Can Dogs Travel On Domestic Flights? Yes, with proper planning and preparation, SIXT.VN makes traveling with your canine companion on domestic flights a breeze, offering a stress-free experience for both you and your pet as you explore Vietnam. Ensure a smooth journey by familiarizing yourself with airline pet policies, health requirements, and essential travel tips. Considering pet travel? Start with SIXT.VN for reliable transport and pet-friendly accommodation options.
1. Should Your Dog Fly?
Is flying the right choice for your dog? Traveling by air can be stressful for both people and pets, according to Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club. The strange sounds, sights, and smells of airports and new destinations can be overwhelming for dogs. Changes in diet and water can also affect a dog’s gastrointestinal health. Disruptions to medication schedules and time zone changes can lead to dehydration, potentially causing serious consequences. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine if flying is safe and appropriate for your dog.
Papillon sitting indoors with a traveling crate in the background.
2. Preparing to Fly
What steps should you take to prepare for flying with your dog? Before flying, research and confirm that your dog can travel with you to your destination. Check for any quarantine, vaccine, or other restrictions on dogs entering the area. The AKC provides a list of state-by-state travel requirements, but international travel may have additional rules. Small dogs can often fly in the cabin in a carrier under the seat. However, large dogs typically need to travel in cargo. Booking direct flights is best when flying with a dog. If traveling in the summer, choose early morning or evening flights to avoid the heat. In winter, midday flights are preferable to avoid the cold. During extreme temperatures, dogs are often not allowed to fly in cargo.
For dogs entering the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) implemented new guidelines in August 2024. These require travelers to submit a CDC-approved Dog Import Form online in advance. All dogs must be immunized against rabies, be at least 6 months old, and have an International Standards Organization standard microchip. Dogs from high-risk countries must also have a U.S. rabies vaccine certificate or a certification of foreign-issued rabies vaccination, along with a microchip form. In some cases, quarantine may be required upon arrival.
According to the CDC, these regulations aim to ensure the health and safety of both animals and people.
3. Preparing Your Dog for Flying: Health Checklist
What health preparations are necessary before flying with your dog? Ensure your dog is healthy enough to travel by following this checklist:
- Schedule a Veterinary Appointment: Although a signed health certificate isn’t required for many domestic flights, it’s best to have your dog examined by a vet. They can confirm your dog is healthy enough to travel, up-to-date on vaccinations, and provide an updated rabies certificate.
- Prepare Medications: Pack enough of any prescription medications your dog is taking for the entire trip, including preventative flea and tick medications.
- Prescription Diets: If your dog eats a specialized or prescription diet, bring enough food for the duration of the trip, as it may not be available at your destination.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a pre-flight veterinary check-up is crucial to ensure your dog is fit for air travel.
4. What to Bring When Flying with Your Dog
What items should you pack when flying with your dog? It’s important to pack everything your dog will need for the flight and your trip:
- Proof of Vaccinations: Check if a health certificate signed by your veterinarian is required. Even if not, it’s useful to have these documents with you. Check entry requirements, including quarantine information, for your destination.
- Airline-Approved Carrier: Ensure your carrier meets the airline’s size requirements and is suitable for your specific flight. It should be waterproof and provide your dog with enough room to sit, stand, lay down, and turn around.
- Portable Water Bowl: Essential for keeping your dog hydrated during the journey.
- Portable Food Bowl: Pack a small amount of food in a baggie inside your carry-on luggage in case of flight delays.
- Treats: For positive reinforcement and to keep your dog calm.
- Poop Bags: For responsible waste disposal.
- Pet Wipes: For easy cleanup if your dog gets sick while traveling.
- A Chew: Can help comfort your dog during takeoff and landing by alleviating pressure changes.
Sealyham Terrier laying down in a travel crate.
5. How to Prepare Your Dog for Flying
How can you prepare your dog for the experience of flying? Familiarizing your dog with their crate is crucial. Expose your dog to their crate early so they are comfortable with being inside for long periods. Let your dog explore the crate at home, pairing it with praise and treats.
