Airline Seat Travel for Dogs
Nobody was surprised when the bride announced that her Chihuahuas would be boarding a jet plane along with the newlyweds on their luxurious honeymoon. So how did they pull this off? Consider the following information.
Be aware that airline policies change regularly; most require health certificates to get your pooch on board, and each airline has unique rules and regulations. Disregard all of these rules and limitations if the dog in question is a guide dog.
Book Bowzer on AirTran, US Airways or America West
Domesticated dogs are welcome on AirTran flights as long as their carrier fits under the owner's seat and you don't mind paying $65 per flight. Make reservations far in advance for the privilege of keeping your dog with you in the cabin, as AirTran prohibits pets in the cargo hold for health and safety reasons. Get more information about the policy by calling 1-800-AIRTRAN or visiting airtran.com.
US Airways/America West has an unusual set of policies. You can take a pet on board as long as you make a reservation in advance and other dogs aren't already claiming the flight's few slots. Pets can't travel in the cargo hold, which is why so few dogs are given a ticket to ride. That said, if you're departing from Boston's Logan International, D.C.'s Washington International or New York's LaGuardia Airport you can send your dog to cargo on non-stop US Airway Shuttle flights just as long as they aren't heading to Hawaii. By the way, dogs are not permitted to make connections. Call 800-428-4322 or visit usair.com for more information.
Choose Alaska Air/Horizon Air Unless You're Heading to Hawaii
You'll be able to check your dog into the luggage section of any Alaska Air/Horizon Air plane, or she can stay in the cabin. If your dog lands in the cargo hold, she is likely to encounter cats, rabbits and tropical fish. The cost is $100 per flight, but be advised that your dog will only be boarded if she is short-nosed, so measure your pup's snout before you book your seats. Contact alaskaair.com for more information.
American Airlines Doesn't Mind Heavy Dogs
Unlike Continental Airlines, American Airlines will board a dog that weighs up to 100 pounds as either carry-on or checked as baggage. But be forewarned, just as with its policies covering drunk passengers, the airline reserves the right to bump him for having a bad disposition. There is also a hefty price tag for boarding your pet on an American flight: $100 for cabin space; $150 for a place in the cargo hold. The airline can provide its most recently updated list of guidelines. Request it by calling 1-800-433-7300 or visiting americanairlines.com.
Continental and Southwest Both Have Pet Clubs
Continental Airlines has its own PetSafe program, so domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits and birds get as much consideration as their owners---as long as they don't weigh more than 10 pounds. But it will be a pricey flight---$300 isn't unusual---and your dog will be required to hang out with luggage for that hefty fee. Some breeds won't make the cut because they're too tall. If your pup is small and sweet, get the skinny on accommodations by calling 1-800-575-3335 or visiting continental.com.
Southwest Airlines must have gotten the message that flying dogs are good for business because the firm ended its long-standing "no pets under any circumstances" policy in June 2009 when it debuted P.A.W.S. (Pets Are Welcome on Southwest). Your dog must be small enough to fit under a cabin seat, and your checkbook will be relieved of $75 for every one-way trip booked in your dog's name.
First-Come, First-Boarded on Delta
Get to the airport early if you and your dog are booked on a Delta flight because it's first-come, first-served, and there is no standby offered. You may bring your dog into the cabin for $150 per flight or send him to the cargo hold or check him as baggage for more, but if he's an international flier, your bill could top $500. Again, size, breed and temperament can prohibit your canine from being granted permission to fly, so reserve space in advance at 1-800-221-1212 or delta.com.
JetBlue Only Boards Three Pets Per Plane
Only three pets may fly on JetBlue at any given time, so if a trio of cats is already boarded, your dog will get shut out. Reserve early to avoid this embarrassment. Provide the carrier with your dog's weight (which must be 20 pounds or less) and fork over $100 per flight. JetBlue has no destination restrictions but pets can't ride in the cargo hold. Make flight plans at jetblue.com.
The Skies Are Friendlier with a Dog Under the Seat
Fly United, and Rex gets to fly with you for $125. If you don't mind being separated during the flight, it costs the same amount to sequester Muffin in the luggage hold. Advance reservations are prudent; some breeds may be refused passage. United's fee structure fluctuates, so contact the company for the most updated pet policies at 1-800-241-6522 or united.com.
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