Airline Pet Carrier Requirements
- What carrier will work best for airline travel?young girl with a cat image by Frenk_Danielle Kaufmann from Fotolia.com
Regulations for pets on airliners are based on a number of criteria. Pets can ride in the cabin accompanied by a passenger, in cargo unaccompanied and on pet-only airlines accompanied by pet-friendly staff. The size and type of carrier will depend on the type of pet, how it will be traveling and the guidelines for each individual airline. Working service animals are not required to be confined when accompanied by a person. - Some airlines allow small pets to travel in the cabin in approved carriers.dachshund in suitcase image by J. Nunnelly from Fotolia.com
Each airline has an individual policy that may or may not accept pets in the cabin. A typical set of rules allows one pet per flight or only a small number of confined pets to ride in the cabin on certain flights. Each airline has rules based on the type, weight and height of the pet; size and type of carrier; and where in the cabin the pet can ride. Most size regulations are based on the type of plane most often used by an individual airline. Some airlines will change pet weight and crate size information based on differing types of planes in service. Passengers changing planes but keeping within the same airline should check the weight and size requirements for each separate leg of the flight.
Typical accepted types of carriers are soft-sided pet carriers with a waterproof bottom or plastic hard-sided carriers. Pets in carriers are considered carry-on baggage and must fit securely under the seat in front of you. Pets must be approved and ticketed in order to accompany you. - Wire crates are not acceptable for airline travel.dog sleeping in metal kennel image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com
Pets that do not fit in the cabin of a plane can often ride in a special pressurized luggage compartment on the same flight as their owner. They can also ride as cargo when unaccompanied. Pets riding in the cargo hold must ride in carriers approved by each individual airline. Hard plastic crates with gated doors and ventilated metal shipping containers are normally allowed by all airlines. Soft crates and wire cages are not allowed to be used as a shipping container. - Pet-only airlines fly unaccompanied pets in specially outfitted planes.00 pet image by alfpok from Fotolia.com
Pet Air and Pet Airways fly pets only. Pet-only airlines fly your pet in a cabin that is fitted with built-in crates instead of seats. Pets are held in kennel type lounges prior to and after each flight. Flight crew ride in the cabin with your pet to ensure pet safety before, during and after the flight. Flight schedules, rules and regulations for use of personal carriers and service areas vary per airline.