Bringing your dog to loud and crowded dog-friendly places, like bus stations and dog-friendly stores, can help them get used to the sights and sounds of the airport. Airlines require dogs to be well-behaved, meaning they shouldn’t bark excessively, growl, or act aggressively. Consider training and practicing to earn your dog’s CGC (Canine Good Citizen) title before your trip. The skills learned for the CGC, such as walking through a crowd and behaving politely around other dogs, will help prepare your dog for being in an airport. Training specific to airplane behavior can also be useful, such as simulating an airplane environment to teach your dog how to sit under a seat in a carrier.
6. Dogs at the Airport
What is the process for dogs at the airport? If your dog is flying via cargo, you’ll check them in with the airline upon arrival. The airline staff will then be responsible for getting your dog’s crate onto the plane and off at your destination. If your dog is traveling with you in the cabin in a carrier, you’ll proceed through TSA screening. Your dog will need to come out of their carrier to go through security. They’ll then go through the full-body scanner, and TSA personnel will screen the carrier. They may also inspect your dog’s collar, harness, and leash.
Once through security, most airports have pet relief areas, so be sure to allow your dog time to relieve themselves. While waiting to board your flight, you may be able to have your dog out of their carrier to stretch their legs.
7. During the Flight
What should you do with your dog during the flight? Once you and your dog are on the flight, your dog needs to stay in their carrier. Dogs aren’t permitted to sit on their owner’s lap. Giving your dog a chew can comfort them during turbulent and noisy parts of the flight. Chewing helps to naturally relax your dog and can also help them adjust to pressure changes during takeoff and landing.
8. Flying with Dogs: An Airline-by-Airline Guide
What are the specific airline guidelines for traveling with dogs? Below are guidelines for the most common airlines in the U.S. Always talk with your airline before purchasing tickets to ensure there is room on the flight for your dog and confirm any specific guidelines.
8.1. Alaska Airlines
- Health and Vaccine Requirements: Health certificates or proof of vaccination aren’t required for dogs traveling in the cabin, but dogs must be in good health. Dogs appearing sick or distressed may be denied access to the flight. Dogs flying cargo must have a health certificate dated within 10 days of the flight and within 30 days of the return flight.
- Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Yes. Small dogs are permitted to fly in an approved carrier in the cabin. The dog counts as the passenger’s carry-on allotment for under-the-seat baggage. Two dogs of similar size may travel in the same carrier if they are comfortable, and no body parts protrude from the carrier.
- Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? First-class cabins can accommodate three pet carriers per flight, and the main cabin can accommodate eight. For international flights or flights to Hawaii, dogs are only permitted in the cabin. You can fly with two pet carriers in the main cabin if you purchase a second ticket for an adjacent seat.
- Are dogs allowed in cargo? Yes. Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned to fly cargo.
- Are there other restrictions on dogs in cargo? Dogs and crates cannot weigh more than 150 pounds combined. Dogs flying cargo must be on the same flight as the ticket holder, comfortable in their crates, and not require attention from airline staff during the flight.
- Is there a fee to travel with your dog? Yes. There is a $100 fee per pet for flying in the cabin or cargo.
8.2. American Airlines
- Health and Vaccine Requirements: Dogs traveling via cargo need original signed health certificates completed by a licensed veterinarian within 20 days of the flight for both the initial flight and a return trip. Health certificates aren’t required for dogs flying in the cabin.
- Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Yes. Dogs are allowed to fly in an approved carrier under the seat on most flights, up to 11 hours and 30 minutes in length.
- Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? Depending on the plane, a maximum of five or seven pets are allowed in the cabin of each flight.
- Are dogs allowed in cargo? Dogs are only permitted to fly in cargo with active-duty US Military and US State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Up to two pets can be checked to fly cargo.
- Is there a fee to travel with your dog? Yes. There is a fee of $150 per carrier for dogs flying in the cabin. Fees for dogs flying cargo vary based on destination and are confirmed at time of booking.
8.3. Delta
- Health and Vaccine Requirements: Health certificates aren’t required for dogs flying in the cabin as a carry-on. Dogs flying cargo need current health certificates signed by a veterinarian within 10 days of the trip.
- Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Yes. Dogs must fit into a carrier that fits under the seat directly in front of you. The carrier must have ventilation openings on three sides for domestic flights and four sides for international travel.
- Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic flights and 16 weeks old when traveling to the United States, and at least 15 weeks when traveling to Europe for international flights.
- Are dogs allowed in cargo? Yes. The carrier for dogs must be large enough to allow the dog to sit, stand, lay down, and turn around without touching the top or sides of the crate. The carrier must comply with International Air Transport Association regulations.
- Is there a fee to travel with your dog? Yes. The fee for flying with a dog is $95 each way for domestic flights and $200 for international flights.
8.4. Frontier
- Health and Vaccine Requirements: There are no health certificate requirements for flying with your dog. However, specific destinations may require health certificates from a veterinarian.
- Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Yes, dogs that are at least 8 weeks old are allowed on all domestic flights, as well as flights to and from the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
- Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? Yes, dogs must be able to stand, turn around, and lay down in a natural position in the soft-sided pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
- Are dogs allowed in cargo? No.
- Is there a fee to travel with your dog? Yes, there is a $99 each-way fee for flying with dogs.
8.5. Hawaiian Airlines
- Health and Vaccine Requirements: Dogs must have health certificates from your dog’s veterinarian before traveling between Hawaii and the U.S. Mainland. Health certificates must be dated no more than 14 days prior to the flight’s arrival. As Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the United States, it has strict regulations for traveling with dogs. The airline recommends contacting the Hawaii Department of Agriculture before travel for information on quarantine and vaccine requirements.
- Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Yes, on certain flights.
- Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? Yes, dogs are permitted on interisland flights within Hawaii, and flights between the mainland US and the state of Hawaii. The pet and carrier’s combined weight cannot be more than 25 pounds.
- Are dogs allowed in cargo? Yes, but the weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 70 pounds.
- Are there other restrictions on dogs in cargo? Dogs cannot fly in cargo on most flights between April 15 and October 15th, or at any time when temperatures are below 20F or above 85F at the origin destination or connection airport. Dogs aren’t permitted to fly cargo on international flights.
- Is there a fee to travel with your dog? Yes, $35 for flights within the state of Hawaii and $125 for flights between the state of Hawaii and the mainland United States.
8.6. JetBlue
- Health and Vaccine Requirements: Dogs must have any needed vaccines and documentation required by your destination. Dogs must also have ID tags and licenses.
- Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Yes, dogs under 20 pounds can fly in carriers in the cabin.
- Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? The combined weight of the dog and carrier must be no more than 20 pounds.
- Are dogs allowed in cargo? No, JetBlue doesn’t fly dogs in cargo.
- Is there a fee to travel with your dog? Yes, $125 for each flight.
8.7. Southwest Airlines
- Health and Vaccine Requirements: Passengers must comply with any vaccination or health certificate requirements of their flight destination.
- Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Dogs are allowed in the cabin for domestic flights, but aren’t permitted in the cabin for any international flights or flight itineraries that include an international flight.
- Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? In-cabin pets are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis until plane capacity for pets is reached. Capacity is six pets per flight. Dogs that display any kind of disruptive behavior can be denied boarding.
- Are dogs allowed in cargo? No.
- Is there a fee to travel with your dog? Yes, $125 per pet carrier for US Mainland flights, and $35 per pet carrier between Hawaiian Islands.
8.8. Spirit
- Health and Vaccine Requirements: Health certificates aren’t required, except for flights to the US Virgin Islands. Proof of rabies vaccination is required for dogs traveling to Puerto Rico.
- Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Dogs that are at least 8 weeks old and weaned are permitted on domestic flights. Pet dogs aren’t allowed on international flights.
- Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? A passenger can only bring one pet carrier onto a flight, but each carrier can have up to two dogs inside, so long as they fit appropriately. The combined weight of the dog(s) and carrier cannot be more than 40 pounds.
- Are dogs allowed in cargo? No.
- Is there a fee to travel with your dog? Yes, there is a $125 pet fee for each flight.
8.9. United
- Health and Vaccine Requirements: United Airlines encourages all dog owners to get a health certificate from their veterinarian, but they’re not required for flights within the United States. Proof of rabies vaccinations and health certificates are required for dogs flying internationally.
