How Much Does It Cost to Take a Dog on a Plane? 2024 Update

Updated on Jan 2, 2024

holiday vacation jack russell dog waiting in airport terminal_javier brosch_shutterstock

Traveling with pets has a lot of moving parts, so it’s essential to be well-informed to make travel the least stressful as possible. One significant factor in air travel with dogs is anticipating related costs.

While you can expect to pay about $125 per flight for your dog, other additional costs can make air travel more expensive. Here’s what you can anticipate if you plan to travel by plane with your dog.

General Airline Pet Policies

Many airlines allow pets to board their planes. Small cats and dogs can board as a carry-on and travel as long as they’re kept in carriers that fit underneath your seat. Larger pets may travel in the cargo area if they’re too big to be carry-on pets.

Most pets must travel with an additional pet fee. Service dogs are the only exception to this rule and may ride for free as their handlers’ companions. Keep in mind that emotional support animals (ESAs) don’t qualify as service dogs. So, you’ll have to pay the same pet fees for them to board with you.

Chihuahua dog in transport bag or box ready to travel — Image Credit: Javier Brosch, Shutterstock

How Much Does It Cost to Take a Dog on a Plane?

If you’re interested in traveling with your pet on a plane, you can expect to pay around $90-$125 per pet and plane ride. Airlines usually only allow cats or dogs on flights, but some do allow birds.

Some airlines allow dogs to travel with cargo, and prices may vary depending on the airline. Also, keep in mind that different companies will allow you to travel with either one or two pets of the same breed. The policies will vary, so make sure to check with the airline’s pet policy before booking your flight.

Here are some pet fees for US airlines.

Airline Company	Pet Travel Fee per Flight
Alaska Airlines	$100
American Airlines	$125
Delta	$125
Hawaiian Airlines	$125
jetBlue	$125
Southwest	$95
United	$125

Jack russell dog ready for a walk with owner or hungry ,begging on lap — Image Credit: Javier Brosch, Shutterstock

Additional Costs to Anticipate

There are several additional costs to anticipate when traveling with your pet. First, airlines require pets to have certain vaccinations. They’ll need proof of a valid rabies vaccination certificate from your veterinarian. Most airlines also require all pets to be microchipped in case they get loose in the airport. Others may request additional vaccines, like the Bordetella vaccine.

Airlines also require travel-compliant carriers. Most of them have the same dimensions as the space underneath the seats. However, make sure to check with your specific airline to ensure that your carrier will fit with ample room underneath its plane seats.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Air Travel?

No, preparations related to air travel aren’t covered by pet insurance. However, you may be able to submit claims for any illnesses your pet may have gotten from the plane ride, such as treating an upset stomach.

Pet insurance can also help cover additional costs, like vaccines and microchips. However, not all pet insurance policies include these services in their plans. So, make sure to check with your pet insurance company to ensure that you can receive partial or full reimbursements for any vet bills.

How to Prepare Your Dog for Air Travel

The first thing you want to do is make sure that its vaccines are all updated. If it hasn’t been microchipped, make sure to get one inserted before your trip. Also, verify your information with your microchip’s registry to ensure that all your contact information is correct.

You’ll also want to make sure that your pet is fully crate trained before your flight. This process can take months, so it’s best not to travel with any pets that aren’t completely comfortable being inside a carrier. It can become a highly stressful and negative experience for them and slow down the crate training process.

Once you purchase an airline-compliant carrier, spend a few days or weeks getting your pet used to it. You can place some of its favorite treats or toys inside to make it feel more comfortable.

On the days leading up to your flight, try to keep your pet active and ensure that it’s expending its energy, so it’s less likely to feel pent-up and restless when inside the crate.

Lastly, make sure to familiarize yourself with the airports’ pet relief stations, so that you can allow your pet plenty of time to relieve itself right before and after flights.

dog inside pet carrier — Image Credit: Monika Wisniewska, Shutterstock

Can Dogs Travel with Cargo?

Yes, some dogs can travel with cargo. However, there are some mixed opinions on this. Most pets are safe riding in the cargo area, but there are some cases of injuries, deaths, and pets getting lost in transit. Most US airlines must report companion animal incidents, so make sure to do your research before choosing an airline.

Your pet’s safety will also depend on its comfort level. Brachycephalic dogs shouldn’t be in the cargo area because they can have breathing issues and overheat easily. Dogs with anxious tendencies also shouldn’t be in cargo because they’ll feel too much stress being separated from you.

Conclusion

Taking your dog on a plane is a multi-step process and can have a lot of additional costs, like paying for vaccines or an airline-approved carrier. So, it’s important to communicate with your airline to ensure that you follow their pet policy procedures correctly.

Since it can take some time to complete everything correctly, make sure to book your dog’s flight as early as possible. It’s best to have as much time as possible to get your dog ready to fly without feeling rushed or stressed throughout the process.

See also:

Featured Image Credit: javier brosch, shutterstock