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Pets 3
In-Cabin Pets:
• Usually cats and small dogs only
• Must fit in carrier under seat
• Carrier max: 18" x 11" x 11"
• Pet + carrier usually under 20 lbs
• Fee: $95-$200 each way
Checked Pets (Cargo):
• Larger pets in climate-controlled cargo
• IATA-approved hard-sided kennel required
• Fee: $200-$500+ depending on size/route
• Temperature restrictions may apply
Service Animals:
• Dogs trained for specific tasks
• Documentation required (DOT form)
• No fee charged
• Emotional support animals: policies vary
Not Allowed:
• Snub-nosed breeds (pugs, bulldogs) in cargo - breathing risk
• Some exotic animals
• Aggressive breeds (varies by airline)
• Usually cats and small dogs only
• Must fit in carrier under seat
• Carrier max: 18" x 11" x 11"
• Pet + carrier usually under 20 lbs
• Fee: $95-$200 each way
Checked Pets (Cargo):
• Larger pets in climate-controlled cargo
• IATA-approved hard-sided kennel required
• Fee: $200-$500+ depending on size/route
• Temperature restrictions may apply
Service Animals:
• Dogs trained for specific tasks
• Documentation required (DOT form)
• No fee charged
• Emotional support animals: policies vary
Not Allowed:
• Snub-nosed breeds (pugs, bulldogs) in cargo - breathing risk
• Some exotic animals
• Aggressive breeds (varies by airline)
In-Cabin Carrier Requirements:
• Soft or hard-sided
• Max dimensions: 18" x 11" x 11" (varies by airline)
• Leak-proof bottom
• Ventilation on at least 2 sides
• Pet must be able to stand, turn, lie down
• Must fit completely under seat
Cargo Kennel Requirements:
• IATA-approved hard-sided kennel
• Size: Pet must stand and turn comfortably
• Ventilation on all sides
• Live animal stickers
• Water dish attached inside
• No wheels (or wheels removed)
Preparation Tips:
• Get pet used to carrier weeks before
• Include familiar blanket/toy
• Don't feed 4-6 hours before flight
• Freeze water dish so it doesn't spill
• Soft or hard-sided
• Max dimensions: 18" x 11" x 11" (varies by airline)
• Leak-proof bottom
• Ventilation on at least 2 sides
• Pet must be able to stand, turn, lie down
• Must fit completely under seat
Cargo Kennel Requirements:
• IATA-approved hard-sided kennel
• Size: Pet must stand and turn comfortably
• Ventilation on all sides
• Live animal stickers
• Water dish attached inside
• No wheels (or wheels removed)
Preparation Tips:
• Get pet used to carrier weeks before
• Include familiar blanket/toy
• Don't feed 4-6 hours before flight
• Freeze water dish so it doesn't spill
Domestic Travel (Within Country):
• Health certificate (within 10 days of travel)
• Proof of rabies vaccination
• Some states have additional requirements
International Travel:
• Health certificate (USDA endorsed for US travelers)
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Microchip (ISO 15-digit)
• Import permit (some countries)
• Parasite treatment (some countries)
Specific Country Requirements:
• EU: EU pet passport or third-country certificate
• UK: Animal Health Certificate, tapeworm treatment
• Australia/NZ: Lengthy quarantine process
• Hawaii: 120-day pre-travel program or 5-day quarantine
Service Animals:
• DOT Service Animal Transportation Form
• Proof of training
• Veterinary health form
• Health certificate (within 10 days of travel)
• Proof of rabies vaccination
• Some states have additional requirements
International Travel:
• Health certificate (USDA endorsed for US travelers)
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Microchip (ISO 15-digit)
• Import permit (some countries)
• Parasite treatment (some countries)
Specific Country Requirements:
• EU: EU pet passport or third-country certificate
• UK: Animal Health Certificate, tapeworm treatment
• Australia/NZ: Lengthy quarantine process
• Hawaii: 120-day pre-travel program or 5-day quarantine
Service Animals:
• DOT Service Animal Transportation Form
• Proof of training
• Veterinary health form
Check-In 3
When to Check In:
• Online check-in opens: 24-48 hours before departure
• Best time: As soon as it opens for best seat selection
• Closes: 1-2 hours before departure
How to Check In:
1. Go to airline website or app
2. Enter booking reference and last name
3. Confirm passenger details
4. Select seats (if not already done)
5. Add any extras (bags, meals)
6. Download or print boarding pass
Benefits of Online Check-In:
• Skip check-in counter lines
• Early seat selection
• Digital boarding pass on phone
• Faster airport experience
When You MUST Check In at Airport:
• Traveling with pets
• Unaccompanied minors
• Oversized baggage
• Document verification needed
• International flights (some airlines)
• Online check-in opens: 24-48 hours before departure
• Best time: As soon as it opens for best seat selection
• Closes: 1-2 hours before departure
How to Check In:
1. Go to airline website or app
2. Enter booking reference and last name
3. Confirm passenger details
4. Select seats (if not already done)
5. Add any extras (bags, meals)
6. Download or print boarding pass
Benefits of Online Check-In:
• Skip check-in counter lines
• Early seat selection
• Digital boarding pass on phone
• Faster airport experience
When You MUST Check In at Airport:
• Traveling with pets
• Unaccompanied minors
• Oversized baggage
• Document verification needed
• International flights (some airlines)
Recommended Arrival Times:
Domestic Flights:
• Standard: 2 hours before departure
• Peak times/holidays: 2.5-3 hours
• With checked bags: Add 30 minutes
International Flights:
• Standard: 3 hours before departure
• First-time international: 3.5 hours
• Complex connections: 4 hours
Factors That May Require More Time:
• Traveling with children/pets
• Special assistance needed
• Large/oversized baggage
• Peak travel days (Friday, Sunday)
• Holiday periods
• Visa/immigration document checks
Cutting It Close?
