Traveling with your furry, feathered, or scaled companion can be an exciting prospect, and for many pet owners, bringing their beloved animals along is non-negotiable. Fortunately, several airlines understand this bond and offer pet-friendly policies, allowing animals to travel in the cabin with their owners. If you’re wondering “Which Airlines Allow Pets In Cabin?”, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will explore airlines that accommodate in-cabin pet travel, focusing on key policies, fees, and considerations to ensure a smooth journey for you and your pet.
Key Airlines with Pet-in-Cabin Options
While specific regulations can vary and are always subject to change, some airlines are generally recognized for their pet-friendly in-cabin policies. Let’s delve into the details of a few airlines mentioned in our original article: Hawaiian Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines.
Hawaiian Airlines Pet in Cabin Policy
Hawaiian Airlines offers options for pet owners traveling to and from Hawaii, as well as inter-island flights. For in-cabin travel, Hawaiian Airlines permits one adult dog or cat per carrier. They do provide a bit of flexibility for younger animals, allowing up to two puppies or kittens (between eight weeks and six months old from the same breed or litter) to share a carrier. Each passenger is limited to one carrier onboard.
Important Considerations for Hawaiian Airlines:
- Health Certificates and Permits: If you’re traveling between Hawaii and North America, you’ll need to secure an animal health certificate from a veterinarian within 14 days of your departure. Certain routes may also necessitate a permit from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, so it’s crucial to check specific requirements based on your itinerary.
- Checked Baggage Option: If in-cabin isn’t suitable, Hawaiian Airlines also allows dogs, cats, and household birds to travel as checked baggage on specific routes for a fee. However, it’s essential to note the restrictions:
- Route Limitations: Pets are not accepted as checked baggage to or from certain airports, including Pago Pago International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and Salt Lake City International Airport.
- Seasonal Restrictions: From April 15 to October 15, checked baggage pet travel is restricted to/from San Jose International Airport, Sacramento International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
- Breed Restrictions: While Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t explicitly ban specific breeds, they strongly advise against checking brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds as checked baggage due to potential respiratory issues.
- Kennel Requirements: For checked baggage, the combined weight of the kennel and pet cannot exceed 70 pounds. For in-cabin, carrier size restrictions will apply to fit under the seat, though specifics aren’t detailed in this excerpt.
- Temperature Restrictions: Pets can only travel as checked baggage if temperatures along the entire route are between 20 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures are between 20 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit, a veterinarian-issued acclimation certificate within 10 days of travel is required.
Spirit Airlines Pet in Cabin Policy
Spirit Airlines is another option for travelers wanting to bring smaller pets onboard. They permit dogs, cats, household birds, and small domestic rabbits (at least eight weeks old) in the cabin on most flights for a one-way pet fee.
Key Points for Spirit Airlines:
- Pet Fee: Spirit Airlines charges a pet fee for in-cabin travel. It’s important to check their current fee structure, as airline fees can change.
- Domestic Flights Only: Pets are not allowed on Spirit Airlines international flights. Additionally, birds and rabbits are not permitted to fly to or from Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands.
- Health Documentation (Specific Destinations): Dogs and cats traveling to the US Virgin Islands require a health certificate from a veterinarian. Pets traveling to Puerto Rico must have a rabies vaccination certificate.
- Carrier Policy: Each passenger can bring one carrier, but up to two pets are allowed per carrier, provided they can comfortably stand and move within it.
- Seating Restrictions: Passengers with pets cannot sit in the first row or emergency exit rows. Pets must remain inside their carriers throughout the flight, and the carrier counts as part of your carry-on baggage allowance.
- Limited Pet Capacity: Spirit Airlines limits the number of pet carriers to six per flight, so booking in advance for your pet is highly recommended.
- No Cargo Pet Transport: Spirit Airlines does not transport pets as cargo.
Frontier Airlines Pet in Cabin Policy
Frontier Airlines also welcomes certain pets in the cabin for a fee, making them another airline to consider when asking “which airlines allow pets in cabin?”. They allow dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and household birds on flights within the US. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old.
Frontier Airlines Pet Travel Details:
- Pet Fee: Frontier charges a pet fee each way for in-cabin pet travel. Always confirm the current fee when booking.
- Pet Types: Frontier has a broader range of accepted in-cabin pets compared to some airlines, including smaller mammals like guinea pigs and hamsters.
- Seating Restrictions: Passengers traveling with pets cannot sit in emergency exit rows or the first row.
- Carrier Requirements: Pets must stay in a carrier for the entire flight, and the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Pets need to be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the carrier. The kennel counts towards your carry-on allowance.
- Pre-Flight and In-Flight Considerations: Frontier Airlines advises against giving pets food or water within four hours before departure and during the flight.
- No Cargo Pet Transport: Frontier Airlines, like Spirit, does not transport pets as checked baggage in cargo.
General Tips for Flying with Pets in Cabin
Beyond airline-specific policies, here are some general tips to ensure a smoother and less stressful flight for both you and your pet when traveling in the cabin:
- Choose an Appropriately Sized Carrier: Ensure the carrier is compliant with the airline’s size restrictions and allows your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Soft-sided carriers are often more adaptable to under-seat spaces.
- Acclimate Your Pet to the Carrier: Well before your travel date, get your pet used to spending time in the carrier. Make it a positive space with treats and toys.
- Book in Advance: Airlines often have limits on the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight. Book your pet’s spot as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
- Health and Vaccination Documentation: Even if not explicitly required by the airline for all routes, having your pet’s health and vaccination records readily available is always a good practice.
- Minimize Food and Water Before Flight: As Frontier suggests, limiting food and water intake before the flight can help prevent accidents during travel.
- Consider Calming Aids: If your pet is prone to anxiety, consult your veterinarian about safe calming aids or strategies to reduce stress during travel.
- Direct Flights are Best: Opt for direct flights whenever possible to minimize travel time and layover stress for your pet.
- Be Prepared for Security: You will need to remove your pet from the carrier when going through security. Be prepared with a leash (for dogs and cats) and ensure you can maintain control of your pet.
Conclusion
Identifying “which airlines allow pets in cabin” is the first step in planning pet-inclusive travel. Airlines like Hawaiian, Spirit, and Frontier offer in-cabin options, each with its own set of rules, fees, and restrictions. Thoroughly researching and understanding the specific policies of your chosen airline, along with implementing general pet travel best practices, will contribute significantly to a positive and stress-free journey for you and your animal companion. Always double-check the airline’s most current pet policies directly on their website before booking, as regulations can change. Happy travels!
