U.S. airline policies for pets as checked baggage
The following information has been collected from the airlines’ published pet policies. It was last updated on February 28, 2012.
For each airline, I have provided a link to the airline’s pet policy. It is a good idea to print out a copy of your airline’s policy, so that if a dispute arises with an airline agent, you will have the actual policy to refer to (not the agent’s potentially faulty memory of the policy).
Please note that the kennel sizes (e.g., Series 500) refer to PetMate Sky Kennel sizes, which seem to be the industry standard. Other crates besides PetMate crates will work, as long as they conform to the IATA Container Requirement for cargo-area airplane crates.
| Airline | Kennels per passenger? | Minimum age? | Largest kennel? | Weight limit (pet + kennel) | Fee (each way) | Reservation needed? | Cargo shipping available? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirTran | No checked pets | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | no |
| Alaska | Not stated (note A) | 8 weeks | Series 500 ("only accepted on Alaska Airlines flights 001-2999") | 150 lbs. | $100 | yes | yes |
| Allegiant | No checked pets | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | no |
| American | 2 (note B) | 8 weeks | Series 500 (not on MD-80s or Boeing 737s) | Not stated | $175 (in the Americas); $150 (to/from Brazil); elsewhere, ask Reservations | no | yes |
| Continental | No checked pets | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | yes |
| Delta | 2 (note C) | Not stated | Series 500 | Not stated | $200 each way | yes | yes (Series 700 max) |
| Frontier | Not stated (note D) | 8 weeks | Series 700 | Not stated | $150 each way | yes | no |
| Hawaiian | 3 (note E) | 8 weeks | Series 400 (B-717 planes) or Series 500 (B-767 and A330 planes) | 70 lbs. (heavier pets must travel as cargo) | $60 (within Hawaii), $225 (elsewhere) | yes | yes |
| JetBlue | No checked pets | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | no |
| Southwest | No checked pets | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | no |
| Spirit | No checked pets | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | no |
| Sun Country | 2 (note F) | 8 weeks | Series 700 | 100 lbs. | $199 per flight segment | yes | no |
| United | Not stated (note G) | 8 weeks | Series 500 (Series 700 within U.S.) | 150 lbs. | $250 each way (North America); price varies for other destinations | yes | yes |
| U.S. Air | No checked pets, as of 3/1/12 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | no |
| Virgin America | No checked pets | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | no |
Notes:
- “No more than one live dog or cat, 6 months of age or older, may be transported in the same kennel. No more than one live puppy, 8 weeks to 6 months of age, and weighing over 20 lbs, may be transported in the same kennel. No more than two live puppies or kittens, 8 weeks to 6 months of age, that are of comparable size, and weighing 20 lbs or less each, may be transported in the same kennel.” (Alaska)
- “If two animals are traveling in the same carrier: They must be of the same species (two cats or two dogs, not one of each). The pets, the container and its contents can weigh no more than 20 lbs. combined. The pets must be between eight weeks and six months old.” (American)
- “Two pets of the same type may be allowed in one kennel, for example two dogs or two cats. They must be small enough to fit in one kennel provided they are compatible and must be of the same species and size, and they must meet the requirements of acceptance. They will be charged as one pet.” (Delta)
- “One container may accommodate up to two puppies or kittens from the same litter, between the ages of 8 weeks and 6 months, and weigh less than 20 lbs each.” (Frontier)
- “One passenger may check-in multiple animals, as long as the aircraft limitation [of 3 animals per flight] is not exceeded.” No more than one adult dog or cat may occupy a single container, except that “Up to 2 puppies or kittens (at least 8 weeks old, but no more than 6 months old and must be fully weaned) may be carried in one kennel, provided they do not exceed a total weight of 25 pounds.” (Hawaiian)
- “No more than two (2) puppies or kittens younger than six (6) months, under 20 pounds, and of the same species may be transported in the same kennel.” (Sun Country)
- Kennel may contain 1 dog or cat, or 2 puppies or kittens (minimum 8 weeks old/maximum 6 months old). (United)
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