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Traveling with pets out of Long Beach, California, can actually be pretty manageable—if you pick the right airline. Plenty of airlines offer pet-friendly options, so your dog or cat can tag along, whether that’s in the cabin or as checked baggage.
Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Alaska Airlines are some of the best options for pet travel departing from Long Beach.
Every airline has its own rules about pet size, fees, and routes. You’ll want to check what fits your needs before booking.
Some airlines let small pets ride in the cabin, while others only allow larger animals as cargo. There are also policies for service and emotional support animals, but those can get complicated.
Check for age and health requirements, too. Airlines want to keep your furry friend safe during the flight.
Key Takeaways
- Several airlines from Long Beach accept pets in the cabin or cargo.
- Pet travel rules and fees vary between airlines.
- Service and emotional support animals have special travel allowances.
Top Airlines for Pets Departing Long Beach
When you’re flying with your pet from Long Beach, you want clear rules and affordable fees. Some airlines just make it easier to bring your animal along.
Knowing what each airline offers is a real time-saver.
Overview of Major Pet-Friendly Airlines
A handful of airlines at Long Beach allow pets in the cabin or as checked luggage.
- Alaska Airlines lets you bring small pets—dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds—in the cabin for $100 each way. They’re often praised by pet owners.
- Frontier Airlines is another solid pick, with competitive pet fees and straightforward policies.
- Delta Air Lines is known for pet comfort and gets good marks for traveler satisfaction. Their pet fees are a bit lower than some competitors.
- Sometimes, United Airlines and JetBlue run promos for pet travel, which might mean perks or discounts.
There are limits on pet size, carrier type, and how many pets are allowed per flight. Always double-check before booking.
Key Policies for Pet Owners
Pet policies can be all over the place. Most airlines charge a pet fee—usually about $100 per leg—for in-cabin pets.
If your pet is too big for the cabin, cargo costs more. The carrier has to fit under the seat, and each airline has its own size rules.
Some require health certificates issued within ten days of travel. Certain breeds or species might not be allowed at all.
Book early, since there’s usually a cap on how many pets can fly on each flight. You’ll need to let the airline know at booking to hold your spot.
Best Airline to Travel With Pets
If you want a straightforward experience, Alaska Airlines is often your best bet at Long Beach. Their rules are clear, fees are moderate, and they accept a variety of pets in the cabin.
Budget-conscious? Frontier Airlines might have lower fees, but don’t expect as many perks.
If your dog needs a little more comfort or you’re just picky about service, Delta Air Lines is a good call.
Before you book, compare fees, restrictions, and schedules. Pick the airline that fits your plans and keeps your pet happy.
Pet Travel Requirements and Options
Traveling with your pet from Long Beach means knowing the rules for in-cabin pets and those that have to go in the cargo hold. Planning ahead is key.
In-Cabin Pet Travel Guidelines
Most airlines let you bring small pets—dogs, cats, rabbits, and some birds—in the cabin. The carrier has to fit under the seat in front of you.
Expect to pay about $100 each way for an in-cabin pet. Your pet needs to be able to sit or lie down comfortably in the carrier.
Emotional support animals generally have to be dogs or cats and travel either in a carrier or on a leash. Check your airline’s rules for carrier size and allowed animals.
It helps to keep your pet calm and hydrated during the flight.
Cargo Hold Procedures and Safety
If your pet’s too big for the cabin, they’ll need to travel in the cargo hold. Airlines like Alaska have climate-controlled areas for pets.
Cargo travel costs more—usually around $150. You’ll need a strong, ventilated crate that meets safety standards.
Don’t forget to label the crate with your contact info. Try to avoid flying in extreme weather, and book direct flights if you can.
Let the airline know in advance about your pet’s cargo travel. Ask about check-in and pickup times—don’t just assume.
Booking Process for Pets
Reserve your pet’s spot as soon as you can. Airlines only allow a limited number of pets per flight.
Some airlines want you to book online; others prefer a phone call. You’ll need proof of vaccinations, a recent health certificate from your vet, and your pet’s size and weight.
Have all the documents ready before check-in. Make sure you’re clear on whether your pet’s flying in the cabin or cargo.
Pay any pet fees during booking or at the airport to avoid last-minute headaches.
Traveling With Service and Emotional Support Animals
Traveling from Long Beach with a service or emotional support animal? The rules get a bit more strict here.
Airlines usually treat service dogs differently than emotional support animals. Service dogs have more accepted rights, but emotional support animals face more limits these days.
Documentation and Qualification
Most airlines want documentation for your service animal. You might need a letter from a licensed professional confirming your animal helps with a disability.
For service dogs, the rules are tighter, so having proper ID or paperwork is important. Emotional support animals are less accepted now—many airlines don’t recognize them as service animals anymore.
You’ll probably have to travel with them as regular pets and pay the usual fees. Always check your airline’s specific rules before you book.
Special Regulations and Considerations
Most airlines, like American Airlines, only recognize dogs as official service animals. Emotional support animals? Not so much—they’re typically not accepted anymore.
You’ll probably need to keep your dog in a carrier or on a leash while flying. Usually, you can bring up to two service dogs for free, which is nice, but they do have to meet certain behavior and health requirements.
Some airlines also have rules about the size or breed of your animal. It’s worth double-checking these details before you head to the airport.