Owais Crawford
When travelling with pets, it is important to understand the different policies and fees associated with bringing them on board. While some airlines allow pets in the cabin, others may require them to be transported as cargo. Pet fees vary depending on the airline and the size of the animal and kennel. Some airlines, such as American Airlines, allow you to pay the pet fee at the airport, while others may require payment during booking or check-in. It is essential to review the specific policies and requirements of your chosen airline to ensure a smooth travel experience with your furry companion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airlines that allow paying pet fees at the airport | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines |
| Airlines that allow paying pet fees online | KLM, Air France |
| Payment methods accepted | Credit card, paper voucher |
| Pet requirements | Must be small enough to fit comfortably inside a closed/zipped carrier, non-collapsible kennels must fit under the seat |
| Additional requirements | Pets must be at least 15 weeks old when traveling to the EU, temperature restrictions apply |
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What You'll Learn
Paying pet fees at the airport or travel centre
When travelling with pets, it is important to be aware of the different policies and requirements of individual airlines and airports. While some airlines allow you to pay pet fees at the airport or travel centre, others require advance payment during the booking process. Additionally, the requirements for pet travel may vary depending on the size of your pet, the type of carrier or kennel, and the destination of your trip.
For example, American Airlines allows you to pay pet fees at the airport or at a travel centre using a credit card or paper voucher. They do not accept cash or cheques for payment. However, it is important to note that American Airlines only collects pet fees for flights operated by American Airlines, even if your trip includes a connecting flight with another airline. Therefore, you may need to check with each airline individually to understand their payment policies and requirements.
Similarly, Delta Air Lines collects pet fees at the Special Service Counter during check-in at the airport. They require all pets to be checked in, ensuring they meet the necessary requirements for the trip. It is recommended to allow extra time for check-in to ensure your pet is ready for takeoff. After check-in, your pet must remain in their kennel while at the airport, unless they are in a designated relief area.
On the other hand, some airlines may require you to pay pet fees in advance during the booking process. For instance, a forum post mentions that KLM allowed the user to pay for their cat's travel over the phone while booking their tickets. However, upon calling again, there was confusion over whether the fee applied to the entire trip or just one segment, suggesting that policies may not always be clear or consistently applied.
To ensure a smooth travel experience with your pet, it is essential to carefully review the policies and requirements of the specific airlines and airports involved in your trip. Each airline may have unique procedures for paying pet fees, and it is your responsibility to adhere to their guidelines. Additionally, consider the size and breed restrictions, carrier or kennel requirements, and any temperature restrictions imposed by the airline to ensure your pet's comfort and safety throughout the journey.
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Pet fees for connecting flights
When travelling with pets, it is important to be aware of the various requirements and fees that may be involved, especially when it comes to connecting flights. Here is some information regarding pet fees for connecting flights:
Paying Pet Fees at the Airport
Some airlines, such as American Airlines, allow you to pay the pet travel fee at the airport or at a travel centre using a credit card or paper voucher (where accepted). They do not accept cash or cheques for payment. However, it is important to note that American Airlines does not collect pet fees for other operating airlines on your trip, even if it has an American flight number. For connecting flights with different airlines, you will need to check in with each airline and pay their respective fees at check-in. Therefore, it is essential to review the policies of all airlines involved in your travel itinerary.
Pet Fee for Connecting Flights
When it comes to connecting flights, the pet fee structure can vary. In some cases, you may need to pay a separate fee for each connection segment. For example, if your trip includes a voluntary stopover or connection of more than four hours, you may be required to pay a fee for each connection. This is the case with American Airlines, as mentioned in their pet travel information.
On the other hand, some airlines may have different policies. For instance, in a forum post on TripAdvisor, a traveller shared their experience of booking a flight with KLM and being informed that they needed to pay the pet fee for their cat at the time of booking. However, upon connecting their flight from Paris to Moscow, they were told by another advisor that they would have to pay an additional fee for the connecting flight. Therefore, it is always advisable to clarify the pet fee policy with the airline directly, especially when dealing with connecting flights.
Requirements for Travelling with Pets
In addition to the fees, it is crucial to understand the requirements for travelling with pets. Airlines such as Delta Air Lines have specific guidelines for carry-on pets, including age restrictions and kennel requirements. Pets must be at least 15 weeks old for travel to the European Union, and they must be able to fit comfortably in a soft-sided ventilated pet kennel that goes underneath the seat in front of you. Similar guidelines are provided by American Airlines, emphasising the need for pets to fit comfortably inside closed or zipped carriers. It is recommended to contact the airline directly and review their policies to ensure your pet meets all the necessary requirements for a safe and comfortable journey.
