Jetblue Pet Policy For Beginners
JetBlue’s Pet Policy Overview
JetBlue permits small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin, provided the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 20 pounds (9 kilograms). The pet must remain in the carrier under the seat for the entire flight. The fee for this service is $125 each way.
Booking Your Pet’s Travel
JetBlue allows a maximum of six pets per flight, so it’s essential to book your pet’s spot early. You can reserve a space for your pet by calling JetBlue’s customer service at 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583). It’s advisable to make this reservation as soon as you book your own flight to ensure availability.
Carrier Requirements
The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and meet the following dimensions:
- Maximum dimensions: 17 inches x 12.5 inches x 8.5 inches (43 cm x 31 cm x 21 cm)
- Leak-proof bottom
- Well-ventilated on at least two sides
- Secure door
- Adequate space for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably
From my own personal experience, ensuring your pet has enough space to move around can help reduce stress during the flight.
Health and Documentation
Before traveling, ensure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. While JetBlue doesn’t require a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin, some destinations may have specific requirements. For instance, traveling to the Dominican Republic or the Bahamas requires a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian.
Service Animals
JetBlue accommodates trained service animals at no charge. However, emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer recognized as service animals under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s new guidelines. Therefore, ESAs must adhere to the same pet policies as other animals.
In-Cabin Travel Guidelines
- Your pet must remain in the carrier under the seat for the entire flight.
- Only one pet per person is allowed.
- Pets are not permitted in the Mint cabin.
- A maximum of two pets per traveler is allowed, each in their own carrier. To bring a second pet, a second seat and pet fee must be paid.
Pro Tips for Traveling with Your Pet on JetBlue
- Early Booking: Given the limited number of pets allowed per flight, book your pet’s spot as early as possible.
- Carrier Preparation: Familiarize your pet with the carrier well before the flight to reduce anxiety.
- Health Check: Consult your veterinarian to ensure your pet is fit for travel and obtain any necessary health certificates.
- Arrival Time: Arrive at the airport early to allow ample time for check-in and security procedures.
- Comfort Items: Place a familiar blanket or toy in the carrier to provide comfort during the flight.
- Hydration and Feeding: Avoid feeding your pet a large meal right before the flight to prevent discomfort. Ensure they have access to water during the journey.
- Behavioral Training: Ensure your pet is accustomed to being in a carrier and can remain calm during the flight.
- Documentation: Carry all necessary documentation, including vaccination records and health certificates, especially when traveling internationally.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check JetBlue’s pet policy for any updates or changes.
- Emergency Preparedness: Know the locations of pet relief areas at the airports you will be traveling through.
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
Additional Considerations
- Breed Restrictions: Some breeds, particularly brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like French Bulldogs, may have restrictions due to breathing issues.
- International Travel: Each country has its own pet importation requirements. Research the specific regulations of your destination well in advance.
- Pet Relief Areas: Familiarize yourself with the locations of pet relief areas at the airports you will be traveling through.
- In-Flight Comfort: During the flight, keep the carrier under the seat and avoid opening it. This helps maintain your pet’s sense of security.
- Post-Flight Care: Upon arrival, promptly take your pet to a designated pet relief area to allow them to relieve themselves. Let me dive even deeper into JetBlue’s pet policy and share additional tips that will make traveling with your pet a breeze.
More Detailed Information on JetBlue’s Pet Policy
JetBlue offers a pet-friendly flying experience, but to make the most of it, understanding the intricate details is key. Let’s continue to break down what you need to know before traveling with your pet.
JetBlue Pet Travel Costs and Payment
As I mentioned earlier, the cost of traveling with a pet on JetBlue is $125 per pet, each way. This fee applies for pets traveling in the cabin and is payable at the time of booking. From my own personal experience, I found that when booking early, you can also inquire about the availability of seats for your pet and get ahead of the rush. This is particularly crucial during peak travel seasons when flight demand is higher.
Carrier Guidelines
JetBlue’s pet policy requires that the carrier must be soft-sided, meaning it should be flexible and fit easily under the seat in front of you. The dimensions must not exceed 17 inches long, 12.5 inches wide, and 8.5 inches high (43 cm x 31 cm x 21 cm). Some travelers might think a carrier that’s slightly larger would still fit, but I’ve learned from experience that any slight overage in size can cause stress, especially if you’re already in the boarding process and trying to get everything settled quickly.
To help avoid any last-minute surprises, make sure the carrier is:
- Ventilated: Good airflow is essential to keep your pet comfortable.
- Comfortable: Your pet should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably in their carrier.
- Secure: Make sure the door locks properly to prevent any accidental escapes.
I personally recommend checking that your carrier can zip or fasten securely, and ideally, it should have a few extra inches of space for your pet to stretch out without being cramped.
