Northwest Airlines
Northwest Airlines Reservations
United States: 800-225-2525
International: see website
Carry-On Pet Policy:
Northwest Airlines accepts small domesticated dogs, cats and birds in the passenger cabin on all flights within the U.S. (except to Hawaii) and on flights to many international destinations. Some birds are also permitted on domestic flights. Northwest does not permit carry-on pets to destinations in Hawaii, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Oman, Singapore, South Africa and the United Kingdom. The maximum combined weight of your pet(s) and carrier is 15 pounds in order to travel in the cabin. For travel within the U.S., and between the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, a one-way fee of $150 will apply for each pet transported in the passenger cabin. International pet fees will vary depending upon the origin and final destination. Carry-on pets are not permitted in WorldBusiness Class on Northwest A330 aircraft, due to the lack of sufficient under seat storage space. This restriction does not apply to service animals, nor does it apply to WorldBusiness Class on Northwest's 747 aircraft or Economy Class on any of its aircraft. Many states and foreign countries require that pets be accompanied by a health certificate. However, Northwest Airlines does not require a health certificate for carry-on pets. Nevertheless, it is the passenger's responsibility to ensure that proper documentation is available in the event that it is requested. To avoid gate processing fees, passengers traveling with carry-on pets must inform agents at the Northwest ticketing counter at least one hour prior to departure for domestic flights and two hours prior to departure for international flights that they are traveling with a pet in the cabin.
Checked Bagage/Cargo Policy:
Dogs, cats, household birds, and other pets like rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs may travel with your baggage on all U.S. domestic flights and on flights between the U.S. and Canada. On international flights, pets traveling with baggage are limited to dogs and cats only. The charge for pets traveling with baggage on domestic flights is $275 (each way). International fees vary based on weight/kennel size. Check with Northwest Airlines directly to determine the exact fee for your pet. Northwest Airlines observes a summer embargo period between June and September of each year, during which time pet travel in cargo may be restricted due to extreme temperatures that are unsafe for your pets. If you are traveling during these months with pets too large to carry onboard in the cabin, it is recommended that you carefully review Northwest's website regarding its embargo policy.
Carrier Guidelines:
For the safety and comfort of your pet, please make sure your pet can fit comfortably inside its pet carrierl. The carrier must be large enough to allow your pet to move about. No part of your pet may extend outside of the carrier. For pets traveling in the passenger cabin, pet carriers must be leak proof and be ventilated on two or more sides. The maximum carrier size permitted in cabin is 17" long x 12" wide x 8" high. For pets traveling with checked baggage, pet carriers must adhere to the requirements mandated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, visit Northwest Airline's website.
Pet Reservations:
Northwest Airlines limits each flight to six pets in the cabin - two in First or WorldBusiness Class and four in economy. On Northwest Airlink flights operated by Mesaba and Pinnacle Airlines, there is a limit of four pets per flight - two in First Class and two in economy. Therefore, it is important to reserve a ticket for yourself and your pet as soon as possible after your travel plans have been confirmed. Pets less than eight (8) weeks old are not permitted. Two pets of the same species may share a carrier if they are between three and six months old and of comparable size not weighing over 15 pounds total, including the carrier. Like all airlines, you can call Northwest to book a flight for you and your pet. However, unlike the other major airlines, Northwest allows you to reserve a spot for Fido in the cabin when you make your reservation online. Just go to www.nwa.com, make your reservation, and then click on "Manage My Reservations" to add a carry-on pet. You will then be able to pay for your pet fee online, rather than having to do so at the ticketing counter at the airport.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines Reservations
United States: 800-435-9792
International: see website
Carry-On Pet Policy:
Beginning June 17, 2009, Southwest Airlines will allow customers to carry small pets (cats and dogs only) on board all Southwest Airlines flights. All in-cabin pets must be carried in an appropriate pet carrier. The pet fee will be $75.00 each way per pet carrier. Each customer will be limited to carrying one pet carrier on board. The carrier may contain up to two cats or dogs of the same species. The carrier will count as the customer’s carry-on bag. Southwest does not require a health certificate or any other documentation from the customer’s veterinarian for pets to travel.
Checked Bagage/Cargo Policy:
Pets are not allowed in the cargo area on Southwest Airlines.
Carrier Guidelines:
Soft-sided and hard-sided carriers specifically designed as pet carriers are acceptable. The carriers must be leak-proof and well ventilated. The pet carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of the customer and be stowed in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The cat or dog must be able to stand up and move around the carrier with ease.
