Taking a cat or kitten on a commercial flight may seem like a simple idea, but logistics can increase. You`ll likely face additional costs, not to mention documentation requirements and other rules that can vary from airline to airline. For a comfortable option for cats and that doesn`t look out of place with the rest of your luggage, Richardson has already put us on the Away stretcher. Sherpa soft bedding is convenient for cats and cat owners as it is removable and washable. There`s a water-repellent liner for accidents and mesh inserts on the sides so your pet doesn`t feel claustrophobic. Richardson points out that this carrier is also certified by the Center for Pet Safety. Pets traveling as cargo often cost more — for example, $200 per trip with American Airlines if the cats are checked as baggage. Frontier Airlines: Only dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and small domestic birds are allowed on flights in carriers under the seat; No animals are accepted as cargo. The cost is $75 each way. Currently, health certificates are not required for domestic flights.
As an alternative, Kratt said, owners should get to the airport early and take their dog for a short walk. With cats, he added, you may be able to put cat litter in the carrier and then throw it away. Some animal rights groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, advise against traveling with your cat anywhere other than in the cabin if it can be avoided — and not all airlines allow cats to be carried as cargo. Previously, we gave general tips for traveling with cats, focusing on driving in a car. But what if you travel to California? Or move to Hawaii? While researching this article, we are reminded how complicated flying with your cat can be. So we decided to split it in two, as we did while driving. This time we discuss tips for domestic flights. Allegiant Air: Only cats and dogs are allowed on Allegiant flights and must be carried under the seat in a cage. There is a fee of $100 per trip per carrier, with a maximum of two comfortable dogs or cats per crate. JetBlue: JetBlue accepts one pet per customer in a carrier under the seat and charges $100 each way. Only dogs and cats weighing no more than 20 pounds, including the weight of the cage, are allowed. No medical documents are currently required for domestic flights.
No animals are transported in the cargo. Smith added that it can be difficult for some pet owners, especially cats, to get their pet out of the container. In this case, she suggested travelers arrive early at the airport and ask for a security room. If a TSA agent resists the idea, ask their supervisor and explain the situation. « They will accommodate you, » she said. « You just have to plan a little more time for this. » Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines only accepts dogs and cats that fit under their airline`s cabin seats. There is a non-refundable fee of $95 per cage per trip for both departure and return flights ($190 round trip). Up to two animals of the same species can be housed in each container.
There is a limit of one carrier per passenger. On Southwest flights, animals are never transported by cargo. Certified service and emotional support animals are allowed to travel overseas with passengers, with the exception of Jamaica, where regulations prohibit animals from arriving on international flights (applies to all airlines). Service animals are allowed to sit in front of their owner on flights, but not in emergency exit rows (also applies to all airlines). If your cat is allowed, you may need an international health certificate and will need to meet the requirements of your destination country. The Animal and Phytosanitary Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture lists regulations by country. « When in doubt, » MacLean said, « contact your veterinarian for help navigating the requirements. » Kopczynski added that the Animal and Phytosanitary Inspection Service website can help you set state and country-specific rules. For cats that aren`t regularly leashed or in a harness, MacLean said, give them more time to feel comfortable wearing them. She recommended practicing at home before traveling. More than ever, Americans are traveling with their pets. According to a 2017-2018 survey by the American Pet Products Association, there are nearly 200 million dogs and cats in U.S.
households. And several million others include birds, reptiles, other mammals and fish among the family members. With nearly a billion domestic and international air travelers in 2017, it`s almost certain that some passengers will have four legs on almost every flight, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Delta Airlines alone reports that more than 250,000 animals fly with the company each year and says the number of service and emotional support animals on its flights has increased by 150 percent since 2015. With this, Delta also reports that the company has seen an 84% increase in pet accidents and theft attacks since 2016. And Delta is not alone. Most major U.S. airlines are reporting an increase in animal-related incidents and have been required to report all incidents to the U.S.
Department of Transportation since 2005. United Airlines: United allows cats, dogs, rabbits and domestic birds other than cockatoos to travel in the cabin in the United States. There is a fee of $125 per trip. Since 1. In March 2018, United required emotional support animals or psychiatric service animals to receive a letter from a licensed physician or mental health professional. Customers must also provide veterinary health and vaccination records for the animal, as well as confirm that the animal has been trained to behave properly in a public place. Travelling outside the country is more complex. If you`re traveling abroad or to Hawaii, MacLean said you should inquire about your destination`s pet requirements, as some have strict rules.
Equally important, Thompson said, is making sure your pet meets the U.S. entry requirements for your return. With a scent that mimics cats` natural pheromones, these wipes — which you can use on your wearer or even on aircraft surfaces — have a calming effect on some cats, according to Delgado. It`s probably worth trying them first at home to see how your cat reacts. Alaska Airlines: « Harmless » dogs, cats, rabbits and pet birds are accepted in the cabin. Pets must fit in a carrier under the seat, and the cost is $100 per carrier per trip. Animals registered in the cargo must have a health certificate from an approved veterinarian within 10 days prior to travel. « One of the best ways to keep cats stable during the trip is to distract them, » says Schwab, and cat owners know there are few better distractions than your cat`s favorite treats. Our beauty employee Rio Viera-Newton brought treats that her cat Martini « nibbled on throughout the trip. » To make treat time a little more active (and therefore take more flight time), Schwab suggests a treat-handing toy like a Kong ball that you can throw into your wearer. (Their exact favorite is selling, but it`s similar.) « Just put your cat`s favorite treats in the ball and watch them being swept at your leisure, » she says. Have your cat examined by your veterinarian to make sure they are healthy enough to fly.
When registering your cat as cargo, be aware that some breeds are restricted by certain airlines. For example, American Airlines does not allow brachycephalic upturned cats, such as Burmese, Persians and Himalayans, for fear of shortness of breath at high altitudes. Even cats who take care to use their litter boxes and keep them clean are not immune to accidents while traveling. Therefore, Myers and Delgado recommend lining your carrier with a pee pillow and bringing a few extras in case you need to replace it. Delgado says you may want to consider skipping your cat`s morning meal on the day of the flight to avoid stomach problems. American Airlines: American Airlines accepts small dogs and cats that fit comfortably in a carrier nestled under a seat. The fee is $125 per carrier, with a maximum of two animals per cage. No other species are accepted. Service and emotional support animals must be accompanied by a medical certificate dated less than one year after the flight.
The number of pets allowed on each flight is limited to seven, so book early to ensure the flights you want. For pets registered in the cargo, a health certificate must be issued within 10 days prior to departure. Delta Airlines: As of March 1, 2018, Delta Airlines requires up-to-date veterinary records for all animals transported and a promise of good conduct from their owners. Check-ins must be uploaded to Delta`s website at least 48 hours prior to the flight. Stocky or pug-nosed dogs and cats, such as French bulldogs and Burmese cats, are not accepted on Delta flights due to possible respiratory problems. Travellers with mental health services and emotional support animals must now sign a document certifying their pet`s ability to behave. Delta Airlines does not accept warm-blooded animals on flights longer than 12 hours. The cost is $125 per route per airline in the U.S. ($250 round trip). Animals too large to fit comfortably under the seat are transported in freight, with prices based on weight, size and duration of the trip. Reptiles, primates and some other animals are only transported by cargo. For cats who are particularly anxious in new situations, Schwab says, « You might want to invest in a soothing toy. » She is a fan of Petstages, which has a touch-activated purring mechanism that should be soothing for your cat.
