It is not possible to buy a seat for your dog in most airlines. Surely, it is difficult for you to leave your dog at home or with a caretaker, but this is your only option, as most airlines do not allow pets to travel with you.
However, there are two airlines that allow you to buy a dog seat. The airlines are JetBlue and United. So if you are planning to buy tickets for any of these airlines, then you can book a ticket for your dog too. However, there are some rules related to pets in both these airlines, so first you need to carefully read and comply with them.
So, let’s get to know everything about getting a dog on the airplane.
Can I buy my dog a seat on an airplane?
Most airlines do not allow you to buy a dog seat on the airplane. They only allow either in-cabin seating, in which the dog has to be in the carrier and seated under the seat in front of you. Even in this scenario a dog needs to weigh less than 20 pounds.
Second option to get your dog in the airplane is to have them travel in as checked luggage or shipping cargo. It is the best choice for large dogs. In this case, the dog is being transported as cargo in a pressurized, temperature-controlled container similar to that of the passenger cabin.
However, if you only want to have the dog on a seat next to you, then you have limited options for airlines. Only JetBlue and United allow you to buy a seat for your dog to travel.
What are the conditions of JetBlue and United for a seat in the airplane for a dog?
Only JetBlue and United allow you to buy a seat for your dog in their airlines. However, they have some rules regarding this. Let’s have a look:
There is a limit of one dog per person on board JetBlue flights. If you want a seat next to you where you can put your dog carrier, you can purchase an extra seat. However, you can fly with your dog under the seat in front of you.
As long as the dogs are in their own carriers and you have purchased an extra ticket for the seat next to you, United allows travelers to fly with up to two dogs in the cabin at a time. However, United does not permit dogs on their seats. Your second dog must still be placed behind the seat in front of the increased area.
Read Also: Are priority pass lounges usually crowded?
How much does it cost to buy a seat for your dog?
You have to pay a fair amount of fees for carrying a dog with you on the airplane. A pet fee will be added to all airline fares.
United charges a price of $125 per pet for carriage in the cabin. When traveling with United, each layover of more than four hours within the United States or more than twenty-four hours outside the United States incurs an extra $125 service fee.
Although fees on other airlines, such as Southwest Airlines ($95) and JetBlue ($100), are somewhat lower.
Many airlines charge extra for flying pets as cargo, such as American Airlines, which charges $200 each leg when pets are checked as luggage.
Can I buy a first class seat for my dog?
Yes. Five pet carriers are permitted in the main cabin, whereas one is permitted in first class. In order for a passenger to have two pet carriers in the main cabin, they must have booked the adjacent seat.
If the dogs are not distressed and fit adequately in the carrier with no body parts protruding, then up to two dogs can travel in the same carrier.
Can I buy a seat for my dog on an airplane 2022?
No, most of the airlines do not let you buy a seat for your dog. However, some will surely allow your dog to travel in an airplane either through the luggage section or in the cabin but under the seat.
On the other side, United and JetBlue are the only airlines that permit travelers to purchase tickets for their dogs to have a seat. There is a limit of one dog per person on board JetBlue flights. If you want a seat next to you where you can put your dog carrier, you can purchase an extra seat.
When it comes to flying with pets in the cabin, United allows two dogs per passenger in their own carriers with a separate ticket purchased for the seat next to them.
Can I buy a seat for my dog on an international flight?
No, you cannot buy a seat directly for your dog on the international flight. However, they will still be able to travel with you but will be placed either in the luggage area or beneath the seat in front of you.
Moreover, only registered service animals, such as guiding dogs and emotional support animals, are permitted in the cabin.
Moreover there are restrictions on bringing your pets on many international flights. However, some let you have your pet but only for some international flights. American Airlines allow the dogs on flight when flights are for:
- The U.S.
- Canada
- Central America
- Mexico
- Puerto Rico
- Alaska
So be sure to check whether dogs are allowed on the international flights or not and then check where they will be seated.
Can my dog sit on my lap during a flight?
No, you cannot have your dog sit in your lap during flight in any circumstances. No airline allows you to have your dog in the lap. The only two ways for you to travel with your dog is that either the dog is placed beneath the seat in front of you or placed in the luggage area in the ventilated carrier.
Some airlines, on the other hand, allow emotional support dogs to sit on the passenger’s lap during the trip, so check with your specific airline before booking your travel. Some airlines allow this if the dog is roughly the same size as a child under the age of two.
Why aren’t owners allowed to book a seat for a dog on an airplane?
A dog owner’s perspective may make it seem unjust that larger dogs are forced to travel in the hold, but it’s crucial to consider the airline’s and other passengers’ perspectives. Regardless of how well-trained and well-behaved your dog is, other canines may not be.
Here are the reasons why most of the airlines don’t allow to a book a seat on an airplane:
- It’s possible that a dog has fleas.
- There is a possibility that it will use the restroom in the plane’s cabin or that it will growl and scream throughout the entire flight.
- When nervous or confined, it could be hazardous. It could intimidate other passengers or crew.
- Allergies and phobias are common among passengers.
- It might get out of hand.
Bottom Line
So now you know, can I buy my dog a seat on an airplane? So, next time you have to travel outside and plan to have your dog on the airplane, check for the airline rules regarding pet traveling. Most probably they will not allow you to have a seat for the dog but they let you place the dog beneath the seat in front of you or in the luggage area.
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