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American Airlines 4+

American airlines.

• #6 in Travel
• 4.7 • 462.6K Ratings

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Description.

With the American Airlines app, you’re covered with the information you need exactly when you need it. Curious about traffic to the airport? Need a mobile boarding pass? Wondering where the closest Admirals Club® lounge is? All of this info and more is available at your fingertips. - Lock Screen widgets: See your next trip's details right from the Lock Screen with our new dynamic widgets. - Dynamic home screen: Knows where you are in your travel journey and gives you easy access to the right tools at the right time. - Mobile boarding pass: Check in for your trip and retrieve your mobile boarding pass. No need to print, and it’s updated along the way. - Flight updates: Get the latest flight updates by simply retrieving your trip and allowing American Airlines to send notifications to your mobile device.  - Interactive terminal maps: Navigating airports is a breeze with our interactive terminal maps. Find the closest Admirals Club® lounge or get directions to your connecting gate.  - AAdvantage® account details: Review all the details of your AAdvantage® account right from the app. Not an AAdvantage® member? Sign up today. - Upgrade your seat: Request upgrades with ease. Want to see where you are on the list? The app displays the upgrade standby list within 4 hours of your scheduled departure.  - Seat selection: Choose or change your seat within the app. Just pick the one you’d like and change it on the spot.  - Track your bag: Know exactly where your bag is from the time it leaves your hands to when you extend the handle at your destination.  - Save your trip: Your recently viewed trips are automatically saved in the app so you can easily grab the details for your next flight in seconds. - Quick interactions: The American app utilizes Haptic Touch and is Apple watch compatible, giving you quick access to the most important info.  - Wi-Fi access in the air: Don’t forget, on flights with Wi-Fi you can use the American app and aa.com at no cost.  There’s a new group of flyers out there – The World’s Greatest Flyers. They know that having the right travel tools makes for a great experience. The sky’s the limit with the American Airlines sticker pack! Let friends and family know that you’re traveling, headed to the Admirals Club® lounge to take it easy before taking off, snapping photos at 30,000 feet or that you’ve arrived. Contact Us: 800-222-2377

Version 2024.15

We're continuing to improve your app experience with bug fixes and performance improvements.

Ratings and Reviews

462.6K Ratings

I like to travel with American Airlines

I’ve traveled a lot I own property in the States & abroad, I have say I read a complaint towards us, the passenger/customers from KLXA380 🤔I have to say I agree 100% we often treat the agents as though they are to blame for the delays, I’ve watched them being disrespected as they remain politely trying to help & also seen some act as though they own the Airport & Airline. However most of my experience has been excellent, I don’t know if it’s because I am grateful every day I am able to return home 🏡 to my babies and my dogs. If we stop & think they often delay flights 🧐for our own safety. I was actually a bit surprised the last time I flew in to BDL it snowed & my flight came through Chicago, I saw how they were dicing the plane and I have to say I was impressed & again grateful because a lot of flights were cancelled & in Miami the agent got me on a flight home 🏡 God bless that beautiful angel 😇 🥰and all the TSA agents too, I will tell you I get a little nervous when I fly and I’ve forgotten a thing or 2, a few times & they usually call me back for it. I really think they go above and beyond ant please remember they are also every day people just like us & they also go through stressful situations just like us. Do please treat them with more kindness & compassion, Thank you 🪷✈️💞

Customer complaints

I just wanted to make a note about some of the complaints about aadvantage or American Airlines I do not work for either aadvantage or American airline’s . This review is based of a logical approach and a logical opinion We as the customer have developed a “ entitled “ attitude towards the airline’s industry and as such towards society . This rule of “ the customer is always correct “ mentality is giving rise to ignorance . Just because an airline cancels a flight or delays a flight does not give you the right to berate an airline and it’s staff. We as a society are not royalty. Yet you as the passenger make yourselves out to be . Please stop Things happen . I get it . It’s an inconvenience . Hey my plans have been ruined but at the end of the day it does not give you the right to attack an airline and it’s staff just because you have been inconvenienced . We all have . Move on be polite and live to see another day . Be grateful that the airline’s are there in the first place . Just because you have had a negative experience from American Airlines immediately you state “ oh I’m Never flying them again “. Put your big boy pants on and be respectful Thank You

