American Airlines
Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old to fly on any American Airlines flight and there is a seven-pet limit per flight. That's why American Airlines recommends making a reservation for your dog as soon as you know it'll be traveling with you. Call the reservations department at 800-433-7300. Dogs are not allowed to be sedated or tranquilized prior to the flight.
As of spring 2010, it costs $100 for your pet to fly in the cabin with you and $150 to check the dog and have it fly in cargo for one-way travel. You will have to pay double that if you have a round-trip ticket.There is no charge for service animals. If your dog is being aggressive or does not look well to travel, American Airlines may not let your pet on board the plane.
Prior to flying, you will need a copy of your dog's health certificate from your veterinarian 10 days before your trip. This certificate basically says the pet is healthy enough to fly and is free of injury and disease. You will also need a copy of its shot records showing its last rabies vaccination.
Jet Blue
Jet Blue only allows four pets per flight, all must be accompanied by someone flying on board and only one dog is allowed per customer. As of spring 2010, it costs $100 per pet each way. Customers flying with a pet must sit in either a window or aisle seat and cannot sit in an exit row.
Jet Blue allows soft-sided carriers on board its flights. The carrier must be 17 inches in length by 12-and-a-half inches in width and 8-and-a-half inches in height. If you don't have a carrier that fits this size, you can buy one at the airport for $50 from an agent at the ticket counter.
You will need to get a copy of you dog's shot records prior to your flight. Make sure this shows its rabies vaccine is up-to-date. Unfortunately, you cannot book your dog's travel online. You will have to do it over the phone by calling the reservation's department at 800-538-2583.
Southwest
You can fly with two small dogs of the same breed on Southwest Airlines. They can even travel in the same carrier if they are 10 pounds or lighter. They cannot fly alone or with a young child. An adult 18 years of age or older must accompany them. If you are traveling with a dog on a flight between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, you'll need to make a reservation for it by calling Southwest Airlines at 800- 435-9792. As of spring 2010, it costs $75 per pet each way.
You will need to check-in for your flight at the ticket counter if you're traveling with a dog. This allows agents to look at your dog and make sure they don't appear to be aggressive or too sick to travel. Southwest Airlines will refuse to let any dog they think is unfit to travel board a plane.
If you don't have a carrier for your dog or need a smaller one, you can buy one from a Southwest agent at the ticket counter for $45. The pet carrier must be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you.
There are a few seating restrictions when traveling with a pet. You cannot sit in an exit row or in the first row of the plane. There is a limit of five pets per flight.
Article Written By Shelby Winchell
Shelby Winchell has worked as a journalist for more than seven years, covering the economy, political figures and celebrities for various websites. She has a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism.
