Quck answer
Pets are stored in the cargo hold of the plane, which is pressurized and temperature-controlled. However, some airlines allow small pets to travel in the cabin with their owners as carry-on luggage. It’s important to check with the airline regarding their specific pet policy and requirements before booking a flight with a pet. Additionally, pet owners should ensure their pet is healthy enough to travel and properly secured in an airline-approved carrier.
Pets
Not all pets can be checked as luggage on flights. In 2004, Emily the cat went missing and later appeared as a stowaway on a plane to France. Eventually, she was returned to her owner in Milwaukee. See more pictures of pets.
AP Photo/Christophe Ena
Traveling with a pet in a car can be troublesome. Although your furry friend may sit quietly during the journey, it’s possible that your dog or cat might whine inside the crate or perch on your shoulder. Traffic jams, pet walks, and hairballs can also pose a problem. However, leaving your beloved pet behind is often unthinkable, and for this reason, most commercial airlines permit passengers to bring their pets along. In the United States alone, approximately two million animals, including pets, travel by air each year [source: U.S. Department of Transportation].
However, pets aren’t considered equal to humans and they cannot enjoy first-class amenities. In general, they are categorized as carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or cargo.
So, where do airlines store all of these cute and cuddly pets? Keep reading to find out.
Understanding How Caged Pets Fly
A woman and her dog check in for their flight at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
AP Photo/Dima Gavrysh
If you’ve ever read Jim Davis’ “Garfield” comic strip, you’ve probably seen one of the orange feline’s attempts to airmail Nermal the kitten to Abu Dhabi. Although it may seem comical, it’s important to consider the possible consequences. Assuming that Nermal’s box passes through security, the airline might store the kitten in an unpressurized and unregulated cargo hold. Even if Nermal survives without food or water and doesn’t experience lethal temperature changes, he may have to be euthanized upon landing in the Middle East.
Fortunately, such tragedies are rare these days. However, flying can be hazardous and stressful for pets, even without feline-plotted foul play. Most airlines recommend that pets be at least eight weeks old and weaned before flying. Even healthy adult pets may not be suitable for air travel, as some snub-nosed pets have difficulty breathing and dog breeds like pugs are prone to overheating, making them unsuitable for checked baggage.
Nevertheless, most airlines allow pets to be shipped as cargo without an accompanying owner. The specific rules for transporting pets vary based on the airline, destination, and animal breed. Usually, pets are confined to an approved carrier in the cargo hold.
It is possible to transport pets as cargo on airlines all year round in temperature-controlled sections of the cargo hold. However, airlines often have restrictions during extreme hot or cold weather conditions due to the fact that other parts of the terminal may not be climate-controlled. Baggage handlers secure animal crates and may use air cushion rolls to wrap them. The size and conditions of the cargo hold depend on the type of plane and airline. In the US, pet baggage is not accepted if the forecast calls for temperatures below 45 degrees F or above 85 degrees F due to regulations governed by the Animal Welfare Act. With proper acclimation certification, some animals may be permitted to endure hotter or colder conditions. If pets are brought as checked baggage, they will travel under the same conditions as those shipped as cargo. However, if they are brought as a carry-on, they will experience the same flying conditions as their owners, but must remain in their carrier for the duration of the flight. Chartered flights are a pricier alternative for pampered pets, and some companies even offer pet-friendly flights with specially designed passenger cabins. Before booking travel with a pet, research airline and destination policies, as some airlines only allow certain types of pets to travel as personal pets. Certified service animals may be allowed to travel in the cabin with their owners.
Additional Information
Related Articles on HowStuffWorks
- Understanding Pet Microchipping
- 6 Incredible Pet Journeys Home
- Can Pets Experience Jet Lag?
- Top 5 Risks of Driving with a Pet
- A Guide to Pet Shipping
More Useful Links
- Visit PetTravel.com
Sources Cited
- “Airline Pet In-Cabin and cargo Container Requirements.” PetTravel.com. 2008. (Jan. 6, 2009)http://www.pettravel.com/Airline_Pet_Container_Requirements.cfm
- “Guidance Concerning Service Animals in Air Transportation.” U.S. Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection Division. May 9, 2003. (Jan. 6, 2009)http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/rules/20030509.doc
- “Pet Travel Information.” Delta Air Lines. (Jan. 6, 2009)http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/special_travel_needs/pet_travel_information/index.jsp
- “Transporting Live Animals.” U.S. Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection Division. (Jan. 6, 2009)http://airconsumer.dot.gov/publications/animals.htm
- “Traveling With Pets.” American Airlines. (Jan. 6, 2009)http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/travelInformation/specialAssistance/travelingWithPets.jsp
FAQ
1. How are pets transported on a plane?
Pets are usually transported in the cargo hold of the plane. The cargo hold is pressurized and temperature-controlled to ensure the comfort and safety of the pets during the flight. However, some airlines allow small pets to travel in the cabin with their owners if they are in an appropriate carrier that can fit under the seat.
2. How are the pets’ carriers secured during the flight?
The pets’ carriers are secured in the cargo hold using straps and other restraints to prevent them from moving or tipping over during the flight. The cargo hold is specially designed to accommodate pet carriers and has proper ventilation and lighting to ensure the pets’ comfort.
3. Is it safe for pets to travel on a plane?
Yes, it is generally safe for pets to travel on a plane if the proper precautions are taken. Airlines have strict regulations regarding the transportation of pets to ensure their safety. However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before traveling with a pet to ensure that they are healthy enough to fly and to obtain any necessary medications or vaccinations.
4. Can pets be sedated during the flight?
It is not recommended to sedate pets during a flight as it can be dangerous and potentially lethal. Sedatives can affect the pets’ respiratory and cardiovascular systems, which can be exacerbated by the altitude and pressure changes during the flight. It is best to consult with a veterinarian for alternative options to help calm pets during the flight.
5. What are the requirements for traveling with a pet on a plane?
The requirements for traveling with a pet on a plane vary by airline and destination. Most airlines require that pets have a health certificate from a veterinarian and are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Additionally, pets must be in an appropriate carrier that meets the airline’s size and weight requirements. It is important to check with the airline before traveling to ensure that all requirements are met.
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