• Check-in counters close: 45-60 min before departure
• Boarding gates close: 15-30 min before departure
• TSA recommends 30 min minimum at security
Domestic Flights:
• Standard: 2 hours before departure
• Peak times/holidays: 2.5-3 hours
• With checked bags: Add 30 minutes
International Flights:
• Standard: 3 hours before departure
• First-time international: 3.5 hours
• Complex connections: 4 hours
Factors That May Require More Time:
• Traveling with children/pets
• Special assistance needed
• Large/oversized baggage
• Peak travel days (Friday, Sunday)
• Holiday periods
• Visa/immigration document checks
Cutting It Close?
• Check-in counters close: 45-60 min before departure
• Boarding gates close: 15-30 min before departure
• TSA recommends 30 min minimum at security
Ways to Get Your Boarding Pass:
1. Mobile Boarding Pass:
• Check in via airline app
• Save to Apple Wallet or Google Pay
• Screenshot as backup
• Most convenient option
2. Print at Home:
• Check in online
• Print boarding pass PDF
• Good backup for international travel
3. Airport Kiosk:
• Use self-service kiosk
• Enter confirmation code or scan passport
• Print boarding pass
4. Check-in Counter:
• Agent prints boarding pass
• Required for some situations (pets, special assistance)
What's on Your Boarding Pass:
• Name, flight number, date
• Departure/arrival cities and times
• Gate and seat number
• Boarding group/zone
• TSA PreCheck indicator (if applicable)
• Barcode for scanning
1. Mobile Boarding Pass:
• Check in via airline app
• Save to Apple Wallet or Google Pay
• Screenshot as backup
• Most convenient option
2. Print at Home:
• Check in online
• Print boarding pass PDF
• Good backup for international travel
3. Airport Kiosk:
• Use self-service kiosk
• Enter confirmation code or scan passport
• Print boarding pass
4. Check-in Counter:
• Agent prints boarding pass
• Required for some situations (pets, special assistance)
What's on Your Boarding Pass:
• Name, flight number, date
• Departure/arrival cities and times
• Gate and seat number
• Boarding group/zone
• TSA PreCheck indicator (if applicable)
• Barcode for scanning
Traveling Together 1
Traveling with Pets Guide:
In-Cabin (Small Pets):
• Dogs and cats mostly
• Must fit in carrier under seat
• Carrier max: ~18" x 11" x 11"
• Pet + carrier under 20 lbs usually
• Fee: $95-200 each way
• Limited spots - book early!
Checked Pets (Cargo):
• For larger pets
• IATA-approved hard kennel required
• Climate-controlled cargo hold
• Fee: $200-500+
• Temperature restrictions apply
• Not available on all routes
Pet Shipping Services:
• Door-to-door pet transport
• Professional handlers
• Best for complex itineraries
• Expensive but comprehensive
Preparation:
• Vet visit 10 days before
• Health certificate required
• Update microchip info
• Practice with carrier
• Don't feed 4-6 hours before
• Walk before check-in
Restricted Breeds:
• Snub-nosed breeds (pugs, bulldogs) often restricted
• Check airline pet policy carefully
In-Cabin (Small Pets):
• Dogs and cats mostly
• Must fit in carrier under seat
• Carrier max: ~18" x 11" x 11"
• Pet + carrier under 20 lbs usually
• Fee: $95-200 each way
• Limited spots - book early!
Checked Pets (Cargo):
• For larger pets
• IATA-approved hard kennel required
• Climate-controlled cargo hold
• Fee: $200-500+
• Temperature restrictions apply
• Not available on all routes
Pet Shipping Services:
• Door-to-door pet transport
• Professional handlers
• Best for complex itineraries
• Expensive but comprehensive
Preparation:
• Vet visit 10 days before
• Health certificate required
• Update microchip info
• Practice with carrier
• Don't feed 4-6 hours before
• Walk before check-in
Restricted Breeds:
• Snub-nosed breeds (pugs, bulldogs) often restricted
• Check airline pet policy carefully
Still Have Questions?
Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any questions or concerns.