| So many pet owners find it almost imaginable to | | | | seat well. Larger animals may ride in the cargo hold |
| consider leaving their four-legged best friend at home | | | | beneath the plane, but only in specified containers |
| while they travel to various destinations around the | | | | that are approved for safe travel. For the safety of |
| country or around the globe. The good news is that | | | | pets, some airlines will not allow animals to ride in the |
| many airlines allow pet travel, and although it will cost | | | | cargo hold during the cold months of the year. |
| you more, there are more options than ever before | | | | Airlines may also specify that there can only be a |
| when it comes to finding a cheap flight that will allow | | | | particular number of dogs per flight in the cabin, |
| you to bring your pet with you no matter where you | | | | usually three. For this reason, if you plan to travel |
| go (well almost). Pet-friendly flights allow you to take | | | | with your smaller dog, be sure to book your flight |
| to the skies with your pet without worrying about | | | | well in advance and let the airline know that you're |
| boarding the pet at a kennel or hiring a dog sitter. | | | | bringing the dog with you. You will be charged more |
| Finding a pet-friendly airline is not that hard because | | | | for your seat because of the dog being on board |
| airlines have come to the realization that many | | | | with you - and the amount that you must pay is |
| people would simply fly with another carrier than to | | | | significantly more if the dog rides in the cargo hold. |
| not fly with their pets. But there are some that | | | | Some airlines may require that you reserve your |
| haven't gotten on board with being pet-friendly, most | | | | flight at least seven days in advance if you're bringing |
| of them have. Keep in mind that all airlines that allow | | | | a pet. |
| pets to travel by air will also require that you obtain a | | | | And while you can find cheap flights to your location |
| certificate from your veterinarian that certifies the | | | | by comparing travels dates and arranging your |
| animal to be healthy and that the animal has had all | | | | itinerary to fly on days that are cheaper, you can |
| of its shots and is up to date with immunizations. The | | | | expect to pay anywhere from $75 - $370 or more |
| certificate must be less than thirty days old in most | | | | each way for your dog to come along with you. |
| instances. American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Horizon | | | | If you're on a particularly long flight, be sure to bring |
| Airlines, U.S. Airways, American West, United Airlines, | | | | along some treats for your dog to munch on, and |
| and Continental are all considered to be the most | | | | consider purchasing a small water bowl that you can |
| pet-friendly airlines. Many airlines (such as American | | | | stash in his kennel. When you land at your |
| Airlines) will allow dogs that weigh less than twenty | | | | destination, your dog that rides in the cargo hold will |
| pounds (including the weight of their kennel) to ride in | | | | be checked at the airport like a piece of luggage, and |
| the cabin area of the airliner beneath your seat, and | | | | you may have to pay checking fees for the service. |
| the kennel must be small enough to fit beneath your | | | | |