Traveling with your beloved pet can be an exciting adventure, and for many pet owners, bringing their furry, feathered, or scaled companions along is a must. If you prefer to keep your pet close during your flight, knowing Which Airlines Take Pets In Cabin is essential. While airline policies can vary significantly, several airlines do accommodate in-cabin pet travel, making it easier than ever to fly with your animal friend. This guide will explore the pet-in-cabin policies of specific airlines, providing you with key information to plan your trip smoothly.
Hawaiian Airlines Pet in Cabin Policy
Hawaiian Airlines offers options for traveling with your pets, both in the cabin and as checked baggage, although with certain limitations and fees. For pet travel in the cabin with Hawaiian Airlines, you are permitted to bring one adult dog or cat per carrier. They do offer some flexibility 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 as part of their carry-on allowance.
When flying between Hawaii and North America, it’s important to be aware of specific health requirements. Hawaiian Airlines mandates an animal health certificate from a veterinarian, obtained within 14 days of your travel date. Depending on your specific route, you might also need to secure a permit from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. It is crucial to check these requirements well in advance of your travel date to ensure compliance and avoid any last-minute issues.
While Hawaiian Airlines does offer pets in cargo as checked baggage, there are several restrictions to keep in mind. This service incurs a one-way fee of $60 for flights within Hawaii and $225 for flights between Hawaii and North America. However, pet cargo is not available to or from several 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. Furthermore, seasonal restrictions apply for checked baggage pet travel to or from San Jose, Sacramento, Las Vegas, and Phoenix airports between April 15 and October 15.
Breed-specific bans are not in place with Hawaiian Airlines, but they strongly advise against transporting brachycephalic or short-nosed breeds as checked baggage due to potential health risks. For pets traveling as checked baggage, kennels must adhere to specific size and weight limits. One adult dog or cat is allowed per kennel, or two puppies/kittens of the same breed and age range. Two adult household birds can travel in the same kennel if they are at least two weeks old. The maximum weight for a kennel with the pet inside is 70 pounds.
Temperature restrictions also apply to pets traveling as checked baggage. Hawaiian Airlines will only transport pets if the temperature at all points of the journey is between 20 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures are between 20 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit, an acclimation certificate from a veterinarian, issued within 10 days of travel, is required.
Spirit Airlines Pet in Cabin Policy
Spirit Airlines provides a pet travel in the cabin option for a fee of $125 each way. This service is available for dogs, cats, household birds, and small domestic rabbits that are at least eight weeks old on most Spirit Airlines flights. It’s important to note that Spirit Airlines does not permit pets on international flights. Additionally, birds and rabbits are not allowed on 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 necessary, while pets traveling to Puerto Rico require a rabies vaccination certificate.
Each passenger on Spirit Airlines can bring only one pet carrier onboard, but they can accommodate up to two pets within that single carrier, provided the animals can comfortably stand and move around inside. Passengers traveling with pets can choose seating anywhere on the aircraft except for the first row and emergency exit rows. Throughout the flight, pets must remain inside their carriers, and these carriers count towards your carry-on baggage allowance.
Spirit Airlines has a limit of six pet carriers allowed in the cabin per flight. Therefore, it is highly recommended to add your pet to your reservation as early as possible to secure space for them. It’s also worth noting that pets in cargo are not transported by Spirit Airlines; their pet travel service is exclusively for in-cabin pets.
Frontier Airlines Pet in Cabin Policy
Frontier Airlines also allows pet travel in the cabin for a fee of $99 each way. Their pet policy extends to a wider variety of small domestic animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and household birds on flights within the United States. Similar to other airlines, dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old to travel.
Passengers traveling with a pet on Frontier Airlines are restricted from sitting in 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 advises pet owners not to give their pets food or water within four hours before departure and during the flight itself.
Pet kennels on Frontier Airlines count towards your carry-on baggage allowance and must be able to fit comfortably under the seat in front of you. The size requirements ensure that pets can stand up, turn around, and lie down in a natural position within the carrier. Like Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines does not offer pets in cargo services.
Choosing the Right Airline for Your Pet
When deciding which airlines take pets in cabin and are the best fit for your travel needs, consider factors beyond just whether they allow pets. Compare pet fees, restrictions on routes, types of pets allowed, and specific carrier requirements. Booking in advance is almost always recommended, especially since some airlines limit the number of in-cabin pets per flight. Always verify the most current pet policies directly with the airline before your travel date, as policies can change. By doing thorough research and planning ahead, you can ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey for both you and your pet.
