Flying With A Puppy: Everything You Need To Know About Airline Pet Policies

Traveling with pets has become so much easier these days, thanks to all the pet-safe products and travel-friendly options out there. From secure car harnesses to airline-approved pet carriers that make trips more comfortable, there’s no shortage of ways to bring your furry companion along for the ride. Whether you’re heading out by car or taking to the skies, the best pet-safe travel accessories have made traveling with pets less stressful and way more enjoyable for both you and your pet.

Airlines have also stepped up to meet the growing demand for pet-friendly travel. Many airlines allow pet owners to fly with a service dog or emotional support dog at no extra cost, and even if your pet isn’t registered as one, most airlines still let you bring them in the cabin for a fee. However, policies and costs vary, so it’s important to do your homework before booking. Knowing what to expect can make the whole process smoother, from check-in all the way to landing.

Traveling with a pet does come with a few extra costs and steps to consider. Between the airline’s pet fee, travel accessories, a health certificate, and possibly selecting a specific seat, you might spend an extra $100-$300. You’ll also need to arrive at the airport an additional 30-60 minutes earlier than usual to properly check in your pet and get settled in after going through TSA security.

In this blog, we’ll break down the pet policies of major airlines so you can find the best fit for your trip. We’ll cover which airlines are the most accommodating, how fees and requirements differ, and some tips to prepare for a flight with your puppy. Whether it’s your first time flying with a pet or you’re just looking for some extra guidance, this guide will help you make the experience as smooth as possible for both you and your puppy.

How to buy a plane ticket to travel with a pet puppy

Airlines only allow a limited number of pets on each flight, especially in the cabin, so spots can fill up fast. Before you book your ticket, call the airline to make sure there’s room for your puppy on your preferred flight, which can save you from any last-minute surprises at the airport.

Once you confirm that your pet can join you on the flight, proceed to book your reservation. Keep in mind that some airlines charge additional fees for booking tickets over the phone. For instance, Spirit Airlines adds a $25 fee when purchasing tickets through an agent, so you might want to reserve your flight online or via a mobile app to save money. Most airlines include options during the booking process to add a pet to your reservation, so pay close attention to these selections. Double-check the details of your booking to make sure you’ve selected the correct flight and take note of any pet-specific guidelines provided by the airline.

After completing your booking, follow up with the airline to confirm that your pet’s reservation has been added. Depending on the airline, you might pay for your pet’s ticket at the time of booking or you may need to pay at the airport during check-in. Knowing the airline’s process in advance will help avoid confusion or delays on your travel day. Also, ask if any special documentation, like vaccination records or health certificates, is required for your pet, so you can prepare everything beforehand.

Spirt Airlines mobile app lets you add a pet to your reservation when booking a flight

Is the aisle seat or window seat better when traveling with a pet puppy?

This is one of the common questions from pet parents getting ready to fly with their pets, and the answer ultimately depends on your preferences and travel needs. No matter where you sit on a plane, your puppy will need to remain in its carrier under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. That said, you should prioritize your comfort because a relaxed pet parent can help keep a puppy calm. If you enjoy the view or prefer less movement around you, the window seat may be the better option. It allows you and your puppy to avoid disturbances from passengers or flight attendants walking by. This can be especially helpful for nervous puppies who may benefit from the quieter environment a window seat provides.

On the other hand, if you prefer easy access to move around, the aisle seat has advantages. It’s a great choice for longer flights because it allows you to get up for bathroom breaks or to access the overhead bins where you may have stored extra supplies like puppy pads, treats, or water. The aisle seat also makes it easier to stretch your legs while the pet carrier takes up some room at your feet. For flights with layovers, having an aisle seat may help you de-board quicker, giving you more time to check on your puppy before catching your next flight. Ultimately, both options can work well!

How to check in for your flight when traveling with a pet puppy

Checking in with a pet at the airport involves a few extra steps to ensure everything is in order before you board. It’s a good idea to confirm your reservation the night before by checking in online or via the airline’s mobile app, but all airlines require you to visit the service counter when traveling with a pet or puppy. This in-person check-in allows the airline staff to verify that your pet carrier meets the size and safety requirements and to confirm your puppy’s age, weight, and breed.