Just a terrible app

If you create an app that takes reservations, allow the user to go to another window on their iPhone to look and collect other information while not omitting the whole reservation that one has already inputted. I switched over to another window to look up my girlfriends tsa number, went back to the AA app, and boom. All my inputted info for my reservation was gone. Back to step one. So I go back to my credit section(because I have a flight credit), and the site allows me to book from my trip credit page. It even says trip credit at the top of the app as I’m booking my flight(for the second time). I fill everything out again, get to the payment section, and I swear to god it asks me how I will pay for it and if I will use a credit or not. Funny. I thought it would automatically add my credit since I started the whole reservation from the trip credit section. But no. It suddenly asks if I’m paying with flight credit, trip credit, or credit card. So I go back out to find out if it’s a flight or trip credit and to find the credit number. But guess what? As soon as I do that it cancels everything I’ve inputted again. How dare you allow your stupid app to treat your customers this way. You force us all to use these stupid apps because you can’t afford real life ticket agents, and then the apps are designed by complete morons so you drive all your customers insane. Thanks for making this all so easy.

App Privacy

The developer, American Airlines , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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Vacationing around the world just got better with American Airlines Vacations and the AAdvantage® program. The world acclaimed AAdvantage® program is now enhancing the American Airlines Vacations experience by featuring a new way to earn miles while on vacation for you and your entire travel party. Elevate your vacation experience by unlocking the benefits of the AAdvantage® program with American Airlines Vacations.

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How to track American Airlines flight status

You're sitting at home waiting to hear from your friend or family member about their flight status. Maybe you're on the hook to pick them up from the airport, so you want a better idea of when to leave your house. Or maybe you just want to know if they landed safely. Either way, checking flight status isn't nearly as hard as you might think.

These days, there's a plethora of flight status information available at your fingertips. You can figure out where your flight is coming from , as well as it's current speed and altitude. So, let's deep dive into how to figure out flight status with American Airlines .

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American Airlines flight status

Before the coronavirus pandemic, American Airlines was the world's largest airline with more than 900 planes in the AA fleet . Thankfully there's an easy way to check your flight status.

The first thing to do is fire up AA.com or the AA mobile application. You'll then want to navigate to the flight status page. Here, you can search by arrival and departure airports or by the flight number.

If you use the former, you'll get a list of all flights between two cities and if you use the latter, you'll go directly into the flight information for your desired flight. Note that you can get the status for flights departing up to two days from the day you're checking the status.

The flight status results page displays the flight number, as well as estimated departure and arrival times, gate and baggage claim information and the overall status — on time, delayed or canceled .

You can also subscribe to departure or arrival alerts by email or text message, if you'd like to follow a flight closely.

If the flight you're tracking is active (i.e. in the air), you can get a look at where it is on a map by clicking the "Track flight" button on the AA website.

Note that this feature isn't available on the mobile app. However, if the flight you're tracking isn't yet active, you can click "Incoming flight information" to get a detailed look at the status for the inbound plane — both on the website and mobile app.

Tips and tricks to flight tracking

There are some things to keep in mind when tracking American Airlines flights. The first is that AA's flight status information isn't always updated in real-time. I've often found myself waiting to board an 'on-time' flight, even if the inbound flight hasn't yet arrived . That's why it's incredibly important to track the inbound flight.

Also, make sure you have the latest version of the AA app since it'll notify you when boarding actually starts — and when it's time to head to the gate from the Admirals Club .

Likewise, the estimated arrival times can also be inaccurate. Sometimes a flight is given a faster than expected route or landing approach pattern. To better understand a plane's actual status, I always check out FlightAware or FlightRadar24 , and we have a guide to using these advanced flight tracking sites . I find FlightRadar24's stats to be the most accurate, especially for the estimated arrival time.

Either way, both of those sites will give you a plane's speed and altitude, which I find especially useful for the last 30 minutes of a flight.

