Here are 12 major airlines' policies for flying with pets
One of the most stressful travel experiences I've ever had was when I moved to Asia and towed my cat along with me. Besides all the paperwork and vet appointments, one of the hardest parts was choosing an airline that would a) let my pet fly and b) allow him to stay in the cabin with me. A lot of carriers only let animals fly in the cargo hold, which can be scary, uncomfortable and even life-threatening in some cases. And then there are also extra fees to consider – I learned that if you're flying on one journey with connections, you have to pay separately for each route (and each different airline too).
The good news is that there are airlines, like JetBlue, United and Spirit Airlines (I know, I was surprised at the last one too) that are really receptive to letting pets on board, and a handful even offer reward miles on top of that.
Hopefully, this guide to airline's pet policies can help other owners save some time and maybe prevent a headache or two.
Airberlin : Pets can go in the cabin as long as the total weight (together with the carrier) doesn't go over 8 kg; over 8 kg means traveling in cargo. Charges also vary depending on the route (for example, international costs an extra €70 in cabin and €150 in cargo). There's also a list of countries where Airberlin won't transport animals as well.
Air Canada : Pets smaller than 10 kg can ride along in economy class only, at a charge of $50 CAD within North America or $100 internationally. Larger animals up to 32 kg can go in cargo, with charges starting at $105 CAD.
American Airlines : Pets are allowed both in cabin and checked as cargo for $125 and $200 respectively. When US Airways' fleet is fully transitioned over by October, there will also be quite a few routes where pets are only allowed in carry-on. Until then, pets can't be connected on US Airways flights either.
Britis h Airways : Pets can only travel in cargo with the airline's sister company, IAG Cargo. Costs vary according to route.
Delta Airlines : Any animals can travel in cabin except to certain destinations like South Africa, Hong Kong and the U.K. Charges vary, but flights within the U.S. costs $125 and internationally $200. Sending a pet through cargo is a flat fee of $200 (but if you're leaving from Europe, it'll be €200 instead).
Emirates : Animals are only allowed to travel in cargo with fees depending on the route.
Etihad : Pets are only allowed in cargo on Etihad flights, with costs varying depending on departure city. Weirdly enough, falcons are allowed in the cabin (with proper documents, of course).
JetBlue : This airline is really pet-friendly, and even has its own program to help owners called "JetPaws." Animals up to 20 pounds can go in the cabin (cargo travel's not an option). It costs a flat fee of $100, which also includes 300 loyalty program points.
Southwest Airlines : For $95, animals can travel in cabin only on domestic flights – no cargo or international flights allowed. Unlike most other airlines, one person can bring two animals as long both are within one carrier that fulfills size requirements (the airline sells its own branded two-animal carriers too).
Spirit Airlines : Here is one instance where flying Spirit Airlines doesn't totally suck. It's one of the few low-cost carriers that lets pets on board, allowing small animals in cabin on domestic flights. The one-way charge is $100 fee, which is also pretty fair considering Spirit Airlines' other cringe-worthy fees.
United Airlines : Small animals are allowed in cabin for a charge of $125 on both domestic and international flights. Larger animals go in cargo through the airline's program, PetSafe, which also offers pet tracking and up to 1,000 reward miles per flight.
Virgin Atlantic : Virgin's one of the only airlines where pets are allowed to fly in cargo alone. However, they do have some thorny rules like not allowing pets to fly into the U.S. on weekends and several flights which don't accept pets at all. Cost depends on kennel size, but the pet fee is also good for 1,000 Flying Club miles domestically and 2,000 internationally.