Dog Air Travel: The Best Flight Experiences for Your Pup

Traveling with your dog just got easier

When travel is on the brain, many of us think about planning an adventure, packing our bags, and... what about the dog? Hang on to your leash - Petco is partnering with JSX, the hop on air carrier that makes traveling with dogs and cats simple. JSX offers a hassle-free, crowd-free experience that brings the perks of private aviation to the public charter space. What's that mean for you? It means you can fly semi-private, with your dog or cat, at prices that rival the big airlines.

Even better? With JSX, well-behaved medium-to-large dogs (79 lbs or less) can travel in the cabin with their pet parents-no major airlines in the United States allow this. You simply need to contact JSX Customer Support to book an adjoining seat for your dog at the advertised rate, and your dog can lie down on the floor directly in front of your window seat! You can read JSX's full pets in cabin policy here.

Cats and small dogs (under 30 lbs) are also welcome in-cabin when traveling in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. These small pets can fly with you for just $100 per one-way trip.

With JSX, traveling with your faithful companions is redefined, from boarding to on-boarding. Book your JSX flight here.

When flying JSX, you'll find the process streamlined and designed with pets in mind. At JSX, you don't fly from main airport terminals. Instead, you fly from a private hangar where you only need to check in 20-30 minutes before takeoff for most flights. JSX conducts its own TSA-approved security at boarding and its aircraft have just 30 seats - no crowds, no lines, no hassle. Use our packing guide to ensure you have all the necessities for your canine's plane ride and remember, some dogs may not have as much fun traveling as others - and that's OK! If that's the case, check out our guide on pet boarding and pet sitting to choose the best experience for your pet while you are away.

How to Give Your Dog the Best Experience Possible

Through time spent in the airport and on a plane, your dog can gain new experiences and may even build confidence in new situations. They can also experience mental health benefits as they are stimulated through exploration of a new city and physical health benefits as they join you on hikes and walks after you land.

If you are bringing your dog along on a plane ride, it is important to prepare properly for the adventure ahead so they can enjoy all these great benefits. Before you head to the skies, understand the logistics of traveling with a dog and remember airlines will have different rules and regulations regarding traveling with a dog, as well as many of your destinations. For this reason, be sure to research and make sure you understand the relevant policies and regulations.

Keep vaccination and health records up-to-date

Most airlines require proof of vaccinations, parasite prevention, and health documentation to fly your dog into certain states or countries. Check the requirements and required timeline to schedule a veterinary visit before your departure date to ensure that all vaccinations and checkups are documented and to obtain a health certificate for your trip when required by your airline or destination. When flying JSX, you'll need to present a Pet Acceptance form each time you fly. Different forms may be required when traveling internationally or with a registered Service Animal.

Consider their size

Your dog's size and build will determine where in the plane they can travel:

• Small dogs and cats (under 30 lbs) - With JSX, they can travel in-cabin with you for a one-way fare of $100, as long as they're in an approved carrier that fits underneath the seat in front of you. Once in the air, you can even take small dogs out of the carrier to relax.
• Medium and large dogs (79 lbs or less)-unlike the airlines, JSX welcomes them in the cabin! While pets are not allowed on aircraft seats, your leashed dog can comfortably enjoy the floor space of your adjoining window seat. You'll need to buy an extra seat to accommodate your dog and JSX's Customer Support team is ready and willing to help.

Make reservations early

Taking your dog along for any flight should never be a last-minute decision. Make reservations early-especially if you're traveling during peak seasons or holidays. Pro tip: JSX has a maximum allowance of five dogs and cats in the cabin per flight, so book early!

Not all airlines have the same rules and regulations regarding traveling with a dog, nor do all destinations. For this reason, be sure to research and make sure you understand the relevant policies and regulations.

Pack the Essentials

Leading up to you and your pup’s big trip, use our packing list to help prepare for the adventure ahead. Don’t forget your approved carrier if traveling with a small pet on JSX and bring along any comfort items to help your pup feel relaxed during the flight.

