The Humane Society of the United States recommends that you do not transport your pet by air unless absolutely necessary. If you must transport your pet by air, your best option is to take your pet in the aircraft cabin with you. As long as your pet is a cat or small dog, some airlines will allow you to take the animal on board for an additional fee.

Each airline decides if they will allow you to travel with your pet in the passenger cabin. If the airline does allow you to bring your pet into the cabin, your pet container is considered to be carry-on baggage and must be small enough to fit underneath the seat. To find out about this option, call the airline well in advance of your flight, because there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin area.

Another option available for pet owners is flying with your pet on a chartered plane. Many charter services allow animals, regardless of size, to fly in the cabin as passengers close to their owners.

Tranquilizing Your Pet
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, in most cases cats and dogs should not be given sedatives or tranquilizers prior to flying. An animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation, which can be dangerous when the kennel is moved. Whether flying as a cabin or checked pet, animals are exposed to increased altitude pressures, which can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for dogs and cats which are sedated or tranquilized.

Traveling Tips and Information
Why Pets Shouldn't Travel By Air
Be aware of the risks, and explore all your options before booking your pet's flight.

Traveling Tips for Pets on Planes
Ensure that your pet travels safely by following these tips.

Airline Animal Incident Reports
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is now tracking the numbers of animals that died or were lost or injured during transport. Complete monthly reports are published in DOT's Air Travel Consumer Report.

AIRLINE PET TRAVEL POLICIES:
Aegean Airlines
Pets are accepted in the cabin and in the cargo compartment. You are allowed to travel with just one pet, either a dog, cat or dog which will accompany you in the aircraft cabin. If the dog or cat exceeds the 8 kilo weight limit, then it should only be carried in the cargo compartment of the aircraft. The maximum permitted weight for a pet, including the case, is 32 kilos. Only Boeing and Airbus aircraft may carry animals in the cargo compartment.

Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus does not accept pets in the cabin of the aircraft. Animals/Pets can be booked on direct flights between Ireland and New York, Boston, Chicago and Orlando on Aer Lingus flights only. All animals will be transported in the Cargo Hold. Animals/Pets cannot be carried on flights to and from the UK and Europe. Due to industry reports of serious damage to aircraft as a result of dogs becoming loose in aircraft holds, the following breeds of dogs are not to be carried under any circumstances on any Aer Lingus aircraft: Akita, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brazillero, Mastiff, Pit Bull, Tosa. Travelling from Ireland: Pets (cats & dogs only) can be booked as excess baggage by contacting Aer Lingus reservations. There is a €160 per flight sector per crate payable at the airport on the day of departure.

Aerolíneas Argentinas
Aerolíneas Argentinas does not allow the transport of pets in the cabin. Passengers who wish to travel with their pets will have to dispatch them as accompanied baggage, subject to availability in the hold. The booking of the place in the hold must be accomplished up to 24 hours before departure of the flight. If the pet travels alone (without the passenger, as not accompanied baggage), it will be dispatched as cargo.

AeroMexico
AeroMexico only allows pets (dogs, cats, and birds) to travel as checked baggage in a pressurized and temperature controlled area of the aircraft.

Air Canada
Pets (cats and small dogs only) are accepted in the aircraft cabin only on a flight operated by Air Canada; on an Air Canada Express flight operated by Jazz or Air Georgian; or on an Air Canada Express flight operated by Sky Regional between Montreal and Toronto City Airport (YTZ). Pets (cats and dogs only) are accepted in the baggage compartment, except pets are not accepted in the cabin or the baggage compartment on flights to/from Hawaii. They must be sent via Air Canada Cargo (AC Live). Air Canada Cargo ships a wide variety of animals, from cats and dogs to hatching eggs, insects and tropical fish.

Air Berlin
Pets are accepted in the aircraft cabin and in the aircraft hold.

