According to AAA, nearly 35 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. The auto club reveals that the number is slightly higher than a year ago, but less than the 35.3 million who hit the rails, skies and highways over Memorial Day in 2007 before the recession.
AAA also reports that 30.9 million people will travel by car while nearly 3 million will take a commercial flight to their holiday weekend destination. If you are one of the millions planning to take to the air with your clan, you might think twice about bringing Fido or Fifi with you.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently updated their guidelines and restrictions that govern pet air travel.
Here’s what you should know before you decide to let your furry friends tag along on your flight this Memorial Day:
1. Small pets are allowed to be crated and taken on board the plane with you. However, larger animals must ride in the cargo area of the plane. Regardless of size, all pets being transported on a plane must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned.
2. Traveling pets cannot be sick, violent, or in physical distress.
3. All pets must have all necessary health certificates and documentation.
4. Animal travel crates must meet individual airline’s standards and be large enough for the pet to lie down comfortably, turn around, and stand freely. Crate must be clearly marked with “Live Animal — This Side Up” and include your name, address, and telephone number in case the crate gets lost in transit. In addition, the USDA and IATA mandate that the doors of pet crates “must be constructed of welded or cast metal of sufficient gauge or thickness to prevent the animal from bending or distorting the door.”
5. Plan to check-in at the airport at least three hours before the flight departs.
Finally, try to book a non-stop flight and don’t feed your pet just before getting on a plane, as this may cause an upset stomach during the flight.
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