1. In the Cabin: Under a passenger seat. This is limited to small pets that can fit in a container (carrier/crate) that complies with very specific airline guidelines. The passenger cabin is generally limited to just a few cats, dogs or birds per flight.
   
   
2. As a Ticketed Passenger: Your pet travels on the same flight as you, although it travels in the cargo area.
   
   
3. As Unaccompanied Pet: Your pet travels by itself or with pet siblings in the cargo area.

Differences between Pets and People Airline Travel:

Pre-planning for a pet’s air travel is important!

• Pet airline tickets are paid for at the time they are checked in at the airport as animal cargo/animal freight.
• Their airline tickets cost less if they are on the same flight as the passenger, and cost is based on their weight/size of the crate if they travel as cargo.
• Federal guidelines define the proper size requirements for your pet's travel crate. Pets can be turned away for many reasons upon check-in, for example: not right size/brand of crate; documents not in order; the flight connection is too long/short or too many connections; pet appears to be sedated aggressive, or ill; pet too young; lacking required vaccinations; not checked in on time; weather restrictions and more.
• A pet cannot travel on all airlines and all aircrafts that people travel on; just because a person can travel on a flight does not mean a pet can.
• Generally a pet flight cannot have more than one connection.
• There are federal guidelines for temperature restrictions (heat & cold) which all pet shippers and airlines abide by. Some flights are restricted when there are temperature extremes, and occasionally an airport will have an embargo prohibiting air travel for pets. In these cases we provide full assistance in ensuring pet care until the next flight available.
• Pet travel requires a current vet check to ensure your animal is in good health.
• International pet travel requirements for vaccination and documentation vary greatly and require much attention to detail and planning ahead of time!

Pet Shipping Tips:

Your pet's comfort & welfare are top priority!

• Precondition your pet prior to the airline travel by letting them spend time in their travel crate/carrier.
• Keep your pet calm before, during and after the flight.
• Ensure your pet is healthy and is seen by his/her vet prior to the travel. This is required by the airline. If a pet is on medications for a condition, be sure the pet is well stabilized before air travel.
• An elderly pet will do fine as long as they are healthy and have very comfortable bedding in their crate/carrier.
• Water is essential before, during, and after the flight for hydration.

The BIGGEST NO NO's For Pet Travel!

Safety of a pet is paramount!

• Do not sedate your pet (even if the vet says so). Most airlines have adopted policy to refuse shipment of a sedated animal.
• Do not feed four pet immediately prior to the flight.
• Do not forget to exercise your dog prior to the trip to the airport.
• Do not use a wire crate, or a carrier with damage such as cracked plastic or missing bolts/hardware.
• Do not place hard objects in your animal’s travel carrier/crate.
• Do not forget to allow enough time to get to the airport. Rushing to the airport can cause stress to you and your pets, and if you are late checking in the airline can refuse to accept your pet.

Pet Cargo Area Conditions/Regulations on the Aircraft:

Airlines must meet the following requirements for pets to travel on the aircraft

• Temperature controlled environment -- within 10 degrees of the cabin.
• Sufficient oxygen for each pet in the designated area.
• Pet cargo area is separated from luggage and all other goods.
• Families and/or types of pets are kept together when possible -- cats are by cats, dogs by dogs, birds by birds.
• Mechanics (moving parts) in the designated animal cargo area must be in perfect condition for any pet to fly on an airliner.

For more information & a comprehensive pet travel plan, contact us toll-free at
800-323-1718 or click here to fill out the Pet Travel Form.