I get asked all the time, “How do you travel with your dog?” “How much does it cost to travel with your dog?” “How can my dog travel with me?” Honey Bear is a huge part of the Gina Bear brand and I take her everywhere I can. This is a comprehensive guide on how to travel with a dog by plane and tips on traveling with a dog.

I have traveled extensively through the United States and Mexico with my six year old Pomeranian, Honey. The holidays are coming up and I understand how stressful traveling with your pet can be. I consider myself an expert on plane travel with a dog.

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When To Leave Your Dog At Home

First things first. Ask yourself, “Should I travel with my dog?” If your pet is anxious, nervous, or aggressive in stressful situations, then don’t. I do not recommend using tranquilizers on your dog as you never know what could happen when the pressure and altitude changes. You know your pet better than anyone. Make the right choice.

If you do choose to leave your fur baby at home, I recommend using Petbacker. This platform offers all kinds of services, like pet sitting, pet boarding, pet walking, and even veterinarian services. If you use my Petbacker referral code, you’ll get $12 toward your first booking.

What To Pack For Your Dog

How to travel with a dog? Making sure you have everything your dog needs to be comfortable is essential. Here are some things to take into consideration:

  • Does your dog need any essential medication?
  • Are you able to pack enough dog food?
  • Do you have an airline approved pet carrier?
  • Does the airline require vaccination records?
  • Does the airline require a health certificate?

Essential Packing List For Your Dog

How I Prepared Honey

Was Honey always good at flying? Absolutely not. The first time Honey traveled by plane was from Seoul to Dallas and she cried the first two hours. After taking Honey on many flights, we have our routine down to perfection. My fur baby is very calm and quiet on flights now.

Before Your Trip

  1. Call the airline – Most airlines have a limit on how many pets can be in the cabin. After booking your flight, call to add your pet to the itinerary.
  2. Prepare Honey’s carrier – Honey’s carrier has two front pockets. I prepare small Ziplock bags with 3/4 cup of her food. I put the kibble, treats, and her foldable water bowl in the pockets. Second, make sure the carrier is clean.
  3. I pack other essentials in my carry on – I never EVER check Honey’s essentials. Your bag could get delayed, and then that leaves you without your dog’s necessary [insert dog essential here]. TSA allows you to bring essential medication even for your dog.
  4. Groom Honey – Honey is a Pomeranian. She gets a bath five days before and is brushed the night before a flight. A lot of airlines have strict regulations that your animal also needs to be clean.
  5. Make sure Honey’s ID is up to date – Honey is microchipped. I attach the My Lucky Tag to her harness. The tag has QR code that sends coordinates and your pet’s profile.
  6. Have all necessary documentation – This depends on if you’re flying domestically or internationally as all airlines have different rules and regulations. If you fly internationally, you’re going to need a Health Certificate and any other documentation the host country requires. Some airlines require you to present vaccination records domestically. Plan accordingly.

Day Of The Flight

  1. I take Honey for a walk – Honey is easily excitable and too smart for her own good. I make sure I have enough time to take her for a long walk to calm her down. And yes, that means if I have a 6am flight, I’m out by 4am making sure she’s getting exercise.
  2. I give Honey CBD – To calm Honey down a few notches and help her feel more comfortable, I give her Doggy CBD. If it’s not legal in your state, I recommend this Max Potency Hemp Oil For Dogs to calm down your fur baby.
  3. Cut up carrots – I prepare carrots for Honey’s ears. The crunchier the better. This helps restore the pressure to her ears after the flight by letting her chomp on the tasty and healthy treat.

At The Airport

  1. Take Honey out again – Dogs love to drop their little doggy business cards (if you know what I mean). I always take her for a walk outside the airport just in case.
  2. Pay for Honey’s passage – Most airlines require you present yourself at the airline counter so they can check your documents, document your dog on the airline, and you can pay for your dog’s passage.
  3. Attach a special tag – Most airlines will give you a special tag for your dog’s carrier.
  4. Let Honey walk around – Dogs are curious and an airport has a myriad of sounds, smells, and activities going on. If the airport permits it, after I get out of security, I take Honey out of her bag and let her walk around until we get to our gate.
  5. Give Honey water – In the waiting area, I usually buy a bottle of water and take out Honey’s collapsable dog bowl and give her water to hydrate before the plane ride.

During The Flight

  1. Know your seat – Sometimes I will buy a plane ticket and upgrade my seating to get on early at Southwest. Other times I will make sure I grab a seat in back of the emergency exit row for extra room. If you’re traveling with a pet, you also have restrictions where you can sit.
  2. Stow all belongings – First, I put everything necessary in the overhead bin. Then I make sure to place Honey gently and carefully under the seat.
  3. Check on Honey – I check in on Honey to make sure she’s doing okay. Since she’s used to flying now, she usually goes to sleep.

