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If you’re planning to fly with your pet from Fort Collins, picking the right airline really matters. Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines are top choices—they’re clear about pet policies and let you keep your pet in the cabin.
These airlines try to make pet travel less of a headache, with reasonable fees and staff who seem to get what pet owners need.
Flying with pets can honestly be stressful. Just figuring out which airlines allow pets in the cabin, and what hoops you have to jump through, helps make things a little less overwhelming.
Knowing the costs, rules, and what’s coming your way means you and your pet can both breathe easier.
Key Takeways
- The best airlines offer clear pet travel options and reasonable fees.
- Knowing pet policies helps you avoid surprises during booking and boarding.
- Preparing well ensures a safer and less stressful trip for your pet.
Top Airlines for Pet Travel from Fort Collins
If you want to fly with your pet from Fort Collins, you’ve got a few airlines to choose from. Each one handles pets a bit differently—fees, where animals can stay, and how much help you’ll get varies.
Knowing your options up front makes it a lot easier to pick what’s right for your pet’s size and personality.
Major Carriers Offering Pet-Friendly Services
Delta Airlines is a pretty flexible pick. They let pets travel in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as cargo, depending on your pet’s size and where you’re headed.
Just double-check their rules for carriers and health paperwork before you go.
Alaska Airlines lets dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds ride in the cabin for about $100 each way. They don’t do checked baggage for pets, so your furry friend needs to fit under the seat.
United Airlines has a pet program too, with options for in-cabin travel and a special cargo service. You’ll need to get your pet’s health records in order, and the fees depend on where your pet rides.
Regional and Budget Airlines for Pet Owners
Some smaller airlines near Fort Collins will allow pets in the cabin, but usually not as checked baggage or cargo. They might be a bit more relaxed about pet size, and sometimes the fees are lower.
Budget airlines can be stricter about how many pets fly per flight and often have smaller fees. The downside? They rarely offer temperature-controlled cargo for bigger pets.
So, if your pet’s on the larger side, cabin travel might not even be an option.
Since Fort Collins is close to Denver International Airport, you can always look for more airline options there—Denver usually has a lot more choices for pet owners compared to the tiny regional airports.
Comparing Pet Travel Options by Location
Denver International is your closest big airport. Most airlines serving Denver allow pets in more ways than the smaller regional airports do.
You can fly directly from Fort Collins on a regional carrier, but your pet-friendly options will probably be more limited.
Denver’s airport has pet relief areas and staff who actually know how to handle pets. Smaller airports just don’t have as many services.
When flying from Fort Collins, definitely check each airline’s pet policy. Fees, carrier sizes, and health requirements can all change depending on who you fly with.
Booking ahead is smart—pet spots fill up fast.
Pet Policies and Requirements by Airline
When you’re booking a flight from Fort Collins, each airline has its own way of handling pets. Rules change depending on whether your pet’s in the cabin or traveling as checked baggage or cargo.
Size and breed can also make a big difference in your options.
In-Cabin Pet Policies
Most airlines let you bring small dogs and cats into the cabin, for a fee—usually about $100 each way.
Your pet has to stay in a carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. Not ideal, but it’s the rule.
Some airlines only allow one or two pets per passenger in the cabin. United, for instance, lets you bring up to two, but you might have to buy an extra seat if you’ve got both in carriers.
Delta limits the number of pets in the cabin based on space, and it’s first-come, first-served.
Check the carrier size and weight limits. Pets usually need to be at least 8 weeks old to fly in the cabin.
Checked Baggage and Cargo Pet Travel
If your pet’s too big for the cabin, some airlines let you check them as baggage or send them as cargo.
These pets travel in special crates down in the hold.
Checked pets need to be brought to the ticket counter—not curbside. Airlines like American allow this, but there are strict rules about the crate’s size and how it’s built.
Weather can be a deal-breaker. Airlines might refuse pets in cargo if it’s too hot or cold.
You’ll want to book cargo space early, especially during busy travel times.
Breed and Size Restrictions
Every airline has its own list of breeds they won’t accept. Short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs are often not allowed because of breathing risks.
Your pet and their carrier have to fit comfortably together—usually, the combined weight has to be under 15 to 20 pounds, depending on the airline.
Some airlines won’t take exotic pets or certain species at all. Always check before you book.
If you’ve got a big dog or a restricted breed, cargo might be your only option, and even that’s not guaranteed.
Costs, Booking, and Preparation Tips for Traveling with Pets
Traveling with your pet means planning ahead for costs, booking rules, and paperwork. Each airline sets its own fees, so it’s worth comparing before you book.
Getting your pet ready and gathering the right documents will make everything go much smoother.
Price Comparison and Fees for Pet Travel
Pet travel fees are all over the map. Frontier charges about $99 per pet, one way, while United wants $150 each way for cats and dogs.
These fees aren’t refundable, so don’t expect to get them back if things change.
Most airlines only let pets in the cabin if they fit under the seat. Double-check your pet’s size, type, and breed against the airline’s rules.
Some airlines won’t let pets ride in certain rows—like row one on Frontier.
Look out for whether the fee is per pet or per carrier. If you’re bringing more than one, the costs add up fast.
Advanced Booking Strategies
Book your pet’s spot as early as you can—there’s a hard limit on how many pets can be in the cabin per flight.
When you book your ticket online, make sure you select the “Travel with a pet” option.
After booking, it’s a good idea to call the airline and confirm your pet’s reservation. Sometimes, special breeds need extra approval.
Booking early also gives you time to prep your pet and gather all the paperwork. If you wait until the last minute, you might find there’s no space left or the fees have jumped.
Essential Documentation and Preparation
Bring a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from a licensed vet within 10 days of travel. This certificate shows your pet’s healthy and cleared to fly.
Double-check if your destination needs extra paperwork, like vaccine records or a microchip ID. Some airlines or states love their own rules for pet travel, so it’s worth a look.
Make sure your pet’s carrier fits the airline’s size limits and feels cozy enough. Try getting your pet used to the carrier a few weeks before the trip.
Pack food, water, and any medicines your pet might need. Honestly, a favorite toy doesn’t hurt either.
Plan out your pet’s potty breaks ahead of time. It’s usually better not to feed them right before the flight—no one wants an upset tummy at 30,000 feet.