Pet Travel Essentials - Traveling with Pets - Pet Airline Travel

Air Travel with Pets - Pets Traveling as Cargo on Airlines

While we do not recommend that you take your animal on a plane (except as pet carry-on baggage), we know that sometimes you may not have a choice.

Unaccompanied pets will have to travel as airline cargo. Cargo is the most expensive choice for pet air travel, with rates averaging between $100-400.

Pets traveling as cargo on an airline will be placed in a pressurized and temperature-controlled cargo hold beneath the passenger compartment.

Airlines will accept most small domesticated pets. Other pets may be accepted with approval. Animals that may travel as baggage or cargo include: cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and must have been fully weaned for at least five days prior to travel.

Check in at least one hour, but no more than two hours before departure. You will be required to provide the necessary health certificates and documentation for your pet to travel. Your animal will be available for pick-up in the baggage claim area approximately 30 minutes after the flight arrives.

If a delay prevents your pet's flight from departing, the animal may be placed in a kennel facility until it can be transported. Costs incurred due to weather-related delays are the responsibility of the pet owner.

Pets must remain in their kennel for the duration of the flight; they must also remain in their kennel while in the boarding area, and during boarding or deplaning.

Generally, you should allow for at least one hour processing time after flight arrival before your pet is available for pick-up at the air cargo facility. Check with your airline ahead of time for their instructions.

When you pick up your pet at the airport after the flight don't open the carrier to pet your cat or dog. Even the best-mannered pet can bolt when the carrier door is opened and then you will have a major crisis on your hands.