How Can Dogs Travel on Planes Safely and Comfortably?

Traveling with your furry friend can be an exciting adventure. How Can Dogs Travel On Planes safely and comfortably? SIXT.VN provides essential information and tips to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your canine companion when exploring Vietnam.

Discover how to prepare your dog, choose the right airline, and navigate airport procedures, making your travel experience with your pet a joyous one, exploring the beauty of Vietnam with your loved ones. Let’s explore pet-friendly travel and airline pet policies for the best experience.

1. Is Air Travel Right for Your Dog?

Deciding whether your dog should fly requires careful consideration. As Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club, explains, “Traveling by air can be stressful to people and to dogs.” The unfamiliar sounds, sights, and smells of airports and new destinations can be challenging for pets.

Meanwhile, changes in diet and water can affect dogs’ gastrointestinal health. Plus, the upheaval of traveling and time-zone changes could lead to dehydration or interruptions to strict medication schedules, such as insulin for diabetic dogs — leading to potentially serious consequences. Talk with your dog’s vet about if flying is safe and appropriate for your dog.

Papillon dog sitting indoors with a traveling crate in the background, ready for a trip

2. Planning for Your Dog’s Flight: Key Preparations

Proper planning is essential when flying with your dog. Here are key preparations to ensure a smooth journey:

• Check Travel Requirements: Confirm if your dog can fly with you to your destination and if there are any quarantine, vaccine, or other restrictions. The AKC provides a list of state-by-state travel requirements, but international travel may have additional rules.
• Book Direct Flights: When flying with a dog, it’s best to book direct flights whenever possible to minimize stress and potential delays.
• Time of Year Considerations: If you’re traveling in the summer, try to pick early morning or evening flights to avoid the hottest parts of the day. In winter, book midday flights to avoid the cold. Note that during extreme temperatures, dogs are often not allowed to fly in cargo.
• CDC Guidelines: For dogs entering the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have specific guidelines that went into effect in August 2024.

According to the CDC, if a dog is being imported into the country for the first time or returning to the U.S. from another country, the person traveling with the dog must submit a CDC-approved Dog Import Form online in advance. All dogs entering the U.S. must be immunized against rabies, be at least 6 months old, and have an International Standards Organization standard microchip.

For dogs coming from a “high-risk country,” they must also have a U.S. rabies vaccine certificate, a certification of foreign-issued rabies vaccination, or a certification of foreign rabies vaccination, and a microchip form. In some cases, dogs will need to be quarantined after arriving in the U.S.

3. Health Checklist Before Flying with Your Dog

Ensuring your dog’s health is paramount before any flight. Here’s a health checklist to keep in mind:

• Veterinary Appointment: Schedule a check-up with your veterinarian. Even if a health certificate isn’t required for domestic flights, it’s best to have your dog examined.
• Medications: Pack enough prescription medications for the duration of your trip, including preventative flea and tick medications.
• Prescription Diets: If your dog requires a specialized diet, bring enough food for the entire trip.

4. Essential Items to Pack for Your Dog’s Flight

When preparing to fly with your dog, it’s crucial to pack all necessary items. Here’s a comprehensive list:

• Vaccination Proof: Check if a health certificate signed by your veterinarian is required. Even if not, it’s useful to have these documents. Check entry requirements and quarantine information for your destination.
• Airline-Approved Carrier: Confirm that your carrier meets the airline’s size requirements. Carriers should be waterproof and provide ample room for your dog to sit, stand, lie down, and turn around.
• Water and Food Bowls: Pack portable water and food bowls for your dog.
• Food Supply: Bring a small amount of food in a baggie inside your carry-on luggage, especially important in case of flight delays.
• Treats: Pack treats for your dog.
• Poop Bags: Don’t forget poop bags.
• Pet Wipes: These are great for easy cleanup if your dog gets sick.
• Chew Toy: A chew toy can help during takeoff and landing to alleviate pressure changes.

5. Preparing Your Dog for the Flight Experience

Familiarizing your dog with their crate is invaluable. Here’s how to prepare your dog for the flight:

• Crate Familiarization: Expose your dog to their crate early, making them comfortable with being inside for extended periods. Let them explore the crate at home, associating it with praise and treats.
• Exposure to Crowds: Take your dog to loud and crowded dog-friendly places like bus stations and dog-friendly stores. This helps them get used to the sights and sounds of the airport.
• Behavioral Training: Airlines require dogs to be well-behaved, so they shouldn’t excessively bark, growl, or act aggressively. Training for a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title can be helpful, teaching skills like walking through crowds and behaving politely around other dogs.
• Simulated Airplane Environment: Some trainers set up rows of chairs to simulate an airplane, teaching dogs how to sit under a seat in a carrier.

6. Navigating the Airport with Your Dog

Understanding airport procedures can ease stress. Here’s what to expect:

• Cargo Check-In: If your dog is flying via cargo, check them in with the airline upon arrival. Airline staff will handle getting your dog’s crate onto the plane and off at your destination.
• TSA Screening: If your dog is traveling with you in the cabin, you’ll need to go through TSA screening. Your dog will need to come out of their carrier, walk through the full-body scanner, and TSA personnel will screen the carrier. They may also inspect your dog’s collar, harness, and leash.
• Pet Relief Areas: Most airports have pet relief areas for your dog to relieve themselves.
• Pre-Boarding Wait: While waiting to board, you may be able to let your dog out of their carrier to stretch their legs.

7. Managing Your Dog During the Flight

Once on the plane, adhere to these guidelines:

• Carrier Requirement: Your dog must stay in their carrier throughout the flight. They aren’t permitted to sit on your lap.
• Comfort Aids: Giving your dog a chew toy can comfort them during turbulent and noisy parts of the flight. Chewing helps to naturally relax your dog and adjust to pressure changes.

8. Airline-by-Airline Guide for Flying with Dogs

Below are the airline guidelines for the most common airlines flying through airports across the U.S. Always contact the airline before purchasing tickets to confirm availability for your dog and verify specific guidelines for your flight.

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 who appear sick or distressed can 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.
• Dogs Allowed in 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 the dogs are comfortable, and no body parts protrude from the carrier.
• Cabin Restrictions: 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.
• Dogs Allowed in Cargo?: Yes. Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned to fly cargo.
• Cargo Restrictions: 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 any attention from airline staff.
• Fee?: Yes. There is a $100 fee per pet for flying in the cabin or cargo.

Shetland Sheepdog service dog laying next to its owner at the airport, ready for a flight

8.2 American Airlines

• Health and Vaccine Requirements: Dogs traveling via cargo need original signed health certificates from 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.
• Dogs Allowed in 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.
• Cabin Restrictions: Depending on the plane, there’s a maximum of either five or seven pets allowed in the cabin of each flight.
• 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.
• Fee?: Yes. There is a fee of $150 per carrier for dogs flying in the cabin. Fees for dogs flying cargo will vary based on destination and are confirmed at the 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 who are flying cargo need current health certificates signed by a veterinarian within 10 days of the trip.
• Dogs Allowed in 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 or four sides of ventilation for international travel.
• Cabin Restrictions: Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic flights. For international flights, dogs must be 16 weeks old if traveling to the United States, and at least 15 weeks when traveling to Europe.
• 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 and comply with International Air Transport Association regulations.
• Fee?: 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.
• Dogs Allowed in Cabin?: Yes, dogs that are at least 8 weeks old are allowed on all domestic Frontier flights, as well as flights to and from the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
• Cabin Restrictions: 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.
• Dogs Allowed in Cargo?: No.
• Fee?: 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 for information on quarantine and vaccine requirements.
• Dogs Allowed in Cabin?: Yes, on certain flights.
• Cabin Restrictions: 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.
• Dogs Allowed in Cargo?: Yes, but the weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 70 pounds.
• Cargo Restrictions: Dogs cannot fly in cargo on most flights between April 15 and October 15, 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.
• Fee?: 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.
• Dogs Allowed in Cabin?: Yes, dogs under 20 pounds can fly in carriers in the cabin.
• Cabin Restrictions: The combined weight of the dog and carrier must be no more than 20 pounds.
• Dogs Allowed in Cargo?: No, JetBlue doesn’t fly dogs in cargo.
• Fee?: 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 when flying with their dogs.
• Dogs Allowed in 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.
• Cabin Restrictions: 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.
• Dogs Allowed in Cargo?: No.
• Fee?: 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 for dogs traveling, except for flights to the US Virgin Islands. Proof of rabies vaccination is required for dogs traveling to Puerto Rico.
• Dogs Allowed in Cabin?: Dogs that are at least 8 weeks old and weaned are permitted on domestic flights. Pet dogs aren’t allowed on international flights.
• Cabin Restrictions: 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.
• Dogs Allowed in Cargo?: No.
• Fee?: 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.
• Dogs Allowed in 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.
• Cabin Restrictions: 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.
• Dogs Allowed in Cargo?: No.
• Fee?: 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.

