By 
Pet lovers know that carrying your furry friend along can spice up the experiences you have during the trip. Some people travel with their pets just to make good memories during the trip, while for some, it is for their mental well-being. That said, as a pet owner, you cannot just show up at the airport with your dogs or cats during travel. If you want to keep your furry friend with you in flights, you must always adhere to the rules and regulations set by your preferred airline.
In the initial stages of planning your trip, you must familiarize yourself with pet travel rules. You also need to understand that every airline has its own guidelines and policies to maintain the animals’ and passengers’ well-being and safety. That leaves no room for is no room for assumptions. In this guide, we uncover all you need to know to help you navigate the rules to travel with your beloved pet.
Choose the Appropriate Airline
Imagine showing up with your pet at the airport hours before your flight, and the staff won’t allow them to enter the cabin. As mentioned earlier, we cannot make assumptions. You need to understand that not all airlines will allow you to travel with your pet. Some do not allow that. Others do not allow specific breeds of pets. However, those that can accommodate in-cabin pets usually have restrictions and policies to adhere to before they allow any pet owner to fly with them. Choosing the right airline will save you the disappointment.
Go for a Health Check
Understand that airlines cannot take chances when it comes to the health of in-cabin pets. They will require you to provide a recent certificate that proves that your pet has undergone a health check. Here is what you need to do.
Schedule a visit to your veterinarian well in advance of the trip, precisely make it a few weeks before the flight. That time will be adequate in case there is a need for treatment or vaccination. After the visit, the veterinarian should give you a certificate to confirm that your pet is in good health and their vaccinations are up to date. In this case, the vaccines include distemper, rabies, and others. Ensure your veterinarian is USDA-accredited if you are traveling internationally. Present the documentation to the airline 10 days before your flight to avoid inconveniences.
Pet Size and Weight Restrictions
Check the airline’s pet policy to understand their size and weight restrictions. You will notice that most airlines have a limit they can allow. A smaller pet is generally easier to travel with than a larger one. The pet should comfortably fit inside the pet carrier that the airline has approved. It should fit in front of you or under the seat.
Pet Carrier
Ensure that your carrier is airline-approved and offers your pet a comfortable and safe environment. Invest in a leakproof and well-ventilated carrier. Be careful to ensure that your carrier meets the airline’s size requirements. Another important thing to do is to ensure that your pet has gotten used to being in a carrier before the trip. You don’t want a situation where they don’t feel safe.
You can start by putting the pet inside the carrier while in the house. Place it inside a peaceful place, such as the living room. As you do so, ensure there is a positive association. For instance, you can put toys and treats inside the carrier to entice them. Once it gets used to that, you can try going for short car rides to give the pet a travel experience.
Book Early
Did you know there is a limit to the number of pets an airline can carry in each flight? Now you know. You must book well in advance to secure a spot for your furry friend in the cabin. You can do so by informing the airline when booking your ticket. Early booking also allows the airline some time to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your pet and keep them in a conducive environment while observing their safety and that of the people on the flight.
In-Cabin Fees for Pets
When choosing to fly with your pets, you must be aware of the required fees. Different airlines charge different in-cabin fees. Ensure you understand the fee structure of your preferred airline. For some, you may have to pay a fixed charge for a one-way trip; for others, you get charged based on the distance you cover. Also, find out if there are fees required for each leg of every connecting flight. It is important to understand how the airline calculates the fees.
Find out if your airline of choice has different classes of service. Some airlines do not have a one-size-fits-all when it comes to charges. They have premium cabins for which they charge higher fees. They also have economy class, which they charge lower fees. Passengers get to choose the class they want and pay for it accordingly.
Comments