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Traveling from Salt Lake City with your pet can be a lot easier if you choose the right airline. Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines are usually top picks for folks flying with pets from Salt Lake City—they tend to have affordable, pet-friendly rules.
Alaska charges about $100 each way for small pets that fit under the seat. Southwest’s fee is lower, closer to $58.
Some airlines, like Delta, don’t allow pets in cargo on international flights from Salt Lake City. So, if you’re heading abroad, your options might be a bit limited.
Make sure you know each airline’s pet rules before you book. That way, you’ll avoid surprises and help keep your pet safe.
Having the right carrier matters, too. Prepping your pet ahead of time can make the airport and flight much less stressful for both of you.
Key Takeways
- Choose airlines with clear pet policies and reasonable fees from Salt Lake City.
- Use approved carriers and get your pet ready before flying.
- Understand what to expect at the airport for a stress-free experience.
Top Airlines for Pet Travel from Salt Lake City
When flying with your pet from Salt Lake City, you’ll want to check each airline’s pet policies. Fees, kennel rules, and how they handle pets in the cabin or cargo can vary quite a bit.
Getting familiar with these details is worth it. It’ll help you keep your pet safe and avoid last-minute headaches.
Delta’s Pet Policies
Delta lets you fly with small pets in the cabin on most flights, including those out of Salt Lake City. Your pet needs to stay in an approved carrier that fits under the seat.
The fee for pets in the cabin is about $125 each way. If your pet’s too big for the cabin, Delta offers cargo services, but you’ll need to arrange this ahead of time.
You’ll need a kennel that fits their size and ventilation rules. Don’t forget—Delta asks for a health certificate issued within 10 days before flying.
Service animals have their own set of rules and usually travel free, but you’ve got to notify Delta beforehand. Double-check all the guidelines to avoid any airport drama.
American Airlines Services for Pets
American Airlines lets pets in the cabin if they weigh under 20 pounds, including their carrier. The typical fee is $125 per flight segment.
They’ll take cats, dogs, and household birds. For pets that can’t fit in the cabin, American uses their cargo service.
You’ll need a sturdy kennel and the right paperwork. Temperature restrictions can apply, so sometimes cargo travel isn’t possible in extreme weather.
American has pet relief areas at Salt Lake City Airport, which is handy. Planning ahead makes things easier for both you and your furry friend.
UAL and Pet Transportation Options
United Airlines (UAL) allows small pets in the cabin for about $125 each way. Your pet has to stay in a carrier under the seat in front of you.
They accept cats, dogs, and household birds as in-cabin pets. If your pet’s too large for the cabin, United’s got a PetSafe cargo program.
This is designed with temperature controls and specific kennels. You have to book the cargo service before your flight.
United asks for a recent health certificate. It’s smart to check all their rules before you travel, and book early to avoid last-minute issues.
Choosing the Right Pet Carrier and Preparing for Flight
Picking the right carrier and getting your pet ready can make flying a lot less stressful. Carrier size, ventilation, and security all matter.
You want your pet to feel safe and calm, not freaked out or uncomfortable.
Airline-Approved Pet Carrier Guidelines
Your pet’s carrier needs to follow airline rules. It should be big enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down.
Most airlines want carriers with secure fasteners and a waterproof bottom—nobody wants leaks on a plane, right?
Ventilation is huge. The carrier should have vents on at least two sides.
For cargo, a hard-sided carrier is usually required. For in-cabin, soft-sided carriers are okay if they fit under the seat and meet airline standards.
Label your carrier with your contact info. Always check the airline’s current policies—size, material, and design rules can change.
If your carrier doesn’t meet the rules, your pet might get denied boarding. That’s a nightmare nobody wants.
Animal Transport Safety Tips
Get your pet checked by the vet before flying. Make sure you have all the right certificates.
Put something familiar, like a blanket or toy, inside the carrier. It helps calm your pet down.
Don’t feed your pet a big meal right before flying—motion sickness is real.
Arrive early to deal with any special pet check-in steps. Keep the carrier closed during the flight, and don’t open it onboard.
When you land, check on your pet right away. Offer water and let them stretch as soon as you can.
Navigating Salt Lake City Airport with Pets
If you’re traveling through Salt Lake City Airport with your pet, knowing where the pet relief areas are can save you some stress. You’ll also want to be ready for the boarding process and have all your documents in order.
This is especially true if you’re flying with SkyWest or another regional airline from SLC.
Pet Relief Areas and Airport Facilities
Salt Lake City Airport has pet relief areas both before and after security. These spots have grass or turf for pets to do their business.
Knowing where these areas are ahead of time helps you plan bathroom breaks for your pet. Inside the terminals, you’ll find pet-friendly seating areas and water stations.
Bring a kit with waste bags, a leash, and a portable water bowl. The airport is pretty pet-friendly, but you should give yourself extra time if you need to stop at a relief area.
Airports can be loud and crowded, so keeping your pet calm with a favorite toy or blanket is a good idea.
Boarding Process and Documentation
Check each airline’s pet policy before you fly from Salt Lake City—especially with SkyWest, which runs lots of regional flights here.
Most airlines want a health certificate dated within 10 days of travel. Vaccinations should be up to date, and some airports want proof of flea and tick treatment.
At security, you’ll have to take your pet out of its carrier and carry it through the metal detector. The carrier goes through the scanner.
This can be tricky if you’re traveling alone, so having a travel buddy helps. Pet fees depend on the airline and sometimes the flight segment.
In-cabin pets need to fit in a soft-sided carrier under the seat. Larger pets usually fly in cargo, and you’ll need to follow special check-in rules for live animals.
Keep all your paperwork handy—vet records, airline forms, the works. If you have a connecting flight, remember that most airlines won’t transfer pets between carriers, so sort out the logistics ahead of time.
Arrival, Customs, and International Pet Travel
If you’re traveling internationally with your pet, you’ll need to deal with customs and airline-specific rules. Both affect how and when your pet can enter a new country.
Missing a detail here can cause big delays, so it’s worth double-checking everything.
Customs Clearance for Animals
Declare your pet at customs when you arrive. Most countries need health certificates, vaccination records, and sometimes even quarantine.
Have your documents ready and up to date to make things quicker. Customs officers might inspect your pet and your paperwork.
If something’s missing, your pet could be held or sent back. So, check your destination’s entry rules well before you go.
Keep original copies of all pet documents with you—vaccination records, microchip proof, import permits if needed. Staying organized will help you clear customs without a hitch.
International Airline Requirements
Every airline has its own set of rules for traveling with pets, especially when it comes to international flights. Some, like Delta, won’t let pets fly in cargo on certain routes—Salt Lake City being a common example.
Before you book, it’s always smart to double-check the airline’s policies. Your pet will usually need to be at least 15 weeks old for international travel.
If your furry friend is coming in the cabin with you, the carrier has to fit under the seat. And yeah, pets need to stay in their carrier for the whole flight—no exceptions.
For trained service animals, there’s often extra paperwork to handle. It’s best to call the airline’s customer service or special pet desk to get the latest info for your specific flight and animal.
Missing a step here could mean getting denied at the gate, and nobody wants that.