To help with your travel plans, the Canine Legislation department has updated its annual "Airline Policies for Shipping Dogs," which appears below. Additional tips on traveling with your pet can also be found here or by contacting AKC's Order Desk and requesting part number GDTRVL.
Carrier | Allow Small pets in cabin (under seat)? | Allow Pets as Excess Baggage? | Fee for baggage | Allow Pets as Cargo? |
American Airlines | Yes--$75 each way | Yes* *Embargo May 15-Sept.15 |
$75 each way | Yes.* Costs vary depending on size of kennel and distance. *Embargo May 15-Sept.15 |
Continental Airlines* |
Yes--$80 each way | No | NA | Yes. Costs vary depending on size of kennel and distance. |
Delta Airlines | Yes--$75 each way | Yes* *Embargo May 15-Sept.15 |
$75 each way | Yes. Costs vary depending on size of kennel and distance. |
Midway Airlines | Yes--$25 each way | Yes* *Embargo July 1- August 31 |
$50 each way | Yes.* Costs vary depending on size of kennel and distance. *Embargo July 1-Aug.31 |
Northwest Airlines | Yes--$75 each way |
Yes* |
Varies | Yes. Cost varies depending on size of kennel and distance |
Southwest Airlines | No | No | NA | No |
TransWorld Airways | Have integrated with American. See above. | |||
United Airlines | Yes--$75 each way | No | NA | Yes. Cost varies depending on distance and size of kennel. |
Yes--$100 each way | Yes | $100 each way | Yes. Cost varies depending on distance and size of kennel. |
*Continental Airlines will accept American Pit Bull Terrier puppies which are between 8 weeks and 6 months of age provided they do not weigh more than 20 lbs. All American Pit Bull Terriers more than 6 months old or weighing more than 20 lbs. will be refused. This embargo does not apply to American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or Miniature Bull Terriers. Crossbreeds with American Pit Bull Terriers are also excluded from this embargo.
Note: Federal regulations prohibit shipping live animals as excess baggage or cargo if an animal will be exposed to temperatures that are not between 45-85°F for more than four hours during departure, arrival, or while making connections. Health certificates dated within 10 days of departure are required for all animals. May 2002.