The Most Pet-Friendly Airlines
Dash at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport
As the trend of pet friendly travel continues to rise, airlines are stepping up to accommodate passengers who want to bring their pets along for the journey.
This is essential for me because I frequently travel with Dash, my psychiatric service animal, who is trained to assist me with my neurodevelopmental condition.
Whether you're moving across the country, taking a vacation, or simply can't bear to leave your actual best friend (you know it’s true) behind, it's essential to know which airlines offer the best experience for pets and their owners.
Here's a detailed look at some of the most pet friendly airlines accepting pets right now, highlighting their policies, perks, and what sets them apart.
Delta Air Lines
I know I’m a little biased with this airline, but I swear it’s not financially motivated (beyond the fact that I usually stick with the same airline or at least with SkyTeam to maintain status year-to-year).
That said, Delta has been incredibly accommodating to me in ensuring Dash is always on my reservation as a service animal. Once his service animal paperwork is updated (with each rabies vaccination shot renewal), It’s very easy for me to add him—I call the customer service desk, they connect me to the Accessibility Desk, and it’s handled. (And I can do that for multiple flights at once.)
JetBlue Airways
As far as I’m aware, JetBlue is the only airline that has built a dedicated dog park with its terminal—behind security—that is open-air. It’s located at JetBlue’s hub at Terminal 5 at JFK Airport in New York, and it’s such a delight that I can’t figure out why more airlines do build these into their new terminals with each renovation. (All airports in the U.S. are required to have Animal Relief Stations within their terminals, pre- and post-security, but they’re often just the size of closets and they’re always indoors, making it difficult for animals that have been properly house-trained to go outside!)
La Compagnie
If you’re flying between the tri-state area and Paris or Milan and you have a larger dog (or more than one), this is absolutely the airline for you. That sounds hyper-specific, but obviously if you have one small dog, this is also a great option—so long as you’re willing to spend a bit more for business class. (That said, La Compagnie does often offer better business class seat rates between Newark and Paris than most other carriers. And the boarding process is only about 10 minutes and everyone gets overhead bin space because there are only about 50 seats on the plane.) The airline is very welcoming of pets in the cabin, although there is a limit per flight, so you need to book well in advance (and call the reservations desk after booking) to ensure your pet is on your reservation.
Bark Air
When I first heard about this airline, I’m not going to lie—I thought it was an April Fools Day pitch. (After all I received it in April.) But no, this is a real thing. Unfortunately, Bark Air only flies to New York, Los Angeles, and London at the moment, and flights are only running a few times per month. Personally, I’d love to see more commercial airlines advertise more pet-friendly-specific flights (especially on popular routes across the country with multiple daily flights). Then you satisfy the people who don’t like pets (for whatever reason) on planes who are complaining about it to the pet lovers who would much rather be seated next to a basset hound than a human.
Tips for Traveling With Pets
When planning to travel with your pet, it's essential to research and prepare thoroughly. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth journey:
Check Airline Policies: Each airline has specific rules regarding pet travel, including size restrictions, carrier requirements, and documentation needed. Make sure to review these policies well in advance of your flight.
Book early: Many airlines have a limit on the number of pets allowed in the cabin, so it's crucial to book your pet's spot as soon as possible. This isn’t always the case for service animals but can vary from airline to airline, also the country. (Remember: the ADA doesn’t apply everywhere.)
Visit the vet: Ensure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations before traveling. Some airlines may require a health certificate—almost always the rabies vaccine certificate—issued within a certain timeframe before the flight (usually more than 30 days prior).
Prepare your pet: Familiarize your pet with their carrier ahead of time, and consider using calming products if your pet is anxious about flying. (When Dash was a puppy and I was training him for travel, I usually brought a plush toy with me.)
Stay Calm: Pets can pick up on your stress, so try to remain calm and composed throughout the travel experience. (They also pick up on when you’re being a jerk, too.)
Traveling with a pet can be a fantastic travel experience when you choose the right airline. And if you’re someone who previously/regularly travels alone, traveling with a pet is not just a game-changer—it’s life-changing.
