Cape Air Pet Policy

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When transporting a pet by a commercial airline, it is extremely important to understand their pet policy. These policies vary between airlines. Some allow small pets to fly in the cabin and others don’t. It is important to know the answers to all your questions before making your decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. Does Cape Air allow pets on your specific route? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on Cape Air? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for Cape Air? All your answers related to Cape Air pet policy are answered below.

Note: It is important to mention that the pet policy of the airline that operates your pet’s route will preside over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is important to note because if the operating airline changes during your trip, then you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet on the next airline. This will cause you to clear customs and enter the layover country. You will need time and extra documentation to accommodate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.

Classes of service offered to pets by commercial airlines

In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant
carrier stowed under the seat.
Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.

Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? Yes (Certain Flights)
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? No
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? No

Where is Cape Air based?

Cape Air [IATA:9K] is based out of Cape Cod Gateway Airport in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

What countries does Cape Air fly to?

Cape Air offers service to pets to the following countries: Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Naint Kitts & Nevis, US Virgin Islands, United States.

*Regulations for dogs flying to the United States have changed. Find new regulations to import a dog to the United States here.

Cape Air Pet Policy – In Cabin

If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in Cape Air’s pet policy to fly in the cabin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog who is trained to assist you in a task required to address a physical or medical disability.

Pets allowed flown by Cape Air in the cabin

Domesticated cats, dogs, rabbits, and household birds may fly with Cape Air in the cabin with their owners. Pets must be clean, healthy, harmless and mannerly.

Reservations

Pet owners are encouraged to contact Cape Air when they finalize their travel plans as the airline only allows one pet per aircraft, including service dogs.

Age requirements

Pet carrier requirements

Your pet’s carrier must:

Have adequate ventilation on at least three sides (domestic US) or four sides (international)
Be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
Be able to accommodate your entire pet. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier
Be able to fit under the seat in front of you
Have a waterproof bottom and absorbent pet pad
Have secure fasteners (heavy duty zippers are recommended)

The maximum hard or soft kennel size for the Cessna 402 is 28” x 20.5” x 20.5”. The maximum hard kennel size for the Tecnam P2012 is 28” x 20.5” x 20.5”. The maximum soft kennel size for the Tecnam P2012 is 12” x 6” x 8”. The maximum hard or soft kennel size for flights to/from New York/JFK is 17” (L) x 12.5” (W) x 8.5” (H).

Flights to/from New York City (JFK): Only small cats and dogs are permitted. The weight of a pet including the carrier must not exceed 20 pounds. Maximum size of kennel is 17” (L) x 12.5” (W) x 8.5” (H).

No pets are accepted for travel for any flight to/from Culebra, Puerto Rico (CPX), Virgin Gorda, BVI (VIJ), or for any flight to/from Nevis, WI (NEV).

No pets are permitted on flights involving Britten Norman Islander Aircraft.

Exit row or bulkhead seats cannot be reserved when flying with a pet. Pets must remain in carriers for the duration of the flight.

On flights between Hyannis, New Bedford, Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard ONLY, dogs may be transported with or without a kennel if the following conditions are met:

the dog does not exceed 35 pounds in weight
travel in the Cessna 402 only, the dog must be restrained with a leash or harness
the dog cannot obstruct access to the aisle

Forms required

Passengers must assume full responsibility for compliance with all pet import or export requirements of their origination and destination countries.

Route restrictions

Pets are not accepted on the Britten Norman Islander aircraft
Pets are not accepted for travel for any flight to/from Culebra, Puerto Rico (CPX), Virgin Gorda, BVI (VIJ), or Nevis, WI (NEV).

Flights must be direct without any transfers, transits or layovers.

Check in

Pet fee

The cost to fly a pet in the cabin is $30 USD in each direction.

Service dog pet policy

All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. They must be trained by a person or organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a disability. They must have proof of current rabies vaccination.

Service dogs must be suitably marked, harnessed and leashed. They must fit in the space provided at their passenger’s feet without intruding on cabin operations or other passengers. If the seat next to the passenger is not occupied, the service dog can use a portion of that space if necessary.

Due to the nature and size of the Tecnam Traveller and Britten Norman Islander aircraft, service animals in excess of 35 pounds or 18″ in height are likely too large to be safely accommodated on this aircraft type. Customers with large service animals are encouraged to contact Cape Air in advance to ensure the service dog can be safely transported on board our relatively small-sized aircraft.

Service dogs must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew.

If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation forms must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. All required documentation required for the destination country must be provided at check in.

All service dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally.

Cape Air Pet Policy – Checked Baggage

Cape Air does not offer checked baggage service for live animals.

Cape Air Pet Policy – Air Cargo

Cape Air does not offer air cargo service for live animals.

Private Jet Charter

Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or commotion of a commercial airport.

Other Information

The information published here is a guideline for Cape Air airline pet policy. For more airline pet policies, click the banner below.