Allegiant Airlines Pet Policy – Everything You Need to Know

Planning to bring your pet on your next flight with Allegiant Air? On most domestic flights, Allegiant Airlines allows pets to be brought onboard, but it’s not as easy as throwing your Fido into a pet carrier and heading off. 

You must abide by Allegiant Airlines’ pet policy for a seamless travel experience. This guide offers everything you need to know about the Allegiant Airlines Pet Policy. Check out their carrier requirements and fees, and learn helpful tips for traveling with your pet.

Allegiant Airlines Pet Policy

Allegiant Air Pet Policy allows small cats and dogs in the cabin on most domestic flights. Each pet must travel within an FAA-approved carrier that fits under the seat. Travelers may bring one carrier each

A pet carrier counts toward the maximum of two items allowed per passenger on the aircraft. The airline allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger.

Allegiant charges a $50 fee per segment for each pet, payable during booking or at check-in. Note that pets are only allowed on flights within the contiguous United States.

Passengers must check in their pets at the airline’s ticket counter at least 45 minutes or an hour prior to scheduled departure. For pet travelers, curbside or kiosk check-in is unavailable.

There are restrictions on when and where pets can fly. The airline prohibits traveling internationally or to U.S. territories with pets. Furthermore, Allegiant may restrict pet travel during extreme weather conditions. For the animal’s security, you cannot fly with your furry friend during excessive heat or cold.

TLDR: Allegiant’s pet policy permits dogs and cats in the cabin on most domestic routes. Pets must be in an approved carrier. A $50 fee applies per segment. Restrictions apply to check-in procedures. Traveling during adverse weather or to certain destinations is prohibited.

Allegiant Airlines Fees for Pet Travels

Allegiant Airlines allows passengers to bring their pets for the flight. This policy ensures pets travel comfortably in the cabin. A non-refundable pet fee of $50.00 per segment applies to each carrier.

This fee applies no matter the flight length. Passengers must pay this fee at the time of booking or at the airport during check-in. Passengers can bring pet carriers alongside a personal item or a paid carry-on bag, but not both.

ESAs are Exempt from Pet Fees for Housing

According to the FHA, Emotional Support Animals and Service Dogs are exempt from any housing pet fees, deposits or pet rents. Learn More about Pet Fees

Allegiant Airlines Standards for ESA and Service Animals

Allegiant Airlines requires all service animals and ESAs to travel in an approved carrier. This carrier must fit under the seat and should not be larger than 9 inches high, 16 inches wide, and 19 inches deep. It should also be leak-proof and have adequate ventilation.

Travelers must provide the necessary documentation for their animals. This includes a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and a valid ESA or PSD letter. Service animals trained to assist with disabilities are exempt from pet fees. Even so, they must always be well-behaved and under control during the flight.

Allegiant Airlines and the ACAA

Allegiant Airlines has specific guidelines for emotional support animals (ESAs) and service dogs. This airline no longer recognizes ESAs as a separate category of animals. Thus, these animals must travel under the standard pet policy, which includes the same fees and carrier requirements. There are no travel fees for service animals.

These are dogs trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability.

Still, service animals must behave appropriately in a public setting. They must be under the handler’s control at all times. Passengers traveling with service animals must complete and submit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form before departure.

Allowed Support Animals

Allegiant Airlines has specific guidelines on which support animals are allowed on their flights and how they can travel. Your pet can travel in the passenger cabin or cargo, depending on the type of animal, its size, and the breed-specific regulations. Also, the costs associated with traveling with your pet can vary based on these factors.

According to Allegiant Airlines’ policy, domestic dogs and cats are only welcome in the cabin. All pets flying with the airline must pay a non-refundable fee of $50.00 per segment per carrier. 

Be sure to check with an Allegiant representative for the most current information. Remember, policies can change depending on the flight route and other factors.

Breed Restrictions on Allegiant Airlines

Allegiant Airlines permits the in-cabin transport of a puppy and cats, but it does not specify breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin within its available resources. 

However, given that Allegiant focuses on small pets and does not provide cargo services, larger breeds or those typically restricted by airlines might not be able to travel due to size limitations rather than breed-specific bans.

Allowed Cat Breeds in the Cabin

• Domestic Cats
• Siamese
• Persian
• Maine Coon (smaller individuals)
• Ragdoll (smaller individuals)

Allowed Dog Breeds in Cabin

• Chihuahua
• Pomeranian
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Dachshund
• Shih Tzu
• Pug
• Other small dog breeds that can comfortably fit within a carrier under the seat

Allowed Other Animals in Cabin

Allegiant Airlines restricts cabin travel to dogs and cats only. Therefore, no other animals are allowed in the cabin.

Allegiant Airlines ESA Rules

Traveling with an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) on Allegiant Airlines is straightforward. Why? Because of their clear and accommodating policies.

The U.S. Department of Transportation updated its regulations on January 11, 2021, allowing airlines more freedom to set their own rules about ESAs. Allegiant has updated its pet policies as a result. So passengers can bring their animal companions and have a comfortable journey.

Allowances

• No Pet Fees for ESAs: Allegiant Air does not charge any fees for ESAs as long as you have a valid ESA letter.

• Types of ESAs Allowed: Allegiant Air welcomes miniature horses, dogs, and cats onboard.

• In-Cabin Travel: ESAs can travel in the cabin for free if they are miniature horses, dogs, or cats.

• Carry-On Luggage: Smaller ESAs can travel at your feet or under the seat in front of you. The animal must be inside an approved carrier.