After The Flight

  1. Take Honey out – Since Honey has been stuck in one position and wants to sit up, I usually open the top flap of her carrier and wheel her around on top of my carryon.
  2. Let Honey use the bathroom – My best advice? Look up. There are usually signs that show you were your animal can use the toilet in the airport.
  3. Feed Honey carrots and more water – Usually at these stations, there’s a place for the dog and human to rest. This is when I’ll take out carrots to help pop Honey’s ears, and give her water.
  4. Take Honey on another walk – Flying can be stressful at times so I let Honey walk around and get used to her new surroundings.

Which Approved Airline Dog Carrier Should I Bring?

Honey’s carrier is the best I’ve ever used. I bought it when I lived in South Korea. You’ll be in luck to know, I found the exact same one on Amazon. First, it is a backpack function with straps and a clip in the front for stability. The carrier has a side pocket for the carryon handle. This bag accommodates dogs up to 22 pounds and is very sturdy. The bottom can be removed for easy washing. It comes in navy blue and gray.

Most Major Airlines Do NOT Accept ESA

The majority of airlines do not accept animals as Emotional Support Animals. The law changed on March 1, 2021. Emotional Support Animals are no longer considered medically necessary and will be charged a pet fee. You can read more about the ruling here.

Before You Bring Your Dog on a Plane

  • Get your dog used to their pet carrier.
  • Walk your dog. A tired dog is a good dog.
  • Bring a crunchy treat to help your dog’s ears.
  • Make sure you have all necessary paperwork.
  • Pack all essentials like food, treats, and medicines in your carryon.
  • Have an airline approved dog carrier.
  • Have a clip on foldable dog water/food bowl.
  • Give your dog some CBD or hemp oil to calm them down.

What To Do At The Airport

  • Present yourself, your pooch, and your paperwork at the airline counter.
  • The desk clerk will usually inspect all of the above to make sure regulations are followed.
  • Pay the pet fee and be on your merry way.

Going Through Security (TSA)

Going through TSA can be tricky. First, you must take your fur baby out of its carrier. I recommend removing the collar or harness as the metal tags set off the security gate. After you pass, your hands will be tested for bombs. If you have the TSA Global Pre Check or TSA Pre Check, this step will be skipped.

How To Travel With a Dog On Alaska Airlines

  • Pets allowed in the passenger cabin are dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds.
  • The carryon fee for the animal is $100 each way.
  • A customer may travel with a maximum of 2 pet carriers in the main cabin, only when the adjacent seat is purchased by the same customer.
  • Hard-sided carry on kennel dimensions: 17 x 11 x 7.5 inches / 43 x 28 x 19 centimeters
  • Soft-sided carry on kennel dimensions: 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches / 43 x 28 x 24 centimeters
  • Your pet must remain in the kennel throughout the entire flight.

You can read more about Alaska Airlines pet policy here.

How To Travel With a Dog On American Airlines

  • Pets can travel in the cabin or in cargo depending on the animal’s breed and size.
  • Carryon pets are limited to cats and dogs.
  • The carryon fee for cats and dogs is $125 each way.
  • Hard-sided carry on kennel dimensions: 19 x 13 x 9 inches / 48 x 33 x 22 centimeters
  • Soft-sided carry on kennel dimensions: 8 x 11 x 11 inches / 46 x 28 x 28 centimeters
  • Combined weight of the carrier and your pet can’t exceed 20 lbs. / 9.07 kgs., weighed at check-in
  • Your pet must remain in the kennel throughout the entire flight.

You can read more about the American Airlines pet policy here.

How To Travel With A Dog Delta

  • Small dogs, cats and household birds can travel in the cabin.
  • The carryon fee for small dogs, cats, and household birds is $125 each way.
  • Soft-sided carryon kennel dimensions: 18 x 11 x 11 inches / 46 x 28 x 28 centimeters
  • Your pet must remain in the kennel throughout the entire flight.

You can read more about the Delta Airlines pet policy here.

How To Travel With A Dog Southwest

  • Small dogs and cats are allowed in cabin.
  • The carryon fee is $95 per flight leg.
  • Soft-sided carryon kennel dimensions: 18.5 x 13.5 x 9.5 inches / 47 x 34 x 24 centimeters
  • The pet counts as your personal item or carryon.
  • Your pet must remain in the kennel throughout the entire flight.

You can find more information about the pet policy on Southwest here.

How To Travel With a Dog On United Airlines

  • The carryon pet fee is $125 each way.
  • Hard-sided carry on kennel dimensions: 17.5 x 12 x 7.5 inches / 44 x 30 x 19 centimeters
  • Soft-sided carry on kennel dimensions: 18 x 11 x 11 inches / 45 x 28 x 28 centimeters

You can read more about United Airlines pet policy here.

Hopefully this post gave you tons of information on how can you travel with your dog. I honestly enjoy traveling with Honey and it is a very special experience for the both of us. Traveling with you dog doesn’t need to be stressful or overwhelming. If I can do it, you can do it too!

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