I have a cross-country trip coming up, where I need to fly on an airplane with my pet Lhasa Apso. I have never traveled on a plane with a pet before, so this got me thinking,what are the guidelines of flying with dogs?So, I did some research on different airlines and their policies of flying with dogs, specifically Lhasa Apsos.
So, can Lhasa Apsos travel on airplanes? Yes, they can. Since Lhasa Apsos are a smaller dog breed, it is easier to take them along with you on your trip. There are two options:
- Ride in-cabin with the owner, or
- Check them in with the cargo and luggage.
Most airlines have different policies on pet travel, and this article will break some of them down.
Additionally, there are a few more important things to consider when traveling with a small dog like a Lhasa Apso, such as choosing an airline, costs, alternative methods of travel, and how to get the best deals on traveling with your pet. Let’s first go over the pros and cons of in-cabin vs. cargo traveling.
See also: ARE LHASA APSO’S EASY TO TRAIN
In-Cabin Vs. Cargo Airplane Travel
In-Cabin travel is probably your best bet when traveling with a Lhasa Apso. This is where you take your dog with you into the cabin and put them under the seat in front of the traveling passenger. This is the better option, since Lhasa Apsos are small dogs, and in fact, certain airlines such as American Airlines and Delta will not let Lhasa Apsos be checked as cargo, because they are considered a brachycephalic dog breed, and can be susceptible to breathing problems. In-cabin travel is ultimately safer for Lhasa Apsos (especially in case your furry friend has a medical or breathing emergency) because they will be easily accessible to their owners and airplane staff. Across all of the domestic airlines in the USA, there are certain expectations for in-cabin pet travel, such as:
- the pets need to be of a certain age (most airlines require 8 weeks or older),
- be small enough to fit under the airplane seat (approx. 20lbs or less) and,
- be in a safe and secure carrier.
In-cabin travel is also not as stressful on your pet, since they are near to their owners, and can be easily comforted and attended to when they are right in front of them. Some airlines do not even have the option to check pets into cargo, as they only offer in-cabin travel.
Cargo traveling has more risks involved, as pets can get highly anxious by being separated from their owners, have health-related issues to the change in air pressure and temperatures, or even get lost in transport. It is also more expensive to check your pet into cargo. Some airlines do not have Lhasa Apsos on their breed restriction lists. If you do decide to travel with your Lhasa Apso in cargo, make sure that your information is listed on their crate or carrier, and that you check in with a vet before your trip, to confirm that they are healthy enough to travel via cargo.
Flying Internationally with Your Lhasa Apso
A lot of International airlines allow in-cabin and cargo services for small dogs like Lhasa Apsos, but there can be some country restrictions. Some airlines will only allow checked or cargo pet travel, such as Icelandair, Singapore Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic. Cargo and checked only pet travel may exclude Lhasa Apsos, so it is essential to double check with the specific airline or choose an airline that allows Lhasa Apsos to travel in-cabin. The most important things for flying internationally with your Lhasa Apso is to attend to the dog’s comfort. Make sure that you walk them and give them potty breaks before and after the flights, and during layovers, if possible.
Alternate Methods of Travel with Your Lhasa Apso
If flying seems like too much of a hassle, and you are not traveling far, you may want to consider taking your Lhasa Apso on Amtrak trains (USA). In 2016, Amtrak trains allow pets 20lbs and under to ride on their trains. There are also some international train services that allow pets on board, such as SNCF in France, and Japan Rail. Again, each train company seems to have a different policy, so it is best to research the company’s website before booking your ride. Unfortunately, bus services like Greyhound and Megabus have strict pet policies in place, and you may not travel with dogs that are not service-animals.
See aslo: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO OWNING A LHASA APSO
Some benefits of train travel with your pet can include:
- More potty and walk breaks can be taken during stops.
- You will always be close to your pet.
- Taking the train can often be cheaper than flying, or even driving.
Extra Factors to Consider When Travelling with Your Lhasa Apso
Choosing an Airline
No matter which method of traveling you decide to use for your Lhasa Apso, it is never a bad idea to read some reviews online. As reported by millionmilesecrets.com, some of the most pet-friendly airlines in the USA are JetBlue, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines. Some airlines offer cheaper rates for pet travel as well, such as Frontier ($75 each way for in-cabin travel), and Alaska Airlines ($100 each way for in-cabin travel). As reported by businessinsider.com, some of the most pet-friendly international airlines are Air France, Turkish Airlines, and Lufthansa.
Cost
For domestic flights within the United States of America, the cost of your pet flying in-cabin will range anywhere from $75-$175 each way. The cost of your pet flying in cargo rages $100-200 each way. International flights are more pricey and vary depending on the airline. In-cabin travel ranges from about $50-300 each way, and cargo ranges from $100-200.
Deals
It is important that you shop around for a good deal on your flight or train ride since traveling with your pet can be expensive. It is a good idea to sign up for mileage programs and get on email lists, and follow the social media accounts of your favorite airlines, bus, and rail companies. They often have promotional deals on flights and rides, and the timing for your trip may match up perfectly.
Try to book your travel a few months in advance, and if possible, try to avoid flying out on busy days such as Fridays and Sundays.
Lastly, as all of this information is so varied, you can always go to the specific airline’s website, or call their customer service phone numbers for more details and specifications.
Related Questions
Is flying with your Lhasa Apso dangerous?
According to preventitivevet.com, “Out of more than a half-million animals that flew by plane in 2016, there was an incident in about 1 out of every 10,000 trips.” As stated previously, it is much safer to travel in-cabin with your Lhasa Apso.
We know you might be hesitant about flying with your pet. Though you may see shocking stories of pets deaths and illnesses while on planes, flying with your Lhasa Apso is very safe.
How do you prepare your Lhasa Apso for travel?
Make sure that your Lhasa Apso is healthy enough to fly and ensure you have a secure and comfortable carrier that fits the airline’s size restrictions and guidelines. You will want to get your pet used to your carrier, which you can do by putting in some blankets and toys that carry a familiar smell, and of course, prompt them with treats!
Take them to the vet a few weeks before your trip and make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations and have your vet’s okay to travel. In fact, a lot of airlines will actually need paperwork from your vet stating that your animal is in good health to fly.