Dog Air Travel: Cargo or Checked Baggage?

 

 

Hi Janet,

Thanks for your questions/concerns about the safest method of travel for your dog! Many other pet owners have pondered the same question, and we're happy to provide some guidance.

Having your pet travel via cargo instead of checked baggage would be best. When pets fly via cargo, they are not attached to your ticket, which means they can fly separately from you and be more easily tracked and monitored. Here is more information about how cargo travel works for pets and why it's our preferred method. 

At PetRelocation, we use a few preferred airlines when transporting our clients' pets client's country or worldwide.  

 

1. Delta Airlines: Delta has many East Coast destinations, and its pet policy is convenient to navigate. They have specific rules regarding dogs in the cabin and dogs in cargo. They do have some breed restrictions. They require health certification for pets traveling via cargo. The fee for domestic carry-on pets is $95 each way, and the fee for international carry-on pets is $200 each way.

2. Southwest Airlines: Southwest makes traveling with pets easy, especially around the southern United States. They allow dogs in the cabin only, with some limitations. They have a per-pet carrier fee of $95, and there are no specific breed restrictions. Their crate size limits for the cabin are 18.5” long x 13.5” w" de x 9.5” ta"l.

3. JetBlue: "JetBlue is a good choice for travel across the Caribbean. They allow dogs in the cabin with specific limitations, and they do not allow dogs in cargo. They charge a fee of $125 each way for cabin travel. They have a weight limit of 20 pounds for your dog and carrier combined​³.

4. Alaska Airlines: This airline allows air travel with large dogs up to 150 pounds, including the pet and carrier. They have an each-way way fee for dogs traveling in cargo or cabins. There are some breed restrictions for travel via cargo, but these breeds are permitted to travel in the cabin if they fit into the required carrier.

Remember, each airline has specific pet travel guidelines, including fees, weight limits, and breed restrictions. It's essential tIt's your research or contact the airlines directly to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your pet. It's worth it to do a little investigating into United's routingUnited's to find the best flight for Kala -- you may even end up flying her on a separate flight from your own.

 

UPDATE: New Course Alert - United States Packs

We have something exciting to share for pet parents who are planning a relocation within the United States! PetRelocation now offers a comprehensive course to assist you in this process. This course is designed to provide you with all the necessary knowledge and resources to ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation experience for your furry friend.

This course covers everything from understanding the different airline policies for pet travel to learning how to prepare your pet for the journey. It also provides step-by-step guidance on navigating potential challenges you may face during the relocation process.

We aim to make the pet relocation process more accessible and less daunting. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Our expert team will guide you every step of the way.

For more information about the United States DIY Guide and to sign up, click here.

 

Either way, thanks for reaching out, and good luck with everything!