While it may be worrisome to check your pet, the US Department of Transportation recorded a 0.82 incident rate per 10,000 animals transported in 2021.A parrot in the belly of a commercial airliner.
David J. Phillip/AP
However, five pets have died in the cargo hold so far this year, and animal activist organizations have warned against using the service.
Understandably, horror stories of animal deaths and injuries on airlines have made some owners hesitant to transport their pets on planes, but in many cases, there is no other option.
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While it is preferable to travel with a pet in the cabin, most airlines only allow pets in a crate that can fit under the seat in front of you. Because of this, larger animals will need to be checked.Dog under an airline cabin seat
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However, service dogs are allowed on aircraft without needing a carrier, but emotional support animals will need to be kept in a crate. Moreover, most airlines will charge for an emotional support animal, costing over $100 on airlines like United.A service dog named Orlando on a United Airlines flight.
To give travelers peace of mind, Insider talked to airline cargo handlers to get the scoop on how pets are loaded into the belly of planes and tips on how to keep them comfortable during the journey.
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Only a handful of US carriers offer pet transport via cargo, including Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines, meaning the pets will ride in the belly of the plane.Cargo handler with pet crates
American, however, only allows active-duty US military members or a US State Department Foreign Service employee to transport a pet via cargo.American Airlines 777-300ER.
Allegiant Air, Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines only allow pets in the cabin.A service dog on a United Airlines flight.
The process of shipping a pet via cargo is simple as long as pet owners understand the industry's strict rules, like ensuring the pet's crate size is acceptable, making sure the pet is not a restricted breed, and checking the outside temperature is within safe margins.Dog in crate after air travel
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According to the US Department of Agriculture, pets must be eight weeks or older to travel and brachycephalic, snub-nosed, or mixed breeds of snub-nosed animals are typically not allowed to fly due to health concerns.Restricted breeds on American Airlines
Most airlines have a separate check-in area for pet owners shipping their animals via cargo. Owners are expected to provide two bowls for their pets, including one for water and one for food.
Once pets are checked in, cargo handlers deliver the animals to the aircraft where they are loaded into the belly of the plane. A former Delta cargo agent told Insider that pets are placed in a separate section of the cargo hold and secured for stability.The cargo agent asked to remain anonymous.
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Most aircraft cargo compartments are temperature-controlled, meaning the pets will not overheat or freeze en route. However, some cargo areas do not have air conditioning, so pets may fly on a different flight from their owner.Dog being unloaded after flight
It is also possible pets won't fly with their owner if the outside temperature is too hot or cold. Airlines will not accept pets for cargo if the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit or above 80 or 85 degrees, depending on the carrier.Dogs wait to be loaded onto aircraft
To make your pet as comfortable as possible, cargo handlers have offered advice based on experience, including using the biggest possible kennel to give them more space...Pets being unloaded from a plane after being rescued from shelters in Hawaii in 2020.
Elaine Thompson/AP
...providing a water bottle that attaches to the inside of the crate so it doesn't spill...
American Airlines
...giving them extra blankets in case they get cold...United cargo handlers loading dog onto aircraft
United Airlines
...leaving a shirt or item with a familiar smell in the kennel...American Airlines cargo handler with dog
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...and strapping extra food and water to the crate so employees can water or feed them when handling between flights.Pets being loaded onto a flight
AP
The DOT has also outlined tips for pet owners, including not giving them solid food within six hours of their flight and only putting them on nonstop journeys.
Checking pets comes as the industry sees more demand for the service, which soared 600% from February 2021 to February 2022, according to Next Vacay.Cat in pet carrier at the Phoenix airport.
The travel service company said JetBlue and Alaska are the highest-ranked airlines for transporting animals.Alaska Airlines with American Airlines and JetBlue Airways planes in the background.
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"There are many reasons why travelers choose to take their furry companion with them on their flight, whether they're traveling for business, vacation, or visiting family over the holidays." Next Vacay CEO Naveen Dittakavi said. "Traveling with pets is more common than ever before."A customer traveling with her dog.
