Pet travel 2025 includes significant policy updates that may impact your holiday planning. Major carriers have added new fees and limitations, and pet-friendly hotels are adapting to rising demand by revising their policies. Delta has placed an embargo on Pets in the Cabin on flights departing from the Dominican Republic, effective January 24, 2025, just one of several changes this year for pet owners.
From updated carrier requirements to new hotel fees, knowing these new airline pet policies is important for hassle-free travel with your pets. The pet-friendly travel scene is changing rapidly, and knowing the facts can help avoid expensive surprises at the check-in counter.
Major Airline Policy Updates for 2025
Airline pet policy has become more stringent with the major carriers. Your pet must fit in a kennel large enough to allow turning and standing, yet small enough to fit under the seat. Delta no longer counts emotional support animals as service animals; ESAs now require traveling as regular pets with size restrictions, carriers, and fees applying.
Some of the significant 2025 airline changes are:
- One pet per kennel, although two pets of the same breed and size between the ages of 8 weeks to 6 months may travel together if sitting comfortably
- Southwest has an open policy for carry-on dogs and cats aged 8 weeks or older for $95 each way, with the pets remaining in carriers at all times
- Your carry-on item is a dog kennel, and therefore, you cannot bring an overhead bag as well
- Southwest doesn’t allow dogs in the cargo hold, and no pets to/from Hawaii or overseas
Sample fee policy: Most large carriers now charge $95-125 each way for cabin animals, with additional limits on international flights and specific destinations.
Pet-friendly hotels are adjusting their policies to accommodate increasing demand. The Pet Friendly Hotel Market will increase from $3.7 billion in 2024 to $8.8 billion by 2034, at a 9.0% CAGR, driving policy changes from large chains.
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Current hotel pet policies:
- Kimpton hotels invite guests to bring furry, feathery, or scaly family members of any size, breed, or weight without an added fee
- Hilton properties typically charge a $50 non-refundable pet fee, with each hotel having different policies
- Kimpton has no weight or size restrictions and provides free beds, bowls, waste bags, and door hangers
Example policy comparison: Whereas Kimpton permits pets to stay for free, most other major chains now charge $25-75 nightly pet fees, with the option of charging non-refundable deposits from patrons.
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Must-Have Travel Checklists and Expert Tips
Smart pet travel 2025 includes pre-planning and knowledge of carrier restrictions. Delta allows small dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in the cabin on selected United States, Canadian, and Caribbean flights with size and age restrictions.
Pre-travel checklist:
- Review pet policies with airlines 48 hours before departure
- Inspect your pet carrier to ensure it meets the new size specifications
- Book pet hotels in advance, as availability is increasingly limited
- Carry up-to-date vaccination records and health certificates
- Research destination-specific pet regulations for entering
Pro travel tips: Always book hotel rooms by telephone to confirm pet policy, since individual locations may differ from corporate pet policies.
Pet travel 2025 is more planning-intensive than ever before, with airlines tightening restrictions even as hotels expand pet-friendly options. Knowing these updated airline pet policies prevents last-minute problems that could mar your vacation trip.
The secret to hassle-free pet travel is thorough preparation, good communication with travel providers, and awareness of how policies are updated. Planning your next pet vacation? Start by obtaining the latest policies directly from your chosen airline and hotel, and book in advance to reserve pet-friendly rooms before they’re booked.
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