Traveling with your beloved pet on Frontier Airlines requires careful planning, and understanding the associated pet fees is a crucial part of that process. Frontier Airlines recognizes that pets are family, and they strive to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your furry, scaled, or feathered companions. This guide provides everything you need to know about the Frontier Airlines Pet Fee, policies, and how to prepare for travel, ensuring a smooth experience for both you and your animal friend.
Understanding the Frontier Airlines Pet Fee
When planning to fly with your pet on Frontier Airlines, the first question many pet owners have is about the cost. Frontier Airlines charges a directional pet fee for animals traveling in the cabin. This fee applies one-way, meaning you’ll need to pay it for each flight segment where your pet accompanies you. Paying this fee in advance during your booking process online or through the Frontier Airlines app is highly recommended to streamline your airport check-in. However, if you don’t pay in advance, you can also pay the fee at the airport when you check in your pet.
It’s important to note that the pet fee covers the transportation of your pet in the cabin, provided they meet Frontier Airlines’ requirements. Alongside your pet in its carrier, you are permitted to bring either a personal item or a carry-on bag. If you choose to bring both, standard carry-on baggage fees will apply to the carry-on bag.
Frontier Airlines Pet Travel Policy: Key Guidelines
Frontier Airlines has specific policies in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, including those traveling with pets. Here are the essential aspects of their pet travel policy:
Allowed Pets and Restrictions
Frontier Airlines allows certain domesticated animals to travel in the cabin on domestic flights within the United States. The permitted species include:
- Domesticated dogs and cats: Must be at least 8 weeks old.
- Small household birds: Including parakeets, canaries, and finches.
- Rabbits
- Guinea pigs
- Hamsters
However, Frontier Airlines does not accept the following animals under any circumstances:
- Large birds (parrots, macaws, cockatoos, birds of prey)
- Rodents (mice, rats, squirrels, beavers)
- Ferrets
- Reptiles (snakes, lizards)
- Amphibians
- Spiders and insects
- Farm animals or exotic animals (lions, tigers, bears, etc.)
It’s critical to confirm that your pet is among the allowed species before making travel arrangements. For any doubts, contacting Frontier Airlines customer service is advisable.
In-Cabin Pet Rules
For pets traveling in the cabin, several rules are in place to ensure a safe and pleasant flight:
- Pet Carrier: Your pet must remain inside an approved pet carrier at all times during boarding, during the flight, and while deplaning.
- Seating Restrictions: Passengers traveling with pets are not allowed to sit in the first row or in an exit row for safety reasons.
- Pet Behavior: Your pet must be harmless, odorless, non-disruptive, and not require attention during the flight. If your pet becomes disruptive, it is your responsibility to soothe it without removing it from the carrier.
- Feeding and Watering: Frontier Airlines recommends not feeding or giving water to your pet within four hours before departure and during the flight. The stress of travel can sometimes cause discomfort for animals.
- Emergency Situations: In the unlikely event of an emergency, oxygen will not be administered to pets.
- Sedation: While it might seem helpful to sedate your pet for travel, most veterinarians advise against it. The effects of tranquilizers at high altitudes can be unpredictable for animals.
A small dog comfortably settled inside a soft-sided pet carrier, placed under the airplane seat in front of its owner, showcasing responsible pet travel.
Pet Carrier Requirements
The pet carrier is a crucial aspect of traveling with your pet on Frontier Airlines. It must meet the following requirements:
- Size and Comfort: The carrier must be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably in a natural position. This ensures your pet’s well-being during the flight.
- Under-Seat Fit: The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you. While some seats might not accommodate pet carriers, Frontier Airlines staff will assist you in finding a suitable seat assignment.
- Maximum Dimensions: The maximum dimensions for a pet carrier are 18 inches (length) x 14 inches (width) x 8 inches (height).
- Type: While not mandatory, Frontier Airlines recommends using a soft-sided carrier as they are generally more flexible and easier to fit under seats.
