Most people know traveling is both tiring and thrilling, and opinions on traveling with pets are split. Some think it’s too much trouble, while others rely on pets for emotional or service support. It’s now common to see cats and dogs at the airport.
Pets are family, and it’s tough to leave them behind on vacations. But some can’t travel without their pets.
Pets in the Cabin
Before, pet owners caged their pets and checked them in to the plane’s luggage area. They’d be retrieved at the destination. Despite few pet – related flight fatalities, owners worry about leaving their pets in checked luggage, just like worried parents.
Some people rely on pets to alert them to low blood sugar, seizures, or cardiac arrest. So, there’s debate on allowing pets in the plane cabin.
By 2023, over 20 airlines worldwide let service and support pets in cabins due to high demand.
Airline Requirements
Airlines like French Bee, TAP Air Portugal, and United Airlines have their own rules on pet breeds, size, and age. For example, some require puppies to be 8 – week – old, others 12 – week – old. United has no weight/breed limits but needs pets in a carrier under the seat. Service animals can ride without a carrier and need their own seat.
In most airlines allowing pets in cabins, emotional support animals are not service animals and can only travel as pets. They can have a seat in the cabin only if they offer medical service, not just anxiety relief. General pets and emotional support animals can fly in the cabin if they meet the requirements.
Emotional Support vs Service
Emotional support pets help with anxiety, but they’re different from service animals. Service animals offer a medical – related service and are trained to stay focused on their owners during medical issues. Service – trained pets usually fly free.
Some think allowing service – trained pets to fly free is an excuse. In 2019, a passenger told USA TODAY a flight with a pet raised safety concerns, and he doubted the pet’s support for the owner.
Some also argue for considering passengers with allergies or pet fears. When traveling with pets, there are things to keep in mind for a better travel experience for all.