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Flying with your pet from Raleigh, North Carolina, doesn’t have to be stressful—if you pick the right airline. Alaska Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines are a few that stand out for pet-friendly policies and supportive staff.
Knowing which airlines let pets ride in the cabin or cargo can make the whole trip less chaotic for you and your animal companion.
Airlines all seem to have their own rules about pet size, age, and type. Some let small animals stay with you in the cabin, but if you’ve got a bigger dog, cargo might be the only way.
Always double-check what each airline asks for—especially if your pet’s got special needs or falls under certain restrictions.
Getting your pet ready to fly from Raleigh means more than just booking a ticket. You’ll need to know what paperwork is required and what kind of carrier to use.
A bit of prep work up front can make things a lot less nerve-wracking for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Pick airlines with straightforward pet policies.
- Review size, age, and travel requirements for your pet.
- Prepping ahead of time helps you both travel smoothly.
Top Airlines for Traveling with Pets from Raleigh North Carolina
If you’re heading out of Raleigh with a pet, you’ll want an airline that knows what it’s doing. Some carriers allow pets in the cabin, others only in cargo, and a few offer extra services that can make your life easier.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is served by several airlines that are decent choices for pet travel.
Major Airlines with Pet-Friendly Policies
Alaska Airlines has a reputation for being pet-friendly. They’ll let small pets in the cabin and have cargo options for bigger animals.
Their staff is trained for animal travel and seem genuinely focused on safety.
Delta Air Lines also does a good job. Pets can usually ride in the cabin, and for larger animals, there’s temperature-controlled cargo.
American Airlines lets pets fly both in the cabin and cargo, with pretty clear rules about kennel size and check-in.
Frontier Airlines is a budget pick. They allow pets in the cabin, but you’ll need to watch out for weight and carrier restrictions.
Cabin pets must be in carriers that fit under the seat—no exceptions.
Regional Carriers from Raleigh
Allegiant Air and Air Canada fly out of Raleigh too, but their routes are more limited.
Allegiant will let small pets in the cabin, though they don’t do cargo for animals. Air Canada is a solid option for international travel, with clear safety rules.
If you’re looking at regional flights, always check pet policies directly with the airline. Sometimes pets are only allowed on specific flights, and rules change depending on where you’re headed.
Direct Flight Options for Pets
RDU offers direct flights on several pet-friendly airlines. Alaska Airlines and Delta have nonstops to places like Seattle and Atlanta, which is great if you want to avoid layovers.
Direct flights can mean less stress for your pet. If you have to use cargo, avoiding connections also lowers the risk of mistakes.
Before you book, make sure the airline doesn’t have special restrictions for direct flights. Weather, breed bans, or even time of year can affect whether your pet can travel.
Pet Travel Requirements and Airline Policies
Flying from Raleigh with a pet means following some pretty specific rules. You’ll need to know whether your animal can ride in the cabin, has to go as checked baggage or cargo, and if there are breed or size limits.
In-Cabin Pet Guidelines
Most airlines let small dogs and cats ride in the cabin. The catch? Your pet has to stay in a carrier that fits under the seat.
At RDU, pets must stay in their kennels unless they’re service animals—those can be on a leash.
You usually need to reserve your pet’s spot in advance, sometimes at least 48 hours before you fly. Size and weight limits are common—generally under 20 pounds, carrier included—but it varies.
During the flight, pets have to stay in their carriers. Some airlines only accept cats or dogs, so double-check if you’ve got something more exotic.
Don’t forget the paperwork—vaccination records are usually a must.
Checked Baggage and Cargo Policies
If your pet’s too big for the cabin, cargo or checked baggage is the route. Airlines require sturdy kennels with good ventilation.
American Airlines, for example, says dogs need to be at least eight weeks old for domestic flights, and six months for international.
You’ll check in your pet at the ticket counter, not the gate. Weather can be a factor—extreme temperatures might mean your pet can’t fly.
Some carriers have detailed steps for booking and dropping off animals, so it’s smart to get in touch early.
Breed and Size Restrictions
Not all breeds are welcome on planes. Short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs are often restricted, since they’re at higher risk during flights.
In-cabin size limits usually mean only small or medium pets can join you. Larger animals will have to use cargo.
Every airline has its own list of restricted breeds. Checking ahead can save you a lot of hassle.
Preparing for Pet-Friendly Flights from Raleigh
Traveling with your pet from Raleigh isn’t something you want to wing at the last minute. Planning ahead makes everything go smoother.
Booking and Documentation
When you’re booking, read the airline’s pet policies closely. Most want at least 48 hours’ notice.
Expect to pay a fee—usually around $125 each way for domestic trips.
Your pet should be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned, as per Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) rules.
You’ll need a few documents, like:
- A health certificate from your vet, dated within 10 days of travel
- Proof of vaccinations
- ID tags or microchip info
Keep these documents handy at the airport. If your pet’s riding in the cabin, make sure you’ve got an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat.
Pre-Flight Animal Transport Preparation
Before your flight, let your pet hang out in their carrier for a bit. Try taking them on short trips or just some crate time at home—anything to make that carrier less scary.
Feed your pet a small meal a few hours ahead of travel. It helps keep their stomach settled.
Offer some water, but not too much right before you leave. No one wants a mess mid-flight.
Slap a clear label on your pet’s carrier with your contact info. Toss in a blanket or toy that smells like home—it can really help calm their nerves.
Show up at Raleigh-Durham International Airport early. Traveling with a pet just takes more time, especially at check-in and security.