Yes, small dogs are allowed on Frontier Airlines, but only as carry-on pets in the cabin and under specific conditions.
Bringing your beloved dog along on your travels can make a trip feel complete, and understanding airline pet policies is the first step to a smooth journey. Frontier Airlines has specific guidelines for traveling with pets, prioritizing safety and comfort for all passengers and furry friends.
Frontier’s Pet Policy Overview: What You Need to Know
Frontier Airlines permits small, domesticated dogs to travel in the aircraft cabin. This policy extends to cats, small household birds, and rabbits as well. It’s important to remember that pets are not allowed to travel in the cargo hold on Frontier flights; all approved animals must fit comfortably in a carrier that stows under the seat in front of you.
Each passenger is allowed one pet carrier, and each carrier can hold one pet. The pet must remain inside its carrier for the entire duration of the flight, including during boarding and deplaning. This rule helps maintain a calm environment and ensures compliance with airline safety regulations.
Understanding Carry-On Pet Requirements
When planning to fly with your dog on Frontier, the carrier itself is a critical component. It must meet specific criteria to be approved for travel.
Carrier Dimensions and Specifications
Frontier Airlines requires pet carriers to be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. While specific dimensions can vary slightly, a general guideline is a maximum of 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 11 inches high. Soft-sided carriers are often preferred as they can offer a bit more flexibility to fit the under-seat space, but hard-sided carriers within these dimensions are also acceptable.
- The carrier must be secure, leak-proof, and well-ventilated on at least two sides.
- Your dog must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down in a natural position inside the carrier without touching the top.
- Ensure the carrier has a secure latch to prevent accidental escapes during travel.
Pet Age and Health
For your dog’s safety and the comfort of others, Frontier has age and health considerations. Pets must be at least eight weeks old to travel. They should be fully weaned and accustomed to eating solid food. It is also essential that your dog is healthy enough to travel and not disruptive to other passengers.
A calm demeanor is beneficial for air travel. If your dog exhibits excessive barking, growling, or destructive behavior, it may not be suitable for in-cabin travel. Consider your dog’s temperament before booking, as airlines reserve the right to refuse transport for unruly animals.
The Cost of Flying Your Dog on Frontier
Bringing your dog on a Frontier flight involves a pet fee. This fee is charged per pet, per one-way flight segment.
Currently, the fee for an in-cabin pet on Frontier Airlines is $99 per flight segment. This amount is non-refundable. It’s important to factor this cost into your overall travel budget, as it applies to each leg of your journey. You can typically add your pet to your reservation during the initial booking process or later through the “Manage My Booking” section on the Frontier website.
Payment for the pet fee is usually made at the time you add the pet to your reservation. Confirming this payment early helps ensure your dog’s spot on the flight, as there are limits to how many pets can travel in the cabin on any given flight.
| Requirement | Details | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Dimensions | 18″ L x 11″ W x 11″ H | Must fit under the seat in front of you. |
| Carrier Type | Hard-sided or Soft-sided | Soft-sided carriers offer more flexibility. |
| Ventilation | Required on at least two sides | Ensures proper airflow for your pet. |
| Security | Leak-proof bottom, secure latch | Prevents accidents and escapes. |
| Pet Comfort | Must stand, turn, lie down comfortably | Pet’s well-being is paramount. |
Booking Your Dog’s Ticket
Securing a spot for your dog on a Frontier flight requires a proactive approach. Due to limitations on the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight, it is highly recommended to add your pet to your reservation as soon as your travel plans are firm.
When you book your flight online, look for an option to add a pet during the passenger details section. If you’ve already booked your flight, you can typically add a pet by accessing your reservation through the “Manage My Booking” portal on the Frontier Airlines website or by contacting their reservations department directly. Confirming your pet’s reservation early helps avoid disappointment, especially on popular routes or during peak travel seasons.
Essential Pre-Flight Preparations for Your Dog
A smooth travel day starts long before you reach the airport. Preparing your dog for the flight involves several key steps to ensure their comfort and compliance with regulations.
Veterinary Check and Documentation
While Frontier Airlines generally does not require a health certificate for domestic pet travel, a visit to your veterinarian before flying is always a sound decision. Your vet can confirm your dog’s fitness for travel and address any health concerns that might arise from flying. They can also ensure all vaccinations, particularly rabies, are up-to-date.
Keeping a copy of your dog’s vaccination records, especially rabies certificates, with you is a good practice, even if not explicitly requested by the airline for domestic flights. For certain types of travel, or specific situations, the CDC provides guidelines concerning the importation of animals, which can offer a broader perspective on animal health requirements for travel.
Airport and In-Flight Comfort
On the day of travel, try to give your dog plenty of exercise before heading to the airport. A tired dog is often a calm dog. Ensure they have opportunities for potty breaks right before entering the terminal and again before boarding the plane, typically at designated pet relief areas found at most airports.
Inside the carrier, include a familiar blanket or a small, favorite toy to provide comfort. Avoid feeding your dog a large meal right before the flight to prevent an upset stomach. Discuss sedation with your veterinarian; generally, it’s not recommended due to potential respiratory and cardiovascular problems at altitude, unless specifically advised by a vet for a particular condition.
| Item | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Fee (One-Way) | $99 per flight segment | Non-refundable. |
| Booking Method | Online or via Reservations | Add during booking or “Manage My Booking.” |
| Pet Limit | Limited per flight | Book early to secure a spot. |
Service Animals vs. Pets on Frontier
It’s crucial to understand the distinction between a pet and a service animal when flying with Frontier Airlines. Service animals are not considered pets; they are specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. Their presence is protected under federal regulations, and they are allowed to accompany their handlers in the cabin without a fee.
To qualify as a service animal, the dog must be individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. Frontier Airlines requires passengers traveling with service animals to complete the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form prior to travel. This form attests to the animal’s training, health, and behavior.
Emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals by airlines under current DOT regulations. If your dog is an emotional support animal, it will need to meet Frontier’s standard pet policy requirements and fees.
Navigating Airport Security with Your Pet
Going through the security checkpoint with your dog requires specific procedures set by the Transportation Security Administration. Knowing what to expect can reduce stress for both you and your pet.
According to the TSA, you must remove your dog from its carrier at the security checkpoint. The empty pet carrier will then be placed on the X-ray belt to be screened. You will carry your dog through the metal detector. If you are unable to carry your dog, you should notify a TSA officer, and they may provide an alternative screening method.
Always keep your dog on a leash while outside the carrier in the airport terminal, especially during the security screening process. Once you have cleared security, you can place your dog back into its carrier. This process is designed to ensure the safety and security of all travelers and their animals.