Planning on bringing your canine friend on a commercial airline anytime within the foreseeable future? We've scoured the airline's fees and safe practices information as they related to dogs and cats to give you the added information you need before you book that next trip. With a little preparation, taking dogs on planes can be less expensive and much less of a hassle!
Carry-on or Checked?
The fundamental question you need to ask yourself is whether or not you'll be taking your dog on the plane together with you or checking him and putting him at the disposal of the airline to be carried in the plane's cargo area. This choice usually will come down to size, with there being simply no choice but to check larger dogs on aircraft.
Keeping your Doggie on with You
Traveling dog owners with dogs small enough (each airline has varying rules regarding this) have the option to carry their dog on the flight with them in the cabin. The main factor we considered was simply cost. In that regard, Southwest Airlines was the major carried with the lowest charge ($75 each way) to carry-on your dog. The airline also offers the P.A.W.S. (Pets are Welcome on Southwest) guide. This is really a welcome step for an air carrier that didn't even permit dogs (or any other pets) just a short time ago.
Also worthy mention is JetBlue. While they now charge you more than Southwest ($100 each way), their Jetpaws program is specifically designed for passengers traveling with dogs on planes. The program includes a pet bag tag, a welcome e-mail with essential details as well as their "Pettiquette" guide explaining etiquette with regard to dog travel. As an added bonus, members of JetBlue's frequent flier plan, TrueBlue, collect 300 points each way whenever traveling together with their family pet.
Checking your Pet
As pointed out above, doggie lovers whose pets are too large to fit below the seat in front of them will have to check them at the airline's check-in desk. In determining which air carriers we preferred, we all considered expense as well as statistics for mortality, injuries and loss.
Based on those criteria, we feel Alaska Airlines comes out number one. Not only is Alaska the cheapest for checking pets ($100 each way as compared to as much as $250 each way on other airlines), they also have experienced an extraordinary safety record.
Special Notice on the Temperatures!
When checking your dog, remember that cold or hot conditions be a severe risk to the well being of your pet dog. Airline's restrictions vary, but typically, in the event the weather conditions are forcasted to become either below 45F or above 85F, you will need a note from your personal veterinarian stating that your doggie is acclimated to such temperature ranges. Additionally, if you have a snub-nosed dog, the restrictions on hot temperatures is typically 75F. Some airlines will not allow snub-nosed pets at all in their cargo areas during warmer months. Choose morning journeys when possible during warm weather. Finally, consult your air carrier to see if the cargo hold is air-conditioned at any airport the aircraft is scheduled to visit.
Safe travels for you and your dog(s)!!
Author Resource:
Joseph Santos is former corporate executive living in Rockport, Massachusetts. With several decades of experience traveling with dogs on planes, cars, and even boats. He now runs to a popular website completely devoted to dog travel. For more valuable travel tips, please visit his website => http://www.doggietravelinfo.com/
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