Pet Air Travel Regulations
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Air Canada
  • Restrictions on travel in baggage compartment between November 1 and March 31, or any time the outside temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Cats and dogs only in cabin
  • Requests to travel with animals must be made at time of booking
  • Some international restrictions
  • North American fee: $65 Canadian one-way
  • International fee: Twice the excess baggage fee, except in France

Requirements: Unaccompanied pets must be shipped by a licensed and approved pet transportation company. You must request space for your animal when making your reservation and give pet carrier dimensions to the booking agent; pets must be placed in hard-sided carriers; pet carrier wheels must be removed prior to the flight.

Pets are not allowed on CL65 and BAe146 aircraft between November 1 and March 31, or any time the outside temperature is below zero celsius.

In-Cabin Kennel Size: 9" x 15 1/2" x 22 1/2"

Air Sunshine — Florida
(800) 327-8900  
  • Cabin and Cargo Fees: $75 one way
  • In-Cabin Kennel Size: 17" long x 8" high

Requirements: Must have a current health certificate and reserve kennel space, (transported in the back of the plane)

 

America West Airlines
  • No pets in cargo compartment
  • Limited number of pets allowed in cabin; restrictions on flights to Mexico
  • Request pet space when making reservations.
  • Charge: $75
  • In-Cabin Kennel Size: 17" long x 10.5" high

Requirements: Unaccompanied pets must be shipped by a licensed and approved pet transportation company. Health certificate, cabin travel only, no pets in cargo

 

American Airlines

  • Pet acceptance not guaranteed until the animal is presented to airline personnel
  • Animals accepted two to four hours before departure, with some exception
  • Cabin and Cargo Fees: $75 one way
  • In-Cabin Kennel Size: 23" long x 9" high

Requirements: Pets that do not fit under the seat can travel as cargo between May 15 and September 15. A pet cannot travel if it is less than 45 degrees, unless your veterinarian provides a written document stating your pet can acclimate to colder temperatures. Unaccompanied pets must be shipped by a licensed and approved pet transportation company.

 

Midway Airlines

  • Pets not accepted as checked baggage or cargo from July 1, 2001 until August 31, 2001
  • In-cabin pet travel allowed
  • Charge for in-cabin travel: full passenger fare
  • Charge for cargo/baggage travel: $75 - $175, plus applicable taxes and fees

Nantucket Airlines

  • Cabin and Cargo Fees: None, small fee if flying from New Bedford
  • In-Cabin Kennel Size: No kennel required

Nantucket Air makes it easy to fly with your pet. The planes are small, and so pets are allowed in the cabin as long as they remain restrained during the flight.

Northwest Airlines
  • Pets not accepted as checked baggage to many destinations from July 1,2001 until September 15, 2001
  • Confirm pet travel 24 hours before scheduled departure time
  • Animals not accepted as baggage or cargo when temperatures are extremely hot or cold
  • In-cabin travel fee: $75 one-way
  • Checked baggage travel fee: $139 - $299 one-way
  • Cargo travel fee: varies
  • In Cabin Kennel Size: 18" long x 8" high

Requirements: Unaccompanied pets must be shipped by a licensed and approved pet transportation company. Health certificate needs to be issued within ten days of flight; two pets are permitted in coach and one pet in the first class section. If pet is traveling in cargo the temperature must be more than 10 degrees or less than 85 degrees. Northwest offers transportation in a temperature-controlled van that travels between the plane and the terminal. Kennel and pet can weigh up to 150 lbs. If your pet fails the Northwest veterinary inspection it can be bumped off the flight. Northwest recommends that you have a back-up person in case you need to bring your pet home.

Pan Am
  • Cabin and Cargo Fees: $45 one way
  • In Cabin Kennel Size: 19" long x 10" high

Requirements: Unaccompanied pets must be shipped by a licensed and approved pet transportation company. Health certificate issued within 21 days of flight; two pets are allowed in either cargo or cabin; kennel and pet can’t exceed 100 lbs.

Southwest Airlines

No pets allowed

TWA
  • In-cabin pet travel, with restrictions to Hawaii and international destinations
  • Pets not traveling in cabin will be shipped as air freight; Charges vary
  • In-cabin charge: $75 one-way
  • Cargo: depend on length of flight and weight and size of kennel
  • In Cabin Kennel Size: 21" long x 8" high

TWA  will not transport un-domesticated critters (ferrets, snakes, rabbits, etc.). 

Requirements:
Unaccompanied pets must be shipped by a licensed and approved pet transportation company. Health certificate issued within 10 days of flight; two pets permitted in coach with a limit of one pet per passenger; TWA currently has a moratorium on pet in the plane’s cargo hold and requires them to travel on a separate TWA air cargo flight - (800) 892-2746.

United Airlines
  • Pets accepted for travel in cabin and cargo compartment
  • Cargo travel prohibited when outside temperature is above 85 degrees; Other weather restrictions apply
  • In-cabin travel charge: $75 for domestic travel; International rates vary
  • Cabin and Cargo Fees: $75 one way
  • In Cabin Kennel Size: 22" long x 10" high

Requirements: United currently has a pet cargo moratorium in effect and travelers need to contact United Air freight/cargo at (800) 825-3788 or http://www.ualcargo.com. Once the embargo is lifted, pets will need a health certificate issued within 30 days of flight and owners must use a shipping company approved by United - prices run from between $300-500 (one way).

U.S. Air  
  • Pets allowed in cabin for domestic flights only
  • Dogs, domestic cats and birds accepted as checked baggage; Other animals travel in cargo compartment
  • Cabin and Cargo Fees: $75; International charges vary
  • In Cabin Kennel Size: 17" long x 8" high

In-cabin pets are "limited to small domestic dogs, cats and birds, which are considered to be traditional household pets. Carry-on pets are not allowed on transatlantic flights. These animals must be harmless, inoffensive, odorless and require no attention during the flight."

Requirements:
Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of flight; one to two pets are permitted in the cabin, depending on the size of the plane; if shipped by cargo, pet and kennel cannot exceed 100 lbs.