A quick overview of the essentials:

• A toy that does not make noise or a chew toy that is not messy.
• Bring a bag of high value treats with you to entice your pet to join you when they might be timid in a new environment.
• Bring a sheet or blanket from home – you’ll thank us for this one later! The smell can help sooth nerves and will cover the floor to help protect the area under your pup from accidents or messy treats and chews during the flight. If you have a pet that doesn't get nauseous during travel but needs more mental stimulation during a flight to manage their boredom or anxiety, consider using a frozen lick mat or Kong full of their favorite treats or a high value chew to help keep your pet entertained and loving their flight.
• During takeoff and landing, make sure to rub your dog’s ears to help them pop!
• JSX doesn’t have the same TSA restrictions and flyers can bring more than 3oz of liquid. Helpful to know when packing for your pet!

How Plane Travel Can Affect Your Dog’s Health

Traveling with your dog is a great way to experience new adventures, strengthen the human-animal bond and give your dog a mentally stimulating experience. JSX’s pet-friendly cabins and crowd-free lounges can also help reduce common travel stressors, making the experience smoother for your pet.

Remember, not all dogs will react the same to time spent in the air, so be sure to pay attention to your dog’s specific needs, and always consult your Petco veterinarian prior to any trip.

Stress and Anxiety

Because flying requires confinement and may be a brand-new experience for them, it could cause even the best- and well-behaved dogs to feel stressed or anxious, particularly if they're naturally shy, nervous, or uncomfortable being cooped up. Signs that your dog is feeling stressed or anxious include whining, excessively licking their lips, a sudden onset of unexplained dander, drooling and shaking. While some dogs are naturally predisposed to feeling more stress and anxiety in new situations—just like their human parents—don’t be discouraged! There are plenty of ways to help soothe and comfort them during travel.

Exposure to New Experiences: One way to help prepare your dog for air travel is to expose them to experiences that mimic a trip to the airport. While you might not be able to hire a private jet to practice flying with your dog, you can practice placing your small dog in their travel carrier or having your medium to large dog lie down next to you in a confined space or under a chair, taking them to busy places and exposing them to unfamiliar sights and sounds. Do this through positive reinforcement training, which will more likely result in them going into the carrier or under the seat next to you themselves. This can all help make them feel more confident when flying.

Calming Aids: In some cases, a calming aid can be given to your dog to help prevent anxiety and stress when flying. However, only do so under the guidance of a veterinarian, as they may cause unexpected complications.

Motion Sickness

If your dog has experienced motion sickness on car rides, they might also be sensitive to time spent in the air. To lessen the chance of air sickness during your trip, don't allow your dog to travel on a full stomach. Plan for an eight-hour gap between their last feeding and their upcoming plane ride. Additionally, a motion sickness medication might help prevent their symptoms when administered before your flight. Of course, before you give your dog motion sickness medication or change their feeding plan, you should consult your vet.

Other Health Considerations

Remember, no two dogs are exactly alike, and how they will react to time in an airplane can vary. The best thing to do before flying with your dog is to talk to your vet about any specific health concerns you have. This is especially important for brachycephalic or senior dogs. With the right help from your vet and by preparing amply, your dog can enjoy their adventure in the skies.

It’s important to add in a few minutes with your arrival time to ensure your dog can use the pet relief area before boarding. Because JSX flights generally don’t exceed 3 hours, it makes traveling with a dog much easier!

Building a Lifetime of Adventures

Your dog’s favorite activity is time spent with you. Whether that is a beach trip or walking around the neighborhood, building a lifetime of adventures together is a great way to keep you both healthy and connected. Ready to fly with your pet by your side? Book your JSX flight today.

To learn more about caring for your dog, check out these helpful guides and resources:

• Beach Guide
• Hiking Guide
• Park Guide