For example, say that the AA flight status says that a flight's landing at 1 p.m. At 12:30 p.m. or so, I fire up FlightRadar24 and check the plane's speed and altitude. If it's around 30,000 feet (typical cruising altitude), then sure, I'd estimate 30 minutes for an approach to the airport. But, sometimes I'll see that the plane's at 10,000 feet, rapidly descending for the airport. In that case, it could be just another 10-15 minutes before the plane lands — beating the AA flight status estimates.

That's why it makes sense to take a look at both AA's site, as well as one of these advanced tools. Armed with more information, you can better estimate when exactly a plane will arrive.

Bottom line

Checking American Airlines flight status isn't too hard. You can use either the AA website or mobile app to get detailed information, including inbound flight tracking. If you're looking for a more detailed view, I'd recommend checking out FlightAware or FlightRadar24. Either way, now that you know how to track an AA flight, there's no excuse to being late to pick up your family from the airport.

All photos by the author.

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These Are the Best Frequent Flier Programs of 2024

Only the best will do.

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Summer vacation is just around the corner, which means many of you will be taking to the skies to get to your dream destinations. But, before you do, make sure to sign up for a frequent flier program to ensure you maximize those travel benefits. But, which one should you be signing up for exactly? WalletHub has the answer.

The personal finance website released its report on the 2024 Best Frequent Flier Programs . The report ranks the 10 largest domestic airlines based on 21 key metrics, including everything from the "value of a point/mile" to "blackout dates for reward flights." The team also created three distinct consumer profiles, a "Light Flier," who spends roughly $355 on annual airline travel, an "Average Flier," who spends roughly $3,736 on annual airline travel, and a "Frequent Flier," who spends $7,117 on annual airline travel, so see how each program pans out for every traveler. 

After looking at all the data, WalletHub named Alaska Airline's program the best in the business. 

"Alaska Mileage Plan is the best frequent flier program of 2024, beating last year’s winner United MileagePlus," WalletHub wrote in its findings. The airline won thanks to its policy to never allow miles to expire, its high number of destinations and partner airlines, and the value earned by every category of traveler (light, average, and frequent). 

It was joined in the top five programs by United Airlines and its MileagePlus program in second, followed by Delta Air Lines' SkyMiles, Hawaiian Airlines' HawaiianMiles, and American Airlines' AAdvantage. 

The good news is, no matter which program you choose you'll likely be winning. According to WalletHub, seven of the 10 largest airlines are "offering more rewards value in 2024 than in 2023. On average, the top 10 airlines are offering 18 percent more value than they did last year."  

"For any good and sustainable airline rewards program, it has to be a win-win situation. Consumers get perks such as priority boarding and free check-in luggage; gradually, they become more loyal to that specific airline, make more purchases, and spread more positive Word of Mouth over time," Wan Yang, an associate professor and associate editor of International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, The Collins College of Hospitality Management, shared in the findings about what makes one program better than another. "Meanwhile, they will accumulate more miles with that company, which makes 'switching brands' more costly. Eventually, the airline company will gain great long-term benefits from those loyal consumers, also known as more 'Lifetime Value' from consumers." 

Beyond the study, WalletHub also shared a custom calculator that allows travelers to personalize the results of the best frequent flier programs based on their own budget. This way, you can always pick the one that's right for you. 

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New York Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Newark (ATL - EWR) $39+
• Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - LGA) $39+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Newark (FLL - EWR) $51+
• Flight Atlanta - New York (ATL - LGA) $52+
• Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - LGA) $56+
• Flight Miami - New York (MIA - LGA) $56+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - New York (FLL - LGA) $57+
• Flight Orlando - Newark (MCO - EWR) $64+
• Flight Orlando - New York (MCO - LGA) $66+
• Flight Dallas - Newark (DFW - EWR) $70+
• Flight Chicago - Newark (ORD - EWR) $74+
• Flight Los Angeles - Newark (LAX - EWR) $97+
• Flight Los Angeles - New York (LAX - LGA) $116+
• Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - JFK) $127+
• Flight Denver - New York (DEN - LGA) $137+
• Flight Burbank - Newark (BUR - EWR) $153+
• Flight Miami - New York (MIA - JFK) $167+
• Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - JFK) $199+
• Flight San Francisco - New York (SFO - LGA) $217+
• Flight Seattle - New York (SEA - JFK) $229+
• Flight San Francisco - Newark (SFO - EWR) $256+
• Flight San Francisco - New York (SFO - JFK) $267+
• Flight Ontario - New York (ONT - JFK) $275+
• Flight Los Angeles - New York (LAX - JFK) $289+

