Are you looking to relocate to a new state but aren’t sure how to move with your dog?
Maybe you’re fully vaccinated and are ready to travel but aren’t sure how to do so with the pets in your life. For people without pets, traveling with an airline is pretty straightforward.
Yet, for pet owners, an airline’s pet policies can be confusing. As they are members of your family, you want to ensure they are getting the best care throughout your trip.
So, what airlines ship dogs? Which airlines treat them the best?
Let’s explore the top five and answer even more of your questions below.
What Airlines Ship Dogs?
You may be surprised to learn that there are many pet-friendly airlines. However, there are also tons of restrictions and added pet fees within these airlines.
If you’re flying internationally, make sure you triple-check the pet traveling requirements of the country you’re traveling to. This can change drastically, and you don’t want to get stuck somewhere with your pet and be unable to return.
The list below contains U.S. domestic flights, all ranging with different fees and requirements.
1. American Airlines
When you think of flying with dogs, you may not automatically think of American Airlines. However, they have a pretty straightforward pet policy, though you do still have to jump through some hoops.
American Airlines requires a standard pet fee of $125 per pet carrier each way.
A ticketed passenger may have a maximum of two pets. The pets must be in the cabin, as this airline does not allow them to be in the cargo hold.
The pet and the pet carrier combined cannot weigh more than 20 pounds. You must book your pet flight with a travel agent beforehand, check in with them, and pay the pet fee before boarding the plane.
American Airlines only allows seven pets per plane at any given time, so it’s highly recommended to book with them much in advance.
2. United Airlines
United Airlines has a broader range of dog-shipping policies, allowing dogs to be both in the cabin and cargo hold.
This is excellent news if you need to transport a dog that is larger than 20 pounds.
As with American Airlines, if your dog will be in the plane’s cabin, United Airlines charges the stand $125 pet fee per pet carrier each way. There is no specific weight restriction, but the pet and pet carrier must fit under your seat.
You must call the airline for fees and requirements if you are bringing a bigger dog that will be transported as cargo.
3. Delta Airlines
When considering your options for airlines, Delta Airlines should be at the top of your list when it comes to pet-friendly policies.
Like United Airlines, Delta allows pets in both the cabin and cargo hold. However, Delta has a special area for dogs in the cargo hold that is temperature-controlled and pressurized to ensure your dog is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
For specific pricing and requirements for dogs flying as cargo, call a Delta Airlines agent.
For dogs flying in the cabin, there is a $125 pet fee per carrier each way. Each dog cannot weigh more than 20 pounds.
Because the fee is per pet carrier and not per pet, if you have two dogs that together weigh 20 pounds and can fit into one carrier, they can be counted as one. This way, you will only have to pay the pet fee once.
4. Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest options when considering shipping for dogs.
However, they only allow dogs in the cabin, so another airline would be a better option if you have a bigger dog.
Their pet fee is $95 per pet carrier each way. The dogs must weigh less than 20 pounds, but this airline also allows you to put two dogs in one carrier if together they don’t go past this maximum weight.
Each ticketed person is allowed to have one carrier. So, if you have two dogs that each weigh 20 pounds, you would need someone else to check in the second dog.
5. JetBlue Airlines
JetBlue Airlines is another cheap option and allows both cats and dogs.
They only allow four pets on each flight, so you need to book with them well in advance. Because they do have cheaper pet-flying options, they are often booked months ahead.
They only allow pets in the cabin and have a pet fee of $100 per pet each way.
JetBlue only allows each ticketed passenger to have one total pet, and they must not exceed 20 pounds when combined with the pet carrier.
Other Pet Transport Options
As you can see, flying with your dog requires you to know the ins and outs of each airline policy, so you get the best deal and best treatment for your pet.
If you’d rather not deal with this hassle, consider a pet transport service instead. They can take care of all the tedious work for you while ensuring your pet is getting five-star treatment.
If you have a particularly anxious pet or have other moving pieces you need to pay more attention to, allowing a professional to take this part off your hands might not be a bad idea!
Be There for Your Pet
What airlines ship dogs? Now you know it’s not precisely about which ones do it, but which ones do it the best.
When traveling with dogs, you need to be a step ahead—booking well in advance and doing your research to see which airline will treat your dogs like family.
If you’re feeling a bit stressed after reading this article, why not let us assist you in finding the best transportation solution for your furry friend?
At Blue Collar Pet Transport, we specialize in providing top-quality transportation services tailored to your pet’s needs. While we don’t offer air travel options, our team is well-equipped to handle ground transport and private transport arrangements. We take the stress out of planning and ensure your pet’s comfort and safety throughout the journey.
Contact us today and let us know where you’re going and how we can help you and your furry family member get there!