It’s common for airline agents to request veterinary records during check-in to confirm your puppy is up-to-date on vaccinations or meets other health requirements. To avoid delays, keep all necessary documents organized and ready to present. This might include a health certificate issued by a vet, proof of rabies vaccination, or other paperwork depending on the airline’s specific policies and your travel destination. Having these documents prepared will make the check-in process smoother and give you peace of mind as you start your journey.

Once you’ve completed the check-in process, the airline will issue a tag or ticket for your puppy, which you’ll need to keep with you as you proceed through airport security and boarding. This proves that your pet has been properly checked in and cleared to travel. If you receive a tag, make sure it is securely attached to your pet carrier. With everything in place, you and your puppy will be ready to navigate the airport and embark on your flight with peace of mind!

How to go through airport security when traveling with a pet puppy

Navigating airport security with a pet requires a little extra preparation and patience, but following these tips to go through airport security with a pet will make the process smoother for you and your puppy. While waiting in the security line, keep your pet or puppy secure in its travel carrier to ensure they remain calm and safe. Be mindful of other travelers and keep your pet close to you, especially if the airport is crowded. You will probably have people asking you about your pet or puppy and wondering if they can pet him or her. The choice is yours, but it is recommended to limit contact with people and surfaces in the airport to reduce the risk of bacteria and germs affecting your puppy's health.

Once you approach the TSA screening area, remove any belongings like shoes, jackets, and laptops to place them on the conveyor belt, just as you would during a standard security check. When it’s your turn to go through the security scanner, you’ll need to take your pet or puppy out of the carrier and carry them in your arms. The carrier itself must be placed on the conveyor belt for an X-ray scan. You will walk through a metal detector with your puppy rather than the full-body passenger scanner. Don't worry, metal detectors are safe for pets and won’t harm them! If needed, a TSA agent may perform a pat-down search on you as an additional screening measure, which is entirely normal and shouldn’t take much time.

As part of the security screening process, the TSA agent will also swab your hands to check for traces of prohibited substances. This is a routine procedure, so there’s no need to think you're in trouble. Once you’ve completed the security screening, you can place your puppy back into their carrier and collect your belongings from the conveyor belt. Take a moment to make your puppy is comfortable and that any items you need for your puppy are in a secure spot that you can easily reach. By staying calm and prepared, you can breeze through security and continue your journey with ease.

How to care for your pet puppy at the airport

If you are reading this, then you are probably preparing to fly with a puppy (or pet) for the first time. Also, it will probably be your puppy's (or pet's) first time at the airport and onboard a plane. Here is a list of recommendations to help you in preparation of giving your puppy, and yourself, a fun experience together.

What to do and what not to do with a pet puppy at the airport

Traveling through an airport with your pet or puppy requires extra care, preparation, and awareness. Think of it like traveling with a newborn child! You need to keep your furbaby constantly in sight. Move around the airport at an easy pace without changes in your speed or direction, and pay special attention when stepping onto elevators, escalators, and moving walkways as to not risk your pet or puppy getting motion sickness. It’s also important to never ask someone to watch your pet for you, even when you need to use the restroom or step away momentarily. Your pet or puppy is likely to attract friendly attention from people requesting to pet them, feed them treats, or take photos. While it may be tempting to let your pet interact with others, it’s best to politely decline. As the sole handler of your pet and their food, you can reduce the likelihood of germs being passed to your pet.

To keep your pet hydrated at the airport, bring a refillable water bottle and a portable water bowl for pets. Don’t hesitate to ask restaurants or vendors for ice or fresh water if needed! Carry pet-safe wet wipes for quick cleanups, as well as napkins or paper towels, which are often available at restrooms and food counters. Pack a small bag of your pet’s food and treats, but avoid overfeeding and overwatering to minimize the chance of potty accidents during the flight. For young puppies, you should bring Nutri-Cal to help with their sugar and caloric intake if their appetite is low.

Packing efficiently is key when traveling with a pet. Bring a small personal item, like a backpack, since most airlines allow one free personal item onboard. If you’re bringing a carry-on suitcase, organize it to make your pet essentials easy to access. Store items like treats, wipes, and the water bowl in external pockets or near the top of your luggage so you can grab them easily. This will save you from rummaging through your bag while tending to your pet.

