I often wondered how airlines determine the cost of my pet’s travel until I started flying with Paul, my Rottweiler.
I learned that what an airline charges to transport your dog, cat, parrot, snake, or any other animal is determined by how much it weighs (including its crate) no matter what time of year.
Why do airlines charge for carry-on pets? At times, the rates vary somewhat from airline to airline, and the methods of calculating may differ.
How Airlines Determine What They Charge Your Pet
The bigger your pet is, the bigger its travel crate, and the more it costs for your pet to travel. For example, let’s use a Cairn terrier traveling in a 27x20x19 inch crate (the correct size for this breed).
The cost would be based on the dimensional weight of the crate, which is just over 68 lbs., or (31kg). If your pet is a Chihuahua or a kitten, it’s less. If your pet is a Labrador, Retriever, or St. Bernard, it’s more.
This is why it is so very important to measure your pet accurately. it has to have a properly sized crate.
Remember that all airlines and pet travel agencies must comply with the IATA/LAR. If the crate is too small, your pet will not be allowed on the flight, for it might be tempting to put your pet in a smaller crate to save money.
Therefore it will require a correctly sized crate and the cost recalculated. It can mean a considerable, last-minute, cost increase—and very likely a missed flight.
Extra Factors to Consider
Other costs to consider include travel crates, health certificates, microchips, customs fees, ground transportation, and other things required by the IATA/LAR.
Although among all these requirements, cargo rates tend to be the heftiest in Pet Travel. What is the difference between cabin, cargo, and baggage travel?
Exploring a destination with your pet is an amazing experience. But that’s the bit that follows after you’ve worked through all the nitty-gritty of how your pet will be flown to the destination on an airplane. Will your pet share a seat with you?
Or will they find space in the baggage deck? Or will they be flying solo on a cargo? All of these questions can overwhelm a pet owner like you. That’s why we are here to help you address all the questions lurking in your mind.
I want you to know that flying with a pet depends on the airline, the destination of travel, and the size and breed of your pet. So, let’s get started!
Pets traveling in the cabin
A small pet is usually counted among the carry-on item. It means that if your pet is small, then she/he can travel with you in the cabin. Of course, at an extra small fee that may vary according to different airlines.
Even when a pet qualifies as small, the airline has certain restrictions on his/her height, weight, size, and type.
To learn more about the airline’s pet travel policy, you should contact the airline and notify them well ahead of time about your travel plans with a pet in the cabin. This step will help you clarify whether your pet will be allowed to fly in the cabin.
I didn’t forget that airlines restrict the number of pets allowed on any flight.
However, during the duration of the flight, your pet should remain in the travel bag. Other than that, airlines also regulate the size of your pet’s travel bag. So, make sure your travel bag meets the requirement.
Similarly, the pet’s weight in the carrier should also be measured to ensure that it falls under the maximum weight limit. If the weight exceeds, agents at the airport gate will refuse entry and further negotiations.
Pets traveling as checked baggage
Pets are flown as baggage when you are on the same flight and traveling in the cargo hold beneath. This practice is usually for medium-sized pets during the duration of the flight, and your pet will be kept inside the kennel that meets the airline-approved size limitation.
With a pet to be sent as checked baggage, you need to arrive early at the airport to run through the process smoothly. To ensure that your pet has a smooth flying experience, contact the airline to find out about the travel dates that are suitable for flying a pet.
Airlines don’t allow pets to travel in the baggage hold on extremely hot or cold days. There are also certain limitations to the number of pets that can travel as baggage on flights. So, you need to get in touch with the airline to clarify.
Pets traveling as cargo
When your pets are flying alone, they are transported as cargo. If your pet travels unaccompanied to a location, this is the situation. It is considered a pricey arrangement that is subject to variation.
If you intend to send your pet as cargo, start early on the process by clarifying whether the airline permits travel for the specific breed your pet is. All the other travel requirements remain the same as the rules of flying a pet through checked baggage.
FAQs
Does my pet count as a carry-on?
If your pet is inside his carrier, it counts as your carry-on bag. Having your dog with you might provide peace of mind — although you’re not allowed to take it out of the carrier during the flight.
Does a pet count as a checked bag?
Traveling on the same flight with your pet where you are in the cabin and your pet in the cargo hold beneath is referred to as baggage. This is usually applicable to medium-sized pets.
Pets are considered checked baggage, and must be contained in kennels with certain dimensions. Therefore, you are expected to check in early at the airport with your pet, and pick them up when the flight has landed. Important: Check the airline’s breed restrictions before traveling.
Why do airlines charge for carry-on pets?
Some additional considerations and costs are associated with that service, but the airline is happy to accommodate pets. These services include staff looking at the animals to ensure they fit our pet fare guidelines.