How much does it cost to fly a dog?

You will need to include your dog's travel expenses if you enjoy taking trips with them and are curious about the cost of flying with a dog. Pet fees on flights typically range from $100 to $200 per trip, though exact costs will depend on your airline and the destination. Before buying a ticket, make sure your pet satisfies the airline's breed and size criteria by reading the pet policy. The airline won't allow them to board if they don't.

Cost to Fly with a Dog.

Every year in the US, almost two million pets and other live animals travel by plane. The Federal Animal Welfare has established guidelines that each airline follows when it comes to pet travel. The recent modification of these rules may have an effect on your trip budget.

What does it cost to fly your dog? How much it costs depends on where your pet rides. Dogs and other pets can fly in two classes, called cabin and cargo, based primarily on size. If your pet is traveling as cargo, be prepared to pay extra.

• In the Cabin

Your pet can usually fly in the cabin if the carrier fits under a seat. For details on pet weight and carrier size, see the airline's rules. When it comes to dogs and other pets traveling in cabins, airlines typically charge a set cost that can range from $30 to $200 for every one-way flight. Depending on the airline, there can be breed restrictions for both dogs and cats.

• In the Cargo

Pets that are larger than normal must fly in cargo, where they are kept in a space beneath the aircraft. Usually, the cost is determined by the weight, size, and crate of your pet; occasionally, there are exclusions for particular airlines or seasons. Domestic flights inside the United States can cost several hundred dollars for each trip, typically ranging from $100 to $600. Additional expenses may be incurred for plane changes and layovers. It's crucial to inquire about costs for particular flights from your airline.

An additional fee is applied to Fly with a Pet. 

Fees for bags: You may be charged extra for checked luggage if you bring a pet in the cabin, as it is typically considered a carry-on.

Cabin carrier: A carrier's fee should not be overlooked; it might range from $25 to considerably more.

Cargo container: Costs usually range from $50 to $150 and is necessary for pets traveling.

You might have to pay more for your own ticket whether your pet travels in the cabin or in cargo. Because of pet limits and other restrictions, you might not be able to choose your preferred airline or set of flights.

Tips to Know While Traveling with a Pet

If your layover is for two hours or less, the airlines will transfer your pet from plane to plane, so don't bother switching carriers. Airlines do not cross-check live animals, so if you have to change planes, be sure you can pick up and recheck your dog at the airport during your layover. Remember that in order to claim your pet during a layover, you must clear customs and abide by the laws of the nation in question. Aim for a layover that is long enough for you to explore the airport dog rest area or take your pet for a stroll.

• Travel on a reliable airline and avoid traveling during the busiest holiday seasons.

• Choose direct flights unless there's no other option. Layovers do nothing but make your pet more anxious.

• In winter, travel midday to escape extreme cold. In summer, travel early or late in the day to avoid heat. This relates only to the instances in which your pet is exposed to high temperatures in the holding and loading areas, not the cargo compartment's temperature, which is legally maintained between 50 and 70 degrees and is pressurized.

• Check that the ID tags on your dog are durable and have your phone number on them.

• A certificate from the veterinarian attesting to the health and up-to-date vaccinations of your pet should be carried with you at all times. Just before leaving, the certificate ought to have been issued.

• A baggage handler should not arrive to pick up your pet before they are supposed to. A $5 gratuity should be given to the baggage handler. Request that he check on the dogs' well-being.

• Nothing that your dog could choke on, rip to pieces, or become ill from should be left in the crate.

If your physician advises you otherwise, avoid giving your dog sedatives like Dramamine for dogs or cats. Dogs and cats that are sedated may have trouble breathing and may find it difficult to adapt to variations in temperature and turbulence. We recommend a natural pet tranquility.