Table of Contents
Traveling with pets from San Antonio means finding an airline that actually cares about their comfort and safety.
The best airlines for pets from San Antonio offer clear rules, reasonable fees, and safe travel options for dogs and cats, both in the cabin and cargo. Knowing which airlines fit the bill helps you plan a smoother trip for you and your furry (or feathered) companion.
Many airlines, like American Airlines and Delta, allow pets in carry-on or cargo, but the rules and fees can be all over the place.
Some even offer extra care programs just for pets.
The right airline can seriously change how comfortable and stress-free your pet’s journey is.
You also need to prep your pet before travel and know what to expect when you land.
This means health checks, crate requirements, and a bit of post-flight TLC.
A little planning goes a long way to help your pet handle the trip better—and to make your own travel day less chaotic.
Key Takeaways
- Pick airlines with clear pet travel policies and safety measures.
- Prepare your pet in advance for a more comfortable flight.
- Plan ahead for arrival and post-flight pet care.
Top Pet-Friendly Airlines Departing San Antonio
If you’re hoping to fly with your pet from San Antonio, some airlines stand out for their pet travel services.
It helps to know the pet fees, which animals are allowed, and the details on cabin policies before you book.
Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Policies
Alaska Airlines lets pets travel in the cabin for $100 each way.
This covers dogs, cats, rabbits, and even household birds.
Your pet has to fit comfortably in a small carrier under the seat—no exceptions.
For larger pets, Alaska allows checked baggage or cargo travel, but the rules are strict.
You’ll need updated vaccinations and to follow all their health and safety guidelines.
Pet travel spots fill up fast, so booking early is a must.
Alaska is known for solid pet handling and decent communication, which is reassuring if you’re anxious about flying with your pet.
Southwest Airlines Pet Program
Southwest Airlines only allows small dogs and cats in the cabin, either as emotional support or service animals.
Your pet must stay in a carrier under the seat, and the fee runs $95 each way.
They don’t accept pets as checked or cargo baggage—so if your pet is bigger, or can’t hang out in a carrier, Southwest isn’t going to work.
Their pet policy is simple and usually a bit cheaper than some competitors.
If you mostly fly within the U.S. and have a small pet, Southwest is a pretty practical option from San Antonio.
Comparing the Best Airlines to Travel with Pets
Alaska and Southwest both let small pets in the cabin, but their fees and accepted animals differ.
Alaska charges $100 and allows more types of pets, while Southwest charges $95 but sticks to just dogs and cats.
For larger pets, Alaska offers checked and cargo travel; Southwest doesn’t.
Alaska also has a reputation for good pet care and flexibility, which can make your life a little easier.
Think about your pet’s size, your route, and your budget for pet fees.
Booking early is important with either airline if you want to snag a spot for your pet.
Preparing Your Pet for Air Travel
Getting ready to fly with your pet means sorting out paperwork and booking the right way.
You’ll need health documents and to know how to check your pet as baggage if needed.
Required Documentation and Health Certificates
You have to get a health certificate from your vet showing your pet is fit to fly.
It’s usually dated within 10 days of your departure.
Most airlines want proof of vaccinations too, especially rabies.
Check with your airline for their specific rules, since they can be picky.
Traveling internationally? You might need extra paperwork like import permits or quarantine forms.
Keep all your documents handy at the airport—you don’t want to be digging for them at the last minute.
Booking and Checking Baggage for Pets
Most airlines let you bring small pets in the cabin if they meet size and weight limits.
Larger pets go as checked baggage or cargo.
When you book, tell the airline you’re bringing a pet.
You’ll pay a fee and reserve space, since there’s usually a limit on how many pets can be on each flight.
For checked pets, you’ll need a sturdy, airline-approved kennel.
Drop your pet off at the ticket counter—not the gate—before your flight.
Follow all the airline’s instructions for drop-off times and kennel labeling.
It’s a little detail, but it can save you headaches on travel day.
Arrival and Post-Flight Considerations
When you land with your pet, there’s a bit more to do.
This can include clearing customs if you’re flying internationally, and dealing with service animal rules at the airport.
Customs Clearance for Live Animals
If you’re coming in from another country, you’ll need to clear customs with your pet.
Bring all your documents—health certificates, vaccination records, import permits.
Customs or animal health officials will do an inspection to make sure your pet meets the destination country’s rules.
This process can take 30 minutes or more, so plan for some waiting.
At San Antonio Airport, customs staff will tell you where to pick up your pet and help you with the paperwork.
Service Animal Guidelines at San Antonio Airport
San Antonio Airport sticks to federal rules for service animals. When you show up, you don’t need to pay a fee or grab a separate ticket for your animal.
Keep your service animal on a leash or harness—yeah, even if they’re super well-behaved. Security might ask a couple of questions just to check the animal’s status, but they’re not going to demand a stack of paperwork.
If your animal needs a break, there are pet relief areas. You’ll find these both before and after security, which honestly makes life a little less stressful.