Air Europa
Pets are accepted in the aircraft cabin and in the aircraft hold. With the exception of cats, dogs, small tame birds in cages covered with a piece of fabric (canaries, budgerigars) and small rodents (hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits only), all animals must travel by cargo. Dogs of the following breeds cannot be transported on any Air France flights, including by freight: Stafforshire terrier, mastiff (boerbull), tosa, pittbull.

Air France
Pets are accepted in the aircraft cabin and in the aircraft hold. Dogs of the following breeds cannot be transported on any Air France flights, including by freight: Stafforshire terrier, mastiff (boerbull), tosa, pittbull. Ferrets and polecats can only travel by freight. Parrots must be transported by cargo.

Air Malta
Pets are accepted in the passenger cabin during all Air Malta flights, with the exception of those flying to and from the UK. Pets are also accepted in the aircraft hold.

AirTran Airways
Pets are accepted in the aircraft cabin - small, domesticated cats, dogs and birds that will fit in an approved carrier under the seat. Effective March 1, 2012, AirTran will no longer accept birds for travel on any flight. AirTran Airways does not transport pets as checked baggage.

Alaska Airlines
Pets are accepted in the aircraft cabin and in the baggage and cargo compartments. Pets allowed in the passenger cabin are dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds. Alaska Airlines accepts only 1 pet cat or dog for travel to and from Hawaii. Because of Hawaii's unique status as the only rabies-free state, there are additional requirements for travel. Pets that may travel in the climate-controlled baggage and cargo compartments include: cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish. Only dogs and cats will be accepted for travel to Mexico. All pets traveling to Mexico are required to have a Health Certificate.

Alitalia
Pets (cats, dogs and birds, excluding parrots and budgies) are accepted in the aircraft cabin and in the aircraft hold. To travel within the European Union, cats and dogs must have: a passport issued by a vet, certifying the list of vaccinations and the state of health of the animal, and a clearly legible tattoo or an electronic identification system (transponder). Pets are not allowed in the cabin, in the hold, or as cargo to the United Kingdom and Ireland.

American Airlines
Cats and dogs are the only types of pets accepted on American Airlines. Certain dog breed restrictions apply. Pets in the cabin are accepted on flights within the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Croix; and to or from the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central American and some destinations in South America provided the country of arrival permits entry. Carry-on pets are NOT ALLOWED to/from Hawaii or transatlantic/transpacific destinations or to/from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Venezuela. Checked pets are accepted on flights within and between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. For all other locations contact reservations. Checked pets will not be accepted for flights over 12 hours or on flights traveling to the United Kingdom.

Austrian Airlines
Pets are accepted in the aircraft cabin and in the aircraft hold.

British Airways
Pets are not accepted in the aircraft cabin. Pets must be booked to travel with British Airways World Cargo, and they will be carried in the aircraft hold. British Airways cannot currently transport pets on flights from Austria and Denmark. British Airways is part of the Pet Travel Scheme which allows cats and dogs from certain countries to enter the UK without the need for quarantine.

Brussels Airlines
Small domestic animals such as dogs and cats, weighing less than 6kg (including pet bag) are accepted in the aircraft cabin. Brussels Airlines doesn't accept any pets in cabin on its flights to the United Kingdom. Birds, fish and rodents such as guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and domestic animals of unusual size or wild animals are not permitted in the passenger cabin.

Cape Air
Only one pet per aircraft may be booked confirmed space. Live animals are approved for travel on a first-come, first-served basis. A kennel is required unless you are traveling on either of the following routes: New Bedford/Nantucket or Hyannis/Nantucket. Cats always need to be in kennels.

Cathay Pacific
Pets are not accepted in the aircraft cabin. Pets such as dogs, cats and birds will be crated and transported in the cargo compartment. Pets might not be allowed to ship as checked baggage to some countries/regions e.g. Hong Kong.