9. Essential Tips for International Travelers with Dogs

Planning an international trip with your dog? Here are some crucial tips:

• Research Destination Requirements: Different countries have varying regulations for pet entry, including quarantine periods, required vaccinations, and specific health certifications.
• Microchipping is a Must: Ensure your dog has a microchip that complies with ISO standards. This is often a prerequisite for international travel.
• Health Certificate: Obtain a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian that meets the destination country’s requirements. The certificate should be issued close to your travel date.
• Rabies Vaccination: A rabies vaccination is typically mandatory. Ensure your dog is vaccinated well in advance and obtain the necessary documentation.
• Airline Regulations: Check with your airline regarding their specific rules for pets on international flights, including carrier size, weight restrictions, and any additional fees.
• Quarantine: Be prepared for potential quarantine periods upon arrival. Some countries may require pets to be quarantined for a set period.
• Medication: Carry any necessary medications in their original packaging and with a copy of your veterinarian’s prescription.
• Comfort Items: Bring familiar items like blankets, toys, and treats to help your dog feel more secure during the journey.
• Language: Learn a few basic phrases in the local language related to pet care, such as asking for water or directions to a pet relief area.
• Pet-Friendly Accommodation: Book pet-friendly accommodations in advance to ensure a comfortable stay at your destination.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dogs Traveling on Planes

10.1 What is the best way to prepare my dog for flying?

Start by familiarizing your dog with their travel crate at home. Take them on short car rides in the crate to get them used to traveling. You can also expose them to airport-like sounds and environments.

10.2 Are there any restrictions on dog breeds allowed to fly?

Some airlines have restrictions on brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs due to potential respiratory issues during flight. Check with your airline for specific breed restrictions.

10.3 Can my dog sit on my lap during the flight?

No, dogs are generally not allowed to sit on your lap during the flight. They must remain in their carrier under the seat in front of you.

10.4 What size carrier do I need for my dog to fly in the cabin?

The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and allow your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Check with your airline for specific size restrictions.

10.5 How do I handle my dog’s bathroom needs during a long flight?

Use pet relief areas in the airport before and after the flight. Line the carrier with absorbent pads in case of accidents during the flight.

10.6 Is it safe for my dog to fly in cargo?

Flying in cargo can be stressful for dogs. Consider the temperature restrictions and potential risks. If possible, opt to fly with your dog in the cabin.

10.7 Do I need a health certificate for my dog to fly domestically?

While not always required, it’s recommended to have a health certificate from your veterinarian. Some destinations may require it.

10.8 What if my dog gets anxious during the flight?

Consult your veterinarian about calming aids or medications that can help reduce anxiety during travel. Bring familiar items to provide comfort.

10.9 How early should I arrive at the airport when flying with my dog?

Arrive at least 2-3 hours before your flight to allow extra time for check-in and security procedures.

10.10 Can service dogs travel on planes for free?

Yes, service dogs are generally allowed to travel on planes free of charge, but you may need to provide documentation and follow specific airline guidelines.

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Navigating the complexities of traveling with your dog can be challenging, but SIXT.VN is here to assist. From airport transfers to pet-friendly accommodations and activities, we tailor every service to meet your needs and ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for you and your beloved pet.

Don’t let the challenges of planning overwhelm you. Contact SIXT.VN today for personalized assistance and discover how we can make your trip to Vietnam truly unforgettable.

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