Understanding Pet Travel Options from Burbank

Flying with a pet from Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) requires knowing which airlines accept animals, what types of travel are available, and how to navigate each carrier’s policies. The best airlines for pets from Burbank prioritize safety, clear policies, and in-cabin travel for small pets whenever possible. A well-chosen airline can transform a potentially stressful experience into one that is manageable and predictable.

Pets can typically travel one of three ways: in the cabin with you, as checked baggage in the aircraft hold, or as manifest cargo. In-cabin travel is the gentlest option for small dogs and cats. Most airlines reserving space for in-cabin pets have strict size limits, require a carrier that fits under the seat, and charge a fee. For larger animals that cannot fit under the seat, cargo or checked baggage travel may be available, but this depends on aircraft type, route, weather restrictions, and breed restrictions (especially for snub-nosed dogs and cats). Understanding these distinctions will help you decide which carrier fits your pet’s needs.

Top Airlines Departing Burbank with Pet Programs

Burbank’s proximity to major Los Angeles hubs means you have many connecting options. When you fly directly from BUR, you will likely connect through larger airports like Phoenix, Denver, Dallas–Fort Worth, or San Francisco. Several major U.S. carriers serve BUR and have well-defined pet programs. The three airlines below consistently offer some of the safest and most transparent pet travel options for flights originating in Burbank. Always verify the current policies directly with the airline, as rules frequently change.

Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Services

Alaska Airlines is one of the most pet-accommodating carriers in the United States. For in-cabin travel, small dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds can ride in the cabin for a fee of $100 each way. The pet and carrier must remain under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. Alaska allows a maximum of two carriers in the first class cabin and five in the main cabin, so early booking is essential. The carrier dimensions are limited to 17" x 11" x 7.5" for soft-sided models, providing a bit more room than some competitors. Hard-sided carriers must fit under the seat and generally measure no more than 17" x 11" x 7.5" as well. Your pet must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned.

For larger pets, Alaska offers a temperature-controlled climate cabin in the cargo hold on most mainline flights. The fee for checked pets varies by route but is typically $100 each way. Alaska has strict rules for snub-nosed breeds, which cannot travel in cargo during certain times of the year due to breathing risks. The airline also requires a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel for cargo pets, and for international travel, additional documentation is needed. Alaska Airlines’ pet policy page provides comprehensive, up-to-date details.

American Airlines Policies and Cargo Programs

American Airlines permits domesticated cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on select flights from Burbank, provided the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 20 pounds. The fee is $125 per kennel each way. The carrier must fit under the seat and remain stowed there for the duration of the flight. American allows only one pet per passenger in the cabin, and no more than seven pet carriers total on the plane (depending on aircraft type), so booking early is non-negotiable.

Larger animals travel via American Airlines Cargo. This service is separate from the passenger reservation system and must be booked directly through the cargo department. The live animal program has temperature-controlled holding areas and trained staff, but not all aircraft types at Burbank may have climate-controlled cargo holds, so you must confirm when booking. Additionally, breed restrictions and seasonal embargoes apply. For example, snub-nosed breeds (like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Persian cats) face restrictions from May through September. A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel is mandatory for cargo transport, and international moves require USDA endorsement and destination country permits. American’s official pet travel page is the best resource for planning.

Delta Air Lines Animal Services

Delta Air Lines allows small dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in the cabin on flights within the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. The in-cabin pet fee is $95 each way for domestic travel. The carrier must fit completely under the seat with the pet inside. Maximum carrier dimensions vary by aircraft, but a soft-sided 18" x 11" x 11" carrier is generally acceptable on mainline jets. Delta limits the total number of pets per flight, so early booking is critical.

Delta discontinued checked pets as of 2024, but pets traveling as cargo can be arranged through Delta Cargo. The program features temperature-controlled vans and animal care facilities at major hubs. Burbank passengers typically connect through Salt Lake City or Atlanta. Cargo travel requires a health certificate issued within 10 days and compliance with IATA Live Animals Regulations. Delta has breed restrictions for snub-nosed dogs and cats and may not accept them as cargo during extreme weather. Check Delta’s pet travel portal for current policies and size guidelines.

Preparing Your Pet for the Journey

A smooth flight starts well before you reach the airport. Preparing your pet physically and mentally, choosing the right carrier, and gathering all required paperwork can prevent last-minute denials and keep your animal comfortable. This preparation is identical regardless of whether you’re traveling in-cabin or via cargo.

Health Certificates and Vaccination Requirements

A veterinary health certificate is nearly always required for pets traveling as cargo, and increasingly for in-cabin travel as well. The certificate must be issued within a specific window—most airlines require it within 10 days of travel, though international destinations may require it within 24–48 hours for certain countries. The certificate confirms your pet is free of infectious diseases, is up to date on rabies and other core vaccines, and is fit to fly.

Microchip identification is strongly advised and, for many international destinations, mandatory. The chip must be ISO-compliant (15-digit) and implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered. Keep a record of the microchip number, your contact information, and ensure that the microchip registration is current. For domestic travel, many airlines simply require a clean bill of health and a valid rabies certificate. International travel demands significantly more documentation: an import permit, a USDA-endorsed health certificate, and sometimes blood titer tests. Always consult the USDA APHIS pet travel website for country-specific requirements.