If you’re traveling with a young pet or puppy, it’s important to keep them secured in their carrier as much as possible. However, if you need to take your puppy out of the travel carrier, make sure to place them on a clean blanket, towel, or even an article of clothing to avoid direct contact with airport surfaces. With the heavy foot traffic and germs present in airports, keeping your puppy’s environment clean is essential to their health. By staying prepared and attentive, you can make the airport experience a safe and manageable part of your journey with your pet.

Take the time to inspect pet-relief areas inside airports before letting your pet or puppy use them. While these spaces may seem convenient, they are frequently contaminated with traces of urine and feces from other animals, which could expose your pet to harmful bacteria or parasites. Smell the area and look to see if there is evidence of recent use. Instead, consider using a pee pad inside your pet’s carrier if they need to relieve themselves. This allows you to dispose of the used pad and sanitize the carrier thoroughly, keeping your pet in a cleaner and safer environment.

Traveling with a pet puppy in the United States

There are many things to consider when you begin searching for options to fly with your pet within the United States. The cost of travel may be your first priority but don't "cheap out" at the expense of your pet's comfort. You will also have to consider the availability of flights and airlines at your preferred airports. Options like direct flights, layovers, travel times, and airline policies will determine the best route for you and you pet. These charts will help you decide which airline to choose to travel with your puppy or pet.

Fly with a pet puppy on Alaska Airlines

According to NerdWallet, Alaska Airlines leads the chart of most pet-friendly airlines. Pawrade uses Alaska Airlines for certain routes and recommends them for pet travel. Alaska Airlines is known for its excellent customer service and West Coast-focused routes. Passengers benefit from perks like free in-flight messaging, premium Wi-Fi, and a selection of food and beverage options. Thinking of flying with your puppy on Alaska Airlines? Click here to see where they fly.

Fly with a pet puppy on Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air primarily offers flights along the U.S. eastern and western seaboard. Do your research on reviews and prices, but generally speaking, they offer low-cost trips and have good accommodations for passengers and pets. Due to being a smaller commercial airline, you should check Allegiant Air's route map to make sure your preferred airports are available.

Fly with a pet puppy on American Airlines

American Airlines is one of Pawrade's most trusted airlines. They have a wonderful staff and many flight options, making it a good experience to travel with your pet. American Airlines offers free water and snacks on the plane and flight attendants go out of their way to make sure your puppy or pet is well-attended to. It is worth noting that American Airlines has the highest carry-on pet fee. Thinking about flying with your puppy on American Airlines? Click here to view American Airlines' route map.

Fly with a pet puppy on Avelo Airlines

Avelo Airlines focuses on providing affordable flights between major airports and underserved regional airports, primarily in smaller cities and leisure destinations. Their routes are designed to be direct flights with point-to-travel rather than connecting flights. Passengers can expect lower fares compared to other airlines. Avelo Airlines is a newer airline and making a name for itself with their value-driven, customer-friendly service. Want to check if Avelo Airlines has good options for you? Click here to view their route map.

Fly with a pet puppy on Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines is widely considered a higher-end commercial airline. With over 300 destinations in the USA, they still managed to be #1 of the most punctual airlines in 2024, making them a popular choice to fly with your pet or puppy. Delta planes are reliable and the in-flight experience is better compared to most airlines. Delta offers complimentary in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi, and free snacks on most flights. While Delta's flight prices may be higher than other airlines, they have one of the lowest carry-on pet fees. passengers enjoy comfortable seats, spacious legroom, in-flight amenities, and a personal item or carry-on luggage at no additional charge. Ready to fly with your pet puppy on Delta Airlines? Click here to view their route map.

Fly with a pet puppy on Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines offers low-cost flights with à la carte pricing for options like seat selection, carry-on and checked bags, in-flight services, and priority boarding. Frontier Airlines also features its Discount Den program, which offers exclusive access to lower fares and family-friendly deals. If you're thinking about flying Frontier to travel with your pet puppy, take a look at their city-to-city flights page to see if you can get to where you need to go.

Fly with a pet puppy on JetBlue

JetBlue Airways is known customer-focused approach and has a strong reputation for pet-friendly travel. Through its "JetPaws" program, JetBlue provides resources to help travelers prepare for flying with their pets, including pet travel checklists, tips, and a carrier tag. Passengers appreciate JetBlue's transparency, comfort, and thoughtful policies that make traveling a smoother, less stressful process. Check out JetBlue's route map for help deciding if they are the right airline for you and your pet.

