How Much Does It Cost To Fly A Dog
Introduction
Fido may be your furry family member, but that doesn’t mean you can admire his big brown eyes from the window of a plane. Airlines charge hundreds of dollars to bring pets on board—if they’re even allowed in the cabin at all. But sometimes, boarding Fido simply isn’t an option for whatever reason. Maybe you’re traveling for a long period time, or maybe you’re going to see a sick relative and need Fido’s sweet puppy kisses. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to know how much it will cost to take your pet along with you. Keep reading as we break down which airlines charge what and how much it costs to bring your dog on an airplane (or ship them through the cargo hold).
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# Conclusion
Will your dog fly in the cabin with you or as cargo?
If you’re planning to fly with your pet as cargo, you will have to pay a pet fee. This is because airlines typically don’t allow pets in the cabin. However, if you’re flying with your dog as checked luggage or on their lap in the cabin, there is no additional cost when compared with human passengers.
As mentioned above, most airlines will charge an additional fee for pets traveling as cargo instead of in-cabin (if allowed). And while this fee may seem steep at first glance: it’s worth noting that these charges are usually not very high (less than $50). In fact, many people prefer to fly their pets as cargo because it means more time together before and after check-in/check -out
What is the difference between flying as a checked item and flying as cargo?
When it comes to flying your dog, there are two main ways that you can transport him. The first is as a checked item, where he’s enclosed in a crate and sent on ahead of time via ground transportation. The second option is to fly him with you, as cargo.
As far as cost goes, the cargo price will always be higher than flying as checked baggage because there are additional fees associated with transporting animals. But what about service? How does one compare? Well, let’s take one last look at those costs:
What size is your pup?
You’ll want to consider the size of your pet, as well as their carrier, crate and airline. The size of these things will determine whether or not they can fit into the cargo hold of the plane.
The general rule is that animals are allowed on most flights if their weight is less than 20 pounds (10 kilograms). Some airlines have specific allowable weights for each class of service—for example, JetBlue allows up to two pets weighing up to 70 pounds total on international flights but only one pet under 20 pounds on domestic flights.
Some carriers accept only dogs or cats in kennels; others allow small birds in cages; still others are willing to transport other types of pets provided they meet certain requirements (such as being able to fit into a boxy-looking cardboard box). It’s important that you check with your chosen airline before booking a ticket so you know exactly what items are acceptable based on its policies at that time and place.
Does your pup need a crate?
If your dog is small enough to fit in a carrier, you can bring it on board with you. However, if your dog is too large to fit in a carrier, or if it has any behavioral issues that may cause problems for other passengers, then he or she will need to fly as cargo. This can be an expensive option—but fortunately there are ways of reducing the cost!
If you’re flying as cargo and need a crate for your pet:
- Buy one from home (if possible) and bring it with. Otherwise…
- Get one at the airport before boarding (usually around $100). It’s best if they have vertical bars rather than horizontal ones since this gives more space inside where your pet will feel more comfortable
Is there an option to ship by ground freight?
If you can’t fly your dog, then there are several alternatives. You might be able to get your pet on a cargo ship or freight train, but these options are not ideal. They’re often stressful for dogs and they can take days or even weeks to get them where they need to go!
Pets on planes is generally considered the best option if you have the time and money for it; however, if neither of those things applies in your case, don’t despair: there are still plenty of other options available that might work better for you than shipping by ground freight would have.
The cost of boarding pets and the stress of trying to find a good kennel can make flying with your pet seem like the best option.
Flying with your pet is a great option if you need to take them with you when traveling, but it’s also more expensive than boarding them in a kennel.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to fly with your pet and are considering both options, here are some pros and cons of each:
- Pro – Cost: Flying with a pet is less expensive than boarding them at a kennel. If money is tight, the cost difference between flying with your dog and putting it in a kennel can help sway your decision. You may have to spend more money on supplies such as food and toys for your dog during the flight, but overall this option will be cheaper than having him stay at an animal hospital or hotel for several days while you travel.
- Con – Stress: Flying can be stressful for humans; imagine how much more stressful it would be for dogs! Some dogs don’t mind flying at all but others suffer from anxiety when they’re strapped into their seatbelt on an airplane winging through the air at hundreds of miles per hour 30-40 thousand feet above ground level!
Conclusion
Flying with your dog is a great option. You won’t have to worry about them while you travel and they can be by your side the entire trip. Be sure to do some research before flying so that you know what your best options are. Also, most airlines charge less for flying with dogs or cats than other animals such as birds or reptiles, so it may be worth the extra time spent at the airport instead of boarding them for a week if it means having more money in your pocket!