Traveling with your beloved pet can be an exciting adventure, but it requires careful planning, especially when flying. Not all airlines are created equal when it comes to accommodating furry, feathered, or scaled companions. Understanding Which Airlines Take Pets and their specific policies is crucial for a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your animal friend. This guide will break down the pet policies of several airlines, focusing on cabin and cargo options to help you make the best choice for your travel needs.
Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy
Hawaiian Airlines offers options for pet owners wishing to travel with their animals, both within the cabin and as checked baggage, depending on the destination and type of animal.
Pet Cabin Policies
For in-cabin travel, Hawaiian Airlines permits one adult dog or cat per carrier. They do make an exception for younger animals, allowing up to two puppies or kittens of the same breed or litter, provided they are between eight weeks and six months old. Each passenger is limited to one pet carrier onboard. If you are flying between Hawaii and North America, it’s essential to obtain an animal health certificate from your vet within 14 days of your departure. Certain routes may also necessitate a permit from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, so always check specific requirements well in advance.
Pet Cargo Policies
For travel as checked baggage, Hawaiian Airlines accepts dogs, cats, and household birds. The one-way fee is $60 for flights within Hawaii and $225 for flights between Hawaii and North America. However, it’s important to note some significant restrictions. Pets are not allowed as checked baggage to or from Pago Pago International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and Salt Lake City International Airport. Furthermore, from April 15 to October 15, pets are prohibited as checked baggage on flights to or from San Jose International Airport, Sacramento International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
While Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t have breed-specific bans, they strongly advise against transporting brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds as checked baggage due to potential respiratory issues. Kennel requirements include a limit of one adult dog or cat, or up to two puppies or kittens (8 weeks to 6 months old from the same breed or litter) per kennel. For household birds, two adults can travel together in one kennel, if they are at least two weeks old. The maximum weight for the kennel with the pet included is 70 pounds. Temperature restrictions also apply; pets can only travel as checked baggage if temperatures are between 20 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit along the entire route. If temperatures are between 20 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit, a veterinarian-issued acclimation certificate within 10 days of travel is required.
Spirit Airlines Pet Policy
Spirit Airlines provides in-cabin pet travel options but does not transport animals as cargo.
Pet Cabin Policies
Spirit Airlines allows dogs, cats, household birds, and small domestic rabbits in the cabin on most flights for a fee of $125 each way. Pets must be at least eight weeks old to travel. However, there are limitations: pets are not permitted on international flights. Birds and rabbits are also restricted from flights to or from Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands. For dogs and cats flying to the US Virgin Islands, a health certificate from a veterinarian is mandatory. Pets traveling to Puerto Rico require a rabies vaccination certificate.
Each passenger can bring only one pet carrier onboard, though up to two pets are allowed per carrier, provided they can comfortably stand and move within it. Passengers traveling with pets cannot be seated in the first row or emergency exit rows. Pets must remain inside their carriers throughout the flight, and the kennel counts towards your carry-on baggage allowance. Spirit Airlines limits the total number of pet carriers to six per flight, so it is recommended to add your pet to your reservation as early as possible to secure space.
Pet Cargo Policies
Spirit Airlines does not offer pet transport as cargo.
Frontier Airlines Pet Policy
Frontier Airlines exclusively allows pets in the cabin; they do not transport pets as checked baggage.
Pet Cabin Policies
Frontier Airlines permits dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and household birds to travel in the cabin on flights within the United States for a fee of $99 each way. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old. Similar to other airlines, passengers traveling with pets cannot occupy emergency exit rows or the first row of the plane. Pets are required to stay inside their carriers for the entire duration of the flight. Frontier Airlines also advises pet owners not to give food or water to their pets within four hours before departure and during the flight.
Pet kennels count towards your carry-on baggage allowance and must fit under the seat in front of you. Pets must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally within the carrier.
Pet Cargo Policies
Frontier Airlines does not transport pets as checked baggage.
Conclusion
Choosing the right airline for traveling with your pet depends on your destination, your pet type, and your comfort level with cabin versus cargo travel (where available). Airlines like Hawaiian, Spirit, and Frontier each have distinct pet policies regarding in-cabin and cargo options, fees, and restrictions. Always verify the most current policies directly with the airline before booking your flight, as regulations can change. Booking in advance and ensuring you have all necessary health certificates and documentation will contribute to a smoother travel experience when flying with your pet. Remember to prioritize your pet’s comfort and safety by selecting appropriate carriers, considering temperature restrictions, and understanding each airline’s specific guidelines.