Delta Airlines
Pets are accepted in the aircraft cabin, and in the baggage and cargo compartments on some flights. Delta will no longer fly cats and dogs in the cargo holds of its Boeing 767 jetliners and will not accept the animals as checked baggage on those flights. Delta will no longer accept pug or snub-nosed dogs or cats as checked baggage for tickets purchased on or after December 13, 2011. Pets permitted in the cabin include dogs, cats (domestic and international), and household birds (domestic US only). For any travel to/from South Africa (in exception of service animals) pets must travel as cargo and are not permitted in the cabin or as checked baggage. If you're traveling to Hawaii, your pet won't be able to go with you in the cabin. For any travel to/from South Africa (in exception of service animals) pets must travel as cargo and are not permitted in the cabin or as checked baggage. Pets in cabin will not be permitted in Business Elite/Business Class on any international flight. Pets are prohibited in-cabin and as checked baggage into Hong Kong, the U.A.E., South Africa and the United Kingdom. Pets may only be brought into HKG and the UK as cargo. Cats, dogs (except snub or pug nosed dogs or cats), household birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters are accepted as checked baggage.

El Al Airlines
Pets – dogs, cats and exotic birds only --weighing up to 8 kilograms (including container) will be accepted in the cabin with an accompanying passenger. Pets will not be accepted in the passenger cabin accompanied by a passenger on flights to London, Johannesburg, Hong Kong and Australia. On these flights, pets will be sent in the hold of the aircraft as cargo. Pets weighing over 8 kilograms (including container) will be accepted for carriage in the hold of the aircraft only. No pets may be carried on flights.

Frontier Airlines
Domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, or small household birds are accepted in the cabin on flights within the United States. Domesticated dogs and cats only may be carried to or from international destinations. Pets are also accepted in the baggage compartment. Frontier Airlines won't accept unaccompanied pets, pets requiring transfer to another carrier except flights operated by Great Lakes, pets on charter flights, reptiles, amphibians, insects or arachnids/spiders.

Go! Airlines
Hawaii interisland airline operated by Mesa Airlines. Household pets, such as a dog or cat, may travel with you in the passenger cabin provided your pet is in a kennel small enough to fit under the seat. There is a $25 fee each way for this service. Only one pet per passenger is allowed in the cabin. Pets cannot be transported in the baggage compartment.

Hawaiian Airlines
Pets are not accepted in the cabin on flights arriving into the State of Hawaii but are accepted on inter-island flights and flights leaving the State of Hawaii. HA will accept for transportation as baggage, dogs, cats and household birds (only in baggage compartment). Carriage of any other pets as baggage will be determined on a case by case basis at HA’s sole discretion. No animals will be accepted for travel to/from Sydney, Australia, and to/from Manila, Philippines.
Hawaii's Animal Quarantine Laws
Dogs and cats meeting specific pre and post arrival requirements may qualify for 5-days–or-less quarantine or direct release at Honolulu International Airport after inspection. Otherwise all cats and dogs are subject to a 120-day quarantine in Hawaii

Japan Airlines
Pets are not accepted in the cabin, but will be accommodated in the cargo compartment. JAL Group does not accept French Bulldogs and Bulldogs throughout the year, as they have difficulty in adjusting body temperature.

Jet Blue: JetPaws Pet Program
JetBlue gladly accepts small cats and dogs in the aircraft cabin on both domestic and international flights. To book your pet, call 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583). Pets cannot be booked online.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Pets are accepted in the cabins, as check-in baggage, and in cargo. Cats and dogs may travel as check-in baggage in a special ventilated part of the aircraft. Snub-nosed animals such as boxers, pugs, bulldogs, Pekinese and Persian cats can have trouble breathing during the flight due to high temperatures and stress. For the sake of their welfare, we do not transport snub-nosed pets as check-in baggage. The only way to transport your pet as cargo is to book this service through a specialized cargo agent.

Korean Air
Pets are accepted in the cabin and the cargo compartment.

