09/11/2020
This information came from a flight nanny...
Very valuable information if you plan on flying with you pet or hiring a flight nanny to fly with them.
Please remember that the airlines have the right to change their policy at any time and they are not required to inform you. Once you make your reservation you have to call and confirm pet in cabin, make sure to double and triple check their policies both verbally and on their site.
Okay hereâs the rundown for airlines and requirements-
â˘A reservation for pet in cabin or hold/cargo must be made in advance so that the airline can verify if there is room as only a certain number of animals is allowed per flight. Once you get to the airport to check in, you will have to go to the counter and pay the pet in cabin fee ($75-$125 depending on the airline). They DO NOT take cash, you must have a debit or credit card to pay that pet in cabin fee. If you show up at the airport without the prior pet in cabin reservation, they will likely not check you in for your flight. For cargo or hold make sure to know which aircraft does and doesnât accept cargo or hold. Also, the size of the crate is another obstacle as again only certain aircraft can take certain size crates. Most airlines no longer accept the 700 series crates. Only some will accept the 500 series crates and so on. Hold and cargo fees are different, verify the prices with the airline.
â˘Keep the pet in cabin receipt handy at all times. It looks just like a boarding pass. Sometimes when you get to the gate they cant see that you in fact do have a reservation for pet in cabin and you will have to show your receipt. Itâs happened several several times to me.
â˘A health certificate is not required for most airlines, for in cabin flights, except for United (that I know of at the moment unless something has changed)
â˘A health certificate is required if flying in âholdâ or âcargoâ
â˘American Airlines minimum age is 8 weeks of age
â˘Southwest is 8 weeks
â˘Alaska is 8 weeks
â˘Delta is 10 weeks
â˘United is 16 weeks-also vaccination as well as health certificate is required and must state pets age and that itâs healthy enough to fly-I avoid United at all costs!
â˘Other domestic airlines I believe is 8 weeks
â˘Pets must be no more than 20 pounds including the carrier
â˘All airlines list the maximum dimensions for the carries on their site
â˘Soft carriers are a little more forgiving and can be smooshed down a little
â˘Animal must fit comfortably being able to turn around
â˘Carrier must be leakproof
⢠If airlines know the animal has been sedated they can refuse that animal-sedated animals can have breathing complications in high altitudes as their respiration rate drops upon being sedated
â˘Animal is never to be taken out of the carrier on the plane and some airports prohibit it as well
â˘Carrier must fit entirely beneath the seat in front of you-if it sticks out too much they have the right to remove you and the animal from the flight
-Now I know above I said that health certificates are not required for most pets in cabin, however, I personally require a health certificate period, no certificate no transport, period! That health certificate is a benefit to all parties involved. Itâs like an insurance policy for you.
I know that health certificates are good for 10 days within travel but I request that they get them done as close to the travel date as possible. I also refuse to take any animals that have been sedated.
If I go to pick up or receive an animal and it appears to be in questionable health I have it stated that I have the right to refuse the animal and deposit will not be refundable. Same goes for animals with questionable temperament. And I again state thatâs why I require health certificates as itâs a lot less likely to get a pet that might not be able to travel.
Another thing I do is request that the animal be microchipped so there is never a question of identity. Yes I own a universal scanner and the international airportâs have them as well.
Again, make sure to verify airline policies with each reservation you make!
I always give the client a copy of the itinerary so that they may check on the flight tracker as well. This will also help them see if there are any delays or cancellations that are not your fault as it was out of your hands. Then you donât have to explain to them that it wasnât something you did.
Purchasing flights-
â˘Although most airlines are waiving a lot of change fees at the moment I wouldnât rely on it
â˘Try not to get the basic economy or super saver fares and the like because you will have to pay change fees (once the airlines drop the current policy because of Covid). You also usually get the worst seats in the very back of the plane which can add an extra 20 minutes to your time till you are finally able to get off the plane and either catch a connection or deliver to the client. Pay the few extra bucks so you can sit closer to the front of the plane.
â˘Do opt for the optional flight insurance. Use it as a selling point for your client ensuring that that if something does happen, the client will not be out any additional money. Acts of god are not covered by most airlines, usually they only cover something that was a direct error on their behalf. Offer it as an option to the client and if they decline, make sure to state that they are responsible for any additional costs.
â˘Join all the airlines mileage programs! Try to primarily use the same airline so you rack up your points/miles because you can get great benefits. For example, I have so many miles on one airline that I have reached the highest tier they have available. That means that I always fly at least business class and I get bumped up to first class often. I get to choose my seats, one of the first people to board the plane, it really helps getting the animal settled and not being rushed to cram them under the seat in front of you. They do give extra time. Plus you have bigger seats, more room and you fly more comfortably. Iâm also one of the first to exit the plane so I am able to meet narrow layovers and either make a quick drop off or connection. It makes a HUGE difference when you fly often! One more thing is when you build up those miles and you can cash them in for a family trip, itâs basically your âVacation Payâ.
If anything above is incorrect let me know so I can verify and make the necessary adjustments.
And lastly, if you have any questions please feel free to message me đ! Safe and profitable travels to you, Jessica~
