As COVID restrictions lift, many people are considering air travel with their pets. But the skies may not be as friendly to pets as they used to be.
Last December, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) cleared the path for air carriers to restrict in-cabin travel to registered service animals (with rare exceptions, dogs only). There are animals “individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.” Essentially, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) lost their lap and aisle status and are now considered to be “pets.” As such, their transport on commercial airlines is limited to the under-seat compartment or the cargo hold.
There is a potential work around. The mandatory DOT Service Animal Transportation Form attests that the animal accompanying the passenger on the flight has been trained to perform a specific function for a disabled person. A certified animal trainer — one not specifically providing animal training for the disabled — might be willing to supply their name and contact information for the form. However, one risks that the trainer could be contacted in the event of a behavioral incident in the terminal or on the plane that causes injury. There is a slightly different form for flights eight hours or longer. As with any government document, one attests that the information provided is true and that they are “subject to fines and other penalties” for knowingly making false statements.
Is it possible to buy a seat for a companion animal? Yes, so long as there are two animals traveling with a paid passenger. Unfortunately, both cannot occupy the seat. One must be stowed in the under seat compartment while the other occupies the seat immediately next to the passenger. Each must fit into an approved hard- or soft-shell carrier. United Airlines is the only carrier allowing on-seat travel for a second pet under the above-noted restrictions. Advance reservations are required and there must be an open seat next to the paid passenger for the second pet to occupy.
In addition to purchasing the actual seat, there is a $125 fee per pet, plus another $125 service charge for each stopover of more than four hours for domestic flights or more than 24 hours for international flights. When traveling with two pets, the charge is $250, plus an extra $250 for any stopovers.
Rescue Legacy has long supported the position that well-behaved pets should not have to fly under cover of “Service Animal” to sit in one’s lap and that responsible pet parents should pony up the airlines’ fee for pet travel.
However one chooses to fly with a pet:
Avoid the cargo hold whenever possible. Many animal advocacy groups discourage air travel for pets in cargo holds, especially for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets.
Obtain a “pet passport,” a vet’s certification that a pet is healthy and able to travel. This includes evidence of a rabies vaccination. A more detailed passport is required for international travel.
Because they allow for better pet mobility and ventilation, consider a soft-shell carrier. It must be large enough inside for the pet to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position. Some models have expandable sides. Similar to crate training, pets should be made familiar with their carrier beforehand.
Ensure that the pet carrier fits the individual airlines’ specifications. Not all under-seat compartments are created equal and not all airlines carry the same fleet of plane models. The largest overall dimensions we found for soft-shell carriers were as follows: United: 18”(l) x 13.5”(w) x 8.5”(h); Southwest: 18.5”(l) x 11”(w) x 8.5”(h)
A few drops of pet CBD — along with any other medications normally administered — can help calm nerves. Avoid over medicating which can trigger breathing problems.
Please click below for select airlines’ pet policies: