Airlines aren’t just cramming more people onto flights nowadays—they’re also accommodating a growing number of dogs. 

Flying with a dog raises a lot of questions, though, especially for first-timers. How does traveling with a non-service, non-emotional support dog work, exactly? How much does it cost? Is it safe?

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For starters, bringing your pup along is definitely more complicated (and expensive) than flying solo, but it can be done—so long as you do your research ahead of time. Luckily, we've done much of that work and laid it out here, so you don't have to. (Note that COVID-19 has also made flying with pets more challenging, as some airlines have temporarily suspended their pet transportation programs during the pandemic.)

Here's everything you need to know about flying with a dog, from how to book the flight, to what kind of paperwork is required. Also be sure to check out our other article How To Build An Outdoor Aquarium | Aurora 

First, weight the pros and cons of flying

Right off the bat, think long and hard about whether it’s essential to bring your dog on a plane. “In general, I recommend not flying with a pet unless absolutely necessary,” says Justine Lee, veterinary expert for Pumpkin Pet Insurance. “Ideally, pets should not fly unless an owner is moving permanently or taking a long trip—two to four weeks minimum.”

Think about it: Flying can be a stressful experience for your dog. It removes them from comfortable and familiar surroundings, then forces them into a situation with loud noises, bright lights, thousands of people, changes in air pressure and cabin temperature, and a limited ability to use the bathroom.

Unless you have a really good reason for bringing your pet with you during your travels, it may be best to leave them home. Consider hiring a pet-sitter, asking a friend or family member to watch your dog, or boarding them at a licensed facility. You might feel bummed out for a few days, but it’s likely better for your pet in the long run.

Cargo or carry-on?

Where your dog is allowed to spend the flight will depend on their size—but it may be a determining factor in whether or not you bring them.

Though rules vary from airline to airline, your dog can typically only fly in the cabin—a.k.a. as a carry-on—if they are small enough to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Any larger than that, and your pup will have to travel in the cargo hold, with the luggage and freight. Most airlines describe this as “shipping” your pet. (Yikes )

Pack an appropriate carrier

Wherever your pet will spend the flight, you’ll need to bring along an appropriate pet carrier or crate. The International Air Transport Association, whose guidelines most airlines follow, has a list of pet carrier requirements (we've even rounded up our favorite airline-approved pet carriers). Generally speaking, your crate needs to be durable and have plenty of ventilation, strong handles, and a leak-proof bottom. You should also clearly mark your pet carrier with the words “Live Animal” and arrows that show which way is up, with a label containing your name, phone number, address, and destination contact information.

How much does it cost?

You’ll typically pay around $125 each way for your pet to fly in the cabin with you, though it varies by airline. The cost of shipping your pet in the cargo hold depends on the combined weight of your dog and their crate, as well as how far they’ll be flying—most airlines offer online calculators for getting an estimate.

Dog Size	Cost	Limits
0-15 pounds	$75	No Limit
16-30 pounds	$125	Less than 4 hours
31+ pounds	$175	Less than 4 hours

Review all of the rules

As you might imagine, airlines have tons of rules and guidelines for flying with your pets. It’s important that you read them thoroughly so your pet isn't turned away during boarding.

• Be sure to get to the airport extra early so you don’t feel rushed.

• If your pet is flying cargo, most airlines require that you arrive at least three hours before the departure time for domestic flights and at least five hours before international flights. You’ll likely need to take your pet to a separate cargo drop-off location at the airport (this is where you’ll pick up your pet after the flight, too), so review your departure and arrival airport maps ahead of time

• If your pet is small enough to fly with you as a carry-on, you’ll go to the passenger check-in desk, where an agent will ask to see all of your dog’s required paperwork. Once you’ve got the all-clear and paid the pet carry-on fee, you’ll head to security. Deal with your shoes, jacket, laptop, and other items before tending to your dog. Then, remove the dog from its kennel and carry it through security while the kennel goes through the X-ray machine. (To speed things up, you may want to remove your pet's collar or harness so it doesn’t set off the metal detector.)

• If you’re checking the dog, make sure to attach a current photo of it to the carrier, as well as a small bag of food so airline personnel can feed it in case of a long delay. Make sure you have a current photo of your dog in your phone, too, so it’s easier to identify should the airline “misplace” your pet—it's not likely, but you'd rather be prepared than not. (Getting your pet microchipped can also help in the event that your pet gets lost.)

Cruise Ships and Travel by Sea

Different cruise ships have different rules about whether a pet or service animal can travel with you and what documents they require. Confirm this ahead of time with your cruise ship. If you travel with your pets internationally on a cruise ship or other maritime vessel, you will be required to meet federal entry requirements to enter or re-enter the United States with your pets. Note that CDC has temporarily suspended the importation of dogs arriving from countries that CDC considers high risk for dog rabies, including dogs that have visited a high-risk country in the past 6 months.

Requirements for Dogs Leaving the United States

CDC does not have requirements for dogs leaving the United States. However, if you plan to return to the United States with your dog, the dog will be required to meet the same entry requirements as dogs arriving from foreign countries (see below). If you plan to take your dog to a country at high risk for dog rabies, be sure to review the importation requirements before leaving the United States, because your dog may not be allowed to return to the United States due to the current temporary suspension, which applies to dogs that live in the United States and have traveled to high-risk countries, even if only for a short visit.

Visit the US Department of Agriculture website for pet entry requirements in foreign countries.