Rochdi Rais · Updated July 1, 2024
Southwest Airlines Pet Policy;”>Traveling with pets can be a daunting task, and when it comes to air travel, it is essential to ensure their safety and comfort. For pet owners, choosing the right airline can be a challenging decision. Southwest Airlines and JetBlue are two popular airlines that allow pets to fly with their owners. However, safety is a significant concern for pet owners. In this article, we will compare the safety protocols of Southwest Airlines and JetBlue to help you make an informed decision.
Before we begin, it is crucial to note that Southwest Airlines and JetBlue have stringent safety protocols for pet travel. They are both compliant with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Animal Welfare Act and have policies and procedures to ensure the safety and comfort of pets during air travel.
Southwest Airlines Pet Policy
Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated dogs and cats to travel with their owners. The airline has specific rules and regulations that pet owners must follow. The airline requires a pet carrier, which must be stowed under the seat in front of the owner. The maximum size of the carrier should not exceed 18.5″ long x 8.5″ high x 13.5″ wide. The airline also restricts the number of pets allowed on each flight.
Southwest Airlines ensures the safety of pets during air travel by limiting the number of pets on each flight. This ensures pets are not crowded and have enough space to move around in their carrier. Additionally, the airline prohibits pets from traveling in cargo, which reduces the risk of injury or death during air travel.
JetBlue Pet Policy
JetBlue allows small vaccinated dogs and cats to travel with their owners like Southwest Airlines. The airline has specific rules and regulations that pet owners must follow. The airline requires a pet carrier, which must be stowed under the seat in front of the owner. The maximum size of the carrier should not exceed 17″ long x 12.5″ high x 8.5″ wide. The airline also restricts the number of pets allowed on each flight.
JetBlue ensures the safety of pets during air travel by limiting the number of pets on each flight. Additionally, the airline prohibits pets from traveling in cargo, which reduces the risk of injury or death during air travel. JetBlue also provides the JetPaws program, which offers pet owners a pet travel guide, a pet bag tag, and a welcome e-mail with helpful tips and tricks.
Which is Safer for Pet Shipping: Southwest Airlines or JetBlue?
Both Southwest Airlines and JetBlue have strict safety protocols for pet travel, and both comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Animal Welfare Act. However, some differences between the two airlines can affect the safety of pets during air travel.
Pet Carrier Size Restrictions
One of the main differences between Southwest Airlines and JetBlue is the size restrictions for pet carriers. Southwest Airlines allows slightly larger carriers than JetBlue, meaning pets may have more space to move around. However, this can also mean that the carrier may not fit under some seats.
Pet Travel Programs
JetBlue offers a pet travel program called JetPaws, which provides additional resources for pet owners, such as a pet travel guide, a pet bag tag, and a welcome e-mail with helpful tips and tricks. While Southwest Airlines does not offer a pet travel program, it does have a reputation for excellent customer service and may be more accommodating to pet owners’ needs.
Number of Pets Allowed
Both airlines have restrictions on the number of pets allowed on each flight, which ensures that pets are not crowded and have enough space to move around in their carrier. However, Southwest Airlines may have more
Stringent Safety Protocols
Both Southwest Airlines and JetBlue have stringent safety protocols in place for pet travel. They comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Animal Welfare Act and have their policies and procedures to ensure the safety and comfort of pets during air travel.
Additionally, both airlines have trained staff to handle pet travel and are equipped to deal with any emergencies that may arise during air travel. They also have specific procedures to ensure that pets are not left unattended, receive food and water during long flights, and are appropriately secured in their carriers.
FAQs: Southwest Airlines vs. JetBlue: Which is Safer for Pet Shipping?
>Traveling with pets can be stressful, and ensuring their safety and comfort during air travel is essential. Choosing the right airline is crucial, and in this article, we compared the safety protocols of Southwest Airlines and JetBlue to help you make an informed decision. Here are some frequently asked questions about pet travel on these airlines:
What is the cheapest way to transport a pet?
Typically, ground transport is the cheapest way to transport a pet. Longer trips using a transportation service, like CitizenShipper, typically average around $1.00 per mile. Using a pet transportation service ensures your pet arrives in your new location safely, while minimizing stress and overall cost.
How much does it cost to ship a pet internationally?
While shipping your pet domestically is a relatively straightforward process, international shipping can be more complicated. Hiring a pet transport service to help with international logistics can save a tremendous amount of stress and time.
Each country of arrival will have specific regulations regarding pet health checks, necessary vaccination, and possible quarantine requirements. The cost to ship a pet internationally can vary, especially if you need to board your pet for an extended quarantine.
How much does it cost to transport cats?
The cost to transport cats will vary depending on the transport method. Cats can be transported via ground or air transit, and are often small enough to be considered a “carry on” item. Transporting a cat can cost as little as $25 on Amtrak, or as much as $125 to fly in the main cabin of an airplane.
How much does it cost to travel with a small pet?
Traveling with a small pet, compared to a large pet, is much cheaper. Smaller pets can fit under the seat in front of you and can often qualify as a “carry on” item. Traveling with small pets on Amtrak can cost $25, while airlines can charge around $125. Keep in mind certain companies will only allow cats and dogs to travel.
What does it cost to ship a puppy?
While puppies are small enough to fly in most airline cabins, they can incur additional costs. Puppies generally require more attention, and therefore can be more expensive than shipping an adult dog or cat.
Many breeders will utilize an air nanny service to accompany your puppy. If the air nanny is experienced, or a regular, certain airlines may provide discounted rates or waive certain fees. Breeders regularly ship puppies to their new homes and are well-versed in arranging transportation.
Bottom Line: Southwest Airlines vs. JetBlue: Which is Safer for Pet Shipping?
In conclusion, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue are safe airlines for pet travel. They have stringent safety protocols and comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Animal Welfare Act. Both airlines have size restrictions for pet carriers, limit the number of pets allowed on each flight, and prohibit pets from traveling in cargo.
While Southwest Airlines may allow slightly larger carriers and has a reputation for excellent customer service, JetBlue offers a pet travel program called JetPaws, which provides additional resources for pet owners. Ultimately, the decision between Southwest Airlines and JetBlue will depend on individual preferences and needs.
If you are looking to transport your pet, it is essential to do your research and review each airline’s pet policy before booking a flight. You should also consult your veterinarian to ensure your pet is healthy enough to travel.
For additional information on what airlines allow pets to fly alone, check out our articles on the topic.
Rochdi Rais is a senior editor and author at CitizenShipper. He has been a senior editor for ParadiseMedia, USA Herald, and more. He also loves writing about himself in 3rd person.
