Bringing a dog on board a flight can be a great relief for families, particularly if they are moving across the country. Some airlines encourage the practice, but you should make reservations well in advance. Even pet-friendly fliers limit the number of pet passengers flying coach.
Pro-Pet Airlines
Airlines that allow pets on board in-cabin include: Air Tran, American, Continental, Delta Airlines, Jet Blue, Midwest, Northwest, Spirit, United and US Air. Southwest does not allow pets in-cabin. Contact the individual airlines for their exact requirements.
Flight Considerations
While you must check with the individual carrier, there are some common rules concerning pet travel. Generally, the only pets allowed are small to medium-sized dogs and cats that are healthy, fully up-to-date with their shots and at least eight weeks old. They must be housed within pet carriers that do not exceed 23" x 13" x 9" and cannot leave their crates during flights. There are also restrictions on the number of pets allowed during a flight, so reservations for your pet are imperative. Additionally, there are destinations to which pets cannot be transported regardless of an airline's pet policy.
Regulations
The FAA is responsible for oversight of airlines and their cargo. In 2005, the Safe Air Travel for Animals Act was passed into law to improve the conditions under which pets fly. Research prior to the legislation acknowledged that pets deserve a certain, minimum level of care, that they should not be treated as baggage and that cargo holds often used to house pets are inadequate for their proper care. Upon the legislation's passage, baggage handlers needed to be trained in the safe handling and care of live animals. The airlines are also required by law to report any incidents of animals traveling by air that are lost, injured or killed. However, most other considerations regarding the transport of pets via aircraft are left to the individual air carriers.
Pet Transport
The Humane Society of the United States strongly discourages pets being transported by air. When at all possible, they urge pet owners to consider travel by automobile. However, if the animal must accompany its owner in flight, they offer several tips for a safe journey. Topping the list is choosing an airline that allows the pet to travel in the cabin so your pet does not have to fly in a cargo bay. If you cannot find a carrier that allows cabin boarding to or from your destination, be certain to take appropriate precautions for cargo-bay transport, such as traveling on a direct flight in an off-peak season late in the day or early at morning to avoid extreme temperatures. Also, give your pet time to become acclimated to the carrier prior to the flight. Reducing stress to the animal will improve the likelihood of a pleasant reunion upon touchdown.
Dangers
There is a danger to traveling with your pet aboard an airline. While much has improved in the last decade, reports indicate that a small percentage of animals flying in cargo areas still do not survive their flight. Pets sometimes break free from their holds, are lost, or simply do not survive the trauma of sedation and travel. For large animals that cannot fly in-cabin, consider alternate transportation.
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