Always remember that for any option chosen for transporting your pet by air, reservations are required and recommended well ahead of the scheduled departure. While the availability of options varies from airline to airline, they usually will notify you of three forms of transporting your pet: in cabin, as checked baggage, or as freight or cargo. Smaller pets are usually allowed to travel in the cabin, however larger pets must be sent as cargo.

In cabin. You or the person traveling with your pet will be on the same flight as your pet. You pet must be secured inside of a pet carrier and stowed under the seat in front of you. Some airlines permit pets in passenger cabins only if they are small enough to be kept within the designated space. The size limitation does vary by aircraft and airline. Certain carrier types, sizes and weight restrictions may apply. When taking your pet with you in the cabin, keep in mind that most airports will require that the pet be removed from the carrier at the security screening checkpoint so that the carrier may be sent through the x-ray machine. Be sure that you have a leash or harness with you for your pet to use when necessary. At no point during the flight will your pet be allowed to be taken outside of the carrier.

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