Whether you’re looking for flights to Aspen, Colorado to hit the snowy slopes, or to spend Christmas with your relatives on the East Coast, you don’t have to leave your pooch behind. Let your furry — or feathered, or scaled — friend fly high and see the sights on your next trip. Before you pack your bags, make sure to do ample research, so you can ensure a safe flight for you and your pet
In recent years, airlines have been more accommodating to travelers with pets. However, not all all share the same pet policies and procedures, which makes it difficult to guarantee your pet will have a stress-free experience. As of 2021, these are the top five domestic airlines that accounted for 84% of transported pets in the U.S.
Alaska Airlines
- Animals transported – 107,042
- Pets accepted – Cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish.
- Incident rate – zero reported incidents
- Fee – $100 each way
American Airlines
- Animals transported – 80,817
- Pets accepted – Dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, pot-belly pigs, primates, rabbits, rodents, zoo animals and many cold-blooded animals.
- Incident rate – 0.71 (out of a total of 405,719)
- Fee – $125 per kennel
Note: AA will not transport ferrets to or from California.
Horizon Air
- Animals transported – 38,813
- Pets accepted – Small pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds) in cabin as well as checked cargo (cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish) if the pet and carrier do not weigh more than 150 pounds.
- Incident rate – zero reported incidents.
- Fee – $100 each way
Note: Emotional support animals will no longer be accepted as of January 2021.
Delta Airlines
- Animals transported – 18,934
- Pets accepted – Small dogs, cats and household birds can travel in the cabin.
- Incident rate – 1.05 (out of a total of 371,689 animals transported)
- Fee – $95 each way
Skywest Airlines
- Animals transported – 16,805
- Pets accepted – Small dogs, cats and household birds can travel in the cabin
- Incident rate – zero reported incidents
- Fee – Please contact Skywest Airlines for more information.
Helpful Tips for Pet Parents:
- Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to see if your pet is healthy enough to fly and to determine what documentation you’ll need for check-in.
- Check the breed restriction list on the airline’s website to make sure your pet can fly with you.
- Purchase an airline-compliant travel carrier and let your pet become accustomed to it in advance.
- Bring your pet’s health and vaccination records on your trip.
- Search up pet relief areas at the airports you’ll be departing from/arriving at.
Statistics courtesy of Veterinarians.org