Are Airports Pet-Friendly? A Guide For Travellers

Travelling with pets can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to airports. While some airlines allow pets on board, others do not. For example, Air India and SpiceJet are two major Indian airlines that allow pets on their flights, with certain conditions that must be met. These include valid health and vaccination certificates, and adhering to specific container requirements. However, it is important to note that rules may vary across different airlines and airports, and it is always a good idea to check beforehand.

Rules for carrying pets on flights

Before You Fly

• Check the rules of the country you are flying to. Different countries have different rules for allowing pets to enter.
• Check the rules of the airline you are flying with. Different airlines have different rules for allowing pets on their flights.
• Book your flight at least 72 hours in advance if you plan to travel with your pet.
• Check the weight restrictions for pets and their containers.
• Check the size restrictions for pet containers.
• Check the number of pets allowed per flight.
• Check the age restrictions for pets travelling.
• Check the breed restrictions for pets travelling.
• Check the health requirements for pets travelling.
• Check the vaccination requirements for pets travelling.
• Check the documentation requirements for pets travelling.
• Check the fees for travelling with a pet.
• Check the rules for service animals.

At the Airport

• Arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure when travelling with a pet.
• Go to the special service counter to check in with your pet.
• Pay the required pet fee.
• Remove your pet from their kennel at the security checkpoint.
• Keep your pet in its kennel at the airport, unless in a designated relief area.

On the Plane

• Keep your pet in its kennel at all times on the plane.
• Keep your pet under the seat in front of you.
• Do not allow your pet to occupy a passenger seat.

What to do when waiting at the airport with a pet

When waiting at the airport with a pet, it is important to be aware of the relevant rules and guidelines. While policies may vary slightly across different airports and airlines, here are some general instructions to follow:

Before Arriving at the Airport:

• Ensure that you have all the necessary documentation, including valid health certificates and proof of rabies vaccination. Some airlines may require additional entry permits and other documents specified by the countries of entry or transit.
• Familiarise your pet with its travel bag, carrier, or kennel. This can help reduce their anxiety in an unfamiliar environment.
• Inform the airline about your pet in advance. Many airlines require prior notification and approval for travelling with a pet.
• Arrive at the airport well in advance. It is recommended to check with your specific airline, but generally, you should plan to arrive at least three hours before your flight's departure to complete all the necessary travel formalities.

At the Airport:

• Keep your pet restrained at all times. Unless it is a service animal, your pet should be kept in a kennel or carrier. Even for service animals, most airports require them to be on a leash.
• Do not remove your pet from its carrier unless necessary. While some airports may allow well-behaved pets to be walked on a leash, it is best to keep them secure and comfortable in their carrier to avoid any potential issues or delays.
• Be mindful of your pet's needs. Airports can be stressful for animals, so ensure they have access to water, and if needed, provide them with a light meal a few hours before departure.
• Follow the instructions of airport personnel. If you are asked to wait outside or in a specific area, comply with their requests to avoid any issues.
• Be considerate of other passengers. Not everyone may be comfortable around animals, so try to maintain a respectful distance and ensure your pet does not cause any disturbances.

During the Flight:

• Follow the airline's guidelines for pet placement. Typically, pets are not allowed to occupy passenger seats, even if the adjoining seat is unoccupied.
• Keep your pet muzzled and leashed during the flight, if required by the airline.
• Provide a moisture-absorbent mat for your pet to prevent any accidents or messes.
• Inform the flight crew if you have any concerns or need assistance during the flight.

Remember that travelling with a pet can be stressful for both you and your furry companion. Always prioritise their health and well-being, and stay informed about the specific policies of your chosen airline and destination.

Charges for travelling with pets

When travelling with pets, standard excess baggage charges by weight/piece will be applied. This will be the case regardless of whether the free baggage allowance is utilised. The weight of the pet carrier will be included in the calculation of excess baggage.

The charges that apply are based on the excess baggage fee, which depends on the following:

• The weight of the pet carrier, i.e. the kennel, cage, or bag.
• The weight of any other belongings of the pet, for instance, food.

For Air India, the combined weight of the pet and their container must not exceed 7 kg/ 15 lb for the pet to travel in the cabin. For the checked-in baggage hold (cargo compartment), the combined weight must be over 7 kg/ 15 lb but under 32 kg/ 70 lb. If the combined weight is over 32 kg/ 70 lb, the pet must be carried as cargo.

For SpiceJet, pets are only permitted in the cargo hold of the aircraft, and the kennel size must not exceed 18" x 18" x 12".

If your pet is small enough to travel in the cabin, you can book your pet on a separate flight. You will be charged the cargo rate, which is considerably more than excess baggage. Alternatively, you can have your pet shipped through a licensed commercial shipper. You will be charged the cargo rate plus the pet shipper's fee.

If your pet is 100 lbs. or larger (including the weight of the cage), it will be charged as cargo even if it travels on the same plane as you.

Documents required for pet travel

When travelling with a pet, it is important to be aware of the various documents required for your pet to be allowed on the flight. Here is a detailed and direct list of the necessary documents for pet travel:

Firstly, a health certificate is required for your pet to be allowed on the flight. This certificate must be signed by an accredited veterinarian, who will examine your pet to determine that it is free of infectious diseases and meets all import requirements of the receiving state, territory, or country. This certificate must be obtained within a certain time frame before your travel date. For instance, Air India requires the certificate to be obtained at most 72 hours before the date of travel, while some countries may require a more recent certificate, and U.S. airlines typically require the certificate to be issued within 10 days of travel.

