US Pet Air Travel Rules and Regulations

US Air Pet Travel: Rules And Regulations

US air pet travel has a set of rules and regulations that may be unique to the United States of America only. Not all rules and regulations concerning a pet travelling via airplane apply in all countries. The domestic airlines of the United States of America usually adhere to pretty much the same rules although there may be some variations and restrictions. There are various pet friendly air travel companies that can accommodate a pet in the airplane but requirements need to be met before approval.

US air pet travel is usually for dogs and cats, although there have been cases of birds and other animals being accepted for US air pet travel. There are many restrictions regarding US air pet travel which is why the owner needs to inquire regarding pet travel by air a few weeks before the actual flight date or even before making reservations for the flight. US air pet travel is usually easier than international flights since most laws concerning animals in the United States are the same or similar.

US Air Pet Travel Container Or Carrier

All pets with passage on a particular airplane has to be in a carrier or container that the airlines deems fit for traveling. US air pet travel rules state that the airlines reserve the right to decline any pet housed in an unsuitable container or carrier. Many airlines allow US air pet travel in the cabin with the owner provided that the pet stay in the carrier at all times during the flight, take off, taxiing and landing. The kind of carrier to be used for in cabin carriage of a pet should provide adequate breathing space for the pet. There are a variety of rules and regulations concerning in cabin pet travel and these cover the smell of the pet, the noise level of the pet and that the pet remain in the carrier at all times.

For US air pet travel as luggage in the cargo section of the plane, the owner should be travelling on the same flight as the pet. The carrier that the owner places it in should meet or exceed the requirements of the FAA. Not all airlines allow US air pet travel in the cabin of the plane; therefore, the pet should be registered as fragile luggage for the cargo section in some airlines. Service animals (those for the blind, deaf etc) are not pets so they can travel with their charges in the cabin or in the cargo section depending on the rules of the airlines that you choose to fly with or your preferences. Service animals are usually not required to have health certificates nor are they required to be placed in carriers.