Tips for Flying with Your Pets

When deciding whether or not your family is ready for a pet, consider how often you travel. It’s not just about who will feed or walk or pick up after your pet, but it’s also how much time the pet will spend alone at the house or traveling with the family. There are a number of things you can do with your pet while you travel. These options include hiring a caretaker, boarding your pet, or asking a friend or family member to babysit.

However, depending on the travel destination, the type of pet you have, and the timeline of your trip, another option is to take your pet with you. This can be complicated if you’re flying, but there are a few tips for flying with your pet.

Tips for Flying with a Pet

Below are a few things to consider before flying with your pet:

• Is your pet allowed on the plane – If you rent a plane or own your own aircraft this issue is never a problem. However, if you fly commercially you need to consider airline rules. Make sure that the airline you’re wanting to fly with allows pets to board. Additionally, the age and size of your pet, the duration of the flight, and whether or not your pet is a service animal will all be factors. Be realistic about your pet’s ability to handle a flight and make sure you know the rules of the airline.
• Notify the airline in advance – You will be required to book for your pet in advance. This means that when you book your airline ticket, you should book cargo space or a ticket for your pet at the same time. There is limited space on airplanes, so this will ensure that space is set aside for your pet.
• Health certification – Some airlines will require health certification for your pet and others will not. Just to be safe, we recommend getting a health certificate from your pet’s veterinarian.
• Get a proper crate – Make sure that the crate your pet will be flying in is not only comfortable for the animal but also that it fits the dimensions laid out by the airline.
• Tucker them out first – Just before the flight, tried to tucker your pet out so they can sleep through the flight. Take your pet on an extra-long walk or an intense play session, anything that will make him sleepy. This will allow the flight to be much calmer for both of you.

When flying commercially there are many factors to consider when bringing a pet. This is why we exist. Elevate Aviation provides flight training, rental services and more to allow to control your flying experiences. If you need to fly commercially know that some airlines are more pet-friendly than others. Making sure you do your due diligence and put your pet’s needs first will go a long way towards traveling safely and comfortably with your pet. For more tips on air travel, please visit our blog page or contact Elevate Aviation here in Salt Lake City, Utah.