Lufthansa Airlines
Lufthansa will transport your animals either in the cabin or in the cargo hold of the aircraft depending on their weight and size. You may take a dog or cat into the cabin, if the weight of the animal (including transport container) does not exceed eight kilograms. The animal has to be kept in a box measuring not more than 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. Animals that cannot be transported inside the cabin will be transported by Lufthansa in appropriate containers in an air-conditioned area of the cargo hold. There is also the option of unaccompanied animals being carried by Lufthansa Cargo.

Quantas
Pets are not accepted in the aircraft cabin, but may travel in the baggage and cargo compartments. Restrictions apply to the following dog breeds: Brachycephalic (snub nosed) dogs (full bred only), Bull Dog (any breed), Pug, Pekingese, Boston Terriers and Japanese Chin. These breeds may be accepted on short distance flights of five hours or less. On flights greater than five hours we are unable to accept the above breeds due to their brachycephalic nature.

SAS Scandinavian Airlines International
You are welcome to bring your cat or dog with you in the cabin provided you make a reservation and obtain authorization in advance, because the number of pets accepted in the cabin and in the cargo hold of a flight is limited. Animals other than cats and dogs are welcome to fly with in the cargo hold only. When flying to/from UK or Ireland, you are not allowed to transport your cat or dog either in the cabin nor as checked baggage. If you fly to Dubai, pets are only accepted as Cargo. From Dubai cats and dogs can be exported as checked baggage.

Singapore Airlines
Pets are not accepted in the aircraft cabin. In general, there are 2 ways for your pet to travel: Accompanied (as part of checked baggage), available only for cats and certain breeds of dogs and available only for selected airports; Unaccompanied - This alternative pet travel service allows you to check-in and collect your pet from the cargo terminals at your flight's departure and arrival airports. Carriage of all live animals is not allowed on flights operated by the A345-500; For flights operated by the A380-800, only live tropical fish, insects and reptiles can be accepted as cargo.

SkyWest Airlines
Pets are accepted in the cabin – One reserved kennel per flight. Check Baggage - Maximum kennel size accepted is limited to a reservation of one large kennel or two small or medium per flight. SkyWest does not accept extra-large or giant kennels. Reservations required. No live animals will be accepted as checked baggage on AirTran in partnerhip with SkyWest flights.

Southwest Airlines
Pets are accepted in the aircraft cabin - small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs. All in-cabin pets must be carried in an appropriate carrier and are subject to a $75 Pet Fare each way per pet carrier. Under no circumstances will pets be accepted in the cargo bin. Southwest only accepts cats and dogs in-cabin. Reservations for small cats and dogs can only be booked by calling Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Pets will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached. Southwest Airlines Pets FAQs

Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines accepts small pets (domestic dogs, cats and small household birds ONLY) for transportation in the customer cabin for a service fee. Pet fees must be paid at the time the reservation is made in order to reserve the needed transportation space in our inventory. These fees are not refundable. The number of pets allowed in the cabin is subject to space availability. Spirit Airlines does not transport pets in Cargo at any time. Spirit Airlines will not transport any birds to/from Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. Exotic pets such as snakes, spiders, rodents, etc. will not be accepted.

Swiss International Air Lines
Pets - dogs and cats -- are accepted in the cabin and in the baggage compartment. The following countries do not allow animals to be transported in the cabin nor checked-in as “luggage”: Ireland, the UK, Kenya, South Africa, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates. Animals travelling to these countries may only be checked in as freight. You don't necessarily have to accompany your pet - your pet may travel on the same aircraft as yourself or on another one.

Sun Country Airlines
Sun Country accepts cats and dogs as checked baggage on select flights within the contiguous United States. Pets are accepted on all domestic flights except Anchorage, Branson, Laughlin, Miami, New York, San Juan and St. Thomas. Pets are not accepted on international flights. Pets are not accepted on connecting or multi-stop flights.

