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Traveling with your pet from Spokane doesn’t have to be a hassle if you pick the right airline. A few stand out for pet-friendly service—Alaska Airlines and American Airlines are usually top picks.
Alaska Airlines lets small pets ride in the cabin, and bigger pets go in the baggage area. Their pet travel fees are often pretty reasonable.
American Airlines has age limits for dogs and sets clear rules for domestic and international trips. If you know these policies up front, you can choose what works best for your pet and skip surprises.
Looking up each airline’s pet rules and fees before booking can really save you headaches later on.
Key Takeaways
- Pick airlines with straightforward pet policies and reasonable fees.
- Reserve your pet’s spot early—those fill up fast.
- Get your pet used to travel so the journey is less stressful.
Top Airlines for Traveling with Pets from Spokane
Flying with your pet from Spokane International? Knowing the different airline rules and what they actually offer is a game changer.
Pet fees, carrier sizes, and in-cabin options all vary more than you might expect.
Overview of Pet Policies by Major Airlines
Alaska Airlines gets a lot of love from pet owners. Small pets can fly in the cabin, and the pet fee is usually about $100 each way.
Your pet needs to fit in a carrier that goes under the seat. Frontier Airlines is similar—pets in the cabin, about $100 fee, but they cap pet weight at 20 pounds.
Delta Air Lines lets pets in the cabin and offers a cargo option for bigger animals. Their fees are a bit higher, closer to $125 one way.
Delta also asks for more paperwork and a specific carrier. Spirit Airlines can be strict about which pets they allow and what size, so double-check if your animal isn’t a dog or cat.
Comparing Pet Travel Amenities
Alaska Airlines has pet relief areas at Spokane International. That’s handy before you board.
Their policies are pretty clear, so check-in isn’t a nightmare. Frontier is all about keeping costs down, but your pet has to be under 20 pounds and in a carrier that fits their rules.
Delta offers temperature-controlled cargo for larger pets, which gives some peace of mind if you’re nervous about safety.
Pet spots on flights are limited. Booking early from Spokane International is honestly your best bet.
Booking and Preparing Your Pet’s Reservation
Booking a pet reservation takes a bit of planning. You’ll want to have all your documents ready and check flight availability in advance.
Pet Reservation Procedures
Book your pet’s spot at least 24 hours before you fly—earlier if you can. Alaska Airlines lets you reserve up to 30 days ahead.
Booking for pets is usually separate from your own ticket. Most airlines only allow one pet per passenger.
Sometimes you’ll need to call the airline or use their cargo service, like Alaska Air Cargo’s Pet Connect. Fees start around $100 each way, so keep that in mind.
Availability of Pet-Friendly Flights
Not every flight takes pets, so check early. Small pets usually go in the cabin, larger ones in the cargo hold.
Availability changes based on the plane and route. Some flights only allow pets on certain days or times.
Leaving from Spokane, confirm there’s actually space for your pet before you book. Some flights only have a few pet spots.
Required Documentation for Pet Travel
You’ll need current pet documents before you fly. This means a microchip ID, vaccination records, and a health certificate from your vet.
Most airlines want a health certificate that’s less than 10 days old. This shows your pet’s healthy and not carrying anything contagious.
If you’re headed abroad or to certain cities, you might need extra paperwork like import permits or rabies certificates. Always double-check the rules for your airline and destination.
Popular Pet Travel Destinations from Spokane
There are some great pet-friendly destinations you can reach from Spokane. Certain routes are more popular, often because of the weather or how pet-friendly the destination is.
Flying with Pets to Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a hot route for Spokane pet travelers. People love the warmer weather and the pet-friendly hotels and parks.
Most airlines on this route let pets in the cabin if they fit size and weight rules. Pet fees are usually around $125 each way.
Your pet has to stay in an approved carrier under the seat. Usually, it’s one pet per passenger—so book early.
Vegas has plenty of hotels that allow pets and parks for your dog to run around. Watch out for airline restrictions during the hottest months, though—sometimes it’s just too risky for pets.
Other In-Demand Routes for Pet Travel
Besides Vegas, flights from Spokane to cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Vancouver are popular. These places have airlines with clear pet rules and lots of pet-friendly spots when you land.
Costs and requirements are usually similar to the Vegas route—bring a carrier and expect a fee. Seattle and Tacoma even have pet shuttle services, which is handy if you don’t have a direct flight.
If you’re heading out for skiing or outdoor adventures, some shuttle services from Spokane to nearby ski resorts accept pets. Prices and policies vary, so ask ahead.
Ensuring a Safe and Comfortable Journey for Your Pet
Traveling with your pet definitely takes some prep. The right carrier and clear identification are key.
Pet Carrier Requirements
Your pet’s carrier has to meet the airline’s standards. It should be well-ventilated and big enough for your pet to stand up, turn, and lie down.
For cabin travel, carriers need to fit under the seat in front of you. Both hard-sided and soft-sided carriers are usually allowed.
If your pet’s going in the cargo hold, the carrier must be sturdy and leak-proof with a secure lock. Airlines want a tray or absorbent material inside to keep things clean.
Check for any size or brand restrictions before you buy a new carrier. Label the carrier with your pet’s name, your contact info, and your destination.
Tossing in a familiar blanket or favorite toy can help your pet feel a little more at home.
Microchipping and Identification
Microchipping your pet adds a permanent form of ID that can’t be misplaced. It’s especially important if your pet gets separated from you while traveling.
Always keep your microchip info up to date. That’s one of those things people forget, but it matters.
Besides the microchip, slap a collar on your pet with an ID tag. The tag should have your phone number and any important health details.
It’s a simple step, but it gives your pet an extra layer of protection. Before you fly, double-check that your pet’s ID matches your contact info and any travel documents.