Cheapest Way to Travel With a Pet on the Airlines

When you are searching for the cheapest way to travel with your pet on an airline there are some important preliminary items to ascertain. First, make sure where you're going can accommodate pets and if there's any current quarantine, particularly if you're heading overseas. Airlines provide information about bringing pets as well as pet cargo procedures. Check the FAA web link below for details. For extensive information on the cargo and seasonal storage policies of pets, visit the the Department of Transportation site.

  1. In the Cabin

    • It's less expensive if you can keep your pet in the cabin with you as opposed to checking it in as baggage or cargo. Airlines, however, do have rules regarding the number of pets in the cabin. Since airlines have these limits, as part of your pet travel planning, try to make sure your are within the limit of allowed pets on that particular flight. If the limit is exceeded and enforced by the airline, to save money you may want to see if they can schedule you for the next available flight. A little patience can be the key to cheaper pet travel.

      To accomplish the carry on, your pet should be in a comfortable yet compact carrier kennel so that it can be efficiently stowed beneath the seat in front of you. Make sure your pet is used to being in its carrier as it will obviously need to stay in there the entire time onboard,

      Most pet supply stores carry travel carriers with proper absorbent bedding. Be sure to purchase one of these ahead of time or your pet could find itself traveling in the expensive cargo storage area.
      This scenario is suited for pets typically weighing under 15 pounds. Also always make sure your pet has proper identification on their tags and carrier labels before traveling.

    Pet Travel Services

    • Because traveling with pets can cause unforeseen problems and expenses, consider the services of a pet travel specialist. They constantly search for the cheapest pet friendly airline deals and pet friendly services. They are also in the know on what and where to avoid when it comes to pets and airplanes, since some are far more pet friendly than others and take added consideration for pet safety. CruiseCat.com is such a specialist and provides an extensive questionnaire on their website designed to customize your pet airline experience and ultimately save you money.

    Pet promotions

    • Some airlines have promotions designed for people to bring along their pet. Some like United also offer incentives for frequent pet flyer mileage.
      Specifically, Virgin Atlantic boasts they have the most pet pampering airline promotions that not only save you money, but also can gain travelers points towards pet bowls, food and toys. They also have some pet welcoming centers at airports and a "Flying Paws" program.

      As Bugs Bunny would say, "bon voyage and have a nice trip!"