Orlando Flights

• Flight Baltimore - Orlando (BWI - MCO) $35+
• Flight Philadelphia - Orlando (PHL - MCO) $37+
• Flight Atlanta - Orlando (ATL - MCO) $39+
• Flight Cleveland - Orlando (CLE - MCO) $39+
• Flight Houston - Orlando (IAH - MCO) $45+
• Flight Detroit - Orlando (DTW - MCO) $46+
• Flight Houston - Orlando (HOU - MCO) $55+

London Flights

• Flight New Windsor - London (SWF - STN) $365+
• Flight Boston - London (BOS - LGW) $373+
• Flight New York - London (JFK - LGW) $401+
• Flight New York - London (JFK - LHR) $417+
• Flight Los Angeles - London (LAX - LGW) $421+
• Flight Baltimore - London (BWI - LHR) $427+
• Flight Los Angeles - London (LAX - LHR) $456+
• Flight Boston - London (BOS - LHR) $460+
• Flight Chicago - London (ORD - LHR) $460+

Fort Lauderdale Flights

• Flight Philadelphia - Fort Lauderdale (PHL - FLL) $35+
• Flight Atlanta - Fort Lauderdale (ATL - FLL) $36+
• Flight Dallas - Fort Lauderdale (DFW - FLL) $37+
• Flight Baltimore - Fort Lauderdale (BWI - FLL) $39+
• Flight Chicago - Fort Lauderdale (ORD - FLL) $39+
• Flight Cleveland - Fort Lauderdale (CLE - FLL) $39+
• Flight Raleigh - Fort Lauderdale (RDU - FLL) $39+

Boston Flights

• Flight Baltimore - Boston (BWI - BOS) $40+
• Flight Houston - Boston (HOU - BOS) $51+
• Flight Miami - Boston (MIA - BOS) $53+
• Flight Newark - Boston (EWR - BOS) $55+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Boston (FLL - BOS) $60+
• Flight Orlando - Boston (MCO - BOS) $65+
• Flight Atlanta - Boston (ATL - BOS) $68+

India Flights

• Flight Chicago - Hyderabad (ORD - HYD) $496+
• Flight New York - New Delhi (JFK - DEL) $506+
• Flight New York - Mumbai (JFK - BOM) $536+
• Flight San Francisco - New Delhi (SFO - DEL) $553+
• Flight Newark - Hyderabad (EWR - HYD) $567+
• Flight New York - Ahmedabad (JFK - AMD) $592+
• Flight New York - Hyderabad (JFK - HYD) $601+

Japan Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Tokyo (LAX - NRT) $478+
• Flight San Francisco - Tokyo (SFO - NRT) $555+
• Flight Dallas - Tokyo (DFW - NRT) $653+
• Flight Los Angeles - Tokyo (LAX - HND) $742+
• Flight Seattle - Tokyo (SEA - NRT) $750+
• Flight Seattle - Tokyo (SEA - HND) $751+
• Flight San Francisco - Tokyo (SFO - HND) $762+

Phoenix Flights

• Flight Dallas - Phoenix (DFW - PHX) $39+
• Flight Los Angeles - Phoenix (LAX - PHX) $55+
• Flight Ontario - Phoenix (ONT - PHX) $58+
• Flight San Diego - Phoenix (SAN - PHX) $63+
• Flight Oakland - Phoenix (OAK - PHX) $68+
• Flight San Francisco - Phoenix (SFO - PHX) $73+
• Flight Atlanta - Phoenix (ATL - PHX) $74+

