Flying with pets: Tips for bringing a dog or cat onboard

We reached out to experts for tips on bringing a furry friend on a flight.

I travel with my pets all the time on both road trips and flights. Road trips are easier to navigate because I can plan time for their bathroom and water breaks, but in-cabin air travel tends to be trickier. Depending on how long flights are, it can be stressful for both owner and pet.

However, I’ve discovered a few hacks for smoother travel. First, I have found it more convenient to commute with a soft-sided carrying case, as they are easier to stow underneath the seat in front of you. Most airlines recommend these types of pet carriers because they are more pliant than hard-sided carriers. For some pets, flying is stressful and the trip may be long; I line my carrier with a puppy training pad in case my dog needs to go and cannot hold it the entire time. This also makes for easy clean-up in case of accidents.

Alaska Airlines spokesperson Tricia Bruckbauer said via email that the airline saw about 180,000 guests traveling with pets in the cabin in 2022 compared to approximately 70,000 in 2020. (Nearly one in five American households have acquired a pet amid the pandemic.) With pet travel on the rise and many airlines maintaining different rules and procedures, we reached out to additional experts for more tips on how to best travel with animals.

Confirm with the airline in advance.

Many airlines require advance notice when planning to bring a pet on the flight. Bruckbauer stressed the importance of confirming there is space available to accommodate a pet. Most airlines designate a certain number of pets allowed on an aircraft.

Make sure your pet fits in the kennel, and the kennel meets the airline's requirements.

Bruckbauer also stresses the need to "ensure your pet fits in the kennel/carrier and is comfortable being in the kennel/carrier." The last thing you want is to arrive at the airport and realize the carrier is too large to meet the designated dimension requirements.

Pro tip: Travelers flying JetBlue can order a compliant carrier that meets the airline's requirements for $40.

Locate each airport's pet relief stations ahead of time.

Another great tip from Bruckbauer is to check ahead of time to locate where the pet relief stations are in the airports you are traveling to and from. "Guests should check their local airport's website for information about the location of relief areas in their airport," Bruckbauer wrote via email. San Francisco International Airport, for example, has both indoor and outdoor areas.

Train for the flight in crowded areas.

Dr. Zac Pilossoph, a consulting veterinarian at Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, recommends preparing for a flight by "training your pet to be used to crowded areas with louder sounds than normal." This can "help to desensitize them to this situation," Pilossoph wrote in an emailed statement provided by a publicist.

Purchase a ThunderShirt for your pet.

The ThunderShirt is a calming wrap that applies pressure to your pet's body, which is meant to help them feel safe. Pilossoph said pet parents have reported success when using ThunderShirts for situational anxiety. Additionally, the veterinarian recommends crate training ahead of time.

Feed your pet a small pre-flight meal.

Feeding your dog at least four hours before boarding is recommended by Pilossoph, because this allows for digestion time.

Consider flying private.

VistaJet, a private jet charter service, launched VistaPet in 2019 to offer pets and their owners a luxury private flying experience. The airline provides such amenities as organic food and treats, and fur wipes. While this over-the-top experience might not be accessible to everyone, it does indicate the lengths to which owners can go to ensure pets travel safely.

Make sure you have the proper paperwork.

Having proper paperwork is essential; for example, rabies certification. United Airlines, for one, requires rabies and health certificates if you and your dog or cat are traveling abroad and also encourages you to bring a health certificate from a veterinarian within 28 days or more of a trip. Each airline has their own set of rules, so it is vital to do your research ahead of time. I usually take call the airline ahead of a flight to verify any questions I have.

For international travel, there may be different requirements along with mandatory documents that need to be submitted. For instance, pet transport to Hawaii requires proof of two rabies vaccinations, among other requirements, as well as fees, according to the state.

Be aware of current restrictions.

Check for any restrictions beforehand and allow yourself plenty of time to collect the information you need. For example, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control currently has a temporary suspension in place through July 31 on dogs entering the country "from high-risk countries for rabies."

Alaska Airlines

American Airlines

Delta

JetBlue

United Airlines

Here are some products to make for smoother travel with your furry friend:

Little Beast Dog Sweater - starting at $55

If you are able to bring your pet in the cabin, chances are they are small; keep them warm with a soft and comfortable knit sweater.

Natural Hound Bully Sticks - $42

These are odorless and long-lasting, perfect for keeping your dog busy on those long flights. They contain no additives or preservatives and help to keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy as they chew.

Honey Care Dog and Puppy Training Pads - $18.99

Throw some of these in your bag for emergencies. They are super absorbent and can be placed inside your pet's carrier as a liner in case there is a potty accident.

SLSON Collapsible Bowl with Cover - $6.99

This bowl is great for travel because it is easy to carry and takes up minimal space. Best of all, it has a lid to store your pet's food on the go.

Portland Pet Food Company Bacon Brew Biscuits - $9.99

Make sure to bring treats. These all-natural, human-grade biscuits are easily digestible and not messy to store.

Macevia Fluffy Fleece Dog Blanket - $10.99

Place a blanket inside your pet's carrier so they feel right at home. Sleep with the dog blanket a week ahead of time so that it has a familiar scent, which might help to make them feel more comfortable.

ThunderShirt for dogs - $44.95 and ThunderShirt for cats - $39.95

The patented design and compression of these shirts may help to reduce fear and anxiety, according to the website. They’re easy to put on and take off; just make sure you do several trial runs at home prior to the day of travel.

Behind the Scenes: The Mysteries of the Dogs of Instagram: The Whys, Whats & Hows Paperback - $6.99

How about a fast and fun read for the human on the flight? This hilarious book gives readers some insight into the world of Instagram and pet influencers. Author Louise Hall Reider's own tiny shih tzu, Lady Boujee, is one of the celebrities, which is what inspired her to write the book.