Have you ever thought of taking your pet along with you on a flight? Not as cargo, but in the passenger area with you? For smaller pets, this is usually possible if you do some advance research, book early, know the size of carrier that can fit under the seat and are, hopefully, only using one airline. This article will deal specifically with domestic flights and airlines that fly out of Orange County. If you plan to fly internationally or have a pet that will travel in cargo, visit the airline’s web site for information. Airline links are provided on our web site.
While almost all airlines will allow small dogs and cats on board, the number of pets allowed varies, as does the number of animals that can occupy a single carrier, which is never more than two. Some airlines will accept smaller animals, such as rodents or birds, but all must be able to fit in a container under the seat in front of you. Other airlines may not accept in-cabin pets at all. However, all airlines have a special heated and ventilated baggage hold where your pet may actually be more comfortable, because it is dark and quiet. On some flights, first class seating may not be able to accommodate a carrier, because there may not be any under-seat space at all if the seats recline into a sleeping position.
Most airlines require a pet health certificate from a veterinarian within ten days of flying. They also suggest that you do not feed or water your pet immediately before flying or while on the airplane, in case your pet develops an upset stomach.
Airline policies are different from carrier to carrier and, as with recently merged American Airlines and US Airways, they do not have the same pet guidelines. Several airlines, such as Frontier, have pet programs that cater to pet owners and their pets’ comfort and safety, while others merely have guidelines and fees stated on their web sites.
Airports
Many airports now have “pet relief” areas. If you intend to make use of those facilities, find out ahead of time where they are in relation to your gate. Sometimes, the distance between your gate and the pet relief area is far, and it may not be possible to get to it between connecting flights. Be prepared—have potty pads and make sure your pet is comfortable using them. Some airports allow you to take your leashed pet out of its carrier while waiting, but not all airports are that pet-friendly.
Connecting Flights
The best rule of thumb is to stay with the same airline if you have connecting flights because of the differences in on-board pet policies. Do not assume that if one airline will take your pet in the crate you provide that the next one will do the same; their policies could easily be different. In fact, a different airline may not accept the animal in the cabin at all.
Carrier Size
It is important that you purchase the right sized container for your animal. Airlines generally want to ensure that the animal has enough space to turn about normally while standing, to stand and sit erect, and to lie in a natural position.
You might think that under-seat carrier sizes would be standardized throughout the industry, but they are not. The good news is that the differences only vary by an inch or two by height, length and width, so your best bet is to find something for your pet that meets the smallest criteria, yet is still spacious enough to ensure the animal has enough space to turn about normally while standing, to stand and sit erect, and to lie in a natural position.
Some airlines have different size restrictions for soft- and hard-sided carriers. Some do not allow hard cabins, while others do not allow soft carriers.
Long before your flight, you should purchase your carrier and let your pet get used to being inside it for extended periods. This familiarity will ensure that your pet will be less stressed when the time comes to take a flight. Never buy a crate the day before you travel and expect your pet to be comfortable being caged.
Recently, one of our product testers checked with an airline to make sure the dimensions posted on the airline’s web site were accurate. Assured that the information was correct, reservations were made. At flight time, the flight attendant gruffly told the tester that the carrier definitely would not fit under the seat and marched her to her assigned seat. When presented with the information (printed from the airline’s web site), the flight attendant stated that the “web site is often wrong.” The carrier did fit (but it was difficult to maneuver it between the seats). Larger under-seat carriers may need to be tilted into position. Lesson learned: bring a copy of the airline’s under-seat size requirements, and make sure your carrier meets those specifications.
Aircraft
There are certain types of aircraft that are not equipped to carry pets. For airlines with these planes in their fleet, that information will be included on the airline’s web site, but always check with the airline first, as their fleet may change.
Cost
The cost of an on-board flight for pets varies from airline to airline.
Companion Age Restrictions
The age of the person who accompanies the pet on-board also varies.
Standard Restrictions for All Airlines
No matter what size of carrier an airline allows, it must fit under the seat in front of you and allow your pet to easily move around without its head protruding. Pets are not allowed outside the container during the flight. (Severe penalties apply.) Pet carriers must be ventilated on at least two sides, as well as the door. No food or water should be in the carrier. The carrier floor must be absorbent and waterproof. All airlines count your pet carrier as part of your carry-on luggage.
Hawaii: Special Precautions
Unless you are moving to Hawaii, leave your pet at home. Because of an abundance of restrictions due to environmental issues, your animal will need a health certificate and still may be quarantined for a short period to make sure it is not rabid or is carrying some sort of communicable disease. Find a good pet sitter or pet hotel and let your pet have its own vacation in good hands.
There is an interesting Canadian restriction for travelers with cats. If a fellow passenger is allergic to cat dander, you and your pet will be required to change seats with someone in the back of the plane.
The policies of airlines that fly out of Orange County can be found on our website. See the carrier size chart and one-way cost chart within this article for comparison. Sizes and fees are subject to change, so always check with the airlines to confirm.