Special Considerations for Pets When Traveling on a Plane

Flying with your pets can be a bit complicated when you have specific breeds such as short-nosed dogs, large animals and even cats.  From prepping your pet for the trip, security considerations and your specific pet needs, it is something to consider before you decide to fly with your pet. Be sure to check with your airline for their specific restrictions before booking a flight.

How to Prepare Your Dog for Flying

The value of familiarizing your dog with their crate prior to flying cannot be overstated when it comes to improving the quality of their travel experience. Before your trip, you’ll want to prepare your dog for the experience of flying. Expose your dog to their crate early, so they’re comfortable and familiar with being in a carrier for long periods of time. Let your dog explore their crate at home where they feel safe. Be sure to praise them and give them treats as they get used to the crate.

Bring your dog to loud and crowded dog-friendly places, like bus stations and dog-friendly stores. This will help your dog be more prepared for the sights and sounds of the airport. Airlines require that dogs be well-behaved when flying, meaning that dogs shouldn’t be excessively barking or restless. If they growl or act aggressively, they may not be allowed on the plane

The American Kennel Club offers CGC (Canine Good Citizen) classes to help prepare your dog for any uncommon situation, like flying. The skills learned for the CGC, such as walking through a crowd or behaving politely around other dogs, will help prepare your dog for being in an airport. You can also look for a trainer that trains specifically for flying.

Going Through Security

Upon reaching the airport security and screening checkpoint, your pet’s carrier will need to go through the X-ray machine without your pet inside. It is important that you place your personal items, such as electronics, bags, shoes, belts, etc., in the bins first. Next, you can remove your pet from their travel carrier and place the carrier next to your items so it can be X-rayed. Your pet needs to be on a leash and preferably a harness.

You will then carry your pet in your arms through the human screening device. On the other side, you will first want to retrieve your carrier and put your pet securely back inside, then gather the bin with your personal items. Once you are on the airplane, your pet will need to remain in their carrier for the entirety of the flight. Don’t forget to bring along a few cleaning supply items, just in case there’s an accident in the carrier.

Bring a chew for your dog. This can be especially helpful for dogs during takeoff and landing to help make the pressure changes more comfortable for them ( this is especially true if they are flying in the cargo area). Once you and your dog are on your flight, your dog will need to stay in their carrier. Dogs aren’t permitted to sit on their owner’s lap. It can be helpful to give your dog a chew to comfort them during the most turbulent and noisy parts of the flight. Chewing helps to naturally relax your dog and can also help them adjust to the pressure changes associated with takeoff and landing.

Flying With Short-Nosed Pets

As any parent of a short-nosed pet is probably already aware, short-nosed pets are more prone to breathing difficulties or general issues with their respiratory system. Dogs such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, Bull Dogs, Shih Tzus, and Mastiffs, to name a few, are considered short-nosed. Common short-nosed cats include Exotic Shorthairs, British Shorthairs, and Persians.

Due to their unique facial and nasal structures, these types of pets can be more sensitive to changes in temperature and altitude on an airplane, especially in cargo. Not to mention, even though the cargo area of an airplane receives the same quality of air as the cabin, the air circulation in cargo is typically not as efficient and may not be ideal for your pet.

Here are a few precautionary steps you can take to help reduce the risk of taking your short-nosed dog or cat on a plane.

-Keep your pet at a healthy weight. Overweight animals are automatically at a higher risk of developing an issue while flying.

-Visit your veterinarian before flying. During your visit, your veterinarian can examine your pet to make sure that they are healthy enough to fly and that there are no underlying issues. Plus, your veterinarian may be able to recommend useful tips and products for flying with a dog or cat.

-Be proactive about reducing stress. When a short-nosed animal becomes stressed, their breathing typically increases, and they could experience an issue. To counteract this problem, try to be one step ahead with preparing your pet for a flight. Ensure they are comfortable in their crate and provide them with only a thin blanket since a thick blanket could cause breathing issues if they bury their nose.

-Be mindful when you schedule your flight. In order to help keep conditions as regular as possible for your scrunchy-faced friend, try to schedule summer flights during the coolest part of the day ( morning, evening, or night), and if you are flying in the middle of winter, then try to schedule your flight for the warmest part of the day (mid-afternoon). Generally, though, airlines will also halt cargo travel options for pets once a certain temperature hits.

Before booking a flight for you and your short-nosed companion, be sure to weigh all your different travel options. If possible, driving may be a better option for your pet.

Air Travel with Service Animals

Service animals, who are dogs specifically trained to help a person with disabilities, are allowed on planes under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). If you plan to bring an animal service on your flight, contact the airline before you book your ticket to make sure you understand their policies.

In general, service animals must be able to sit on your lap or under the seat in front of you. They should not block access to areas such as the aisle or an emergency exit. They also need to be well-behaved and not engage in disruptive behaviors, such as barking or jumping up on other passengers.

