Why are pets so expensive to fly?
Why are pets so expensive to fly? The simple answer is airlines charge cargo rates for pets and other animals. There are no discounts. Period. No matter how much we pet lovers want to believe our pets are people, the travel and transportation industry classifies them as cargo.
What happens to pets in cargo?
Dogs and cats traveling with us will experience a similarly pressurized and climate-controlled aircraft compartment that our customers are used to in cabin. While your pet waits for their flight, they will be in a climate-controlled area until they are given a ride to their flight for departure.
What happens to pets during layovers?
During the layover, your pet will be dismebarked, and airline officials will ensure your pet has access to water and food. If the layover is for a longer duration, your pet will be taken to a pet lounge for a comfort stop where he or she can relieve themselves and stretch their legs.
What is the cheapest way to travel with pets?
The cheapest way to transport a pet is with you in your own vehicle. However, if this is not an option, using a pet shipper's ground transportation services tends to be cheaper than its air transportation options.
Should I get a pet if I travel a lot?
Even though a dog is not the best pet for you if you travel a lot, you still have tons of other options, including cats, which also make great companions. When choosing a pet, always consider your lifestyle and how well you'll be able to care for them.
How can I take my dog to France?
All dogs, cats and ferrets must have proof of a current rabies vaccination administered after a microchip was implanted to enter France. If your pet is entering France from a Listed Third Country, the primary rabies vaccination must be administered no sooner than 21 days before entering France.
How do pets survive in cargo?
Pets are placed in a climate-controlled, pressurized compartment below the aircraft cabin and kept separate from luggage and other cargo.
How many dogs fly cargo each year?
According to the United States Department of transportation, over 2 million pets travel by air each year. Most often, pets that travel by air arrive safely at their final destination and are happily reunited with their owners.
Can I take my cat on a 12 hour flight?
Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights. Regardless, you'll have to line their carrier with something absorbent - a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet's own crate pad or thin blanket.
Do pets fly free on any airline?
But no matter which airline you fly, when your pet is in-cabin, you'll be charged a pet fee, your pet must stay in its carrier, and you won't be able to bring a carry-on item (you will still be able to bring a personal item).
Do dogs need passports?
You probably have a plan for your own passport, but your animal companion needs one too. All pets traveling to and from the United States need a passport. Keep in mind, a “pet passport” in the U.S. refers to the extra documents you need to travel to other countries with your pet.
What are the pros and cons of flying with your dog?
The main benefit of air travel is that it's much faster for your pet to get to their destination. The cons of flying could include the cost of bringing your pet on a plane, the stressful experience of the flight, the possible separation of your pet, and the extreme conditions your pet may endure in cargo.
How much does it cost to fly a dog internationally?
Flying a dog in the cabin usually costs between $125 and $200, while the cargo hold is typically over $1000. There are also licensed companies that offer international pet shipping companies — they usually charge between $1000 and $6000.
Is it safe for dogs to fly in cargo?
According to estimates released by the Department of Transportation, less than 1 in 10,000 animals were injured, lost, or killed from flying. That said, the general safety of flying your pet as cargo doesn't discount the gravity of the fact that animals are sometimes harmed by flying in the cargo hold.
Can I buy a seat for my cat on an airplane?
Even though you can't buy an extra seat for your cat, you'll still have to make a reservation for it. Several of the biggest airlines in the U.S. charge $125 each way for an in-cabin cat. However, fees are somewhat less on other airlines, like Southwest Airlines ($95) and JetBlue ($100).
Can my dog fly in the cabin with me?
Usually dogs are only allowed to fly in the cabin—known as carry-on pets—if they can comfortably fit in a carrier that you can stow under the seat in front of you. A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet.
Do pets get lost in cargo?
How exactly does the airline treat a pet in the cargo hold? Be very careful about choosing your airline! Cats, dogs and other small animals are known to get lost and even killed via airline travel. Some airlines are more notorious than others.
How stressful is flying for dogs?
The whole process of flying can be stressful for a dog, but those levels of stress can be greatly reduced with a few simple home comforts and reassurances. Ensuring your flight is a non-stop flight rather than one with changeovers can be a huge benefit to your dog, as can looking to travel at a suitable time.