Every summer, pet owners face the same stressful reality: you need to move your dog or cat, but the heat, airline rules, and a hundred logistical questions are standing in the way. On June 25th, Starwood Pet Travel hosted a live Q&A on YouTube where Georgiana, our marketing manager, and Ryan B., our director of pet travel coordinators, answered questions in real time from pet owners all over the country. Here's a summary of what came up — and what you should know before you book your pet's summer flight.
This was the #1 topic of the session. Heat embargoes are airline policies that restrict pets from flying when temperatures exceed a certain threshold — typically 80 to 85°F, depending on the airline and airport. Ryan explained that Chicago, for example, may have an 80°F cutoff on some carriers, while others set it at 85°F.
The tricky part is that embargo decisions are often made the day of — airlines check the forecast at both the departure and arrival airports. If temps spike unexpectedly, your pet could be grounded without much warning. Ryan's advice: book early morning flights when possible, and always have a backup plan. If you're moving in peak summer months (June through August), build flexibility into your timeline so a weather delay doesn't derail your entire move.
Not all airlines are created equal when it comes to pet travel, and several have tightened or suspended pet programs in recent years. During the Q&A, viewers asked about specific carriers, and Ryan noted that availability changes frequently. Starwood works exclusively with vetted airlines they've established relationships with over many years — carriers whose cargo procedures, tarmac handling, and temperature protocols they know and trust.
The bottom line: don't assume your preferred airline accepts pets. Confirm before you book, and if you're working with a relocation company like Starwood, let them guide you toward the safest carrier for your specific route and time of year.
Several viewers asked about whether their dog could fly in-cabin versus cargo. Ryan gave a clear answer: it almost always comes down to crate size. A viewer with a large dog requiring a PP100 crate asked if that meant cargo only — and yes, in most cases a dog that large will fly in the cargo hold. In-cabin is generally reserved for small pets in soft-sided carriers that fit under the seat.
"From our perspective, we only work with vetted airlines that we've worked with for many years. So we know their procedures — we trust the airline and their cargo agents that do the actual handling off the tarmac."
Ryan emphasized that cargo isn't inherently unsafe — when you work with the right airline, cargo conditions are carefully managed. Temperature-controlled holds, experienced handlers, and direct routing all factor into a safe journey. Starwood's vetting process is designed specifically to filter for those conditions.
A viewer moving to Portugal asked how far in advance they should connect with Starwood when their timeline is uncertain (waiting on a house sale). Ryan's answer was direct: sign up as early as possible, even if your date isn't locked in. Getting into the system early means any documentation issues, health certificate timing, or destination-country requirements can be worked out without the pressure of a looming departure.
Ryan noted that clients who come to them three weeks or less before their move date often run into problems — not because Starwood can't move fast, but because certain requirements (like USDA-endorsed health certificates or import permits) have fixed processing timelines that can't be rushed.
Viewers also asked practical comfort questions — specifically about cooling pads. Ryan confirmed that cooling pads are allowed in the crate during travel, with one key constraint: the pad needs to fit flat and can't be thicker than 3 inches. There are no current restrictions on the gel materials inside cooling pads. If you search for "airline-approved cooling pad" on Amazon, you'll find plenty of suitable options.
Other crate comfort tips that came up: frozen water dishes are a great way to keep water available without spillage, familiar bedding or a worn t-shirt can help anxious pets feel more settled, and skipping food 4–6 hours before the flight can reduce nausea.
Ryan, who manages Starwood's Hawaii and Asia clients, fielded several Hawaii-specific questions. Pet travel to Hawaii is uniquely complicated because Hawaii is a rabies-free state with a strict quarantine program. Avoiding the full 120-day quarantine requires meeting a detailed checklist of vaccination timing, microchipping, and approved lab testing — all done on a specific schedule. Ryan pointed out that even small missteps (like a missed booster window) can reset the clock. If Hawaii is your destination, start the process as early as humanly possible.
One viewer also asked about Kauai specifically — whether pets fly into Oahu and then transfer. The answer: it depends on routing and the carrier, and Starwood handles that coordination on behalf of clients.
Whether you're moving across the country or across an ocean, summer pet travel comes with unique challenges. The questions from this Q&A reflect what real pet owners are dealing with: heat restrictions, airline uncertainty, crate logistics, and tight timelines. The common thread in Ryan's answers throughout was preparation — starting early, choosing the right carrier, and having a professional in your corner who knows the rules cold.
If you missed the live stream, you can watch the full replay on the Starwood Pet Travel YouTube channel. And if you have questions about your own upcoming move, reach out to the team to get started.