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Determined and desperate pet owners are getting creative to make sure their pets make it safely.
F
light delays and luggage stranded all around the world’s airports have caught everyone’s attention, but it’s an absolute nightmare when your cherished pet is left behind. Travelers seeking advice on how to best fly with pets, particularly in cargo, are often given one thought–don’t. But there has to be another way for those relocating, going on long trips, traveling with uncovered emotional support animals, or simply wanting their pets with them.
Meanwhile, most airlines have quietly stopped flying pets because of the complications and liability. Airlines that will carry furry friends offer limited spots, leaving worries about what to do when a pet is unexpectedly delayed on an already tight schedule. But the already anxiety-prone experience has led pet owners to find other options—like pooling together through social media groups to share travel hacks and charter pet flights.
Pet Charters and Relocators
When picturing a chartered flight, most of us think of the glitterati jetting off on a private plane. But don’t overlook the charter possibilities with pets or assume the price point is automatically out of reach. Specialized airlines are finding ways to reach customers, and pet owners are banding together to make them happen.
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“Even though [my dog] Roger is used to the airport experience by now, I would definitely charter flights for him if I had the money. That way, we could bypass the whole airport experience,” says Gigi Chow of Wet Nose Escapades about her treasured senior Yorkshire Terrier.
Top-tier private jet charter VistaJet is the perfect example of everything a pet could want while flying. After reporting that they’ve seen an 86% increase over the last two years in pet-related travel requests, they enhanced the VistaPet program. It includes cabin hostesses trained in pet first aid, animal behaviors, and how to address the fear of flying as well as all of the luxe sleep aids, toys, and food you could imagine. But flight prices starting at $15,000 make it unattainable for most.
Here is where private social media groups are stepping in. Most, like Facebook’s Chartered Air Travel With Pets, focus on helping people avoid having pets in cargo and excess baggage. This non-commercial venture connects those going overseas around the same time to split costs on a shared, private flight.
“We were out of options,” says Greg Edwards on using a group of strangers to share charter costs in relocating overseas with their golden retriever, Sherman. “I would have never spent that kind of money on myself for a flight and could have never done it without finding other people to split the costs. It was worth it for us. The stress was gone, and we could see Sherman right there.”
Other options for private charter include pet relocators. The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association has a directory of members offering domestic and international pet shipping services to keep your pet safe. While members operate by the same safety standards and FAA rules, they have more options when rescheduling, as the pets are the priority.
For flights within America, pet owners are buzzing about JSX. Pets that fit under fit in under-seat pet carriers have no cost, and larger dogs can fly by purchasing a second seat. The other major win for pet owners–check-in just 20 minutes before departure in private terminals.
Daniel Jackson, an animal behavioral specialist and CEO of Pet Lover Guy, says he and his family are planning on using JSX soon to visit family in California and Texas. “It’s much cheaper than chartering your own plane, and you don’t have to arrive two hours before your flight which means less time in the airport where your dog might get stressed out by all the people there.”
The importance of reducing stress on pets is vital, and many pet owners report feeling unprepared for all of their pets’ reactions. Roger Broussard, pilot, and founder of Pilot School Hero, has flown many chartered flights where nervous pets relaxed with their loved ones. “If you have a really needy dog, then this can be the best way to go, as you can make the rules about how your dog is treated and transported. It will certainly cost you, although our furry friends are always worth it.”
Navigating Airlines
Hope is not lost for those who need or want to stick with traditional, commercial airlines. Pet owners stress two points in flying commercially with pets–proactivity and flexibility. Most recommend starting with planning when to travel much earlier than you would without your pet. Whether your pet is flying in cargo or the cabin, airlines restrict the number of pets on any plane, usually at one or two. Booking early and calling the airline is critical.
“We primarily fly Southwest when visiting friends and family with our dog. They have a limited number of dog slots, and you can’t add your dog from mobile or online. You have to call them,” says Jackson.
Large breeds traveling in cargo have extra challenges. Airlines limit pets in cargo to spring and fall to avoid dangerously high or low temperatures. Airlines may cancel pet carriage for the animals’ safety if your destination experiences an unusual weather swing on the day of the flight.
While the weather is out of your control, Chow emphasizes that careful planning, often at the sacrifice of human preference and cost, can make it smoother for your pets. Her dog Roger has been on 60 flights across more than 20 countries, and his needs rule the schedule.
“The most successful hack for me is to skip itineraries with more than one layover. Although flights with multiple layovers are often cheaper, I’d rather pay up to ease the way for my dog by making the journey as short as possible. If I must book a non-direct flight, I like to resort to a one-layover maximum and spend at least a few days to a week at the layover location with my dog before heading to my final destination.”
Flying with your pets can be inconvenient, stressful, and costly, breaking you out of your comfort zone when flying. But pet owners who fly can agree that careful consideration and a pet-first approach are worth it. “You’ll be amazed how freeing it is to be able to bring your dog with you and not have to worry about boarding them or having them stay with friends,” says Jackson.”
