According to akc.org, these are the top 10 Dog-Friendly Airports in the U.S.
Requirements When Flying With a Pet By Airline
There are various rules when it comes to traveling with pets on a plane. Some restrict the number of pets you can fly with to two, the size of the kennels may be specific, check in and reservation requirements vary, restricted breeds, and other limitations that make prior research a very important factor when choosing to travel by air with your pet.
American Airlines
One of the first things to consider when deciding to travel with your pet is their age and breed. American Airlines restricts dogs and cats under 8 weeks of age from traveling within the U.S. Brachycephalic dogs and cats or snub-nosed dogs are not accepted for travel with AA. Common breeds that fall into this category are: Boston Terrier, Boxer, Pug, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Burmese and Persian cats, as well as Himalayan.
Destination time restrictions are limited to 11 hours and 30 minutes, including time needed to go through customs. On AA flights, passengers can bring one kennel as a carry-on bag if:
Contact AA Customer Services at 800-433-7300 to secure travel reservations for your pet.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines website provides slightly more lenient qualifications when it comes to pet travel. While accepting only small dogs and cats, they do not list age or breed restrictions. They also do not require a health certificate or any other documentation from the veterinarian for a pet to travel. Carriers can be soft or hard-sided, must be leak-proof, well ventilated, and small enough to be stowed away under the seat in front of them. Travelers are subject to a $95 Pet Fair each way per pet carrier (limit 1 pet carrier per person, up to two pets of the same species per carrier) and reservations are required in advance by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA.
Southwest Airlines Pet Carrier can be purchased for $58.00 and is an approved carrier meeting all requirements per the airline.
Delta
Small dogs, cats and birds are allowed to travel in the cabin on Delta flights for an additional one-way fee. They as well must fit in a small, ventilated carrier that fits under the passenger’s seat in front of them. Delta requires pets be at least 10 weeks of age for domestic travel and 16 weeks for international. One pet is permitted per kennel with the exception of an un-weened litter 10 weeks to 6 months of age. A secondary exception is two pets of the same breed and size between 10 weeks and 6 months in one kennel with adequate room for mobility. Traveling from U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico requires a $125 USD checked pet fee each way. U.S. Virgin Islands/ Puerto Rico increases to $200 each way, while Brazil decreases to $75. Call Delta in advance at 800-221-1212 to schedule arrangements for bringing your pet aboard.
For other questions regarding traveling with pets on an airline, visit the Federal Aviation Administration.
As with all airlines, you were required to travel with vaccination records. An easy way to access these documents is through a Pin Paws membership with an online pet profile. Take the hassle out of fumbling for medical documentation papers and access their records just as you access your boarding pass on your phone. You both will be through security in a jiffy.