Taca Airlines
Pets may travel in the cabin; only cats and dogs are accepted on international flights. Pets must travel in the same flight as its owner and remain inside the container while on board the aircraft.

United Airlines
United allows domesticated cats, dogs, rabbits and birds to travel accompanied in the aircraft cabin on most flights within the U.S. Pets are not permitted in the cabin on flights to, from or through Hawaii (animals are accepted as cargo only) or on flights to, from or through Guam. Rules for international in-cabin pet acceptance vary widely -- contact United Reservations at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) for assistance and more information about international in-cabin pet acceptance and service charges. PetSafe®, United's specially designed program for transporting animals that are not eligible to travel in the aircraft cabin, offers airport-to-airport delivery for animals and features a 24-hour live animal desk, the ability to track pets from origin to destination and more.

US Airways
Pets -- 1 small domestic dog, cat or bird per passenger -- are accepted in the passenger cabin, but are not accepted in the cargo compartment. Carry-on pets are not allowed to/from Europe, South America, the Middle East, Antigua, Bridgetown Barbados, Montego Bay, Jamaica or St. Lucia. Only dogs and cats are allowed to/from Costa Rica. US Airways will only permit service animals, emotional support animals and psychiatric service animals in the cabin for travel to/from Hawaii. US Airways does not accept any animals in cargo compartments. As of March 1, 2012, we no longer accept dogs, cats or birds as checked cargo on US Airways Shuttle flights.

Virgin America
Virgin America is a pet-friendly airline that accepts cats and dogs in the Main Cabin of the aircraft. Pets checked as baggage are not accepted. Guests with pets cannot be seated in the Main Cabin Select seats (either exit row or row 3) or the First Class cabin. Also on connections with Interline partners, pets are not allowed.

Virgin Atlantic
Pets are not accepted in the passenger cabin. All pets travel in the cargo hold, which is heated and air-conditioned just like the cabin. Virgin Atlantic can only accept cats and dogs. However, snub or pug nose breeds like Pekingese or Persians, or any dog listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act are not accepted. Virgin Atlantic will not be able to accept any pets who are under sedation.

WestJet
Cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds only are accepted in the cabin. Cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, chinchillas, guinea pigs and hedgehogs are accepted as checked baggage. WestJet will not accept pets in the cabin or in checked baggage at any time due to strict quarantine regulations on flights to/from: Barbados (Bridgetown); Cayman Islands (Grand Cayman); Hawaii (Honolulu, Kona, Lihue and Maui/Kahului); Jamaica (Montego Bay and Kingston); St. Lucia. Due to extreme heat, on certain flights pets are not accepted in checked baggage annually from May 1 to October 31.

PRIVATE JET CHARTERS:

Air Alpha
Air Alpha is a charter flight service providing service out of the MidWest to locations throughout the country. Air Alpha welcomes pets (leashed or unleashed) in the cabin. The plane can accommodate up to 8 human passengers depending on luggage and pet weight.

Avantair
Avantair recognizes that family pets have become... well family. Our pet friendly programs allow you to travel with your beloved animals. Whether it’s Teterboro to West Palm or Aspen to San Francisco, your family pets will have a seat at 41,000 ft. And with several commercial airlines restricting travel for certain breeds, your pug, boxer or bulldog will be a welcomed traveler.

Capital Jet
Capital Jet allows all pets on all flights. There are no additional fees, we offer 24/7 service 365 days a year.

Celebrity Jet: Private Charter Jet
Celebrity Jet, a jet charter service, provides flights to over 10,000 airports in the US, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Pets are welcome.

Charterjets
CharterJets is a world-wide private jet charter company that welcomes the family pet just like any other passenger.

ElJet
Private Jet Charter Flights throughout the world. We are the pet moving experts and help people throughout the world get their pets to the desired destination in comfort and without stress for the furry one. ElJet has the largest network of private jet charter and corporate jet charter fleets and schedules at our disposal. We have access to more than 4,000 private jet aircraft that fly to 15,000 airports domestically and internationally. It's the most comprehensive inventory of private jet charter flight information available.

