What to know
Pet Policies: American, Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines
1.In-Cabin Pet Travel All four airlines allow small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin. Pets must be in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat. The carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated. Pets must remain inside the carrier for the entire flight. There is a fee for in-cabin pet travel.
2.Pet Age Restrictions Pets must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic flights. For international travel, minimum ages vary slightly but generally range between 4 to 6 months due to vaccine requirements.
3.Health & Vaccine Requirements a.A veterinarian must sign a health certificate, also known as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. b.The certificate verifies that your pet is healthy and free of infectious diseases. c.It's typically valid for 10 days, though some countries require a more recent certificate. d.Your pet's vaccinations, especially the rabies vaccine, should be up to date. e.You should have your pet's vaccination records available when traveling. f.Your pet's license and microchip numbers g.Your veterinarian's name and clinic phone number h.A list of all your pet's medications, doses, and prescription information i.A current photo of your pet
4.Banned Destinations None of the airlines allow pets in the cabin to/from Hawaii. Several international destinations have restrictions, including United Kingdom, Australia, and Jamaica.
5.Pet Carrier Size & Restrictions Carriers must be small enough to fit under the seat and allow the pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Soft-sided carriers are preferred/recommended by most airlines. Carrier dimensions 18 (L), 11 (W), X 11 (H)
6.Disruptive Pet Behavior Any pet displaying aggressive or disruptive behavior (e.g., growling, biting, excessive barking) may be denied boarding.