- Constant Containment: Your pet must remain entirely inside the carrier throughout the entire journey, from check-in to deplaning.
Pet Health and Wellness for Travel
Ensuring your pet’s health and having the necessary documentation is vital for a smooth travel experience.
Health Certificates and Documentation
For domestic travel within the U.S., Frontier Airlines does not generally require a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin. However, it is crucial to be aware of and comply with the specific animal health regulations of your destination state. Some states may require health certificates or specific vaccinations upon arrival. Checking with your veterinarian or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services is highly recommended to confirm destination-specific requirements.
For international travel, Frontier Airlines currently does not accept new pets. They only accommodate service animals on international flights, and these have stringent documentation requirements.
International Travel Restrictions for Pets (Currently Not Applicable for New Pets)
As of now, Frontier Airlines has suspended the acceptance of new pets for international travel, except for trained service dogs. Service dogs traveling internationally must meet specific criteria, including:
- CDC Dog Import Form: Receipt of submission of the CDC Dog Import Form.
- Age: Must be at least 6 months old.
- Health: Must appear healthy upon arrival.
- Microchip: Proof of a microchip detectable with a universal scanner.
- Additional Documentation for High-Risk Countries: Service dogs originating from countries considered high-risk for rabies must provide further documentation and government-endorsed veterinary paperwork. Consult the CDC’s website for detailed information on high-risk countries and specific requirements.
A veterinarian gently examining a dog, highlighting the importance of pet health checks and pre-travel preparations for animal well-being.
Health Certificate Requirements (Specific to Destinations like Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands)
While not always needed for domestic flights, health certificates are essential for certain destinations like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and for service animals internationally (where applicable). Key requirements for health certificates include:
- Validity Period:
- Within 30 days of entry into Puerto Rico.
- Within 10 days of entry into the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Required Information:
- Owner’s name and address.
- Animal species.
- Origin and destination countries.
- Rabies vaccination details: For adult pets (3 months or older, except Puerto Rico which is 4 months), vaccination within 12 months prior to travel (6 months for Puerto Rico). Vaccination must be administered at least 30 days before international travel.
- Recommended Vaccinations: Hepatitis, PIP, and leptospirosis are often recommended.
- Destination-Specific Requirements: Puerto Rico, for example, mandates a sturdy collar with two identification tags including permanent and travel contact information.
For travel to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, always check the specific entry requirements as they may include parasite treatment declarations and rabies-free origin certifications on the health certificate.
Preparing for Your Flight with Your Pet
To ensure a stress-free journey with your pet on Frontier Airlines, consider these preparatory steps:
- Book Pet Travel in Advance: Add your pet to your reservation during initial booking or manage your existing booking online to include your pet. Pay the pet fee in advance to expedite airport procedures.
- Verify Destination Requirements: Thoroughly research the animal health regulations for your destination state, territory, or country.
- Visit Your Veterinarian: Schedule a check-up for your pet before traveling. Discuss travel plans and obtain any necessary health certificates or vaccinations.
- Acclimate Your Pet to the Carrier: Weeks before your trip, get your pet used to its carrier. Make it a comfortable and positive space with treats and familiar toys.
- Pack Essentials: Bring pet food (if allowed and necessary for layovers), water (for before and after flight), waste bags, and any comfort items for your pet.
- Arrive Early at the Airport: Allow extra time for check-in as there might be additional procedures when traveling with a pet.
Conclusion
Traveling with your pet on Frontier Airlines can be a rewarding experience with proper preparation and understanding of the airline’s pet fee and policies. By familiarizing yourself with the guidelines, ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety, and adhering to all regulations, you can look forward to a smooth journey together. Remember to always prioritize your pet’s well-being and plan meticulously for a positive travel outcome. Confirm the current “frontier airlines pet fee” and any policy updates directly with Frontier Airlines before your travel date for the most accurate information.
