Travel Spork

Have you ever traveled with your pet? Are you thinking about it? Well, good news, it’s not as complicated as you might think. My parrot Tico and I have done some flying together, and we have had nothing but great experiences.  If you have a small pet, here is some friendly advice to help you and your little buddy get to the next destination.

Pet Carriers

If you’re like me, you will want to have your pet with you at all times.  Many vendors sell airline approved pet carriers online, just Google it.  Small cats and dogs (and birds!) are allowed to travel in the cabin on most airlines.  The pet must be small enough to fit in an under-the-seat carrier. Typically a carrier shouldn’t exceed 17″L x 12.5″W x 8″H. Otherwise, if you have a larger pet, you may have to check them in as cargo. Also, make sure your pet has the required vaccination and documentation for each destination of your flight. Most importantly, before you book your flight, check with the regulations of the airline as they may vary.  You can usually find all this information on the airlines website, in the baggage links.

Pricing

The prices for taking your pet are about the average of $100 each way on most major airlines.  Sometimes it varies, so I suggest checking the airline pricing before booking your ticket. I have often found a great deal on airfare for myself, and then got financially raped when booking for my pet.  Can your pet get frequent flier miles? Jet Blue and Continental are the only airlines that I know of that will give you frequent flier miles for your pet. 

Here are a few prices for airlines as of today:

•  NWA $100 each way
• AA $100 each way
• Jet blue $100 each way
• Continental $125 each way
• Southwest $75 each way

Making your Pet Comfortable

As always, make sure to put some food and water in your pet’s dish when they are traveling with you. For water, I usually fill up the dish half-way, and freeze it the night before the flight.  This will prevent the water from sloshing around the carrier when getting to the airport. During the flight, an animal must remain in it’s carrier beneath the seat.  I’m always ‘checking up’ on my pet, to make sure he is comfortable and happy. Just remember, if you are happy, then your pet will be too!