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Traveling with your pet from Ann Arbor, Michigan means picking an airline that actually cares about animals and makes the whole process less of a headache. The best airlines for pets from Ann Arbor include Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines, both known for pet-friendly policies and a smoother travel experience.
These airlines let you bring pets in the cabin or check them as baggage, which is a huge relief if you don’t want to leave your furry friend behind.
Ann Arbor’s not far from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, so you’ve got access to a bunch of major airlines that actually get what pet owners need. With reliable pet transport and clear rules, you can book flights without that nagging worry about how your pet will be treated.
Whether you’re heading somewhere close or flying across the country, picking the right airline really does matter for your pet’s comfort (and your peace of mind).
Key Takeaways
- There are several solid airline choices for flying with pets from Ann Arbor.
- Nearby airports make the whole pet travel thing a lot less stressful.
- Plenty of destinations out there are pet-friendly, with travel services that make life easier.
Top Airlines for Traveling with Pets from Ann Arbor
When you’re flying with pets from Ann Arbor, you want airlines with clear pet policies and reliable service. Some carriers really stand out for customer-friendly options, decent prices, and an actual focus on pet travel.
These details make planning a trip less of a hassle, whether you’re flying out of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) or a smaller regional spot.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is pretty well-known for happy customers and a consistent travel experience. They mostly fly out of Detroit Metro Airport, but you can bring small pets in-cabin—think dogs and cats in a carrier under the seat.
One perk: no pet fees for checked baggage, which is rare since most airlines charge for crates. Southwest’s on-time flights and low cancellation rate mean less stress for everyone.
If you book early, you can snag priority boarding and flexible seating, which definitely helps when you’re juggling a pet.
Avelo Airlines
Avelo Airlines does things a little differently, offering low one-way fares and flying out of smaller airports like Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN). If you’re willing to start your trip there, Avelo has some nice pet-friendly perks, including letting pets ride in-cabin.
Avelo’s all about unbundled options, so you only pay for what you need—checked bags, carry-ons, whatever fits your travel style and your pet’s size. Their nonstop routes can make the whole journey less stressful for your animal since there’s less time spent in transit.
Pet-Friendly Airline Policies
Knowing the pet policies before you book is a must. Most airlines allow small pets in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat and meets their size requirements.
If your pet’s too big for the cabin, some airlines offer checked baggage or cargo options. It’s not ideal, but sometimes it’s the only way.
Here’s what you’ll want to double-check:
- Pet fees and deposits
- What size and kind of carrier are allowed
- If you need to book in advance
- Any temperature or flight-duration limits
It’s also worth asking if the airline offers priority boarding for people traveling with pets. Some are better than others at guiding you through the process.
Don’t forget to compare what’s available at Detroit Metro and other nearby airports—some policies are more pet-friendly than others, depending on your needs.
Convenient Airports and Ground Transportation Options
You’ve got good airport and ground transport choices from Ann Arbor. These make it easier to keep your pet’s trip smooth and your own schedule on track.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Detroit Metro Airport (or DTW, if you’re into airport codes) is the main hub for Ann Arbor travelers. It’s one of the busiest airports in the country and handles pet travel pretty well.
DTW has strict rules: pets need to be packed up in carriers and approved before boarding. No free-roaming animals in the terminals, for obvious reasons.
They also offer cargo services for animals and work with airlines that know how to handle pets. You can expect your pet to be handled professionally here.
Michigan Flyer and Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation
Need a ride to or from DTW? Michigan Flyer and Deluxe Motorcoach have you covered.
Michigan Flyer runs direct buses between Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Brighton, and the airport. They run several times a day and have space for your pet if you bring a carrier.
Deluxe Motorcoach covers the same routes, offering reserved seating and a bit more comfort. Both options help you skip the airport parking headache and make it easier to travel with your pet between cities.
Popular Destinations for Pet Owners
Picking a destination with pet-friendly airports and things to do makes a big difference when you’re traveling with your animal. There are plenty of places near Ann Arbor that offer good transport options and fun stuff for pets and their humans.
New Haven and Southern Connecticut
Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) in New Haven is a nice alternative for pet owners flying from Michigan. It’s a smaller, regional airport, so it’s usually less crowded—less chaos for your pet.
Southern Connecticut, especially New Haven, is packed with cultural spots. Yale University’s campus is great for outdoor walks, and there are parks and pet-friendly cafes nearby.
It’s a good region to check out if you want a mix of culture and places that actually welcome pets.
New York and New England
Flying into New York’s big airports—JFK, LaGuardia, Newark—opens up a ton of pet-friendly destinations. The airports themselves have clear pet policies and facilities to make things easier.
New England is full of spots to explore with your pet, from historic towns to the coast. Boston and Portland, for example, have lots of outdoor spaces where dogs are welcome.
There’s a mix of city and nature here, plus well-developed transport hubs for a smoother trip with your furry sidekick.
North Carolina Destinations
Cities like Charlotte and Wilmington in North Carolina are also worth considering for pet-friendly travel from Ann Arbor. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a major hub with pet relief areas and clear rules for animal travel.
Wilmington has beaches and parks that welcome pets. You can stroll the Riverwalk or hit up dog-friendly beaches—there’s plenty to do outdoors.
North Carolina offers a nice blend of city life and coastal relaxation, all while keeping your pet’s comfort in mind during flights.
International Destinations
Thinking about heading outside the U.S.? Major international airports can make it easier to find flights that allow pets.
Airports recognized by Airports Council International usually have services and lounges for animal travelers. That’s a relief, though not every airport is created equal.
Popular international spots tend to have pretty strict pet import rules. It’s smart to double-check airline policies and country regulations before you book.
Traveling internationally with pets from Ann Arbor usually means connecting through bigger hubs like Detroit Metropolitan Airport. This airport offers a range of pet travel options and connects to destinations all over the world.