Pet Reservations:
Reservations for small cats or dogs can only be booked by calling Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Pets will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached. The total number of pet carriers per flight is limited to five at this time, so customers should make their pet reservations as soon as they confirm travel plans to ensure availability for their pets. The pet fee must be collected at the ticket counter and is nonrefundable and may not be applied toward future-date travel if unused. Customers traveling with a cat or dog must check in pet at the airport ticket counter and pay the pet fee before going to the departure gate. Customers can still secure their boarding pass online, at curbside checkin, the airport kiosk, or the ticket counter. Southwest Airlines does not accept pets traveling without a customer, and pets are not permitted to travel with unaccompanied minors.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines Reservations
United States: 800-772-7117
International: see website
Carry-On Pet Policy:
Spirit Airlines accepts small pets (domestic dogs, cats and small household birds ONLY) for transportation in the passenger cabin on flights within the continental United States. Dogs and cats, but not birds, are also permitted in the cabin on flights to/from Puerto Rico or St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. Pets are not permitted in the cabin on international flights. For travel occuring on or after January 22, 2009, the fee for bringing your pet in the cabin will be $100 each way. Pet fees must be paid at the time of making your reservation. Each passenger is limited to bringing one pet carrier containing up to two pets. Since the fee is per container, passengers traveling with two puppies or kittens in the same compartment will only have to pay one pet fee. Many states and foreign countries require that pets be accompanied by a health certificate. However, Spirit Airlines does not require a health certificate for carry-on pets. Nevertheless, it is the passenger's responsibility to ensure that proper documentation is available in the event that it is requested. Passengers traveling with pets must check-in at the ticket counter. Curbside or self-service check-in is not available. Please allow extra time beyond normal check-in guidelines when traveling with your pet.
Checked Bagage/Cargo Policy:
Due to the extreme temperatures that may be experienced in cargo areas, Spirit Airways does not transport pets as checked baggage.
Carrier Guidelines:
Pets traveling in the cabin must remain in a pet carrier at all times while on the aircraft. Pets must be free to stand in an upright position and comfortably move about the carrier. A maximum of two similar pets may share the same container, provided that they can meet these requirements when inside the container. The dimensions of the pet carrier must not exceed 18" long x 14" wide x 9" high. The pet carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. Soft-sided containers are permitted in the cabin, but not the type which permit the pet’s head to remain outside the container.
Pet Reservations:
Spirit Airlines limits the number of pet containers inside the cabin to four per flight on routes within the U.S., including San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. Therefore, it is essential that you reserve a ticket for yourself and your pet as soon as possible after your travel plans are confirmed.
Sun Country
Sun Country Airlines Reservations
United States: 800-359-6786
International: see website
Carry-On Pet Policy:
Sun Country Airlines accepts small cats and dogs (16 pounds or less) in the aircraft cabin on flights to within the contiguous United States. Sun Country does not transport pets on international flights or on flights to/from Anchorage. Only one pet per ticketed passenger is allowed. The fee for a pet traveling in the main passenger cabin is $75 per flight. Your pet in its carrier is considered a carry-on item and must be included in your regular carry-on allotment. Only one pet per carrier is allowed.
Checked Bagage/Cargo Policy:
Sun Country does not accept animals of any kind as checked baggage or cargo.
Carrier Guidelines:
Pets traveling in the cabin must be contained in a carrier that does not exceed the dimensions of 16" long x 11" wide x 8" high. Your pet must be able to stand up and move around in the carrier with ease. Only soft-sided carriers designed as pet carriers are allowed. The carrier must have a leak-proof bottom and be well-ventilated on at least two sides. Your pet must remain in its carrier and stowed during the entire flight underneath the seat in front of you.
Pet Reservations:
Sun Country requires you to make advance arrangements for travel with your pet. Availability is limited, so it is important for you to reserve a ticket for you and your pet as soon as possible after your travel plans are confirmed. Just call Sun Country Airlines Reservations at 1-800-359-6786, (Mon-Sun, 5am-Midnight Central Time) and advise the agent that you are traveling with your pet.
