Dec. 18, 2025, 3:00 a.m. ET
- Travelers should prepare in advance by knowing their airline’s policies and ensuring their pet is comfortable in its carrier.
- A former pet flight nanny recommends booking nonstop, early morning flights and arriving at the airport with extra time.
- Most U.S. airlines no longer allow pets to travel in the cargo hold as checked luggage.
If you’re traveling with your pet this holiday season, it’s a good idea to do a little advance planning. You should know your airline’s policies and ensure your furry friend is comfortable in its carrier.
Jennifer Kopczynski, a former pet flight nanny who worked in the field for three years, previously told USA TODAY there are a few things travelers should do to make the experience as stress-free as possible for their pet.
- Pick a nonstop flight whenever possible
- Fly out on the first flight of the day to avoid delays
- Pack the night before and get to the airport early in case the check-in line is long
She also said it’s a good idea, especially with puppies, to avoid the designated pet relief area because those can be contaminated with germs.
Kopczynski said it’s also smart to bring your pet in the cabin and keep them in a carrier with good sightlines so they can always see you. And maybe consider sneaking in the occasional pat through the zipper.
Most U.S. airlines, aside from Alaska Airlines, no longer permit pets to travel in the cargo hold as checked luggage, so if you’re traveling with a larger pet, you may need to find an alternative, like another mode of transportation or shipping your pet as cargo separately.
Most airlines charge around $150 to bring your pet as carry-on, provided it fits in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Here are the major airline carry-on pet policies:
If you’re traveling internationally, it’ll require more preparation, but it’s not impossible.
USA TODAY this summer had a chance to visit The ARK, an animal import-export facility at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. Elizabeth Schuette, president and CEO of The ARK, said it’s crucial to check the paperwork and vaccination requirements of your destination and to ensure your pet’s documents are in order well ahead of the trip.
She also emphasized the importance of making sure your pet is comfortable in its carrier, especially on long trips.
“The most important thing is if your dog is going to be traveling in any sort of container, that they’re comfortable in that. Anytime they get agitated, that increases their respiration, increases their heart rate,” which can lead to greater danger of health complications while traveling, Schuette said. “The most solace people should take is it is actually very safe.”
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.
