Allegiant Pet Policy: Beginners Guide
Allegiant Air’s Pet Policy Overview
Allegiant Air permits small domestic dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on flights within the contiguous 48 United States. Travel to international destinations and U.S. territories is not permitted with pets. The airline does not transport animals in the cargo hold.
Pet Carrier Requirements
All pets must be transported in a soft-sided or hard-sided enclosed leak-proof carrier. The carrier should be no larger than 9 inches high, 16 inches wide, and 19 inches deep, and must fully close to contain the pet. It’s recommended to use a soft-sided carrier for flexibility and comfort. Each carrier may contain no more than two pets, provided they are of similar size and temperament.
Booking and Fees
A non-refundable fee of $50.00 per segment per carrier applies for all pets. Each paid traveler may have only one pet carrier. A pet carrier counts towards your maximum of two items to be carried on the aircraft. A passenger may travel with a pet carrier plus a personal item or a paid carry-on bag, but not both.
Age and Health Requirements
All animals must be at least eight weeks of age. While Allegiant does not require a health certificate, it’s advisable to consult with your veterinarian to ensure your pet is fit for travel. Pets must be harmless, non-disruptive, and odorless. They should not be ill, violent, or in physical distress.
In-Cabin Travel Guidelines
During the flight, pets must remain completely in the carrier and only be handled by the traveler. Pet carriers must be placed under the seat during taxi, take-off, and landing. Passengers with pets may not occupy an exit row, one row before or after an exit row, or occupy a seat in the bulkhead.
Check-In Procedures
Passengers with pets must check in with an Allegiant agent at the ticket counter or gate counter at least one hour prior to scheduled departure to ensure pets and pet carriers are compliant with the above guidelines. Allegiant does not transport animals in the cargo bin.
Pro Tips for Traveling with Your Pet on Allegiant Air
- Pre-Flight Preparation: Before booking, ensure your pet is comfortable in a carrier. Acclimate them to the carrier by placing familiar items inside and allowing them to explore it.
- Health Check: Schedule a veterinary check-up to confirm your pet is fit for travel. While Allegiant doesn’t require a health certificate, it’s a good practice to have one, especially for international travel.
- Carrier Selection: Choose a carrier that meets Allegiant’s size requirements and is well-ventilated. Ensure your pet can stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Booking Early: Allegiant has a limited number of pet spaces per flight. Book your pet’s spot as early as possible to secure a place.
- Arrival at the Airport: Arrive at the airport early to allow ample time for check-in and to address any last-minute concerns.
- During the Flight: Keep your pet’s carrier under the seat in front of you. Avoid opening the carrier during the flight to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort.
- Post-Flight Care: Once you arrive, promptly take your pet to a designated pet relief area to allow them to relieve themselves.
Essential Items to Bring
- Pet Carrier: Ensure it meets Allegiant’s specifications.
- Health Certificate: While not required by Allegiant, it’s advisable to have one, especially for international travel.
- Pet Identification: Ensure your pet has a collar with an ID tag and is microchipped.
- Comfort Items: Bring your pet’s favorite blanket or toy to provide comfort during the journey.
- Pet Relief Bags: Carry waste bags for quick clean-ups.
- Water and Food: Bring a collapsible bowl and a small amount of your pet’s regular food.
- Cleaning Supplies: Pack pet-safe wipes and paper towels for any accidents.
Shop These Essentials Now
Go Shop these items today you will need them:
- > High-quality carrier with extra padding
- > Soft-sided carriers
- > Microchip for identification.
- > Vest for easy identification.
- > A light meal
- > Designated harness
- > Sanitizing wipes
- Pet’s favorite blanket
Additional Considerations
- Breed Restrictions: Allegiant Air does not specify breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin. However, pets should be small enough to fit comfortably in the carrier under the seat.
- Service Animals: Allegiant only accepts domestic dogs as service animals. They must be fully task-trained to behave in a public setting. Passengers are limited to two service animals if required to perform work or tasks directly related to the passenger’s disability.
- Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): Allegiant Air no longer recognizes ESAs as a separate category of animals. These animals must travel under the standard pet policy, which includes the same fees and carrier requirements.
Allegiant Air’s Pet Travel Policy – A Deeper Look What You Need to Know Before Your Flight
Traveling with your pet on Allegiant Air requires a bit of pre-flight preparation. It’s essential to follow these steps to ensure that both you and your pet are ready for the trip:
- Confirm Availability of Pet Space: As mentioned earlier, Allegiant Air only allows a limited number of pets per flight. Therefore, it’s crucial to confirm availability as soon as possible. If you are booking your ticket online, you will typically have the option to add your pet to your booking at the time of purchase, but this might not always be the case. If you are booking over the phone, make sure to mention that you are traveling with a pet.
- Check Your Pet’s Health: Before booking, take your pet to the vet for a check-up, even if they appear healthy. Some pets may have pre-existing conditions that might make them unfit for air travel, especially if they have respiratory or heart issues. Consult your vet about your pet’s fitness for flight travel, especially if you are flying long distances. They may provide a health certificate, which may not be required by Allegiant, but can give you peace of mind.
- Review Pet Carrier Guidelines: Your pet’s carrier needs to meet Allegiant’s size restrictions to ensure that they can travel safely. A carrier should be large enough to comfortably fit your pet, allowing them to stand, sit, and turn around without too much restriction, but it must also fit under the seat in front of you. Investing in a quality pet carrier that adheres to the airline’s requirements will help avoid any stress on the day of your flight. I personally recommend a soft-sided carrier, as they are more flexible and can often fit more easily under the seat.
- Socialization and Comfort: If this is your pet’s first flight, it’s vital to help them get accustomed to the idea of traveling in a carrier. You can do this by leaving the carrier out at home for them to explore and get used to. Place your pet’s favorite blanket, toy, or even an old t-shirt inside to make them feel secure. If possible, take them on car rides in the carrier to help them adjust to the motion. This may make them feel more relaxed when the actual flight arrives.
What to Expect at the Airport
Arriving at the airport early is an essential part of ensuring a smooth start to your journey with your pet. Allow extra time for check-in and security, and be prepared to show any necessary documentation, even though Allegiant doesn’t require a health certificate.
Step 1: Check-In Process
When you arrive at the airport, you’ll need to check in at the Allegiant counter or gate. If you’ve already added your pet to the booking, let the staff know that you are traveling with a pet. You will be asked to pay the pet fee of $50 per segment, and your pet’s carrier will be inspected to make sure it meets size requirements.
Pro Tip: If you are unsure whether your pet’s carrier is up to par, consider taking a photo of it with your pet inside and emailing it to Allegiant in advance, or checking the carrier’s measurements against the size chart on their website. This can save time at check-in.
Step 2: Security Screening
When passing through security, you will need to remove your pet from their carrier and carry them through the screening process. The carrier will be placed on the belt for x-ray screening. Most pets are nervous during this process, so you may want to prepare by bringing calming aids (like treats) or a leash to keep your pet secure. If you are traveling with an anxious pet, consider asking the TSA agents if there are any special accommodations available to ensure a stress-free security screening.
Pro Tip: If you know your pet is nervous, talk to the TSA agents ahead of time to let them know you need additional support, and they will often allow you to take a bit more time during the screening process.
During the Flight: Keeping Your Pet Comfortable
Once you are onboard, your main goal is to ensure your pet’s comfort throughout the journey. Here are some things to consider:
Pet Carrier Placement
You must place your pet’s carrier under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. This ensures that they remain safe during take-off, landing, and turbulence. The carrier should remain closed, and you should avoid opening it at any point during the flight. While some pets may whine or meow during takeoff or landing, try to remain calm and reassure them. If you’re flying with a small dog or cat, consider bringing a comfort item from home to help soothe them.
