Dog Friendly Airlines – Who Are TheBest Dog Friendly Airlines?

Trying to determine who are the dog friendly airlines? When you’re travelling with your best friend, you want to make sure they’re getting top class treatment. Your furry bestie is no exception – in fact, as the one responsible for their wellbeing it’s even more important to make sure they’re well looked after.

Which airlines are the most dog friendly? Some airlines allow dogs in the cabin; others only in cargo. Catering is another option while others require you to bring your own food. Dog friendly airlines go above and beyond to make sure travelling dogs are well looked after.

Here’s a look at ten of the world’s most dog-friendly airlines.

1. OpenSkies by British Airways

OpenSkies will host your pet either in the cabin or as cargo, depending on weight. If your dog is under 13.2 pounds, they’re even welcome to travel in the cabin with you (in a comfy carrier of course). Any heavier, and they’ll need to complete their journey in the cargo section.

The British Airways website has more information about the conditions and cost of travelling with your pet on their airline.

1. Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic offer flights to many cities around the world that are happy to welcome your dog. Pets travel in the cargo hold, which has a climate-controlled environment to keep them comfortable, and are given water before take-off and after arrival.

Virgin even have a Flying Paws program that offer 1,000 points for short-haul flights and 2,000 points for longer trips. However, there are restrictions on which routes will accept dogs, so take that into consideration when planning your holiday.

For more information and to join the Flying Paws program, check out the Virgin Atlantic website.

1. Lufthansa

Lufthansa are an affordable and highly rated option for travelling with your pet around Europe. Each traveller is allowed two animals. The airline generously offer to host your two pets in the same carrier for a very reasonable fee, if they both fit easily.

Larger dogs will need to be in the cargo hold, but the area reserved for pets is safe and comfortable.

Find out how much Lufthansa will charge to ship your dogs as well as other relevant information on their website.

1. American Airlines

   

American Airlines are one of the world’s most pet-friendly international carriers. For shorter flights, small dogs can fly with you in the cabin, as long as they are kept in a carrier that can fit under the seat.

If you are lucky enough to book a “Cuddle Class” flight (usually between L.A. and San Francisco to New York), your pet could have their own compartment next to your seat!

However for bigger dogs and longer flights, the cargo hold can safely accommodate your pet.

Prices change depending on the size of your dog and the length of the flight, so check the American Airlines website to find out specific conditions for travelling with your pooch.

1. Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines welcomes pets to travel in a carrier in the cargo hold. While they may not be sharing your cabin, you can rest assured that your dog will be well looked after by the airline.

Pets are held in climate-controlled, safe surroundings and delivered directly to you after the flight.

You will need to arrive earlier for your flight, and have the necessary paperwork prepared. Japan Airlines have some important requirements that you can find on their website.

1. Air India

Air India requires that your dog is properly crated and comes with all the required paperwork before they are checked in for the flight. Once these conditions are met, however, they are happy to host your dog either in the cabin or cargo, depending on size.

This airline are welcoming and accommodating to pets, and offer a safe and comfortable environment for them to travel in.

Prices and conditions vary, so enquire directly to the airline to get information specific to your situation.

1. CopaAirlines

Based in Panama but flying to destinations around South America, CopaAirlines are happy to host dogs on domestic flights or mid-week international flights.

Smaller dogs can travel in-cabin, but any larger animals need to be checked in as cargo. CopaAirlines have a great reputation for being a safe option to transport your dog, and connect to many exciting and dog-friendly destinations.

You’ll need to make sure your pet is up-to-date on their vaccinations and have their paperwork ready before you fly. The terms and prices can be found by contacting CopaAirlines and browsing their website.

1. JetBlue

Not only are JetBlue happy to welcome your pet, they even have a rewards program especially for travelling animals! The JetPaws program gives flyers a carrier bag, some helpful and practical tips for travelling with your dog (like how to calm them, and where they can relieve themselves before travelling), and 300 TrueBlue points. The airline also offer specialty pet carriers.

JetBlue mostly operate within the United States and Central America, but their reputation for safe and comfortable travel for pets earns them a place on the list.

1. Air Canada

Air Canada have flights around the world, and you and your dog can travel on almost all of them. Smaller dogs in a carrier are welcome in the cabin, or you can check in your larger carrier as cargo.

The price range depends on the flight and the size of your pooch, so you’ll have to enquire about your personal situation. Terms and conditions are found on the Air Canada website.

1. Air France

   

Size matters on Air France – pets that weigh less than 8 kg can be carried on board in an approved carrier, although the airline recommends the use of a flexible bag instead of a hard option.

Crates and big dogs go in the cargo area, where the pet-dedicated section will keep your dog safe and well contained for the duration of the flight. Air France have a list of conditions that must be met and tips for travelling, so it’s important to check out their website before you book.

Protecting your Pooch

All airlines have conditions about travelling with your dog that will affect where the dog will be kept during the journey, which flights they can be included on, and how much it will cost.

To get onto the best dog friendly airlines, here’s what you need yo consider:

• Size

• Age
• Vaccination status
• Type of carrier
• Breed
• Paperwork
• Status as a service animal

These conditions could affect how expensive it is to transport your dog, and whether the airline will even allow it.

It’s important to do your research, and plan thoroughly before you set out – some airlines encourage pet owners to use a “pet agent” who can help you make sure your travels with your dog are smooth and stress-free.

Conclusion

Travelling with your dog will require some extra effort, and it’s amazing to have them with you – but it’s of the utmost importance that the airline you choose is safe for your pet. Prior planning and making sure all the requirements are met beforehand is the best way to ensure a smooth trip.

Choose wisely, prepare well and enjoy happy travels with your furry friend!