Air travel with your pet is not as easy as driving yourself with him to a grocery store or visiting your friend’s place, making him sit next to you in the car. You can’t just buy a plane ticket and show up at the airport carrying your pet along. From obtaining different certificates, visiting vet clinics, buying prescriptions, paying all sorts of fees; there are various procedures one needs to go through before boarding their animal for the journey.
The process seems to be long and tiring, but it is very doable. According to data, over 2 million live animals get transported through air travel. In 2019, FedEx express airlifted a living 240-pound panda from Washington, DC to China. This proves you can travel with your large dog in the plane not just within the country but can take them on international tours as well. We have prepared a complete guide outlining all the necessary information you need to have before flying with your pet.
Two ways large dogs can air travel
- As Checked Bags:
A large section of airline companies let large dogs fly as checked bags. You can carry your dog in a crate and check-in like your other baggage.
If your dog is over 20 pounds of weight, some airlines need you to fly your dog as cargo. This isn’t something you should be concerned about because you and your dog will still land in the same location.
How much does it cost?
The cost of airlifting your dog depends on the weight and size of your dog, including the crate, and destination you want to reach. The tariffs range from $125 to over $1000, and it varies with every airline. To understand this variation in the fee, it’s critical to do some research or phone the airline before purchasing tickets for your trip.
