In-Cabin and Checked Baggage Pet Policy

If your pet meets the requirements listed in Air Mobility Command (AMC) pet policy to travel in-cabin, you will need a compliant airline pet carrier. Carriers must have adequate ventilation on two or more sides, a waterproof bottom and secure fasteners.

Carriers should not exceed 18"l x 11"w x 10.5"h so it can fit under the seat comfortably. Absorbent pet pads must be provided in the bottom of all carriers.

Pets must be able to stand up and turn around in their carrier. Only one pet per carrier is permitted unless two small dogs or cats over 8 weeks and under 6 months or age of the same species, under 20 pounds each, and known to eachother can be carried in the same carrier if there is adequate room.

Pet owners must notify Traffic Management Office/Installation Transportation Office to make a reservation for your pet. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, so make your reservations as early as possible.

There is a limit as to the number of pets that can fly with their owners to two pets per family. Owners must accompany their pets on the flight. Pets must be a minimum of 8 weeks of age.

Check-in time for AMC flights at Baltimore/Washington International Airport is no later than 2 hours and 20 minutes prior to flight departure. Check-in time for AMC flights at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is no later than 3 hours and 20 minutes prior to flight departure. /p

Pet owners can contact their local transportation office or AMC Passenger Terminal for more information.

Pet owners flying on Patriot Express flights can check their pets in up to 6 hours prior to departure; however, they must retain custody of their pets until 45 minutes before departure. Note that all pets must remain in their kennel or shipping container while in public or terminal areas.

Service dogs are accepted in the cabin with advance notice of 48 hours and appropriate Department of Transportation forms.

If your pet is too large to fit under the seat, it is an animal other than a dog or cat, or if it is a very long flight, Air Mobility Command may transport your pet in the cargo section of their aircraft according to its regulations. 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.

Animals allowed: dogs and cats. Minimum weight of your pet and its carrier: 150 pounds.

Fees

Weight of your pet and its carrier is less than 70 lbs. - $125.00 Weight of your pet and its carrier is between 71 and 140 lbs - $250.00 Weight of your pet and its carrier is between 141 and 150 lbs. - $375.00

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 compliant with the regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The crate must have ventilation on a minimum of 3 sides of the crate. Learn more about IATA compliant pet crates. Crate hardware is required to fasten the upper and lower halves of your pet's crate together. Your pet's crate should be marked with your pet's name, owner's name, destination and phone number. Live animal stickers should also be applied.

Once you receive your crate, you will need to acclimate your pet to it before traveling. Our guide for preparing your pet and its crate for travel is helpful, especially for first time pet travelers. Download Preparing Your Pet and Its Crate for Travel.

Additional Information

Airline pet travel tips
Tips for airline pet cargo travel
More information on airline pet travel

 

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