Flying with Your Dog on JetBlue Airlines

With different rules for different airlines, flying with your dog can get a bit confusing. Whether you're moving away or just fancy taking Max on your next vacation, there's a lot you need to consider before traveling with a dog on JetBlue Airlines. From crate regulations to vaccination requirements, here's everything you need to know about JetBlue Airlines’ pet policy.

The easiest way to travel with a pooch is on a domestic flight, since you won't have to worry about following regulations from two different countries. That being said, there are still many different rules you need to follow before taking Fido on a flight.

JetBlue is considered a pet-friendly airline, with the JetPaws™ program providing passengers with an informative guide on traveling with a pet. If you plan to travel with a dog through JetBlue, contact them to double-check you've done everything correctly.

Crate Requirements

If you have a small animal, they’re welcome to travel with you in-cabin. The max weight of your dog and the carrier together must be under 20 pounds. The crate itself should have dimensions no larger than 17 inches long x 12.5 inches wide x 8.5 inches high. Your dog should be able to stand up and move around the carrier comfortably.

Your dog's crate can be soft-sided or hard-sided. It must feature a waterproof bottom and be well ventilated and secure to avoid escape during transit. You can purchase approved carriers from most pet stores. If you're unsure, JetBlue sells its own brand of crate through JetPaws™ for $50 at the airport. The JetPaws™ container weighs 2 pounds.

Each passenger is limited to one pet per flight. Your pet counts as one carry-on item, meaning you'll be able to bring one additional piece of personal hand luggage.

Health Requirements and Documentation

Regardless of whether you're traveling on a domestic or international flight, JetBlue requires you to bring health documentation. You'll need to bring along a health certificate from your vet that’s no more than 10 days old, as well as proof of up-to-date vaccinations. You'll also need to bring along your dog's ID tags. 

Your dog must be at least 8 weeks old to travel. Ask your vet which vaccinations are required, or contact a vet through Wag! for a quick consultation. 

Booking Procedures and Pet Fees

To book your dog onto a JetBlue flight, you'll need to do so in advance either online or by contacting JetBlue by phone. JetBlue charges a standard pet fee of $125 for each flight. Only 4 pets are allowed on each flight on a first-come, first-served basis. The fourth and final spot can only be booked in person at the airport within 24 hours of departure. 

To check in at the airport with your dog, JetBlue recommends heading to their Full-Service counter. Bear in mind you won't be able to fly with your dog if you’re traveling on connecting flights with one of JetBlue's partner airlines. 

Exemptions and Other Considerations

While at the airport and on your flight, your dog must stay in their crate at all times. While on the flight, you can put the crate on your lap, but it must remain under the seat in front of you during takeoff and landing. If your dog needs to use the bathroom while at the airport, you can find designated areas at most domestic airports.

There are certain seats on JetBlue's flights that cannot accommodate pets. For example, emergency rows, bulkhead seats, and anywhere without adequate storage space cannot accommodate dogs. JetBlue recommends booking a window or aisle seat if you’re traveling with pets.

Before your flight, your dog and their crate will have to go through TSA screenings. Security personnel will want to inspect your dog's crate during this security check and ensure your dog seems healthy. The TSA will require you to hold your dog and pass through a metal detector. 

Unfortunately, your dog cannot fly with JetBlue as cargo or as checked luggage. If your dog and their carrier weigh over 20 pounds or are too large to fit comfortably inside a carrier, you need to find another means of transporting your dog. You may want to consider other major airlines like Delta or American Airlines, as they provide cargo and checked luggage services for larger canines.

If you're flying with a service or emotional support dog on JetBlue, you may be exempt from specific regulations. You can book your service or emotional support animal by adding a Special Service Request (SSR) when booking your ticket online or over the phone. This service is free of charge.

During the flight, your service dog must stay on the ground by your feet at all times. The only exception is if your dog is small enough to fit on your lap without touching any part of the seat.

To fly with an emotional support animal, you'll need to provide the correct documentation no later than 48 hours of travel. This information includes a certification from a medical professional and a health certificate from your vet.

There's lots to consider when traveling internationally with a dog on JetBlue. Depending on where you're flying to, laws and regulations change drastically. Some parts of the world require rabies vaccinations and quarantine periods, while other countries have different microchips to the U.S., which you'll need to take into account before traveling.

JetBlue recommends you contact the embassy of the country you're traveling to so you can check all necessary documentation. You should also get in contact with your vet as soon as you know you're traveling — they can tell you more about the requirements for flying to different countries.

Additionally, you should do your own extensive research. You can find out information about the different laws for importing and exporting pets from the U.S. through the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).