TIPS FOR FLYING WITH YOUR PET

At Roverlund, we know that flying with a pet takes a little preparation. A comfortable carrier, a clear understanding of your airline’s requirements and some planning ahead can make travel day much easier for both of you.

Here are our tips to help get you travel-ready and to make jet-setting with your four-legged friend a breeze.

GETTING READY FOR YOUR TRIP

  • 1. CHECK YOUR PET’S FIT

    If you haven’t picked up a carrier for your pup yet, use our Fit & Flight Guide to enter their measurements and see whether the Out-of-Office Pet Carrier is a good fit.

  • 2. ACCLIMATE YOUR PET TO THEIR CARRIER

    Still Need some help getting your pup acclimated to their pet carrier before your flight? Check out our 7 easy tips to get your pup comfy-cozy in their new Roverlund pet carrier.

  • 3. CHECK YOUR AIRLINE'S REQUIREMENTS

    Before booking, confirm your airline’s current in-cabin pet requirements for your specific flight. Carrier dimensions, fees, pet limits and documentation can vary by airline, route and aircraft.

    Our Fit Check helps assess product fit; it does not guarantee airline acceptance. Ask about pet reservations, fees and any required health or vaccination documents. Confirm these details before travel and bring the documentation your airline and destination require.

  • 4. DETERMINE DESTINATION-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

    If you’re traveling internationally, check your destination’s entry requirements well in advance. Rules may include vaccinations, health certificates, microchips, permits or other documentation, with timelines that vary by country.

    We recommend checking the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website for your destination’s pet requirements prior to booking a flight. You should give yourself a few weeks of planning as some country-specific paperwork requires approvals before your travels.

  • 5. CHECK IN WITH YOUR VET

    If your pup has never flown before, you may want to schedule a visit with your vet to confirm your pup is ready to fly. The vet can also give you the necessary vaccines and documents required by your airlines. In some cases, your airline may have specific forms for the vet to fill out, so we recommend confirming the necessary documents with your airline before your vet visit—this is primarily applicable to international travel.

    If you have concerns about how your pet may handle travel, speak with your veterinarian about the safest approach for your individual pet.

  • 6. CHOOSE CONNECTIONS FOR LONG FLIGHTS

    For longer journeys, think about what will make the trip simplest and most comfortable for your pet. Consider total travel time, connections, airport layovers and opportunities for breaks when comparing flight options.

  • 7. LOOK UP YOUR AIRPORT'S PET RELIEF STATIONS

    Before your trip, we highly recommend that you locate each airport’s pet relief stations and download the airport map on your phone before you take off. If your connections are especially tight, this may help lessen your travel day stress, as relief stations may sometimes be located in another terminal or concourse.

THE DAY OF YOUR FLIGHT

  • 1. KEEP FOOD & WATER ROUTINES SIMPLE

    The morning of you fly, we find that it is helpful to feed your pup a half-portion meal to lessen the likelihood of having an accident. We recommend allowing your pup to drink water normally to avoid dehydration during your flight.

  • 2. TAKE THEM FOR A WALK BEFORE ENTERING THE AIRPORT

    Give your pet an opportunity for a bathroom break before heading through security or toward your gate. Many airports also have designated pet relief areas, so it can be helpful to locate them in advance.

  • 3. CHECKING IN WITH YOUR PET

    After their walk, place your pet securely in the carrier and head to the check-in counter if your airline requires it. Procedures vary, so follow your airline’s instructions for documentation, tags and any additional check-in steps.

  • 4. GOING THROUGH SECURITY

    Keep your pup in their carrier until the TSA airport agent informs you it is time to take them out. Typically, you will walk with them held in your arms through a metal detector. We recommend that you keep your pup on a leash when taken out of the carrier.

  • 5. KEEP YOUR PET SECURE IN THE CARRIER

    Follow your airline’s rules for when your pet must remain inside the carrier. In most cases, pets traveling in cabin are expected to stay securely enclosed for the duration of the flight unless airline staff instruct otherwise.

  • 6. HYDRATE WITH ICE CUBES

    You can hydrate your pup during the flight by giving them ice cubes. Ask a flight attendant for a cup of ice and then feed your pup one ice cube at a time. This is a simple and mess-free way to feed them water while they are zipped up in their carrier.

  • 7. AVOID FEEDING THEM DURING THE FLIGHT

    Pups can go for a number of hours without a meal. We suggest holding off your pup’s next meal until you arrive at your destination—if it isn’t too far—to avoid accidents in their carrier.

  • 8. KEEP AN EYE ON HOW THEY’RE DOING

    Travel can be unfamiliar or stressful for some pets. Keep an eye on their behavior throughout the journey and stay calm and reassuring if they seem unsettled. If you notice unusual or concerning behavior, prioritize their comfort and safety.

PUPS ON PLANES

RIZZO FLIES DELTA

SCOUT FLIES SOUTHWEST

NORMAN FLIES JETBLUE

SAYA FLIES UNITED

KIWI FLIES AMERICAN

WITH THESE HELPFUL TIPS YOU'RE ALL SET. BON VOYAGE!

Flying with a pet takes a little extra planning, but a comfortable carrier, the right preparation and a calm travel-day routine can go a long way. Give yourself plenty of time, double-check your airline’s current requirements and enjoy the trip together.

SHOP THE PET CARRIER