Since getting Poppy, she has joined me on at least 10 different flights and we’ve gotten our process down to a science! This blog post will answer all your questions about flying with a dog including cost. A quick disclaimer that Poppy and I have only flown American Airlines and Southwest – rules differ between airlines so always check with the airline you’re flying with!
How do I get my dog a ticket?
You will add an in-cabin pet to your flight reservation after booking the flights. For American Airlines it is under “manage my reservation,” but I have found for Southwest it’s easiest to call customer service and have them add the pet to the reservation over the phone!
What are the requirements for flying with a dog in cabin?
Each airline has their own set of requirements – for example, American Airlines requires your pet and their carrier be under 21 pounds, and that your pet can stand up/turn around in their carrier. TSA has not determined a universal standard for pet carrier size or pet size, so just search your airline + in cabin pet requirements to double check! The pet carrier must have mesh so your dog can breath and must fit under the seat. I have found that Southwest is the most relaxed!
How much does it cost?
In my experience with Southwest and American, flying with a dog costs $125-150 per flight (exceptions for connecting flights!).
What do I do when I get to the airport?
Before going through security you will need to check in your pet at the help desk. This is where you will pay the pet fee and sign any forms or weigh your pet if necessary. Southwest will give you a pet tag for your carrier, and American will provide you with a receipt to show you paid the pet fee.
Note: your pet/pet carrier counts as your personal item, so you are only allowed one other bag to carry-on! You’ll likely need to check your bag when flying with a pet, and you have to do this at the help desk as well (if you have a pet, you cannot use the self service kiosks for this).
How do I take my dog through security?
Once you get to the front of the security line, you’ll take your dog out of their carrier and carry them through the metal detector. The pet carrier will go through the x-ray machine like a normal bag – sometimes a TSA agent might swab your hands or take an extra look at the pet carrier!
Can my dog walk around the airport?
Yes! I didn’t do this with Poppy when she didn’t have all her vaccines as a small puppy, but now that she has them and is potty trained I let her walk around once we are through security.
What do I do if my dog has to go potty?
Most airports have pet relief areas! You can find their locations by looking on the website of the airports you are flying in and out of. Transparently, 99% of pet relief areas I have seen in airports are absolutely disgusting and Poppy refuses to use them!! I try to avoid them at all costs, but I know that’s not always possible. To minimize Poppy needing to go potty, I don’t feed her before flights and give her only small sips of water.
What do I do with my dog on the flight? Can they sit in my lap?
Per the rules of each airline I have seen, you cannot take your dog out on your flight. They must be all the way inside their carrier and under the seat in front of you at all times! I have had moments where we’ve landed and been stuck on the tarmac that I’ve taken Poppy out (with the permission of my seat mates!) but I’ve never chanced it in flight.
But what if my dog is barking/whining/etc.?
I’m really lucky that Poppy rarely does this! If she does I’ll pop a few treats in her carrier or stick my hand in to pet her. Usually this does the trick!
What carrier do you use? Any other flight essentials?
I use this carrier, which I’ve really liked! No issues flying with it on American or Southwest, but again double check the dimensions provided by your most frequently flown airline if you are investing in a pet carrier! I also like this water bottle so she can stay hydrated on travel days.
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