JetBlue’s In-Cabin Pet Travel Rules
When traveling with your pet, it’s important to know that they must remain in the carrier throughout the flight. Here are some additional details to consider:
- Under the Seat: The carrier must be placed under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. Your pet cannot be taken out during the flight, and the carrier cannot be stored in the overhead bin. This is a very important point that I’ve had to remind myself of, especially during long flights when I wanted to comfort my pet.
- One Pet Per Passenger: You can bring only one pet per passenger. If you’re traveling with more than one pet, you will need to purchase a separate seat for the second pet and carrier. This can be costly, so it’s a good idea to plan accordingly.
- Mint Class Exclusion: If you’re flying in JetBlue’s Mint class, unfortunately, pets are not allowed in the cabin. If you’re planning on traveling in Mint, you’ll need to make arrangements with another airline or consider having your pet travel in the cargo hold (JetBlue doesn’t currently offer this service for pets).
Pet Behavior During the Flight
Traveling can be stressful for pets, and it’s important to be proactive in helping your pet feel secure. Here are some of the best ways to manage your pet’s behavior during the flight:
- Comfort and Familiarity: Before your flight, help your pet get used to the carrier. I’ve found that letting my pet spend time inside the carrier in the days leading up to the flight really helps them feel comfortable and reduces anxiety.
- No Opening the Carrier: For your pet’s safety and comfort, you should keep the carrier securely closed and under the seat during the flight. While it may be tempting to comfort your pet during the flight, I can tell you from experience that opening the carrier may lead to a startled or anxious pet, which can worsen the situation. Just imagine, your pet is already in a confined space and might be nervous about all the new sounds and smells, so keeping the carrier closed allows them to feel more secure.
- Monitor Your Pet: If your pet is particularly nervous, consider asking the flight attendant for advice on how to manage your pet. They’ve seen plenty of pet travel and might have some additional tips.
JetBlue’s International Pet Travel
JetBlue’s policy for international travel with pets can be more complex than domestic flights, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the destination country’s rules. As a general rule:
- International Documentation: For pets traveling to international destinations, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a health certificate or proof of vaccinations. This includes details on the required rabies vaccination period, blood titer tests, and other medical requirements. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to gather this information before your flight.
- Arrival Information: Upon arrival, depending on the country, your pet may be subject to quarantine or a health inspection. Be sure to research these requirements well in advance to avoid delays.
How to Prepare Your Pet for Travel: My Personal Tips
- Pre-Flight Health Check: A few days before your flight, I always recommend scheduling a health checkup with your veterinarian to ensure your pet is fit for travel. This is particularly important for pets with existing medical conditions or senior pets.
- Hydration is Key: On the day of travel, don’t feed your pet a large meal right before the flight. Instead, give them a light meal a few hours before. It can help avoid any digestive issues during the flight. Keep a small bottle of water in your bag so that you can offer them a drink during your layovers.
- Comforting Your Pet: Many pets, especially dogs and cats, can get nervous during travel. From my experience, placing an item with your scent—like a worn t-shirt—inside their carrier can help calm them down. It’s like bringing a little piece of home with them. Additionally, having a favorite toy or blanket might help soothe their nerves.
- Exercise Before the Flight: Take your pet for a long walk before heading to the airport. This helps them expend some energy and can make them more likely to relax during the flight.
- Arrive Early: To avoid the stress of rushing, I highly recommend arriving at the airport a little earlier than usual. The check-in process for pets can take a bit longer than regular check-in, so give yourself ample time to go through all the steps without feeling rushed.
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
JetBlue’s Pet Relief Areas
JetBlue has made an effort to ensure pets are comfortable at their airports. Many of JetBlue’s major airports feature pet relief areas, which allow pets to stretch their legs and relieve themselves before or after the flight. Some major airports with pet relief areas include:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): JFK has a pet relief area located in Terminal 5.
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): Boston Logan offers a spacious pet relief area near Terminal C.
- Orlando International Airport (MCO): MCO has a designated pet relief area near the gates.
Before your trip, I suggest checking the airport’s website for the exact location of these pet relief stations, so you can plan your pit stops accordingly.
Conclusion: Traveling with Your Pet on JetBlue
Traveling with pets doesn’t have to be stressful if you take the time to understand the airline’s policies and plan ahead. From my own personal experience, JetBlue makes pet travel relatively easy with their well-defined pet policy, but you still need to do your part to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety. With the right preparation and understanding, your pet’s journey can be just as enjoyable as yours.
If you’ve traveled with your pet on JetBlue or have any questions about their pet policies, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. I would love to hear about your experiences, and I’m sure other readers would benefit from your insights!
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