- Are dogs allowed in the cabin? Yes, dogs that are at least 2 months old are permitted on domestic flights. For international flights, dogs must be at least 4 months old to fly.
- Are there other restrictions on dogs in the cabin? Restrictions on how many pets are allowed in the cabin depend on which specific aircraft you’ll be flying on. Some planes allow up to two pets, while others allow up to six.
- Are dogs allowed in cargo? No.
- Is there a fee to travel with your dog? Yes, there is a $125 fee for each flight with dogs. An additional $125 fee applies for each layover of more than four hours for domestic flights within the United States, or for layovers more than 24 hours for international flights.
Shetland Sheepdog service dog laying next to its owner at the airport.
9. FAQ: Can Dogs Travel on Domestic Flights?
- 9.1. What is the minimum age for a dog to fly on domestic flights?
The minimum age for dogs to fly on domestic flights is generally 8 weeks old, but this can vary by airline, so check with your specific carrier. - 9.2. Do I need a health certificate for my dog to fly domestically?
While not always required, it is highly recommended to have a health certificate from your vet to ensure your dog is fit for travel. - 9.3. What size carrier is allowed on domestic flights?
The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and allow your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Specific size restrictions vary by airline. - 9.4. Can my dog sit on my lap during a domestic flight?
No, dogs are typically required to stay in their carrier for the duration of the flight. - 9.5. Are there breed restrictions for dogs on domestic flights?
Some airlines may have breed restrictions, particularly for brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, due to potential breathing issues. - 9.6. What if my dog gets anxious during the flight?
Consult your vet about options for calming aids, and ensure your dog has familiar items like a favorite toy or blanket in the carrier. - 9.7. How do I book a flight for my dog?
Contact the airline directly to add your dog to your reservation and confirm their pet policies. - 9.8. What happens if my flight is delayed?
Ensure you have enough food and water for your dog, and take them to a pet relief area if possible. Keep the airline updated on your situation. - 9.9. Can I bring my dog as an emotional support animal?
As of 2021, emotional support animals are generally considered pets and must follow the same guidelines as other pets, unless they are trained service dogs. - 9.10. Are there designated pet relief areas in airports?
Yes, most major airports have designated pet relief areas, both before and after security.
10. Make Your Trip to Vietnam Easy with SIXT.VN
Planning a trip to Vietnam with your furry friend? Navigating a new country can be challenging, but SIXT.VN is here to help. We offer a range of services tailored to make your travel experience seamless and enjoyable.
- 10.1. Customized Travel Itineraries:
Need help planning your trip? Our travel experts at SIXT.VN can create a personalized itinerary that caters to your interests and ensures a pet-friendly experience. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical sites, vibrant city life, or serene natural landscapes, we’ve got you covered. - 10.2. Convenient Airport Transfers:
Start your trip stress-free with our reliable airport transfer service. We’ll pick you and your pet up from the airport and take you to your accommodation, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey. - 10.3. Wide Range of Hotel Options:
Finding pet-friendly accommodations can be tough. SIXT.VN offers a variety of hotel options that welcome pets, so you can rest easy knowing your furry friend is comfortable and safe. - 10.4. Expert Tour Guides:
Explore Hanoi and its surroundings with our expert tour guides. We offer private and group tours that showcase the best of Vietnam while accommodating your pet’s needs. - 10.5. Flight Booking Assistance:
Let SIXT.VN handle your flight bookings. We’ll find the best deals and ensure that your travel arrangements comply with pet travel policies, making the process hassle-free.
SIXT.VN is committed to providing convenient, reliable, and trustworthy travel services. We understand the challenges of traveling with pets and strive to make your journey as smooth as possible. Contact us today to book your next adventure in Vietnam.
Address: 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotline/Whatsapp: +84 986 244 358
Website: SIXT.VN
Don’t let the complexities of travel planning hold you back. With SIXT.VN, your dream trip to Vietnam is just a click away. Explore our all-inclusive travel packages, airport transfer services, hotel booking assistance, and guided tours of Hanoi. Let us help you create unforgettable memories while ensuring your pet travels in comfort and safety. Contact us now and start your adventure today
