Pet Policy US Airways
Click here for Airline Forms and Pet Policies - US Airways
US Airways
does not accept pets in the cabin or as checked baggage on International flights but they do accept them on domestic flights. Please note
that new regulations do not allow you to reserve a place for your pet on the
flight when traveling in the cabin. You must show up at the gate early enough to get one of the slots
available for pets on your flight. If all of the slots are full, then your ticket can be cancelled and a credit will be issued for a future flight.
US Airways has announced that they will allow passengers traveling with pets
in the cabin to purchase an additional seat if one passenger is traveling
with 2 pets. The additional pet must still be stowed under the seat in front
of the seat purchased, and all rules for carry-ons still apply.
US Airways hub cities of Phoenix and Las Vegas have extreme temperatures
that regularly exceed 100 degrees. For the safety of your pet, US Airways
does not accept any animals in its cargo compartments during these times with the following
exceptions. US Airways DOES accept dogs, domestic cats and birds as checked
baggage on nonstop US Airways Shuttle flights in the BOS/DCA/LGA markets
only. Connections are not permitted. The customer must travel on the same
flight. Customers should advise US Airways when they wish to transport a pet
as checked baggage on a US Airways Shuttle flight.
IN CABIN TRAVEL: FLY WITH A SMALL DOG OR CAT
If your pet meets the requirements listed in US Airways pet policy to travel in-cabin,
you will need an approved airline pet carrier.
You must notify US Airways that you are traveling with a pet and arrive at the gate early enough to be included in the quota of pets allowed on the flight. Reservations cannot be made online.
CHECKED BAGGAGE OR CARGO TRAVEL: FLY WITH A LARGER DOG OR
CAT OR OTHER ANIMAL
US Airways accepts dogs, domestic cats and birds as checked baggage on nonstop US Airways Shuttle flights in the
BOS/DCA/LGA markets only. Connections are not permitted. You must travel on the same flight with your pet
and you should call before you travel.
This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin.
TIP: Be sure to tell the Captain of the aircraft that your pet is
flying in the cargo hold so that they can be sure to keep the temperature at the proper level. Find more tips
on airline pet travel in cargo.
If your pet is traveling in the cargo section, whether through the cargo department or
as checked baggage, it must be in a
pet crate that is IATA compliant.
Learn more about IATA compliant
pet crates. We also suggest that you consider
crate hardware for your pet's crate
as more airlines are requiring it.
HEALTH CERTIFICATE
Many airlines require a health certificate
indicating that the pet is healthy enough for travel, is free of diseases communicable
to humans and has been properly vaccinated, especially when traveling in the
cargo section of the aircraft.
HOT AND COLD WEATHER RESTRICTIONS
When runway temperatures are above 84F (29C) degrees at the departure
airport, US Airways may refuse to board your pet as cargo
or checked baggage. When the weather is very
cold with a runway temperature below 45F (7C) degrees at the time of
departure, US Airways may require what is called an
Acclimation
Certificate. Learn more about the pet travel airline temperature restrictions.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
If you are traveling to another country, US Airways will want to see
that you have the proper documents to enter that country with your
pet. Most countries have their own version of a Veterinary
Certificate. In addition, some countries require an Import Permit. Find
pet passport forms and instructions
in the Pet Travel Store.
MORE TIPS FOR FLYING WITH A DOG OR CAT
- It is a good idea to take your pet for a health checkup prior to flying. You will want your veterinarian to make sure that your pet is in top condition and all vaccinations are up to date. It is mandatory to see your vet if you are flying internationally.
- Never give your pet a medical (prescription) sedative. If you want your pet to be more relaxed, then give it a natural pet calmer. Many airlines will refuse to ship a pet that has been sedated.
- If your pet tends toward motion sickness, limit food intake until you have reached your destination. Be sure that your pet gets some hydration prior to travel. It is best to accomplish this at home if possible.
- Always purchase your pet carrier or pet crate well in advance of your trip so that the pet can get used to it. Measure your pet from tip of nose to base of tail and from top of head to floor in order to select the proper size carrier. The airlines will require that your pet be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier.
- Be sure to tell the airline you will be flying with a pet when you make your reservation as they impose restrictions on the number of pets on a specific flight. You must make your reservations on the telephone. You cannot make reservations for your pet online.
- Even though air travel can be stressful for your pet, both planning and preparation will make things easier for you both. More information on airline travel tips can be found in our articles on pet travel.
QUESTIONS If you have questions or comments about traveling with your
pet send your question to info@PetTravel.com or post them to our
blog or forum.
US Airways Pets - Forms and Instructions