Pets are part of the family—and while it can be alluring to consider bringing your furry friend on far-flung adventures or pet-friendly holidays, there are certain things to consider before investing in that pet passport. Keep in mind that most airlines don’t have any qualms with bringing a furry friend on board as long as you’re willing to comply with carrier regulations—the most common being that the pet must fit under the seat in front of you and you’ll be asked to keep them in their carrier for the duration of the flight. It’s also important to remember that you never know how your pet will react to being confined to a carrier for hours on end; you might end up with a cool customer who quietly sleeps at your feet for the duration of the flight or you could find yourself trying to soothe a panicked pup who is unintentionally disrupting the entire cabin.
The potential problems with pets on jets Aside from the temperament of your animal, it’s also worth noting that air travel can actually be dangerous for animals with shorter nasal passages—such as pugs, bulldogs, or Persian cats. According to the Humane Society of the United States , these kinds of animals are particularly vulnerable to both oxygen deprivation and heat stroke while flying and as such certain airlines won’t accept these breeds onboard. The Humane Society also urges travelers to avoid checking all pets into the cargo area of the airplane.
Checking a pet like you would a piece of luggage does.