Choosing the Right Carrier or Crate

The carrier is your pet’s home for the entire journey. For in-cabin travel, soft-sided carriers offer more flexibility to fit under the seat, while hard-sided carriers provide extra protection but may be harder to squeeze into tight spaces. Verify your airline’s exact measurements for under-seat clearance—a few inches can be the difference between boarding and being turned away.

For cargo or checked baggage travel, IATA-compliant hard-sided crates are required. These crates must be sturdy, well-ventilated on at least three sides, and have a secure locking mechanism with no sharp edges. The crate must be tall enough for your pet to stand without touching the top, long enough for them to turn around freely, and wide enough for them to lie down comfortably. Good ventilation and a spring-loaded lock are non-negotiable. Label the crate with “Live Animal” stickers, arrows showing upright position, and your contact information. Include a small bag of food and a clip-on water dish attached to the door so airline staff can offer water during layovers. Absorbent bedding is permitted, but loose hay or straw is prohibited for hygiene and safety reasons.

Acclimating Your Pet to the Carrier

Introduce the carrier weeks before travel. Leave it open in your home with treats, toys, and comfortable bedding inside so your pet associates it with positive experiences. Gradually increase the time your pet spends inside with the door closed, always ending on a positive note. Practice short car rides and, if possible, simulate the bustle of an airport environment. This conditioning reduces anxiety during the actual flight. For pets that will travel in cargo, crate training is even more crucial, as they will be alone for several hours. A familiar blanket or a worn t-shirt with your scent can provide comfort during the trip.

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

The rules for service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) have tightened considerably in recent years. Airlines no longer automatically treat ESAs the same as service animals. Understanding the distinction is essential.

Service Animal Policies

A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), airlines must allow trained service dogs in the cabin free of charge. You will need to submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form, attesting to the dog’s health, training, and behavior. The form must be submitted at least 48 hours before the flight. Service dogs must be harnessed or leashed at all times, fit within your foot space without blocking the aisle, and remain under control. Airlines may deny boarding to a service dog that growls, barks excessively, or poses a direct threat.

Emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals by most U.S. carriers. As of 2021, airlines are permitted to treat ESAs as regular pets, meaning they are subject to pet fees, carrier requirements, and size limitations. If you plan to travel with an ESA, check the specific airline’s policy. Some carriers still accept ESAs on a case-by-case basis with documentation from a licensed mental health professional, but this is rare. The safest approach is to book your ESA as a standard pet when traveling domestically.

Booking and Airport Day Logistics

Booking your pet’s spot requires a phone call, not an online click. Pet reservations cannot be made through third-party booking sites; you must contact the airline directly after purchasing your ticket. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight, so secure your pet’s reservation as soon as your travel dates are firm. For cargo travel, you must make arrangements through the airline’s cargo department separately from your passenger reservation.

On travel day, arrive at Burbank Airport with extra time. Burbank is a smaller, manageable airport, but checking in a pet—especially for cargo—adds time. For in-cabin pets, check in at the ticket counter so an agent can verify the carrier and collect the fee. Your pet will remain in the carrier through security; you may need to remove the pet from the carrier and carry them through the metal detector while the carrier goes through X-ray. Pet relief areas at BUR are located outside the terminal. It’s wise to give your pet a bathroom break and a small drink of water about 30 minutes before boarding, but avoid overfeeding to reduce the risk of motion sickness.

International Travel from Burbank: Customs and Arrival

If your journey connects through a hub like Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) and continues internationally, customs clearance for your pet adds layers of complexity. Most international destinations require an import permit, a USDA-endorsed veterinary health certificate, proof of rabies vaccination, microchip, and sometimes a rabies titer test. Start this process months in advance. Countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand have stringent quarantine and pre-travel testing requirements. The USDA APHIS pet export page is an essential resource.

Upon arrival, pets traveling as cargo are typically taken to a dedicated animal reception center where they are checked by customs and agricultural officials. Have all original documents ready. Delays can happen if paperwork is incomplete. If you used a professional pet relocation service, they often handle the customs clearance and deliver your pet to your home, which can remove a significant burden. For pets arriving in-cabin, you simply carry them through customs like any other carry-on, but you may still be asked to present health documents. Never rush the process—your patience ensures your pet isn’t held up.

Post-Flight Care and Comfort

The first priority after landing is your pet’s well-being. Offer water immediately but wait a little while before providing a full meal to prevent vomiting. A short, calm walk on a leash to allow for elimination and stretching is ideal. Watch for signs of stress such as excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy. A familiar toy or blanket can help your pet settle in a new environment. If your pet seems unusually distressed or shows any signs of illness, consult a veterinarian promptly. Jet lag can affect pets, too—sticking to their usual feeding and walking schedule as quickly as possible helps them adapt.

Flying with a pet from Burbank is an exercise in planning. Choosing an airline that offers in-cabin travel when possible, ensuring your pet’s carrier meets strict requirements, and arriving armed with the correct paperwork will make the experience dramatically smoother. By focusing on your pet’s physical comfort and emotional state from start to finish, you turn a complex journey into a manageable adventure.