Honolulu Flights

• Flight San Jose - Honolulu (SJC - HNL) $267+
• Flight Los Angeles - Honolulu (LAX - HNL) $268+
• Flight San Francisco - Honolulu (SFO - HNL) $270+
• Flight Oakland - Honolulu (OAK - HNL) $277+
• Flight Ontario - Honolulu (ONT - HNL) $290+
• Flight San Diego - Honolulu (SAN - HNL) $346+
• Flight Seattle - Honolulu (SEA - HNL) $367+

Los Angeles Flights

• Flight Oakland - Los Angeles (OAK - LAX) $39+
• Flight San Francisco - Los Angeles (SFO - LAX) $48+
• Flight Dallas - Los Angeles (DFW - LAX) $56+
• Flight San Jose - Los Angeles (SJC - LAX) $64+
• Flight Houston - Los Angeles (HOU - LAX) $65+
• Flight Houston - Los Angeles (IAH - LAX) $65+
• Flight Seattle - Los Angeles (SEA - LAX) $83+
• Flight Baltimore - Los Angeles (BWI - LAX) $85+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Los Angeles (FLL - LAX) $87+

Chicago Flights

• Flight New York - Chicago (LGA - ORD) $37+
• Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - ORD) $38+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Chicago (FLL - ORD) $38+
• Flight Dallas - Chicago (DFW - ORD) $39+
• Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - MDW) $51+
• Flight Houston - Chicago (HOU - ORD) $52+
• Flight Orlando - Chicago (MCO - ORD) $59+

Denver Flights

• Flight Minneapolis - Denver (MSP - DEN) $38+
• Flight Chicago - Denver (ORD - DEN) $57+
• Flight Dallas - Denver (DFW - DEN) $58+
• Flight Houston - Denver (HOU - DEN) $68+
• Flight Detroit - Denver (DTW - DEN) $78+
• Flight Houston - Denver (IAH - DEN) $78+
• Flight Seattle - Denver (SEA - DEN) $85+

Washington, D.C. Flights

• Flight Orlando - Baltimore (MCO - BWI) $37+
• Flight Atlanta - Baltimore (ATL - BWI) $39+
• Flight Boston - Baltimore (BOS - BWI) $40+
• Flight Houston - Baltimore (HOU - BWI) $55+
• Flight Dallas - Baltimore (DFW - BWI) $56+
• Flight Chicago - Baltimore (ORD - BWI) $70+
• Flight Los Angeles - Baltimore (LAX - BWI) $85+
• Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - DCA) $123+
• Flight Seattle - Baltimore (SEA - BWI) $124+
• Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - IAD) $129+
• Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - DCA) $148+
• Flight Chicago - Washington, D.C. (ORD - IAD) $174+
• Flight New York - Washington, D.C. (LGA - DCA) $177+
• Flight Chicago - Washington, D.C. (ORD - DCA) $178+
• Flight Houston - Washington, D.C. (HOU - DCA) $183+
• Flight Los Angeles - Washington, D.C. (LAX - IAD) $187+
• Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - DCA) $190+
• Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - DCA) $194+
• Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - IAD) $199+
• Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - IAD) $213+
• Flight San Francisco - Baltimore (SFO - BWI) $224+
• Flight Los Angeles - Washington, D.C. (LAX - DCA) $226+
• Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - IAD) $255+
• Flight Seattle - Washington, D.C. (SEA - IAD) $283+

Atlanta Flights

• Flight Orlando - Atlanta (MCO - ATL) $36+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Atlanta (FLL - ATL) $38+
• Flight Miami - Atlanta (MIA - ATL) $38+
• Flight Newark - Atlanta (EWR - ATL) $38+
• Flight Philadelphia - Atlanta (PHL - ATL) $38+
• Flight Baltimore - Atlanta (BWI - ATL) $39+
• Flight Chicago - Atlanta (ORD - ATL) $39+