IAS Premium Charters
IAS Charters is a private air charter operation out of Southern California. We charter the Pilatus PC-12 and are very pet friendly.

JetCharters.com
JetCharters.com is a worldwide marketplace for private air charter, allowing people the ability to research and find the private jet that suits their needs.

JetSuite
JetSuite is a leading private charter jet firm that specializes in serving the ever growing world of business owners, both big and small. JetSuite focuses on making travel as convenient and comfortable as possible. Pets (up to two) are welcome on all flights and can enjoy the main cabin with you!

Linear Air
Air Taxi and Private Air Charter Flights from Boston, New York City, Washington DC and Caribbean. On most Linear Air flights, passenger must provide a kennel suitable for transport of the pet. Kennels for large pets may not fit in the aircraft and the customer should contact Linear Air directly for information regarding size constraints. Reservations are recommended, as in most cases only one pet per aircraft is permitted. If kennels are not required, dogs may travel as follows: Dogs not exceeding 35 pounds in weight may be carried on the passenger's lap; Dogs exceeding 35 pounds in weight must be properly restrained with a leash, harness or similar device; Specific seating arrangements apply to accommodate non-kenneled live animals in the aircraft cabin.

Private Jet: Jetset Charter
The majority of our private jets allow most pets (that will fit) on board. Occasionally, there will be a pet deposit required. If the animal is crated, we can usually get that fee waived. No aggressive or poisonous animals will be allowed on board. All private jet charters are paid for on a per flight basis, without any initial capital outlay or membership fees. For those who fly by private jet often, our Jetset Card Program offers affordable pricing and guaranteed availability for all private flights. With Jetset Charter you can choose a private flight as per your budget and requirement. Our customizable private jet charter flights give you the luxury to select a private jet based on the number of people and the distance to be traveled. Jetset Charter offers private jets in light, mid, super mid and heavy aircraft types and you can choose the one which suits your mission best. We do not offer single seats for sale. We only have entire aircraft rentals only. Call 954.668.2366 or email sales@jscharter.com anytime for a quote.

Revolution Air
Revolution Air allows all pets on all flights. There are no additional fees, we offer 24/7 service 365 days a year. Revolution Air also has point to point pricing.

Scott Richardson Aviation
Scott Richard Aviation Services, Inc. offers private on-demand air charter services and is a pet friendly air carrier. Your pet is free to roam around the cabin and special catering can be ordered if requested.

Sky Limo Air Charter
Enjoy the freedom to fly wherever and whenever you want to go with Sky Limo Air Charter. From prop to super-mid jets, fly city-to-city, coast-to-coast, or internationally. At Sky Limo Air Charter pets are always welcome. Your best friend can fly in the cabin right next to you. Call 866-948-7110 for more details.

Valley Air Service Inc.
Do you live in Illinois or a bordering state and prefer to travel by private jet? We realize that sometimes the hardest part about traveling is leaving your precious furry friends behind. The cargo hold of a commercial airliner is no place for your pampered pet. At VAS, Inc., we love pets! When your pet is welcomed onboard our beautiful jet, he will receive a customized "PAWS-port," plus a special gift of treats, toys and fun pet essentials. In addition, our Concierge can arrange for pet sitting, grooming and walking your cat or dog at your destination. We can even recommend pet-friendly hotels and resorts in the area. Mention this ad when you contact us to receive $500 off your first trip! Call 888-2FLYVAS or charter@flyvas.com.

PET TRANSPORT/SHIPPING

Action Pet Express
PET SHIPPING made as easy, affordable, and stress free, as possible; with super loving care!

AIR MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION

Air Critical Care, LLC
Air Critical Care is a medical transportation service that offers a pet friendly travel policy and can transport pets for people that are sick and or injured.