Pet Travel Safety: Airline Policies

Airline Policies

When we talk about air travel regulations, there are federal, state, and airline regulations. The federal regulations set minimum standards for domestic travel, whereas state regulations oversee entry into their individual jurisdiction. Airlines must meet these minimum standards and will often create their own policies that are more stringent than federal and state regulations. Ahead of travel, owners should research the minimum age requirements for travel for their chosen airline.

“USDA Animal Welfare Act Regulations mandate the minimum age requirements for air travel via cargo is eight weeks of age for dogs and cats. However, an airline can establish policies that are more stringent than USDA and require the minimum age for travel to be greater than eight weeks of age.”

Dr. Nelva Bryant, When Pets Fly

Click on each airline to be directed to their pet travel policy:

American Airlines

Air Canada

Air France

Alaska Airlines

Copa Airlines

Delta Airlines

Emirates

Frontier Airlines

JetBlue

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Lufthansa Airlines

Southwest Airlines

Spirit Airlines

TAP Air Portugal

Turkish Airlines

United Airlines