Traveling is a wonderful adventure, but it can be even more enjoyable when you have your furry companion by your side. For pet owners, the thought of leaving your four-legged friend behind is heart-wrenching. Fortunately, Frontier Airlines understands this bond and welcomes small pets on board. In this blog, I’ll share my personal experience of traveling with my beloved dog, Max, and how Frontier Airlines pet policy made it a journey to remember.
Frontier Airlines Pet Policy: The Basics
Before I delve into our pet travel adventure, let’s go over the essentials of Frontier Airlines’ pet policy:
1. Pet Types Allowed:
Frontier Airlines permits domestic dogs, cats, small household birds, rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs to travel in the cabin. Unfortunately, exotic animals and reptiles are not allowed.
2. Weight and Size Limit:
Pets must be small and fit comfortably in a small, well-ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The combined weight of the pet and carrier should not exceed 20 pounds (9 kg).
3. Cabin Restrictions:
The airline allows a limited number of pets in the cabin on each flight. It’s crucial to book your pet’s spot early, as it’s first-come, first-served. On a typical Frontier flight, there are usually up to four pet carriers allowed in the cabin.
4. Pet Carrier Requirements:
The pet carrier must meet specific requirements, including proper ventilation, a secure latch, and a leak-proof bottom. It should also be big enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably. The carrier counts as your personal item.
5. Booking Your Pet’s Ticket:
Inform Frontier Airlines that you’re traveling with a pet when you book your flight. There is a fee for bringing your pet in the cabin, and it’s generally non-refundable.
6. Pet Health:
Your pet should be in good health to travel. Frontier Airlines may request health records for your pet, so it’s a good idea to have these on hand.
7. In-Flight Pet Etiquette:
While on the plane, your pet should remain in its carrier and under the seat at all times. It’s essential to be considerate of other passengers, and your pet should not disrupt the flight.
8. International Travel:
Frontier Airlines’ pet policy primarily applies to domestic flights within the United States. If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need to check the specific regulations and requirements of your destination country.
Now, let me take you through our journey with Max.
Booking the Flight:
When we decided to visit our family on the West Coast, the thought of leaving Max, our small dog, behind was out of the question. We booked our flight with Frontier Airlines and informed them that Max would be accompanying us.
The Frontier Airlines agent was incredibly helpful, providing us with all the necessary information, including the pet fee and carrier requirements. This thoughtful start made us feel confident about our upcoming adventure.
Preparing Max’s Carrier:
We made sure Max’s carrier was in line with the airline’s requirements, offering him enough space to be comfortable. Inside, we placed his favorite blanket and toy to make him feel secure. We also attached a label with our contact information to the carrier, just in case.
Airport Check-In and Security:
Arriving at the airport, we ensured we had ample time to navigate check-in and get Max accustomed to the bustling surroundings. Frontier Airlines has dedicated lines for passengers traveling with pets, which made check-in a breeze. Security screening was smooth, with Max remaining in his carrier throughout the process. The TSA agents were friendly and understanding, ensuring Max felt secure.
In the Cabin:
As we boarded the plane, Max was safely nestled in his carrier under the seat in front of us. Frontier Airlines’ cabin crew was accommodating, and it was evident they were accustomed to pet travelers. They checked on Max during the flight and made the experience more enjoyable by offering a small treat.
Conclusion:
Our adventure with Max on Frontier Airlines was a success. He adapted to the in-cabin travel experience with ease, and the airline’s pet policy provided clarity and peace of mind. From booking to landing, the journey was smooth and enjoyable. Traveling with Max reaffirmed our belief that with the right airline, adventures with pets are not only feasible but also rewarding.