How do airlines determine the cost of pet air travel?

Quck answer

Airlines determine the cost of a pet plane ticket based on various factors such as the size and weight of the pet, the distance of the flight, and the airline’s specific policies and fees. Some airlines charge a flat fee while others charge based on the weight of the pet. Additionally, some airlines allow pets to travel in the cabin with their owners while others require them to travel in the cargo hold. It is important for pet owners to research the policies and fees of each airline before booking a flight with their furry companion.

Pets

Dick the Dog is getting ready to fly with his owner to St. Petersburg, Florida. Take a look at these pet photos.
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It might seem like you need to have a degree in business management, calculus, and quantum mechanics (along with an interest in astrology) to understand how airlines set fares for plane tickets. Prices for flights from one city to another can vary by hundreds of dollars from one day to the next, and for no apparent reason. On top of that, most airlines have multiple fare classes that can influence the price – even if you’re only looking at the coach section of the plane.

However, pet tickets are less complicated. In most cases, the cost of a pet ticket is a fixed fee, although a few airlines have a sliding scale based on the animal’s weight for pets that travel in the cargo hold. However, unlike human tickets, pet ticket prices remain the same until the airline decides to make a company-wide change to the fee.

Not all airlines allow pets on board. Some only allow pets in the cabin – the part of the plane with passenger seats – while a few airlines only allow pets in the cargo or baggage hold.

In the United States, airlines that allow pets on board must follow strict federal guidelines. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) follows standards set by the Animal Welfare Act. Traveling pets must meet the following requirements:

• Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old.
• Dogs and cats must have been weaned for at least five days.
• Shipping containers must meet specific standards for weight, size, strength, ventilation, and sanitation.
• Dogs and cats cannot be dropped off more than four hours before the plane’s departure unless the owner makes arrangements in advance.
• Animals cannot be exposed to temperatures lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees Celsius) without veterinary approval.

The FAA requires all pets transported in airplane cabins to be in a container that can fit under a passenger seat like any other carry-on luggage. Beyond that, the FAA allows airlines to set their own standards for in-cabin transportation.

It’s important to note that airlines do not consider service animals to be pets. Some airlines do not charge passengers with disabilities for transporting their service animals, although most require documentation proving the animal’s service status. Many airlines allow service animals to travel in the cabin even if they are too big to fit under a seat.

In the next section, we’ll explore the difference between pet tickets for in-cabin flights and the plane’s cargo hold.

Cabin vs. Cargo

Short-snouted dogs, such as pugs, may experience breathing difficulties in cargo holds when the temperature is too high. Each airline has its own fees for transporting pets. Airlines in the United States that permit pets to travel in the plane’s cabin charge fees ranging from $69 to over $175 for a one-way domestic flight. The price of the pet ticket is consistent regardless of the distance traveled; it is the same for a trip between New York and California as it is between two airports within the same state. However, there is a significant caveat: the pet owner must accompany the pet on the flight. Although the price range for pet tickets is relatively wide, most airlines charge between $100 and $150 for each flight. One reason for this is that people who are determined to travel with their pets are willing to pay the price. The high price also serves to limit the number of pets allowed on board each flight, as most airlines restrict the number of animals that can travel in the cabin. Several airlines only permit one or two animals per flight. Higher pet ticket prices lessen the likelihood of multiple pet owners attempting to book the same flight. Airlines may want to restrict pets’ presence to reduce the risk of conflicts between passengers. Even a well-behaved pet can potentially cause problems during a flight, as a customer with allergies may object to someone with a pet sitting near them. Airlines must balance the needs of pet owners with those of other customers. Some airlines offer passengers the option of checking their pets with the rest of their baggage. Although the cargo section of the plane is pressurized like the cabin, U.S. airlines will not transport animals under certain conditions in order to comply with federal regulations. If the temperature of the cargo hold drops too low (below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or 7.2 degrees Celsius, as specified by law) or rises too high during the flight, airlines will not transport pets. Airlines will refuse to carry an animal if the conditions pose a risk to the pet’s health. The price range for cargo shipping is much broader than for in-cabin travel. Prices for pet cargo tickets range from $100 to over $1,000. Some airlines have a sliding scale of rates based on either the weight of the animal or the size of the animal’s crate or cage. Others have a flat rate that applies to animals of any size or weight. Some airlines refuse to transport animals in the cargo hold altogether. If you intend to bring your pet on a trip, you should call several airlines in advance to compare prices. Most airlines that permit pets to travel inside the plane’s cabin only allow cats, dogs, or birds. Rabbits, hamsters, amphibians, and snakes must travel in the cargo section of the plane. As each company has its own set of rules, you should check your preferred airline’s regulations before purchasing a ticket for your pet.