In addition to the health certificate, proof of specific vaccinations is often necessary. For travel within the United States, proof of rabies vaccination is required, and this must be issued by a registered veterinarian. Some countries may also require additional vaccinations, so it is important to check the regulations of your destination country.

If you are travelling internationally with your pet, you will need entry permits and other documents as required by the countries of entry or transit. These may include specific quarantine requirements, which vary by country. It is important to review the regulations of the country you are travelling to, as well as those of your airline, to ensure you have all the necessary documentation.

Furthermore, some airlines may require an acclimation certificate, which is a form signed by your veterinarian that waives the low-temperature federal regulation for animals travelling in the cargo hold. This is typically required if your pet will be exposed to temperatures below 45°F (7.2°C) during transport.

Lastly, some airlines may require additional forms, such as an indemnity form, which must be filled out and carried in the correct number of copies. For example, Air India requires two copies of the indemnity form for direct flights and four copies for connecting flights.

It is important to note that the specific documents required may vary depending on the airline and the countries of departure and arrival. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the policies of your chosen airline and check the requirements of your destination country.

Airlines that allow pets on flights

While pets are allowed in airports, the rules and regulations for travelling with pets on flights vary depending on the airline. Here is a list of some airlines that allow pets on their flights:

Air India

Air India allows passengers to carry domesticated dogs and cats on their flights, in the passenger cabin or the aircraft hold as checked baggage. The airline also allows service dogs and psychiatric service dogs on their direct flights to or from the US.

To travel with a pet on Air India, the owner must bring the pet to the check-in counter with the required travel case and paperwork. The pet must be at least eight weeks old to travel in the cabin and three months or older to travel in the cargo hold. The combined weight of the pet and its container must be under 7 kg to travel in the cabin and under 32 kg to travel in the cargo hold. The pet must be in a soft, ventilated bag or kennel not exceeding 46 cm x 46 cm x 30 cm in size.

SpiceJet

SpiceJet carries live animals on its Boeing B737-800 and 900 series aircraft, but only in the hold. Domestic pets such as dogs and cats are permitted as freight in the pressurised and temperature-controlled area of the aircraft hold. The owner must provide valid health and vaccination certificates and other required documents. The pet must be carried in a container/kennel made of non-chewable material with smooth edges and proper ventilation, not exceeding 46 cm x 46 cm x 30 cm in size.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines permits small, vaccinated dogs and cats that are at least eight weeks old to fly with passengers in the cabin for a $95 pet fee each way. The pet must remain inside its carrier for the entire flight, and the kennel must be stored underneath the seat. Only six carriers are allowed per flight and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines allows passengers to bring dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds in the cabin for $100 each way. There are no breed restrictions, but the pets must be at least eight weeks old and able to eat solid food. Each passenger can bring up to two pet carriers, as long as they purchase two seats next to each other. A more diverse range of pets, including ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, non-poisonous reptiles, and tropical fish, are allowed to fly in the climate-controlled cargo hold for $100 each way.

United Airlines

United Airlines allows dogs and cats to travel in the cabin for a carry-on pet fee of $125 each way. There are no breed or weight limitations, but the animal must remain inside a carrier underneath the seat for the entire flight. Each passenger may only bring one animal in the cabin, and there is a cap on the total number of pets that can ride in each cabin.

American Airlines

American Airlines allows dogs and cats to travel in the cabin for a fee of $125 each way, plus an additional $125 for US flights with more than a four-hour stopover. The pet must remain inside a carrier underneath the seat for the entire flight. Hard-sided carry-on kennels can measure up to 48 cm x 33 cm x 22 cm, while soft-sided carriers can be up to 46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm. The kennel counts as the passenger's carry-on bag.

Delta Air Lines

Delta allows dogs, cats, and household birds in the cabin for a carry-on pet fee of $95 each way for flights within North America. The pet must be able to travel in a carrier that fits under the seat, and it must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic flights, 16 weeks old for international flights, and at least 15 weeks old for flights to the European Union. The carrier counts as the passenger's carry-on item.

JetBlue

For $125 each way, passengers can bring small dogs and cats, safely secured inside a carrier that fits under the seat, on all domestic JetBlue flights. Up to six pets are allowed per flight, but each passenger is only permitted to bring one animal. The carrier, with the pet inside, must weigh 9 kg or less and counts as the passenger's personal item.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines allows dogs and cats to travel in the cabin for a carry-on pet fee of $35 one-way for flights within Hawaii and $125 one-way for trips between Hawaii and North America. The pet and its carrier must weigh 11 kg or less. The airline also accepts dogs, cats, and household birds as checked baggage for $60 one-way on flights within Hawaii and $225 one-way on flights between Hawaii and North America.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines allows dogs, cats, household birds, and small domestic rabbits that are at least eight weeks old in the cabin for a fee of $125 each way. Guests can bring up to two pets per carrier, but only one carrier is allowed per passenger. The carrier, with the pet inside, must weigh 18 kg or less and counts as the passenger's carry-on allowance.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines allows dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and household birds to travel in the cabin for a fee of $99 each way. The pets must be at least eight weeks old and can accompany passengers on domestic trips and flights to or from the Dominican Republic and Mexico. The pet must remain inside a carrier for the entire flight, and the carrier counts towards the passenger's carry-on allotment.

Frequently asked questions