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Traveling with pets out of Shreveport, Louisiana means you’ve got to pick an airline that’ll actually care about your animal’s comfort and safety. Some airlines just do it better—they’re clearer about their rules and actually seem to give a hoot.
Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines get a lot of love from pet owners. They’ve built a bit of a reputation for making pet travel less stressful, for both the humans and the animals involved.
If you want to fly with your pet and not lose sleep over it, knowing what to expect from airlines like Delta is a good start. They’re known for being decent with support and pet carrier rules.
Each airline has its own set of rules about pet age and health. American Airlines, for instance, won’t let dogs fly domestically unless they’re at least eight weeks old.
Understanding these details upfront saves you from ugly surprises at the airport.
Knowing about pet fees, carrier requirements, and what you’ll need to prep can make your trip from Shreveport way less stressful. Picking the right airline and prepping your pet ahead of time is really worth it.
Key Takeways
- Pick airlines with straightforward pet policies for easier travel.
- Double-check age and health requirements before you book.
- Prepping your pet and understanding fees can save you hassle.
Best Airlines for Traveling with Pets from Shreveport Louisiana
When you’re flying out of Shreveport with a pet, you want an airline that’s reliable, has decent routes, and actually keeps animals safe. It helps to find carriers with good in-cabin and cargo options, so you’re not left scrambling.
Top Airlines Offering Pet-Friendly Services
American Airlines and SkyWest are the main pet-friendly options flying out of Shreveport. American lets small pets ride in the cabin if they fit in a carrier under your seat.
Bigger pets? They’ll have to go through American Airlines Cargo, which does have some strict handling and temperature rules.
SkyWest, which runs regional flights for several big airlines, usually puts pets in the cargo hold. It’s important to check age limits—American Airlines sticks to that eight-week minimum for dogs on domestic flights.
You’ll need to book your pet’s spot ahead of time, and make sure your carrier fits their size and safety rules. If your pet fits comfortably in a travel bag, you can bring them onboard.
Direct Flights and Route Options for Pet Owners
Shreveport Regional Airport has direct flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and Atlanta, which is handy. Direct flights cut down on pet travel time and lower the risk of mishandling.
American Airlines runs plenty of direct flights to its main hubs, so connecting to other destinations is pretty straightforward.
SkyWest flights usually connect to those larger hubs, too. Fewer stops means less waiting around and less chance of something going wrong with your pet.
If you’re hoping to keep your pet with you in the cabin, direct flights with American are your best bet.
Try to match your pet’s needs with the schedule and route so you’re not stuck with long layovers.
Airline Rankings for Comfort and Pet Safety
Alaska Airlines gets a lot of praise for pet comfort, but they don’t fly direct from Shreveport. American Airlines is solid when it comes to safety in the cargo area and has clear rules for in-cabin pets.
SkyWest gets decent reviews for regional service and sticks to the rules set by its partner airlines.
Delta and its regional partners, including SkyWest, are also known for decent pet travel policies and staff who know what they’re doing.
Check each airline’s pet fees, paperwork requirements, and health certificate rules before you book.
| Airline | Pet Travel Options | Age Restrictions | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | In-cabin & Cargo | 8 weeks (domestic) | Direct flights from Shreveport |
| SkyWest | Mostly Cargo | Varies | Regional flights, tight rules |
| Delta | In-cabin & Cargo | Varies | Good safety, partner with SkyWest |
Pet Travel Policies and Fees by Airline
Traveling with your pet means you’ve got to know the rules about carriers, fees, and what kinds of pets are allowed. Every airline has its own requirements for in-cabin or cargo pets, charges, and restrictions based on size or breed.
Pet Carrier Rules and Cabin Allowance
Most airlines let small cats and dogs travel in the cabin if they fit in an approved carrier. American Airlines only allows dogs and cats that meet their size, age, and destination rules.
The carrier has to fit under the seat in front of you. If your pet’s too big, cargo is the only option.
American Airlines checks in larger pets at the ticket counter. SkyWest does the same, since it operates for bigger airlines.
Carriers should be secure, well-ventilated, and comfy for your pet. Always double-check the size limits before you show up at the airport.
Pet Travel Costs and Fee Comparison
Pet fees are all over the place. American Airlines charges about $125 each way for in-cabin pets.
Checked pets can cost more, so it’s smart to ask before you book. SkyWest usually follows the fee structure of whichever major airline you’re flying with.
Here’s a quick look at in-cabin pet fees from Shreveport:
| Airline | Cabin Pet Fee (One Way) | Checked Pet Fee (One Way) |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | $125 | Varies (ticket counter) |
| SkyWest | Matches partner airline | Matches partner airline |
Book your pet’s spot at least 24 hours in advance. Airlines have a cap on the number of pets per flight.
Breed and Size Restrictions
Not every breed or size is allowed in the cabin. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like bulldogs and pugs are often banned from both cargo and cabin due to breathing risks.
American Airlines and SkyWest both have rules to keep these breeds safe. If your pet’s a large dog or has a higher risk, cargo may be the only way.
Weight matters too. Most airlines cap in-cabin pets at about 20 pounds, including the carrier.
Larger animals will need to go as checked baggage or cargo. Always check your airline’s rules before booking to avoid heartbreak at the airport.
Preparing for Your Pet’s Flight from Shreveport
You’ll need some key health paperwork, a handle on the check-in process, and a few tips to make travel easier for your pet. Knowing these steps helps you dodge delays and keeps your pet safe.
Required Pet Health Documentation
Before you fly, you’ll need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from a licensed vet. It should be dated within 10 days of your trip.
This proves your pet is healthy enough to travel. Make sure your vet updates all the vaccinations, especially rabies, since airlines usually want proof.
Some destinations have extra requirements, so check for any special forms or permits where you’re headed.
Keep all the paperwork handy. If anything’s missing, your pet could get denied boarding or stuck at the airport.
Airport Check-In and Boarding Processes for Pets
For pets flying out of Shreveport, check your airline’s rules about drop-off times and locations. Most airlines want you to check in pets at the ticket counter, not online.
Small cats or dogs can usually come with you in the cabin, as long as they fit the size rules. Larger pets go in the cargo hold, and you’ll need to drop them off hours before departure.
At check-in, the airline inspects your carrier and paperwork. Traveling with two pets? Some airlines make you buy an extra seat, so read their policy carefully.
Tips for a Smooth Journey with Your Pet
Feed your pet a light meal about three or four hours before your flight. It’s a good idea to give them water, but try not to overdo it right before you leave.
Pick a carrier that’s secure and lets plenty of air in. Slap on a label with your contact info just in case.
Toss in a toy or blanket they know—it can help them feel a bit more at home.
Show up early at the airport so you’re not rushing through pet check-in.
Try to keep your cool and talk to your pet in a gentle voice. They’ll probably pick up on your mood, for better or worse.