United States Flights

• Flight Newark - Miami (EWR - MIA) $39+
• Flight Newark - Fort Lauderdale (EWR - FLL) $51+
• Flight Seattle - Las Vegas (SEA - LAS) $51+
• Flight Los Angeles - Dallas (LAX - DFW) $55+
• Flight New York - Miami (LGA - MIA) $56+
• Flight New York - Fort Lauderdale (LGA - FLL) $61+

Hawaii Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Hawaii (LAX - USHI) $213+
• Flight San Francisco - Hawaii (SFO - USHI) $242+
• Flight San Jose - Hawaii (SJC - USHI) $277+
• Flight Seattle - Hawaii (SEA - USHI) $305+
• Flight Ontario - Hawaii (ONT - USHI) $307+
• Flight San Diego - Hawaii (SAN - USHI) $346+
• Flight Dallas - Hawaii (DFW - USHI) $442+

Tampa Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Tampa (ATL - TPA) $38+
• Flight Chicago - Tampa (ORD - TPA) $43+
• Flight Baltimore - Tampa (BWI - TPA) $45+
• Flight Raleigh - Tampa (RDU - TPA) $48+
• Flight Dallas - Tampa (DFW - TPA) $53+
• Flight New York - Tampa (LGA - TPA) $65+
• Flight Detroit - Tampa (DTW - TPA) $68+

Houston Flights

• Flight Orlando - Houston (MCO - IAH) $37+
• Flight Atlanta - Houston (ATL - IAH) $38+
• Flight Philadelphia - Houston (PHL - IAH) $43+
• Flight Dallas - Houston (DFW - IAH) $48+
• Flight Chicago - Houston (ORD - IAH) $51+
• Flight Boston - Houston (BOS - IAH) $53+
• Flight Miami - Houston (MIA - IAH) $53+

Las Vegas Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Las Vegas (LAX - LAS) $32+
• Flight Dallas - Las Vegas (DFW - LAS) $38+
• Flight Burbank - Las Vegas (BUR - LAS) $39+
• Flight Oakland - Las Vegas (OAK - LAS) $39+
• Flight Santa Ana - Las Vegas (SNA - LAS) $39+
• Flight Baltimore - Las Vegas (BWI - LAS) $61+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Las Vegas (FLL - LAS) $65+
• Flight Houston - Las Vegas (HOU - LAS) $66+
• Flight Houston - Las Vegas (IAH - LAS) $66+
• Flight Minneapolis - Las Vegas (MSP - LAS) $66+
• Flight Atlanta - Las Vegas (ATL - LAS) $68+
• Flight Denver - Las Vegas (DEN - LAS) $68+
• Flight Chicago - Las Vegas (ORD - LAS) $74+

Miami Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Miami (ATL - MIA) $38+
• Flight Chicago - Miami (ORD - MIA) $38+
• Flight Baltimore - Miami (BWI - MIA) $39+
• Flight Philadelphia - Miami (PHL - MIA) $39+
• Flight Charlotte - Miami (CLT - MIA) $47+
• Flight Houston - Miami (HOU - MIA) $48+
• Flight Houston - Miami (IAH - MIA) $48+
• Flight Dallas - Miami (DFW - MIA) $49+
• Flight Boston - Miami (BOS - MIA) $52+
• Flight Detroit - Miami (DTW - MIA) $53+
• Flight Raleigh - Miami (RDU - MIA) $67+
• Flight Minneapolis - Miami (MSP - MIA) $74+
• Flight Cincinnati - Miami (CVG - MIA) $78+
• Flight Cleveland - Miami (CLE - MIA) $100+
• Flight Denver - Miami (DEN - MIA) $107+
• Flight Los Angeles - Miami (LAX - MIA) $107+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Miami (DCA - MIA) $159+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Miami (IAD - MIA) $159+
• Flight New York - Miami (JFK - MIA) $167+
• Flight Seattle - Miami (SEA - MIA) $169+

