Flying with pets, what's changed?

Flying with pets, what's changed?

Flying with pets is becoming increasingly commonplace. As of 2024, more than 140,000 pets were transported on major domestic airlines, making traveling with pets a new trend9. But even with these changes, animal welfare, safety, and environmental responsibility remain important.

Pet boarding standards by airline

Currently, domestic airlines only allow dogs, cats, and pet birds between 8-16 weeks of age to travel in the cabin. Some breeds, such as guide dogs, are restricted for safety reasons, and each airline has different standards for pet weight (usually no more than 7-8 kg) and cage size, so advance booking and a carriage approval process is required1356.

Pre-flight preparation and animal welfare

Flying can cause a variety of stresses for pets, including unfamiliar surroundings, noise, vibration, and changes in air pressure. Therefore, it is advisable to acclimate your pet to the carrier before the flight, as well as prepare comfort items such as their usual blankets and toys. It is also advisable to check with your veterinarian to ensure that your pet's health is suitable for flying.

Medications, be careful

Until recently, some owners would consider using sleeping pills or tranquilizers to ease their pet's anxiety, but most airlines strictly prohibit animals on these medications. This is because they can lead to serious health problems, including hypotension and shock6. Motion sickness medications can also be prescribed after consultation with a veterinarian, but airline policies vary, so be sure to ask in advance.

Animal welfare and environmental responsibility

As pet air transportation increases, so does the public discussion about animal welfare and environmental impact. A culture of responsible travel is needed, including minimizing stress for animals, creating safe transport conditions, and avoiding unnecessary travel. It's important for environmentalists and citizens alike to put themselves in the shoes of animals.

The number of people flying with their pets is steadily increasing during the holiday and travel seasons. In 2024, the Big Five airlines transported more than 140,000 pets, and that number is expected to grow9.

Animals allowed on airplanes are generally limited to dogs, cats, and pet birds between 8-16 weeks of age, with some breeds, such as guide dogs, restricted67.

Each airline has different standards (weight, cage size, etc.) and procedures for transporting pets in the cabin, so advance confirmation and booking is essential135.

Carrier acclimatization training and reassurance items are necessary to prepare your pet for the stressors of flying (noise, vibration, barometric pressure changes, space limitations, etc.

The use of sedatives such as sleeping pills and tranquilizers is prohibited by most airlines and is not recommended due to health risks such as hypotension and shock6.

Motion sickness medication can be prescribed after consultation with your veterinarian, but airline policies vary, so check with your airline in advance.

FAQ: Flying with Pets, Answers to Your Questions

Q1. Which animals are allowed on board?

A1. Most airlines only allow dogs, cats, and pet birds that are at least 8-16 weeks old. Some breeds, such as guide dogs, are restricted67.

Q2. What preparations do I need to make to fly with my pet?

A2. Each airline has weight and size restrictions, so be sure to pre-book and check the carriage approval process. You will also need to prepare carrier acclimatization training and necessary documents (such as vaccination certificates)135.

Q3. I'm worried that my pet will be stressed during the flight.

A3. Noise, vibration, and unfamiliar surroundings can be stressful. Train them to get used to the carrier in advance and include a comfort item, such as their favorite blanket or toy.

Q4. Can I give my child sedatives or sleeping pills?

A4. Most airlines do not allow animals on tranquilizers or sleeping pills. There are health risks, including lowered blood pressure and shock, so it's safer not to use them6.

Q5. Can I use motion sickness medication?

A5. Motion sickness medication can be prescribed after consulting a veterinarian, but it is important to inquire in advance as it is not always allowed by all airlines.

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