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Our dogs are constant companions in our lives that are often present for everything that happens. Our close bond with our dogs often leads us to take them with us on travels. Many dogs are totally up for an adventure and enjoy travel.
However, airplane travel can be difficult to organize with a dog. It’s confusing, and many airlines have policies that can be difficult to understand when it comes to pets. And what about if you’re traveling with a large service dog that takes up too much space to sit at your feet in a typical airplane? As a general answer, the majority of airlines do not allow dogs to have their own seat. If you want to know more, read on!
Can You Purchase Your Dog an Airplane Seat?
Generally speaking, airlines do not allow dogs to have their own seat. They may provide an additional space for a large service animal, although legal restrictions may prevent them from charging you for this seat. That said, it’s essential that you do not try to pass off a pet dog as a service dog since this ends up harming people who require service dogs to live their daily lives.
Certain airlines, such as JetBlue and United Airlines, allow for separate tickets to be purchased for dogs. The dogs must be able to fit into a carrier that can sit underneath the seats, so this extra ticket purchase would only apply to small dogs.
Airlines That Allow Dogs on Board
1. JetBlue
JetBlue does allow you to purchase a ticket for your dog well in advance of your flight. As with all airlines, you should not show up at the airport expecting to purchase a ticket for your dog. JetBlue only allows a maximum of six pets per flight, so you will want to purchase your dog’s ticket as soon as possible. They will allow you to purchase the seat next to you for your dog’s carrier. Remember that only one pet is allowed per carrier, and you can fly with two pets per traveler.
Your dog’s carrier can be kept on the extra seat or under the seat in front of you. Your dog may be more comfortable underneath the seat, though, since it will provide them with a more secure space in case of turbulence. According to a travel company, JetBlue does have a restriction of 20 pounds for both the dog and the carrier for in-cabin pets during their flights.
2. United Airlines
United does allow you to travel with two dogs per person, but in this case, you must purchase two seats next to each other, one for you and one for the second dog. Both dogs must be able to fit in carriers that will fit underneath the seats. United does not allow either dog carrier to be kept on the extra seat, so they must both be stowed underneath the storage space in front of the purchased seats. Again, it’s strongly recommended that you reserve your extra seat well in advance of your flight. Your pet is not allowed outside the carrier, and the door must be kept closed at all times.
How Much Does Traveling With a Dog in the Cabin Cost?
Both JetBlue and United Airlines charge a $125–$150 fee for each direction and each dog you fly with. For United, expect to pay this fee for every layover totaling more than 4 hours within the United States or 24 hours for international travel.
The fee only covers the cost of traveling with your dog. Keep in mind that you’ll also have to purchase a full-price ticket for the seat next to you, if this is required. You may also have to pay an extra fee to guarantee the two seats you purchase are kept next to each other.
You also need to keep in mind that dogs cannot be kept in emergency exits. Many people purchase emergency exit seats for the extra leg room, but it’s not possible to keep the dogs safely stowed underneath the seats in front of you in this situation. On top of that, in an emergency situation, you’ll be responsible for opening the emergency exit to help everyone get off the plane, and if you’re worried about getting your dog, you may be blocking others from escaping a dangerous situation.
In Conclusion
When it comes to purchasing a seat for your dog on a plane, your options are limited. United Airlines and JetBlue are two of the airlines that allow for the purchase of an extra ticket for a dog, and both require dogs to be securely kept in carriers throughout the flight.
If your dog is a service dog that is too large to sit at your feet during the flight, call the airline well ahead of your flight to discuss your options. Service dogs are not pets but medical equipment, and they are necessary for the safety of their handlers.
Featured Image Credit: nadisja, Shutterstock
