Got holiday plans? Thinking of flying with pets for the holidays? Before you throw them a party hat and seatbelt, hold up. Traveling with pets is NOT as simple as packing your bag and strutting to the airport like Beyoncé. Airlines have their rules, and oh boy, do they have a LOT of them.
But don’t worry—we’re here to dish all the tea (and kibble) so you can soar through the clouds without a hitch.
Small Pets Welcome (Usually!)
Most airlines will welcome your tiny companions as carry-ons—yes, pets as carry-ons—how chic. Your pup or cat will need to chill in an airline-approved carrier under the seat. Translation? Sorry, no lounging on your lap, Mr. Whiskers. Bonus challenge for our Great Dane fans out there, but more on that later.
Fun fact: One traveler even bought TWO extra seats for his gigantic Great Dane to join him on a flight! Iconic? Absolutely. Practical for everyone? Eh…not so much.
Oh, and heads up—airlines consider your pet a carry-on item. Which means your furry plus-one might kick your cute tote bag or backpack off the flight. Choose wisely, darling.
For the Globetrotters
Flying internationally with your pooch? Buckle up for paperwork galore. As of August 2024, the CDC has new entry requirements for dogs coming into the U.S., so prepare to become THAT overachieving fur parent who does their research.
Not All Pets Are Created Equal
Have a short-nosed pup like a pug or bulldog? They’re adorable (and those snores? A-DORBS), but they also come with breathing issues when stressed or in extreme temperatures. Flying in cargo could pose serious risks.
Pro tip? Delta and some other airlines straight-up won’t fly certain breeds. Know your airline’s policies!
Got a service dog? Fabulous—they get the VIP treatment with fewer restrictions and no extra fees. Essential criteria? They must be a trained service helper. Emotional support animals, sadly, didn’t make the cut after the FAA shut down years of loopholes involving ducks, pigs, and an actual peacock. We’re still mourning, TBH.
Major Airline Pet Policies (The Quick & Sassy Guide):
Alaska Airlines
- Fee: $100-$150 for your fur baby (depending on cabin vs baggage).
- Allowed Pets: Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds (pet pigs too? Alaska, you’re WILD).
- Rules to Remember: Space is first-come, first-served. Got a big boy? Pets up to 150 lbs (carrier included) can chill in the baggage compartment. A potbelly pig in a carrier that size? I volunteer to sit next to it!
United Airlines
- Fee: $150 one-way (plus more for long layovers).
- Allowed Pets: Only cats and dogs now (RIP, PetSafe Cargo Program 2018).
- Rules to Remember: One pet per carrier under the seat. Bringing two? Book a second seat because these pets don’t share foot space. Oh, and Hawaii or the UAE? Forget it. Your fur baby is staying home.
Southwest Airlines
- Fee: $125 per carrier (affordable AND cute).
- Allowed Pets: Small dogs and cats.
- Rules to Remember: No bulkhead or exit row seating for pet parents. And yeah, your pets are grounded if you’re flying to Hawaii or anywhere international. You can grab an approved Southwest carrier if your pet has commitment issues with their regular one.
Delta Airlines
- Fee: $75-$200 (depending on destinations because #delta).
- Allowed Pets: Small cats, dogs, and household birds (yes, Tweety can come too).
- Rules to Remember: Check your plane’s dimensions—some carriers don’t make the cut. Larger pets in cargo? Possible, but only if you’re in the military or moving across the world (fancy).
American Airlines
- Fee: $150 each way.
- Allowed Pets: Only small cats or dogs.
- Rules to Remember: They recommend soft carriers for flexibility (hard-shell carriers might not fit). Going cargo with the big dogs? Use their PetEmbark service… But pray it’s neither a sauna nor deep freeze outside because weather restrictions are real.
Prepare & Prevent the Pet Drama
No one wants a barking meltdown at 38,000 feet—or worse, a pet-related oops. Take extra steps to prepare for flying with your pets. Training, a comfy carrier, and some quiet encouragement will do wonders.
The bottom line? Airlines have their quirks when it comes to pets. These policies? They’re a pet parent’s bible. Pro tip? Check the fine print twice—and then once more. And before you fly, maybe give Fido a reminder that turbulence isn’t an excuse to shed all over expensive leggings.
Now go forth, fabulous pet parents. Pack those bags (and treats)—and make holiday memories with your fur babies. And if you’re looking for a new adventure, why not discover a vibrant, welcoming gay city to explore with your pet by your side?
This article was originally written by Jill Jaracz for CitizenShipper and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker.com. It has been edited by the fagabond team for fagabond.com.