April 7, 2025

What to Expect When Flying with Your Pet: The Ultimate Pet Travel Guide

Flying with your pet can be a bit like preparing for an adventure—both for you and your furry companion. But, just like any great adventure, it requires a little planning, some extra care, and maybe a few extra treats to keep everyone happy. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country move, taking a vacation, or bringing your new rescue home, flying with your pet doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it can be a smooth and safe journey for everyone involved!

At Cabin Companions, we specialize in pet air travel, ensuring that your furry friends get to their destinations comfortably and safely.

Here’s everything you need to know to make your pet’s flight a breeze—from booking the flight to settling in once you arrive.

Step 1: Booking Your Pet’s Flight – Plan Ahead!

Like any good traveler, your pet’s journey begins with the right booking. And while it might seem like just another ticket to buy, booking your pet’s flight requires a bit more attention to detail.

  • Book Early to Confirm Your Pet’s Spot. Airlines only allow a limited number of pets on each flight (which, let’s be honest, is pretty exclusive), so it’s crucial to book early. This applies to both in-cabin and cargo flights. After booking, always call the airline to confirm your pet’s spot and get the latest pet travel guidelines.

  • Know Your Airlines Policies and Rules. Every airline has its own rules about pet travel, and knowing those policies can save you a lot of time and frustration. Some airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin with you, while others may require them to travel in the cargo hold. Make sure to confirm all details, such as size limits, carrier requirements, and fees associated with flying with your pet.

  • Choose Non-Stop Flights When Possible. We get it—you want your pet’s trip to be as quick and easy as possible. Non-stop flights are ideal because they minimize the time your pet spends traveling. Fewer layovers means less time for your pet to feel stressed or uncomfortable.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pet for Their Flight – Comfort is Key!

Once you’ve booked the flight, it’s time to get your pet ready for the journey. After all, you want them to feel as comfortable as possible while they’re up in the air.

  • Visit the Vet Before You Go. A health check-up is always a good idea before any trip, especially if you’re flying. Your vet will make sure your pet is fit for travel, up-to-date on vaccinations, and has a clean bill of health for the journey. If your pet takes medication or has anxiety, your vet may have recommendations to help keep them calm.
    A health check-up is always a good idea before any trip, especially if you’re flying. Your vet will make sure your pet is fit for travel, up-to-date on vaccinations, and has a clean bill of health for the journey. If your pet takes medication or has anxiety, your vet may have recommendations to help keep them calm.

  • Get the Right Travel Carrier. Whether your pet is flying in-cabin or in cargo, the carrier is one of the most important things to consider. Make sure the carrier is the correct size for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Airlines often have specific size requirements for in-cabin carriers, so double-check the guidelines before purchasing one. To make it feel like home, toss in a blanket or their favorite toy to keep your pet cozy and secure.

  • Pre-Trip Exercise. Before heading to the airport, take your pet for a walk or play session. A tired pet is a happy pet, and letting them burn off some energy before the flight can make them more relaxed during travel.

  • Get Them Familiar with the Carrier. If your pet hasn’t traveled in their carrier before, spend a few days getting them used to it. Place treats and toys inside, and let them explore it. This helps your pet feel more comfortable during the flight. If your pet hasn’t traveled in their carrier before, spend a few days getting them used to it. Place treats and toys inside, and let them explore it. This helps your pet feel more comfortable during the flight.

Step 3: Day of Travel – Smooth Sailing (or Flying!)

It’s travel day! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with everything you’ll need to know to ensure your pet’s journey goes off without a hitch.

  • Arrive Early at the Airport. Airports can be chaotic, so aim to arrive early to give yourself plenty of time for check-in, security, and getting your pet situated. Most airlines recommend arriving 2-3 hours before departure when traveling with a pet. Airports can be chaotic, so aim to arrive early to give yourself plenty of time for check-in, security, and getting your pet situated. Most airlines recommend arriving 2-3 hours before departure when traveling with a pet.

  • Check-In and Security. When you check in at the counter, let the airline staff know you’re traveling with a pet. For in-cabin pets, you’ll need to place the carrier under the seat in front of you. For cargo pets, the process will vary depending on the airline, but they’ll guide you through it. Remember, security may ask you to remove your pet from the carrier, so be prepared to hold them as you go through the checkpoint (and have treats handy!). When you check in at the counter, let the airline staff know you’re traveling with a pet. For in-cabin pets, you’ll need to place the carrier under the seat in front of you. For cargo pets, the process will vary depending on the airline, but they’ll guide you through it. Remember, security may ask you to remove your pet from the carrier, so be prepared to hold them as you go through the checkpoint (and have treats handy!).

  • Keep Your Pet Calm. We know—you’re probably nervous about the flight, but your pet will sense your emotions! Stay calm and positive. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your pet will be. Offer them a treat or a soothing voice to keep them at ease during the journey.

  • Hydration and Comfort. It’s important to keep your pet hydrated throughout the flight. Bring a small water dish and offer them a drink before takeoff. Make sure their carrier is well-ventilated and comfortable. For longer flights, ask the flight attendants if they can check on your pet if they’re traveling in cargo.
    It’s important to keep your pet hydrated throughout the flight. Bring a small water dish and offer them a drink before takeoff. Make sure their carrier is well-ventilated and comfortable. For longer flights, ask the flight attendants if they can check on your pet if they’re traveling in cargo.

Step 4: After the Flight – Welcome to Your Destination!

The flight is over, and it’s time to reunite with your furry friend! Here’s what you need to know when you land:

  • In-Cabin Pets. If your pet traveled in-cabin with you, congratulations—you’re reunited! Grab them from under your seat, give them some snuggles, and let them stretch their paws. A few moments of calm can help your pet adjust to the new environment. If your pet traveled in-cabin with you, congratulations—you’re reunited! Grab them from under your seat, give them some snuggles, and let them stretch their paws. A few moments of calm can help your pet adjust to the new environment.

  • Cargo Pets. If your pet traveled in cargo, they’ll be brought to the designated pet area of the luggage pick-up zone. Once they’re safely retrieved, let them settle into their new surroundings. Give them a moment to explore and get comfortable. It’s a big world out there, but we’re confident your pet is ready for it!
    If your pet traveled in cargo, they’ll be brought to the designated pet area of the luggage pick-up zone. Once they’re safely retrieved, let them settle into their new surroundings. Give them a moment to explore and get comfortable. It’s a big world out there, but we’re confident your pet is ready for it!

  • Adjusting to a New Environment. Whether you’ve arrived at a new home or are visiting a new destination, it’s important to give your pet time to adjust. Keep their routine as normal as possible, and give them some space to feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Whether you’ve arrived at a new home or are visiting a new destination, it’s important to give your pet time to adjust. Keep their routine as normal as possible, and give them some space to feel comfortable in their new surroundings.

Why Choose Cabin Companions for Your Pet’s Air Travel?

Traveling with your pet can be a lot to manage, and we get it—it can be stressful for both you and your furry friend. From navigating airport security to making sure your pet’s comfortable during the flight, there’s a lot to think about. That’s where Cabin Companions comes in.


We specialize in taking the hassle out of pet travel. Whether your pet is flying across the country or overseas, we’re here to ensure they get from anywhere to everywhere, safely and comfortably. We’ll personally escort your pet the entire way, so you can relax knowing they’re in good hands.


If you’d rather focus on your own travel plans (or just want to avoid the stress), we’re here to help. With Cabin Companions, your pet’s journey will be as smooth as possible, leaving you free to focus on what matters—reuniting with them at your destination.