United Airlines
United Airlines Reservations
United States: 800-864-8331
International: see website
Carry-On Pet Policy:
Dogs, cats and household birds (canaries, finches and parakeets) are accepted for travel in the cabin on most United Airlines flights. Tropical birds such as parrots are not allowed in the cabin. No pets are allowed in the cabin on flights to Hawaii, with the exception of certified guide dogs. Pets traveling in the cabin must be at least eight weeks old and must be small enough to fit and stay comfortably in a carrier under the seat in front of you. The fee for pets traveling in the cabin is $125 per pet (each way for flights within the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada and Puerto Rico). International rates vary. Passengers traveling with pets must check in at the airline ticket counter. Curbside or self-service check-in is not available. Please allow extra time for the check-in process when traveling with pets.
Checked Bagage/Cargo Policy:
Dogs, cats, household birds, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs may be accepted as checked baggage on United Airlines flights. For all other animals, including but not limited to parrots, cockatiels and ferrets, please contact United Cargo at 1-800-UA-CARGO or visit unitedcargo.com. Pets accepted as checked baggage can ride in the pressurized and heated cargo compartment of the aircraft you are ticketed on. The fee is $250 (each way). These are domestic rates; international fees may vary. Please note that United Airlines does not accept certain short-nosed dog breeds in cargo during the summer months of each year (June 1 through September 30) due to extreme temperatures that may exist in the cargo area of planes. Also, United Airlines reserves the right to restrict all pet travel in cargo when extreme temperatures are anticipated. Please visit United Airlines' website for more information. When checking pets into cargo, arrive at the airport early. However, please note that you cannot check in your pet more than four hours before the flight (six hours by special arrangement).
Carrier Guidelines:
For pets traveling in the cabin, pet carriers may be either hard- or soft-sided and must prevent escape of your pet into the cabin. No part of the animal should protrude from the carrier, and the floor must be absorbent enough to retain liquids and solids. Ventilation must be adequate. Dimensions of hard carriers may not exceed 17" long x 12" wide x 8" high; soft carriers should not exceed 17" long x 10" wide x 10" high. Note that a pet carrier counts as either a passenger's carry-on bag or personal item. For pets traveling in cargo, pets must be kept in approved containers. The carrier must be sturdy, properly ventilated, and large enough for your pet to stand, lie down, and turn around freely. The carrier must close securely with a mechanism that requires no special tools to operate. For more information on approved carriers, please visit United Airlines' website.
Pet Reservations:
Whether your pet is traveling in the cabin with you or in cargo as checked baggage, it is important to contact United Airlines by telephone to reserve tickets for yourself and your pet. Call for reservations at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) and let the agent know that you are traveling with your pet. If you are traveling with puppies or kittens (at least eight weeks but no more than two months old) or small domestic birds, United Airlines permits up to two animals per approved carrier. Contact the airline directly for more information.
US Airways
US Airways Reservations
United States: 800-428-4322
International: see website
Carry-On Pet Policy:
US Airways permits passengers to bring one small domestic dog, cat or bird in the cabin on most flights for a $100 fee (each way). Carry-on pets are not allowed on transatlantic flights or flights to/from Barbados and Hawaii. Only dogs and cats are allowed to/from Mexico and Costa Rica. Call the airline directly at 1-800-428-4322 for additional requirements for international travel. Pets must be at least eight weeks old and be small enough to fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Passengers traveling with pets must check in at the airline ticket counter. Curbside or self-service check-in is not available. Please allow extra time for the check-in process when traveling with your pet.
Checked Bagage/Cargo Policy:
US Airways' hub cities of Phoenix and Las Vegas have extreme temperatures that regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. For the safety of your pet, US Airways does not accept any animals in its cargo compartments. One exception is that the airline will accept dog, cats and birds as checked baggage on nonstop US Airways Shuttle flights between/among Boston (BOS), Washington D.C. (DCA) and New York (LGA). Connections are not permitted. The customer must travel on the same flight as their pet. Customers should contact US Airways in advance to arrange for pets to travel as checked baggage on US Airways shuttle flights.
Carrier Guidelines:
For pets traveling in the cabin, pet carriers may be either hard- or soft-sided and must be leak-proof and escape-proof. Carriers must be ventilated on at least two sides and must not allow any part of your pet to protrude outside of the container. Carriers must provide room for your pet to stand up and turn around. Dimensions of hard-sided carriers may not exceed 17" long x 16" wide x 8" tall; soft-sided carriers should not exceed 17" long X 16" wide X 10" tall. On US Airways Express flights, pet carriers must not be more than 15" long x 17" wide x 8" tall on CRJ aircraft, more than 16" long x 17" wide x 8" tall on DH3 aircraft or more than 15" long x 14" wide x 8" tall on BH1 aircraft. Contact US Airways directly for carrier requirements for pets traveling as checked baggage on US Airways Shuttle flights.
