Which Pet Air Travel Option is Best For Your Pet?

1. Pet Shipping 📦

2. Pet-Friendly Airlines 🧳

3. Pet Group Charter Flights 🛩

Whether you’re an executive relocating overseas for business (congrats on the promotion!) or someone who enjoys the first-class life but misses their pet at their feet, the thought of leaving your pet behind or subjecting them to uncomfortable travel is far from ideal. You want a solution that matches the level of comfort, safety, and care you expect when you travel. Aside from your reason for traveling with your pet, ensuring your pet’s travel experience is as seamless and enjoyable as yours is a top priority.

A quick google search of pet-friendly air travel will prompt several responses, but it takes more than a glance to understand what you’re actually signing up for. I learned this the hard way when traveling from Australia to the US with my pet, a french bulldog named Betty (aka my whole world). Spoiler alert - unless you have a small pet and the perfect airline pet policy for where you’re going, then you’re going to realize your options are slim. I'm going to save you the time I wish someone had saved me and explain the differences between the pet travel services you'll find online. Don’t like to read? Download my new guide. It breaks down the differences between all 3 pet air travel options and provides general pricing guidelines for small, medium and large pets. When it comes to flying with pets, there are three main options: traditional pet shipping, commercial airlines with a pet-policy, or pet-friendly group charter flights. Let’s explore how each option impacts your pet’s comfort and safety, helping you find the best fit for your next pet-friendly adventure.

Pet Shipping 📦

(Think: How our online shopping packages travel)

Pet shipping services, often referred to as pet transportation services, move pets similarly to how packages are transported. Your pet is crated and placed in the cargo hold of an airplane with minimal human interaction. These companies arrange logistics, pick up your pet, and transport them on cargo or commercial flights (always in the cargo hold). While this service can be practical for long distances or larger pets, it can be stressful for animals who spend hours in loud, unfamiliar environments.

The most important thing to remember here is that pet shipping companies never allow pets in the cabin. Your pet may spend long hours in a crate in different environments, waiting for the next leg of the trip, much like a package waiting in a warehouse for delivery. Some top tier services will provide a kennel for instances where an overnight stay is required. To see general pricing for pet shipping, download the guide, where I also share a side-by-side comparison of pet shipping with the other options.

Pet-Friendly Commercial Airlines 🧳

(Think: How our luggage travels)

Some commercial airlines (JetBlue, Delta, British Airways, etc.) allow pets to travel in the cabin, provided they meet size and weight requirements. Typically, only small pets weighing around 18 lbs (8kg) and able to fit in a carrier under the seat can fly in the cabin. The average dimensions of an under-seat pet carrier accepted by commercial airlines are about the same as a desktop printer. These pets can travel alongside their owners, making the experience more reassuring for both.

Even if your pet fits into the carrier allowed by the airline, they’ll need to remain inside it for the entire flight. While it might feel reassuring to have them at your feet, this doesn’t always guarantee a safe experience. There was even a case with JetBlue where a dog had to be placed on oxygen due to issues caused by remaining in the carrier for too long.

There’s a lot of variability between airlines, making planning difficult—especially if you have a medium or large dog. For pets that can’t fly in the cabin, they’ll need to be transported as cargo, which can be unsettling. Additionally, certain dog breeds are banned from flying due to safety concerns from past incidents where dogs didn’t survive. The fact that airlines had to implement these bans to protect pets’ lives highlights just how unsafe cargo holds are, regardless of the breed or species. It really makes you question why this is still allowed at all! 💔

Group Charter Flights 🛩️

(Think: How we like to travel)

Group charter flights offer the best of both worlds: a seamless, comfortable experience for you and for your pet. A charter flight is a one-time booking of private jet. A group charter flight means that the private jet booking is shared among a group of travelers. With no restrictions on size or breed, group charter flights allow your pet to travel right beside you in the cabin, avoiding the stress of cargo holds and providing an environment that feels more like home.

Group charter flights offer a tailored travel experience focused on comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Whether you have a large dog, a small cat, or multiple pets, they’ll have the space to move around freely and receive attention during the flight, all while traveling in a calm and stress-free environment.

With Jet Wag’s group charter flights, there are no worries about restrictive policies or uncomfortable conditions for your pet. Instead, both you and your furry companion can enjoy the journey together, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience from takeoff to landing. Given that this option involves private jet travel for pets, the cost will be more than your standard plane ticket or pet shipping service. There is general pricing for group charter flights in the guide so that there are no major surprises. With this option, it’s best to keep in mind that the cost covers the entire picture, not just travel for your pet.

Conclusion

For all types travelers that have a furry family member, finding the right option for your pet’s travel is crucial. While pet shipping and pet-friendly airlines are options, they often come with limitations and stress for your pet. Group charter flights, on the other hand, are created to provide a superior experience focused on comfort and safety, allowing you and your pet to travel together in style and ease.