Pets on an airplane?

Question

Does anyone know if I can take my dog on an airplane as a carry on if I have it in a carrying bag? If not how do I find out how and what I have to do to travel with animals?

Answer 1

Some airlines permit pets and some don't. I know Alaska does because I fly with my rabbit all the time. I know Hawaiian Airlines doesn't because my dog had to fly as unaccompanied baggage on another airline when he was a puppy (yes, my family did go to Hawaii and come home with a puppy...). I think Continental and United both allow animals, and I think that Southwest does not, but I'm not really sure about any of those three. Most airlines will have the information on their website if you look for it, and they'll definitely be able to tell you if you call.

Also, most airlines ban animals on certain flights. For example, you generally can't bring animals between Hawaii and the US mainland because they quarantine them going into Hawaii (there's no rabbies there). You also generally can't carry animals on international flights.

If your airline does allow animals, they'll probably require that you make a reservation for your pet at least 24 hours in advance and pay $75 each way. I fly with my rabbit about six times a year and have payed exactly once. The people who check your boarding pass at security are supposed to check that you've payed for the animal, but if you don't have more than two carry-ons and the animal carrier is reasonably inconspicuous, they generally don't notice. The one time the called me on it I had three bags and told them that one was a rabbit so it didn't count (I've actually gotten away with that in the past, but that time the security supervisor person happened to be standing right there...). I was able to pay the $75 on to the airline on the spot, but since then I'm always careful to stay well under the carry-on limit. You'll have to take the animal out of the carrier when they x-ray your bags, but the security people at that point assume that the boarding pass people already checked your receipt. However, keep in mind that this is a risky business as there are legal limits on how many animals are allowed in the cabin of a plane, and if there are too may animals there, you risk not being able to fly with your animal. I've never seen there be more than one other animal besides my rabbit, and there are allowed to be up to five in economy and one in first class, but it's still a risk. If it's just a one time thing, and you can afford it, it's generally safer to cough up the $75 and do it properly, but it's kind of a lot of money.

Also, you'll be required to have a health certificate for your animal issued within the past month. I've never had them check it, but it's best to have one just in case as you can't really get it on the spot. I've found that changing the date and making a photocopy works better than shelling out $40 for a vet visit, but forging an official government document is a bit illegal.

P.S. I've just been informed by a flight attendant who read my answer that the flight attendants can turn you in at the arrival gate if you brought an animal on without paying. So far they haven't done that to me, but just another risk I thought I should warn you about...

Answer 2

First, you need to contact the airline and see if they permit animals and what the fee is if they do. (Some airlines, Southwest comes to mind, do not transport pets at all.) If your dog is to travel with you in the cabin it has to be small enough to COMFORTABLY fit into an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Generally my airline advises 10 pounds or less. Otherwise, you will need to purchase an approved kennel that will be checked into the hold. Airlines charge between 50.00-100.00 to transport domestic pets. If you are going to take your dog with you in the cabin it is best to book early as there is a limit of how many animals are allowed per flight.

Answer 3

i just recently came here in the philippines with my 2 cats as carry on aboard asiana airlines from south korea.they fall on the category carry on luggage since the airplane rule is that below 5 kilo each and the measurement of the cage doesnt exceed 150 cm all sides.the cage should also be approved by the airlines.then u have to know the quarantine rules of the place your going to.here in the philippines,they require me to secure an import permit by applying online at the office in manila then the medical/health certificate should be current.when we arrive at the incheon airport,we went to the korea department of quarantine to secure a health check clearance for the plane and have our 2 cats medical report and rabies vaccination and import permit certificate be signed by their office.then they gave us our clearance.after arriving at the philippine we went to the customs division and showed our certificate and we paid some tax dues,clearance fee for the import etc.we didnt paid for the cats weight as excess baggage.goodluck!

Answer 4

hi Amanda, exciting question, my answer relies upon if i'm going short haul or long haul. short haul flights a million) Mouthy flight team that provide you bogus solutions on your questions. 2) Cramped planes. i in my view hate flying nearby jets that take a seat under 70 human beings. 3) Penny pinching airlines that make you purchase each and everything. long Haul a million) Cramped monetary device cabin with no longer sufficient leg room 2) no longer being waiting to %. or substitute seats 3) awful foodstuff 4) awful in-flight movie and awful entertainment determination 5) narrow isles on extensive physique planes

Answer 5

contact airline and make sure rabies and other vaccinations are up to date- some airlines allow = some don't.Take care- have a nice trip! D

Answer 6

Ask your pet if its ever been a member of the Nazi party, assuming the answer is no, look for a man in your life that has never been a member of the communist party....Together yiu may save the ozone !

Answer 7

Contact your airline, you might have to get a letter from your vet that's what I had to do for my guinea pigs.