Pet-Friendly Airline Pet Policies

If you're planning to fly with your pet, you might be curious about which airlines are the most pet friendly. Below, we've listed the top airlines for pet travel, including those frequently used by Starwood. We've also highlighted some of the general pet policies many airlines share. 

The airline you choose will depend on several factors such as your destination, the weather, the size of your pet, and its breed. Many airlines have tightened their pet policies, and some no longer accept pets at all. When selecting an airline for your pet, it's crucial to understand both the airline's requirements and the pet import regulations for your destination.

The Best Pet Friendly Airlines

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Hawaiian Airlines
• KLM
• Lufthansa
• Qantas Airways
• Air New Zealand

Considerations

Where pets can ride

Many airlines allow dogs and cats to ride with you in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as cargo. Not every airline offers all three options and it will depend on the destination, size of the aircraft, and size of your pet. Keep in mind that not every passenger flight can accommodate animals, so you may not be able to book your pet on the flight you wanted to book for yourself. 

Breed restrictions

Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats face restrictions on most airlines. This is because these breeds are particularly sensitive to the temperature changes and stress of pet travel, so they are riskier to transport. While it can be frustrating, ultimately the airlines want to keep pets safe. It's extremely important to have some serious discussions with your vet if you are considering traveling with your snub-nosed breed.

Some airlines have additional restrictions on strong-jawed or "dangerous" dog breeds. The breeds on this list can vary by airline and some may require the dog to be in a special reinforced travel kennel. 

Weather restrictions

Many airlines enforce weather restrictions that prevent pets from flying when temperatures are too extreme. These rules apply to any point along your pet's travel route. If your pet is traveling from, to, or through an airport experiencing severe weather, flight plans may be disrupted. Airlines make daily decisions in cases of extreme heat or cold, and some may completely ban pet travel at certain airports during specific times of the year.

The critical temperatures to watch for are above 85°F or below 45°F. Some airlines may permit pet travel in temperatures as low as 20°F, but they might require an acclimation certificate from a veterinarian.

Sedation

Most airlines will not accept a pet that has been sedated or tranquilized. Furthermore, the American Veterinary Medical Association strongly advises against using any tranquilizers on animals that will be flying. Reputable professional pet shippers, like Starwood, do not accept sedated animals and will not transport them.

Current best practices no longer endorse sedation because the risks outweigh the potential benefits. Sedated cats and dogs are physically and mentally disoriented, which can increase their anxiety rather than alleviate it, and put them at risk of injury due to loss of balance. Additionally, sedatives can cause cardiac or respiratory issues when pets are at high altitudes.

Other Common Airline Policies

• All airlines make special accommodations for verified service animals, but again, the rules differ from one carrier to another. Some airlines also make special accommodations to transport pets of certain military or State Department families.
• Pets traveling in-cabin must be in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. It has to be roomy enough for them to comfortably stand up and lie down. That sounds simple, but bear in mind that the dimensions of under-seat space can vary considerably from one airline (or type of aircraft) to another.
• Pets traveling as checked baggage or cargo must be in a kennel that meets guidelines set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The requirements are very detailed, to ensure your cat or dog remains safe, secure and as comfortable as possible during their journey.
• Advance reservations are required. The earlier, the better, because all airlines limit the number of pets they will accept in different areas on different flights. Do keep in mind that the booking window for pets traveling as cargo is usually between 10-30 days prior to departure. The booking process for cargo is different from the way you would book your own flight ticket and also varies for in-cabin pets and checked baggage pets.

Work with a Professional

Reach out to a professional pet transport company as soon as you know your pet will need to fly. Whether you're traveling from Los Angeles to Hawaii or Chicago to Singapore, these experts are well-versed in airline policies. They understand which airlines are genuinely pet-friendly and can identify the best flights to ensure your dog or cat reaches their destination with minimal stress.

While knowing the rules is crucial, having confidence and peace of mind is paramount when it comes to air travel for your cherished four-legged family member.