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Pet age, breed and size requirements
Yes, you can pay the pet fee at the airport. For instance, American Airlines allows you to pay the pet travel fee at the airport or at a travel center with a credit card or paper voucher (where accepted). Delta Air Lines also collects the required pet fee at the Special Service Counter during check-in.
Pet Age, Breed, and Size Requirements
Pet age requirements vary depending on the airline and the destination. For instance, Delta Air Lines requires pets to be at least 8 weeks old for domestic travel, 6 months old when travelling to the US from another country, and 15 weeks old when travelling to the European Union. American Airlines, on the other hand, accepts checked pets for active-duty US military personnel travelling on official orders, requiring the pets to meet the minimum age requirements of the destination.
Breed restrictions also differ from airline to airline. For example, Delta Air Lines allows small cats, dogs, and household birds as carry-on pets. American Airlines, however, does not allow about 20 breeds of dogs and four cat breeds. Snakes and other reptiles, rodents, ferrets, sugar gliders, and spiders are also not accepted as service or support animals on Spirit flights.
Size requirements for pets depend on the available space in the aircraft. For instance, Delta Air Lines requires pets to be small enough to fit comfortably in a kennel with the ability to move around without touching the sides. American Airlines, meanwhile, requires carry-on pets to be small enough to fit comfortably inside a closed/zipped carrier, with the carrier fitting under the seat.
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Pet carrier guidelines
Yes, you can pay pet fees at the airport. For instance, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines allow you to pay pet fees at the airport. However, American Airlines only accepts credit cards or paper vouchers and does not accept cash or checks.
- Ensure your pet is the right size. Your pet must be small enough to fit comfortably inside a closed or zipped carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The carrier should have enough space for your pet to move around without touching the sides.
- Use a suitable carrier. Soft-sided collapsible kennels or carriers are recommended. They should be secure, padded, made of water-repellent material, and have nylon mesh ventilation on three or more sides. For international travel, ventilation is required on all four sides. The carrier should be leak-proof and have a secured door.
- Follow age restrictions. Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic travel within the United States. For international travel, the minimum age varies by destination. For example, the European Union requires pets to be at least 15 weeks old.
- Provide necessary documentation. Depending on your destination, you may need to show vaccination records, health forms, and proof of age. If you are travelling with an emotional support animal, you will need to provide medical documentation.
- Comply with airline policies. Each airline has specific policies regarding the number of pets allowed on board, seating arrangements, and fees. Check with your airline for detailed information.
- Prepare your pet for temperature variations. Some airlines have temperature restrictions to protect pets from extreme heat or cold. Check the temperature requirements for your destination and travel dates.
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Pet fees and waivers
When travelling with pets, it is important to be aware of the various fees and waivers that may apply. While service animals and psychiatric or emotional support animals fly for free, regular pets do not. Pet fees vary across airlines, and it is important to check the specific policies of the airline you are travelling with. Some airlines, such as American Airlines, allow you to pay your pet travel fee at the airport or at a travel centre using a credit card or paper voucher. However, they do not accept cash or checks for payment. Other airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, require you to pay the pet fee at check-in.
In terms of waivers, Delta Air Lines has introduced pet fee waivers for active military personnel and senior citizens on domestic flights. This is likely a gesture of appreciation for their service and a way to make air travel more affordable for these groups. Similarly, JetBlue has eliminated pet fees on Mint Business Class flights, demonstrating their recognition of the growing number of people who choose to fly with their pets.
When travelling with a pet, it is important to be aware of the specific requirements and restrictions of the airline. For example, some airlines have temperature restrictions to ensure that pets are not exposed to extreme heat or cold. Additionally, there may be restrictions on the size and type of pet carrier allowed. It is also worth noting that some airlines, such as American Airlines, have different policies for emotional support animals, requiring additional documentation and forms.
To save on pet fees, it is worth considering the different options offered by airlines. For example, United Airlines offers two main options for transporting pets: in the cabin or in cargo. The cost of transporting a pet in the cabin is typically higher, but it is important to note that there may be additional fees for layovers exceeding a certain duration. Overall, it is important to research the specific policies and fees of the airline you are travelling with to ensure a smooth journey for you and your pet.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Allegiant Air allow you to pay the pet fee at the airport. However, it is recommended that you check with your airline before assuming this is the case.
Payment methods vary by airline. For example, American Airlines accepts credit cards or paper vouchers, but does not accept cash or cheques.
It depends on the airline. Some airlines, like KLM, require you to pay the pet fee for each flight segment, while others may only require a single fee. It is important to check with your airline for specific information.
Yes, there are typically size and age requirements for pets travelling on flights. For example, Delta Air Lines requires pets to be small enough to fit comfortably in a kennel without touching the sides. Additionally, pets must be at least 15 weeks old when travelling to the European Union. It is important to review the specific requirements of your airline before travelling with a pet.