Keeping Your Pet Hydrated and Fed
Many pets may not feel hungry during the flight, but it’s always a good idea to bring some water and a small portion of their food in case they get thirsty or hungry during the journey. Bring a collapsible water bowl and keep it easily accessible. Don’t forget to offer them water during your layovers or after the flight lands, especially if it was a long journey.
Pro Tip: Keep the amount of food given to your pet small during the flight. If they tend to get motion sickness or are sensitive to stress, avoid feeding them a large meal right before the flight. A light snack, such as a small piece of a favorite treat, can be comforting.
Shop These Essentials Now
Go Shop these items today you will need them:
- > High-quality carrier with extra padding
- > Soft-sided carriers
- > Microchip for identification.
- > Vest for easy identification.
- > A light meal
- > Designated harness
- > Sanitizing wipes
- Pet’s favorite blanket
Addressing Anxiety
Some pets experience anxiety during flights, especially in the confined space of the carrier. Consider using calming sprays or products designed for pets that reduce anxiety. There are also calming pet treats available that can help ease your pet’s nerves before the flight. However, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before using any new products, as they may have recommendations based on your pet’s specific needs.
After the Flight: Arrival and Dealing with Jet Lag
Once the plane lands, the journey isn’t over. Here’s what you should expect upon arrival:
Pick Up Your Pet
At most airports, Allegiant’s policy dictates that you will keep your pet in the cabin with you for the duration of the flight. Upon arrival, you will be able to collect your pet directly from the seat, as they remain in the carrier under your seat for the entire journey. After exiting the plane, check for any pet relief areas in the airport. Many major airports have designated areas for pets to relieve themselves after a long flight.
Dealing with Pet Jet Lag
Your pet might experience some jet lag after the flight, especially if it’s a long journey or they’ve been in a carrier for an extended period. Some pets may act a bit more sluggish or disoriented after flying. Give your pet time to adjust to the new environment, and allow them to rest in a quiet space.
Pro Tip: If you are traveling to a new time zone, help your pet adjust gradually by following the same feeding and walking schedule as you would at home. This can help minimize jet lag and make them feel more comfortable in their new surroundings.
Additional Considerations for Traveling with Pets on Allegiant Air
Pet-Friendly Travel Destinations
While Allegiant Air doesn’t allow pets to travel internationally, you can still take your pet to a variety of destinations within the U.S. Consider traveling to places with pet-friendly accommodations, parks, and attractions. National parks, pet-friendly hotels, and pet-friendly restaurants are just a few options that allow you to travel with your pet with ease.
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals
As mentioned earlier, Allegiant no longer accepts emotional support animals (ESAs) under the special ESA rules that were in place in the past. They now follow standard pet policies for ESAs, meaning that ESAs must travel in a carrier, paying the same fee and meeting the same size requirements as other pets.
For service animals, they are allowed onboard, but they must be task-trained and behave appropriately throughout the flight. Allegiant recognizes the importance of service animals, and they are there to help ensure that passengers with disabilities have a comfortable and accessible travel experience.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with a pet can seem overwhelming, but with proper preparation, you and your furry companion can have a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Allegiant Air’s pet policy is designed to make air travel as comfortable as possible for small dogs and cats, but it’s important to understand all the details to ensure smooth sailing.
From my own personal experience, I’ve found that preparation is key: knowing the airline’s policy, preparing your pet for the journey, and keeping their needs in mind during the flight will help reduce any travel-related stress for both of you. Make sure to plan ahead, book early, and follow the guidelines so you can enjoy a hassle-free trip with your beloved pet.
I would love to hear about your travel experiences with pets! Have you flown with Allegiant Air or another airline? What tips do you have for fellow pet travelers? Leave a comment below, and let me know your thoughts and feedback! Safe travels, and enjoy your next adventure with your furry friend.
Lisa is a passionate travel blogger and flight enthusiast dedicated to helping you explore the world smarter. Through currentflight.today, she shares practical tips, curated recommendations, and the latest travel updates to make your adventures seamless and memorable
