Certain pets are allowed in the cabin provided they are in an approved pet carrier that can fit under the airline seat in front of you. These pets include small dogs, cats and even birds. This counts as one of your carry-ons and in 2010 has a $100 fee per flight. When shopping for a suitable pet carrier, make sure it says that it meets airline requirements, and always double-check with the airline itself. Per US Air pet policy, carry-on pets are not allowed on flights to or from Hawaii.
Larger dogs that cannot fit in an under-the-seat pet carrier will have to be stowed in the cargo area of the plane with the checked baggage. Due to the extreme heat in cities like Phoenix, this type of transport is not always available. Large dogs, cats and birds are allowed in the cargo area of the plane provided the flight is non-stop to destinations such as Boston, Washington D.C. and New York's La Guardia airport. The owner of the pet must travel the same flight and the pet must be in an IATA approved crate. Be aware that if the runway temperature is above 84 F at your departing airport, the airline may refuse to check your pet into the cargo area.
Just like humans, dogs require immigration forms to travel between different countries. For those traveling with their pets overseas, make sure that you have the acceptable paperwork properly filled out. US Airways recommends you call the appropriate embassy four weeks before you travel to find out what is needed. Carry-on pets are not allowed on transatlantic flights or flights to or from countries such as Brazil, Tel Aviv, and Barbados. If you are traveling to or from Mexico and Costa Rica, only cats and dogs are allowed.