Fly with a pet puppy on Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines focuses on providing affordable flights across America with over 100 domestic destinations. They have many options for direct flights, making them a pet-friendly option for travel. Passengers can typically expect lower fares compared to other airlines, and slightly more legroom, making it more management to fly with a pet puppy. Thinking about flying with your pet on Southwest Airlines? Then check out Southwest Airlines route map to see if you can travel with Southwest to your preferred destinations.

Fly with a pet puppy on Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines is known for its low-cost flights (and yellow airplanes!). They have widespread availability in terms of destinations and flight times, making it a great airline for budget-friendly travel. Spirit does charge for extra amenities like in-flight services and carry-on luggage, but if you are planning a quick trip to pick up your puppy and can pack light, Spirit will be a good option for you. Most seats are comfortable with sufficient leg room and Spirit's pet fee is equal to most other airlines.  Look over Spirit Airlines route map to see where you can travel with a pet.

Fly with a pet puppy on United Airlines

United Airlines has great reviews for customer satisfaction and is a very pet-friendly airline. United has over 200 destinations in the United States and they frequently have competitive rates, so they are commonly used for people flying with pets. United Airlines is able to offer many direct flights and a range of travel times. Their aircrafts provide comfortable seats and sufficient legroom, which is beneficial for traveling with pets. If you want to travel with a pet on United Airlines, check their route map before booking your trip.

Traveling with a pet puppy to Hawaii

Did you know Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the United States? In an effort to protect the residents and ecosystems of Hawaii, there are strict regulations in place to ensure rabies does not enter.

As a result, all pets traveling to Hawaii must have the rabies vaccine, which is administered at 4 months of age. If you want a puppy from Pawrade, you must choose from the list of puppies older than 16 weeks old.

Honolulu is the only port of entry for all pets to undergo a mandatory inspection and quarantine. Hawaii requires a blood sample to be sent to an approved laboratory for the OIE-Flourescent Antibody Serum Neutralization Test (OIE-FAVN) before arrival, as well as a quarantine period for your pet after arriving in Hawaii.

If you are a resident of Hawaii and want to buy a puppy for sale from Pawrade, you will be required to travel to one of the 48 continental states to pick up your puppy and fly home. Make sure to understand all of Hawaii's requirements for pets traveling into the state and speak to a Pawrade Puppy Concierge before reserving your puppy and making arrangements.

Due to these policies, Pawrade does not offer options to deliver a puppy to Hawaii. Considering the mandatory health checks, waiting periods, and quarantine policies, Pawrade and its breeders retain the right to deny Hawaii residents the purchase and adoption of a puppy.

Traveling with a pet puppy to Puerto Rico

As a general rule of thumb, since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, airlines do not require anything more than what has already been mentioned in this blog. There are a few things to specify though! First and foremost, all dogs entering Puerto Rico require "an official health certificate stating that the animal did not originate from an area quarantined for rabies." The health certificate is valid for 30 days after the inspection. Secondly, all dogs over four months of age must have a rabies shot administered within six months of the travel date. Thirdly, any treatment for external parasites must be done within 72 hours prior to entry into Puerto Rico and must have a health certificate for proof. Lastly, all dogs must have "an official individual identification (microchip or a collar with metallic ID Tag)."

Click here to review official information about flying to Puerto Rico with a pet puppy from the Government of Puerto Rico's Department of Agriculture.

Find a puppy on Pawrade to fly home with

Pawrade works with trusted breeders in more than 40 states, giving you a wide range of options to find your dream puppy. You may fall in love with a puppy who lives in a different state, and that’s okay! Pawrade makes it simple to connect with breeders across the country and will assist in arranging a convenient time for you to pick up your new furry friend. If traveling to the breeder’s location is part of your plan, we can even work with the breeder to meet you at their closest airport. This allows you to pick up your puppy and fly home together the very same day, saving time and making the experience even more memorable.

Flying home with your new puppy might seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think with a bit of preparation and a reliable partner like Pawrade. Whether it’s your first time navigating an airport with a puppy or you’re already a pro, this guide is designed to show how manageable and rewarding it can be. Traveling with your puppy creates a unique bonding opportunity as you embark on a new adventure together. With patience and proper planning, you’ll create a smooth, stress-free journey for both you and your furry companion.