Pet Friendly Air Travel Guide
US Humane Society recommends that pets should not be transported, especially by air, unless absolutely necessary. If you decide to transport your pet by air, it is advisable to take your pet in the cabin with you if it is a small pet. Each airline is given the liberty by Federal Aviation Administration to decide if they want to allow you to travel along with your pet in the cabin.
Important Tips When Travelling With Pets
The Humane Society also suggest some pet air travel tips such as using direct flights while travelling with pets, watching your pet being loaded and unloaded from cargo, making sure the crew knows that there is a pet in the cargo, not feeding your dog at least for six hours prior to the journey, clipping pet's nails, fitting your pet with the collar with identification etc.
There are some airlines that offer pet friendly air travel, and allow the medium and large size dogs in the cabin with the people, not in cargo. Such airlines include Companion Air and Nantucket Airlines. These airlines let you carry your dog in the lap and no container is required for dogs less than 35 pounds. For dogs that weigh more than 35 pounds, there is a shelf in the back of the plane, just a few inches off the floor. You cannot sit next to the pet, but you can try to get a seat that is directly in front.
Many airlines provide pet friendly air travel and take care of everything related to pet travel, so that you are free to take care of your own travel plans. If your pet is travelling as cargo, the temperature and pressure of the cargo department is controlled, to make your pet comfortable. You must check with your airlines if you need to purchase the Accilamation Certificate, certifying that your pet is physically healthy to travel in cargo.
Pet friendly air travel providers ensure that the container meets certain requirements and only one pet is carried in each container. The container is large enough for the pet to stand up, turn around and lie down. It is made up of sturdy plastic and is secured by a locking system. Food and water bowls are attached to front door from inside and they are refillable from outside without opening the door.
While traveling, it is not advisable to sedate the pets, as the effect of tranquilizers at high altitudes is unpredictable. For pet friendly air travel, some of the airlines do not allow pets as checked bags during extreme hot weather, as this can put animals in life threatening situation.
