December 7, 2011
Pets and Air Travel
Think twice before flying with your pets
Thinking about taking your pet on a plane trip? Be aware of the risks, and explore all your options before booking your pet's flight.
Pet owners report that animals flown in the cargo area continue to be killed, injured, or lost on commercial flights each year. Excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation, scarcity of oxygen, and rough handling are often to blame.
If your pet must travel by air, your best option is to carry him on board with you. But if he must travel in the cargo hold, you can increase the chances of a safe flight for your pet by following these tips »
No baggage
The airline industry treats live animals as baggage. In the past, airlines have neither responded appropriately to reports of animal injuries, nor provided accurate information to the public.
All American-based airlines are now required to report any companion animal incidents that occur in the cargo holds of their planes, including any deaths, injuries, or losses of these pets. Many airlines have responded to this law by implementing restrictions on accepting pets as cargo. For a complete month-by-month breakdown of these animal incidents, visit the Department of Transportation's Air Travel Consumer Report.
Before you go
Before you make plans to travel with your pet, follow these suggestions:
- If you plan to bring your pet on vacation, consider driving instead of flying. If this isn't possible, consider leaving your pet behind under the care of a pet sitter or boarding kennel.
- Above all, when making travel decisions, consider what is best for your pet.
Boarding pass
If you must transport your pet by air, your first decision is whether you can take him or her on board with you. If your pet is a cat or small dog, most airlines will allow you to take the animal on board for an additional fee. To find out about this option, call the airline well in advance of your flight; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin area.
When you contact the airline, be sure to find answers to these questions:
- Does the airline allow you to take your cat or small dog on board with you?
- If that option isn't available to you, does the airline have any restrictions on transporting your pet as cargo?
- Does the airline have any special pet health and immunization requirements?
- Does the airline require a specific type of carrier? Most airlines will accept either hard-sided carriers or soft-sided carriers, which may be more comfortable for your pet, but only certain brands of soft-sided carriers are acceptable to certain airlines.
What to do if there's a problem
Do not hesitate to complain if you witness the mishandling of an animal—either yours or someone else's—at any airport.
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