Additional Resources

Related Articles on HowStuffWorks

• Discovering How Pet Microchipping Works
• 6 Pets that Traveled Long Distances to Reunite with Their Owners
• Can Pets Experience Jet Lag?
• 5 Risks to Consider When Traveling with a Pet
• Exploring How Pet Shipping Works

More Useful Links

• Air Transport Association’s Guide to Air Travel for Your Pet
• Pet Friendly Airlines & Travel Tips from Organic Pet Digest

Sources Cited

• Air Transport Association. “Air Travel for Your Pet.” June 7, 2008. (Dec. 29, 2008) http://www.airlines.org/customerservice/passengers/Air+Travel+for+Your+Pet.htm
• AirTran Airlines. “AirTran Airways Contract Terms.” (Dec. 29, 2008) http://www.airtran.com/policies/general_information.aspx
• American Airlines. “Traveling With Pets.” (Dec. 29, 2008) http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/travelInformation/specialAssistance/travelingWithPets.jsp
• Aviation Consumer Protection Division. “Transporting Live Animals.” Department of Transportation. (Dec. 29, 2008) http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publications/animals.htm
• Continental Airlines. “Traveling with Animals.” (Dec. 29, 2008) http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/animals/default.aspx
• Delta Air Lines. “Pet Travel Options.” (Dec. 29, 2008) http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/special_travel_needs/ pet_travel_information/pet_travel_options/index.jsp
• Federal Aviation Administration. “Flying with Pets.” July 24, 2006 (Dec. 29, 2008) http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_pets/
• The Humane Society of the United States. “Summary of Airline Pet-Transport Policies.” March 11, 2008. (Dec. 29, 2008) http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/caring_for_pets_when_you_travel/ traveling_by_air_with_pets/summary_of_airline_pettransport_policies.html
• Northwest Airlines. “Pets Traveling with your Baggage.” (Dec. 29, 2008) http://www.nwa.com/travel/animals/aircraftpets.html
• Organic Pet Digest. “Pet Friendly Airlines & Pet Travel Tips.” 2008. (Dec. 29, 2008) http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/pet-friendly-airlines.html

FAQ

1. How do airlines determine the cost of a pet plane ticket?

Airlines determine the cost of a pet plane ticket based on a variety of factors, including the size of the pet, the type of animal, the destination, and the airline’s policies. Generally, the cost of a pet plane ticket is based on the weight and size of the pet and can range from $50 to $500 or more. Some airlines also charge additional fees for in-cabin pets or for pets traveling in cargo. It’s important to check with the airline ahead of time to understand their specific policies and fees.

2. Why do airlines charge for pet plane tickets?

Airlines charge for pet plane tickets to cover the costs associated with transporting pets, including additional staffing, cleaning, and handling. Additionally, some airlines may also charge for the use of special equipment, such as pet carriers or kennels. The fees collected from pet plane tickets help offset these costs and ensure that pets are transported safely and comfortably.

3. Can I bring my pet on a plane for free?

Most airlines charge a fee for pets traveling on their planes, even if they are small enough to be carried on board. However, some airlines may allow service animals to travel for free. It’s important to check with the airline ahead of time to understand their specific policies and fees.

4. What type of pets are allowed on planes?

Most airlines allow dogs and cats to travel on their planes, but some may also allow smaller animals like rabbits or birds. However, each airline has their own policies and restrictions regarding the types of animals allowed on board. Some airlines may not allow certain breeds of dogs or may require a health certificate for the pet. It’s important to check with the airline ahead of time to understand their specific policies and restrictions.

5. Can my pet travel in the cabin with me?

Some airlines allow small pets to travel in the cabin with their owners, but there are typically restrictions on the size and weight of the pet and the type of carrier allowed. Additionally, some airlines may charge an additional fee for in-cabin pets. It’s important to check with the airline ahead of time to understand their specific policies and restrictions.

6. What should I do to prepare my pet for air travel?

Before air travel, it’s important to ensure that your pet is up to date on all necessary vaccinations and has a health certificate from a veterinarian. Additionally, you should acclimate your pet to their carrier and provide them with plenty of food and water for the trip. It’s also a good idea to check with the airline ahead of time to understand their specific requirements for pet travel.

7. What should I do if my pet gets sick or injured during air travel?

If your pet gets sick or injured during air travel, notify the airline staff immediately. They may be able to provide medical attention or arrange for veterinary care upon arrival. It’s important to have a plan in place and to understand the airline’s policies and procedures for handling pet emergencies.