Pet Reservations:
The number of pets that may be carried in each cabin is limited. Therefore, it is important that you contact US Airways as soon as possible after confirming your travel plans to reserve tickets for yourself and your pet. In order for your pet to travel with you, you must make your reservations on flights with cabin pet space available. Call 800-428-4322, and let the agent know that you are traveling with your pet.
Virgin America
Virgin America Reservations
United States: 877-359-8474
International: see website
Carry-On Pet Policy:
Virgin America is a pet-friendly airline that accepts cats and dogs in the passenger cabin of its aircraft for a $100 fee (per segment). Passengers are limited to one pet carrier per purchased seat. Guests with pets cannot be seated in the exit row, the first row of the main cabin or the first class cabin. In order to travel, puppies and kittens must be at least eight weeks old and weaned. The total weight of your pet and its carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds. Travelers with pets must present a veterinary certificate dated within 30 days prior to departure that indicates that the shots are current and that the date of birth is listed and is verified to be greater than eight weeks of age. Carry-on pets count towards a guest's carry-on baggage allowance.
Checked Bagage/Cargo Policy:
Pets checked as baggage are not accepted on Virgin America flights.
Carrier Guidelines:
Pet carriers must be properly ventilated, have a floor designed to absorb and retain solids or liquids, be escape-proff, and prevent any part of your pet from protruding from the carrier. Pet carriers may not exeed the dimensions of 18" long x 15 wide x 8" high and must fit directly under the seat in front of you. The carrier must have plenty of room for your pet to move around comfortably. Pets must stay enclosed in their carriers while onboard and in the airport terminal.
Pet Reservations:
Because the number of pets permitted on flights are limited, please call reservations at 1-877-359-8474 to make arrangements for traveling with your pet as soon as your travel plans are confirmed. When booking your reservation, you will be advised to contact your veterinarian to determine stations or government requirements for pets to their final destination.
WestJet
WestJet Reservations
United States: 888-937-8538
International: see website
Carry-On Pet Policy:
WestJet permits domestic cats, dogs, rabbits and birds to travel in the passenger cabin for a fee of $50 each way. Pets are not permitted to travel to Hawaii on WestJet flights due to quarantine restrictions. Passengers are limited to traveling with one pet whose maximum weight (including carrier) is 22 pounds (10 kg). Most pets (cats and dogs) on most transborder flights will need a health certificate from their veterinarian as well as proof of rabies vaccine in the last year. It is the owner's responsibility to obtain this certificate prior to traveling. Please ensure that you check in a minimum of two hours prior to your flight time. If traveling to or from the United States, WestJet cannot accept your pet for check-in more than two hours prior to the scheduled departure of your flight.
Checked Bagage/Cargo Policy:
For pets too large to travel in the main passenger cabin, WestJet allows them to travel as checked baggage for a fee of $50 each way. Pets allowed to fly in this manner are cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, chinchillas, guinea pigs and hedgehogs. The maximum combined weight of your pet and the carrier is 100 pounds (45 kg). During certain times of the year, because of the potential for extreme temperatures in the cargo area of planes, pet travel as checked baggage is not available. It is recommended that you contact WestJet for further information about this policy if you intend to transport your pets in cargo during periods of potentially dangerous temperatures. Also, pet travel in check baggage is not available from December 15th through January 6th each year.
Carrier Guidelines:
When traveling in the passenger cabin, pets must be contained in a soft-sided carrier with maximum dimensions of 16" long x 17.5" wide x 8.5" high (40 cm x 44 cm x 21.5 cm). Your pet must be fully enclosed in the carrier at all times when onboard the aircraft. The carrier must remain under the seat in front of you during the entire flight. Pets traveling as checked baggage must be contained in a hard-sided kennel designed for air travel. Your pet must be able to stand up and turn around inside the carrier, and the carrier must be leak-proff and lined with absorbent materials. Kennels must be well-ventilated and secure. Kennels made of wire or welded mesh or with a plastic door are not permitted. The maximum carrier size is 36" long x 24" wide x 26" high (91 cm x 61 cm x 66 cm).
Pet Reservations:
Because space for pets in the cabin and in the cargo areas is limited, it is recommended that you contact WestJet to reserve a ticket for yourself and your pet as soon as possible after confirming your travel plans. Simply contact WestJet at 1-888-937-8538 and tell the agent that you are traveling with your pet.
Pet Directory
