Planning to take Fido or Fluffy with you on winter vacation? If you're traveling by air, you may have to plan again.

Because of passage of "The Safe Air Travel for Animals Act" last year, many airlines have tightened their policies for animals travel. Many airlines reserve the right to refuse to carry animals when ground temperatures fall below 45 degrees F in either the departure or destination city because of the potential health risk from extreme cold in the baggage compartment of the airplane during long waits on the ground before take-off. Some airlines will waive that restriction if you can provide certification from your veterinarian that your pet is acclimated to colder temperatures.

Some airlines do accept a few small animals as "carry-on luggage" in the passenger compartment of their planes. However, the number of animals allowed to travel on-board is limited and pets must be in carriers that meet carry-on luggage size restrictions. Most medium and large size pets must travel as baggage or cargo.

Costs to have your pet travel by air vary widely, ranging from $50 each way to as much more than $200 each way, depending upon the airline and type of service.

For more information on pet air travel, check with your carrier, or see the airline regulations page at www.petsonthego.com.