Emotional Support Animals and Planes

Emotional support animals (ESA) are pets who offer comfort and stress relief to their pet parents. They are not the same as service animals, and they don’t require any special training. A new federal rule now defines strict guidelines as to what classifies as an ESA for flying purposes. This new rule states that an ESA is narrowly defined as a dog who has training and works to benefit the individual with a disability. These anumals still must be well behaved and fit under the seat or on your lap.

ESA are allowed on planes through the ACAA, but you should check with the airline, ideally before purchasing your ticket, to find out their specific rules around bringing an ESA aboard. For instance, you may need to provide an ESA letter from a doctor or mental health professional. This letter should confirm that your pet is an ESA and why you need them. You may also need to show proof that your pet is healthy and fully vaccinated.

Cats and Air Travel

When you think of people flying with their pets, you may imagine just dogs, but cats are brought on flights as well. Traveling with our homebody cats can be more difficult since they’re not as familiar with outdoor adventures as some dogs. Cats may also be more likely to get anxious outside the comforts of their home, especially in noisy airports or on crowded planes.

Before your trip, or even before booking your flight, you can also ask your veterinarian about using a pheromone spray, which can help soothe a stressed-out cat. It’s also essential to make sure your cat is comfortable in their carrier. At your home, or in a relaxed environment, practice having your cat sit in and be carried in their carrier. It will also be helpful to practice taking them in and out of the carrier to simulate what it will be like when you go through airport screening. Cats need to feel secure the same as dogs when traveling.

If the cat is OK traveling to the vet or  going for rides with you, doesn’t mind being in a travel crate or bag, and does fine being in new places, then it’s OK. But if the cat doesn’t like those things, which is going to be most cats, then a pet sitter is better. Consider avoiding air travel if your cat shows stress signs like meowing, over-grooming, or drooling.

After considering these reasons, you may decide it’s probably best not to travel by plane with your cat. You may find that your cat will do much better if you choose to travel by car.

Is Airline Cargo Transport for Pets Safe?

Generally speaking, yes it’s safe to transport a pet in the cargo area of the plane. However, there are other considerations to make when you’re choosing this method of transport.

There won’t be anyone (airline employee, pet expert, etc.) allowed in the cargo area during the flight. That means there’s no way for anyone to help (or even be aware) if your pet has an emergency or needs to be comforted during the flight.

The cargo area is pressurized and climate-controlled, but that doesn’t mean it’s as comfortable during the flight as being in the cabin.

Many pets are traumatized by the experience of flying in the cargo area. It makes sense, the cargo area is foreign to pets, they’re all alone and have no idea what’s going on. At least if your pet can be in the cabin with you, they don’t feel abandoned.

You’ll need to get a cargo crate with whatever specifications your airline requires. There may be other rules, so be sure to check with your carrier before booking your flight. You should also add bedding and your pet’s favorite toy.

Personally, I wouldn’t fly with my large dogs because I didn’t want to make the trip stressful for them. I wouldn’t want to be left alone somewhere I wasn’t familiar with, so I couldn’t do that to my pups. I’m also a worrywart and was afraid something would happen to them, and no one would know. But that’s me and you know your pet better than anyone else, so if you feel comfortable with them flying in cargo, some airlines do allow it.

What types of restrictions may apply to flying with my pet?

Dogs & Cats – Many airlines allow only cats and small dogs to fly with them and will not carry short-nosed breeds of dogs or cats due to breathing risks.

Size & Weight – Many carriers place size and weight restrictions on pets flying in the aircraft cabin. In most instances, a pet may need to fit into a carrier and under the seat in front of you. Additionally, some airlines may require you to use a ventilated or leak-proof case to transport your pet.

Age – Some carriers place age restrictions on pets traveling on aircraft and will apply minimum age requirements (typically 8 weeks) for a pet to travel. Some also restrict older pets due to the stress that may overwhelm them and cause medical issues.

Behavior – Some airlines require pets to be well-mannered to travel and may make visual observations in the airport, during boarding, and during cargo loading to ensure the pet can safely fly on the aircraft. If an airline determines that your pet cannot safely travel on the aircraft, the airline may refuse to allow your pet to fly.

Weather – Some airlines place restrictions on transporting pets in the cargo hold of the aircraft for temperature related reasons and will not carry pets in the cargo hold during the summer and winter months due to hot and cold temperatures.

Aircraft Seating – Many airlines place seating restrictions on traveling with a pet and prohibit pets from occupying bulkhead seats or emergency row seats.  

Approved Kennel – Some airlines require pets traveling in the cargo hold of the aircraft to be secured in an approved travel kennel. They don’t supply these, so you’ll have to buy one.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with pets by plane requires careful planning and preparation. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your beloved companion. Remember to prioritize your pet’s well-being and consult with your veterinarian and airline for specific requirements and recommendations.

It can seem daunting to travel with your pet on a plane, and it should be avoided when possible. But you can make it easier with careful preparation. We love to share information and tips we learn to help you make informed decisions when planning your adventures with your pets. Go out have fun and make lots of memories with your fur baby!