Can I Buy a Seat on a Plane for My Dog?

For many dog owners, taking their canine companions for a fun vacation feels like a dream come true. There’s nothing better than experiencing new sites and sounds with your best friends. So is it okay to buy a seat for your dog on a plane? Planes are known to be strict with passengers and passengers on planes. Buying a seat for your dog on a plane isn’t possible on most airlines. But there are some airlines that allow you to buy a seat for your dog on the plane. However, it is important to note that there are some strict rules and regulations that you must follow. In this article, we’ll list these airlines’ policies for purchasing a seat for your dog on the plane, as well as general airline policies for flying with a dog in the cabin.

Can I Buy a Seat On a Plane for My Dog?

Many airlines allow you to bring your dog to the cabin. These airlines give you the option to buy extra seats. However, whether you are able to do this depends on availability. Only a small number of pets are allowed on any one flight.

In most cases, four. If you have booked dog cabin travel, you may have no choice but to send your dog to cargo or book another flight.

Also, airlines often have different rules for domestic and international flights. Domestic routes are more accepting of dogs than international routes.

Can I Purchase Extra Space on a Plane for a Pet?

Yes, airlines allow you to buy extra seats, more space or put your pet on your lap

The airlines that allow you to purchase extra seats for your pet on the plane are: JSX Airlines, Shared Charter with Pets, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and French Bee Airways. For JXS and charter travel with pets, your pet must remain in the floor space near your seat. For commercial aircraft, your pet must be in the carrier under the seat.

How Much Does Canine Air Travel Cost?

All airlines will charge an additional fee per pet. Not only that, but you may also see different fees charged based on the flight schedule.

Generally, the service fee to bring your dog into the cabin ranges from $95.00 to $125. These fees apply to each dog that accompanies you.

If you’re on a flight with a stopover, be prepared to pay more. United Airlines, for example, charges an additional $125 for layovers of more than four hours.

Other airlines have similar fees.

On top of these extra costs, you have to pay for the seats yourself. There will be no discount for your dog to sit on the seat. Its market price will be the same as other seats. In fact, you may have to pay more.

That’s because some airlines require you to book extra seats directly through them. This means there are no savings through third-party booking sites!

Do Dogs Have to Stay in a Carrier?

All dogs must stay in the carrier unless you have a service or ESA. Carriers serve two different purposes. First, it controls your dog to make sure they don’t interfere with other fliers.

Second, it keeps them safe in an emergency.

Airlines have their own size requirements. Usually, they reflect the amount of space under the seat in front of you.

For Jet Blue, all pet carriers must not exceed 17 inches in length, 12.5 inches in width, and 8.5 inches in height.

United Airlines has size requirements for hard shells and soft carriers. Soft carriers can be 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 11 inches high.

Meanwhile, the hardshell unit can be as large as 17.5 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 7.5 inches high.

Don’t make the mistake of trying to put a larger dog in a smaller carrier. Not only is it unsafe for your dog to do so, but it makes it uncomfortable, and the airline also checks frequently to make sure your dog can move around comfortably.

Your puppy should be able to stand, lie down and turn around in the carrier.

General Airline Policies for Flying with Dogs 

Your Dog Must Be Healthy.

Dogs are usually required to have a pet passport – a term used to denote a document that proves your dog is healthy and ready to travel.

Taking your dog on a plane usually requires a rabies vaccine and a health certificate. Please note that the health certificate must be issued by an authorized veterinarian.

The Dog Must Be Small And Light.

Most airlines require dogs and their carriers to weigh no more than 8kg. This is because they usually need to keep the dog in the pet car, which must be placed under the passenger seat.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has established these rules and regulations to ensure dogs are comfortable while traveling. Therefore, within their travel carrier, dogs must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down in a natural position in their kennel (without touching either side or top of the container).

Therefore, if you are the owner of a large dog, you will most likely need to transport it to the cargo hold.

Certain Breeds May Not Be Able to Fly.

Some airlines have restrictions on the varieties allowed to fly.

Manchester United do not allow any bulldogs in their hut.

It’s common for airlines not to allow any “mixed-breed” brachycephalic or short-nosed dog to fly, but this is usually just called a checked pet. This is good for your dog’s own health and safety. Certain breeds are often more prone to certain diseases that put them at risk when flying. Airlines are getting stricter about what pets are allowed on planes, as some dogs can’t make it to the end of a flight over the years.

Different airlines have different pet policies, check your airline carefully to see if your pet can fly with you.

Your Dog Must Behave Well.

To ensure undisturbed flight, your dog must obey your commands. Additionally, your dog must behave appropriately in public, so it must not bark or growl at other passengers or staff.

If your dog is misbehaving, some airlines may transfer it to the hold for an additional fee or refuse to carry it all in the hold.

Some airlines require a consent form to ensure your pet is ready to fly.

Conclusion

Flying with your dog can be a stressful and confusing situation. If you want to buy a seat for your dog on a plane, you have to follow a ton of rules and regulations.

Still, the experience is valuable. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the airline’s requirements. Get ready for your trip and invest in all the equipment your dog needs. If you do it right, you will have smooth sailing and reach your destination safely.