthy animals over eight weeks old with a current health certificate areÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½allowed fly. The general concensus is it’s more advisable to wait until they are three months or older. If your pet is pregnant or under a vet’s care, please consult your vet regarding air travel.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½
Pug-nosed animals (such as bulldogs, pugs and Boston terriers,and Persian and Himalayan�¯�¿�½cats) may have difficulty breathing at higher altitudes due to their short nasal passages. You should�¯�¿�½consider a different method of travel or consult your vet if your pet does not handle new and stressful situations well.
Weekday flights are usually less hectic than weekend flights.�¯�¿�½You and�¯�¿�½ your pet are more likely to receive better service during the week.�¯�¿�½
If you must travel in the summer months, be sure to book flightsÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½in the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are cooler. InÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½wintertime, midday flights are best because of warmer temperatures.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½Your pet may be waitingÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½to be loaded and unloaded. Due to the heat,Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ many airlines won’t permit pets to travel as cargo from mid-May to mid-September.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½
Direct and nonstop flights are the best trips to take. Try to avoid taking your pet on a flight with a stopover, especially flights where you have to change planes. This is where a problem can occur. When�¯�¿�½making a flight connection to a different airline, you will have to recheck your animal and pay another fee for excess baggage.�¯�¿�½
Most airlines have the following rules regarding temperatures in which animals may be flown: No less than 32�¯�¿�½F and no more than 85�¯�¿�½F.
The cost of flying your pet is determined by the each airline and is normally based on the size and weight of your animal as well as where and how (cabin, baggage, or cargo) it is to be flown. Many airlines charge under $100 per pet. If you do not have your own carrier some airlines do sell them, but�¯�¿�½usually at a higher cost.�¯�¿�½
Some airlines will allow pets to travel in the cabin if�¯�¿�½they are kept in their carriers and it fits under the seat.�¯�¿�½ Generally, pets permitted to�¯�¿�½in the cabin may weigh no more than 20 or 25 pounds.�¯�¿�½ Airlines usually charge�¯�¿�½$75-$100 one way for a pet traveling in the cabin.
To travel on your flight as excess baggage, the total weight of your pet and carrier must generally be under 100 pounds. If the weight of the animal and carrier combined is higher,�¯�¿�½most airlines will insist on�¯�¿�½shipping the pet as cargo.�¯�¿�½
If the weight of your pet and its carrier exceeds the maximum weight allowed to fly as excess baggage, she may have to fly as cargo. Airlines do not guarantee that a pet flying as cargo will be on the same flight as you. Pricing also changes: it will be based on the weight and/or the measurements of the kennel. Flying as cargo is one of the most hazardous ways to transport your pet. If this is your only option, you must be even more careful to question the airline on every aspect of your pet’s journey.
The check-in process can take a bit of time, so get to the airport at least 2-3 hours before flight time. Have all your paperwork ready and, if possible, introduce your canine or feline friend to airline personnel. They’ll taking care of your pet. Bring the health certificate that was issued for your pet.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½
At security, you’ll be required to remove your pet from its carrier and send the carrier through the X-ray machine. Be sure to have a collar or harness and leash attached to your pet.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½To avoid delays,Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½have your pet’s health certificate and boarding pass out as you approachÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½security.
The carrier must be airline-approved and properly fitted to your pet. Approved crates will be marked as such, and appropriately sized crates should be big enough for your pet to stand up, turn around and lie down in easily.�¯�¿�½ Most airlines have approved soft-sided carriers, for cabin travel.
If the carrier is too big, your pet could be hurt because�¯�¿�½he/she is more likely to be banged around. The crate must be sturdy and well-ventilated and contain plastic food and water dishes (these usually come with the crate). Toys should not be�¯�¿�½included;�¯�¿�½they can become a choking hazard. A�¯�¿�½blanket�¯�¿�½from home will be of comfort for your furry pal.
Identify the carrier clearly so you can spot it from a distance. Tape a friendly note on the top of the crate with all relevant information regarding your pet, including his/her name, your cell number and the contact information for someone else in the event of an accident and you cannot be reached.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ A second note should be in a waterproof plastic bag and wrapped aroung the animal’s collar.
If your pet is not traveling in the cabin with you,�¯�¿�½ go to the gate and verify your carrier is safely loaded (a brightly marked carrier will make it easy to spot. Double check with an employee to reconfirm with baggage personnel that your pet is aboard.
If you must change planes at a stopover, check with airline personnel again to make sure your pet has made the connection. If there is long delay in the second flight departure, claim your pet, take him for a short�¯�¿�½walk,�¯�¿�½and then reboard him. After arrival your pet will be delivered to the baggage-claim area to meet you.�¯�¿�½
Happy travels!