Restrictions

• Breed Restrictions: Certain breeds, like pit bull-type dogs, are prohibited. The Allegiant Air policy doesn’t recognize them as ESAs.

• Size and Weight Limitations for Carriers: The carrier for your ESA must be soft-sided and leak-proof. It should be well-ventilated, and fit under the seat. It should not exceed 9 inches tall, 16 inches wide, and 19 inches deep.

• Documentation Requirements: You need an ESA letter, a veterinary health form, and an animal behavior & responsibility form.

• Behavioral Expectations: ESAs must remain in the carrier during the flight. They cannot occupy seats or space in the aisle.

Why are these allowances and restrictions in place, you ask? They’re there to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers and staff on Allegiant Air flights while accommodating the needs of individuals with emotional disabilities.

Required Forms and Documents for ESAs

For a smooth travel experience with your ESA on Allegiant Air, certain documents and forms are required:

• ESA or PSD Letter: This document verifies your need for an ESA or a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD). It can be obtained from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP). 

• Behavior Form: You, the ESA owner, must complete a form that attests to your ESA’s good behavior. It also confirms that you take full responsibility for any damages or disturbances your animal may cause during travel.

• Health Form: A veterinary health form shows your ESA’s health and vaccination records. Your veterinarian must fill out this ahead of flight time.

ESA Letter or PSD Letter

ESA Letters and PSD Letters define the accommodations and rights of animals accompanying their owners. An ESA Letter exempts owners from pet fees on flights and housing. It acknowledges the ESA’s role in the owner’s mental health care.

Before obtaining an ESA Letter, a person must be assessed by an LMHP. This professional must certify a person’s emotional or psychological disability. Note that an ESA letter does not grant access to public places where pets are generally prohibited. 

Meanwhile, a PSD Letter is specific to Psychiatric Service Dogs and provides broader access. PSDs are animals trained to perform specific tasks related to the owner’s disability. Thus, a PSD letter allows them access to almost all public areas, flights, and no-pet housing under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

To acquire a PSD Letter, one must demonstrate that the dog performs tasks that ameliorate aspects of their disability. A formal assessment and training documentation may also be required.

But all in all, both letters impact fees and restrictions. An ESA Letter allows for fee exemptions on flights and housing, with some restrictions on public access. A PSD Letter removes most public access restrictions and also negates pet-related fees.

Behavior Form

The Behavior Form is a crucial document that confirms that ESAs are well-behaved. It attests that the animal won’t disrupt the environment or cause disturbances during flights. 

Airlines typically require this form to reduce the risk of incidents in the cabin. It provides the assurance that the ESA can handle the stresses of flying and remain peaceful.

ESA Pet offers this form as part of the ESA Letter acquisition process. It streamlines documentation to ensure all requirements are met for travelers with ESAs.

Health Form

The Health Form is another essential document that confirms that the ESA is in good health. An ESA must not pose any health threats to passengers or other animals. This form certifies the animal’s health by providing information on vaccination records.

ESA Pet also provides this form during the acquisition of the ESA Letter. You can fulfill all health criteria right here. With that, you can complete your travel preparations without additional hassle.

Obtaining an Official ESA Letter and Additional Documentation

Obtaining an ESA letter and additional documentation for your pet to travel on Allegiant Airlines can be efficiently managed through ESA Pet. Don’t know how or where to start? Simply follow this straightforward three-step process to help you secure your documentation:

• Assessment: Start by completing a free online assessment on the ESAPet.com website. This assessment evaluates your need for an ESA. This initial screening is quick and sets the groundwork for the next steps.

• Consultation: After the assessment, you’ll get connected with a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) in your state. The LMHP will discuss your mental health and evaluate your need for an emotional support animal. This step ensures that all legal criteria are met for issuing an ESA letter.

• Documentation: Once the LMHP confirms your need for an ESA, you will receive your official ESA letter. ESA Pet can also help with additional documentation like health and behavior forms.

FAQs About Allegiant Airlines Pet Policy

How Strict Is Allegiant With Pets?

Allegiant Airlines maintains a clear pet policy for all passengers. Pets must travel in an FAA-approved carrier or kennel with specified dimensions. Pets must remain in the carrier throughout the flight. Owners must provide all documentation and comply with the airline’s guidelines.

Does Allegiant Still Allow Emotional Support Animals?

Allegiant Airlines no longer recognizes emotional support animals as separate from pets. This means that an ESA is subject to Allegiant’s typical pet policies. This rule is effective since January 11, 2021.

What Paperwork Do I Need for My Dog to Fly?

You will need a health certificate from a veterinarian. This confirms your dog is fit for air travel and has received all necessary vaccinations. This certificate must be obtained close to your travel date. Additionally, a PSD letter will be needed if your dog is registered as a psychiatric service dog. You can get this letter from a licensed mental health professional.

How Much Is a Pet Carry-On Fee?

Allegiant Airlines charges a fee of $50 each way per carrier. The carrier can accommodate up to two pets of the same species and similar size as long as they are comfortable. As said earlier, this fee is subject to change. Be sure to check the latest information on Allegiant’s official website.

Wrapping Up 

Understanding Allegiant Airlines’ pet policy will help you prepare for travel without any surprises. So, make sure you familiarize yourself with the necessary ESA or PSD documentation, the specifics about fees, paperwork, and everything in between. Remember, however detailed the process may seem, each step is designed to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers and pets onboard.