San Francisco Flights

• Flight Ontario - San Francisco (ONT - SFO) $48+
• Flight Los Angeles - San Francisco (LAX - SFO) $65+
• Flight San Diego - San Francisco (SAN - SFO) $68+
• Flight Phoenix - San Francisco (PHX - SFO) $73+
• Flight Denver - San Francisco (DEN - SFO) $78+
• Flight Portland - San Francisco (PDX - SFO) $84+
• Flight Dallas - San Francisco (DFW - SFO) $102+
• Flight Santa Ana - San Francisco (SNA - SFO) $108+
• Flight Chicago - San Francisco (MDW - SFO) $112+
• Flight Seattle - San Francisco (SEA - SFO) $129+
• Flight Minneapolis - San Francisco (MSP - SFO) $136+
• Flight Austin - San Francisco (AUS - SFO) $137+
• Flight Chicago - San Francisco (ORD - SFO) $184+
• Flight Philadelphia - San Francisco (PHL - SFO) $184+

Seattle Flights

• Flight Ontario - Seattle (ONT - SEA) $78+
• Flight Phoenix - Seattle (PHX - SEA) $80+
• Flight Burbank - Seattle (BUR - SEA) $81+
• Flight Los Angeles - Seattle (LAX - SEA) $88+
• Flight Santa Ana - Seattle (SNA - SEA) $88+
• Flight Denver - Seattle (DEN - SEA) $91+
• Flight San Diego - Seattle (SAN - SEA) $91+

Paris Flights

• Flight New Windsor - Paris (SWF - CDG) $288+
• Flight Boston - Paris (BOS - CDG) $289+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Paris (IAD - CDG) $297+
• Flight Baltimore - Paris (BWI - CDG) $318+
• Flight Los Angeles - Paris (LAX - CDG) $401+
• Flight Newark - Paris (EWR - ORY) $412+
• Flight Boston - Paris (BOS - ORY) $414+

Europe Flights

• Flight Newark - Barcelona (EWR - BCN) $333+
• Flight New York - Madrid (JFK - MAD) $394+
• Flight New York - Athens (JFK - ATH) $417+
• Flight New York - Paris (JFK - ORY) $419+

Florida Flights

• Flight Baltimore - Florida (BWI - USFL) $35+
• Flight Philadelphia - Florida (PHL - USFL) $37+
• Flight Newark - Florida (EWR - USFL) $39+
• Flight Boston - Florida (BOS - USFL) $52+
• Flight New York - Florida (LGA - USFL) $56+
• Flight Chicago - Florida (ORD - USFL) $58+
• Flight Dallas - Florida (DFW - USFL) $58+

Dallas Flights

• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Dallas (FLL - DFW) $37+
• Flight Atlanta - Dallas (ATL - DFW) $39+
• Flight Chicago - Dallas (ORD - DFW) $39+
• Flight Detroit - Dallas (DTW - DFW) $48+
• Flight Charlotte - Dallas (CLT - DFW) $51+
• Flight Orlando - Dallas (MCO - DFW) $51+
• Flight Baltimore - Dallas (BWI - DFW) $55+

San Diego Flights

• Flight Houston - San Diego (HOU - SAN) $39+
• Flight San Jose - San Diego (SJC - SAN) $39+
• Flight Sacramento - San Diego (SMF - SAN) $48+
• Flight Oakland - San Diego (OAK - SAN) $53+
• Flight Denver - San Diego (DEN - SAN) $58+
• Flight Phoenix - San Diego (PHX - SAN) $62+
• Flight Dallas - San Diego (DFW - SAN) $68+

Frequently asked questions

What do i need to know before booking a flight.

There are various factors to consider when booking a flight including cost, fare classes, baggage policies, the complications of flying long haul, and complying with airport regulations. To make your booking journey smoother KAYAK has developed a comprehensive flight guide including insights on finding affordable flights, packing efficiently, and utilizing the best travel tools.

Which month of the year are flight prices lowest?

It’s well established that flights in the low season are generally cheaper than ticket prices during the high season. That means that knowing which month to find the lowest priced plane tickets will depend heavily on seasonality and your destination. While avoiding peak travel times can help you keep costs down, our data shows that the month with the lowest priced plane tickets for domestic flights based on all searches made on KAYAK in the last 12 months was January, while the most expensive was March. If you’re booking an international flight, then January is the cheapest month to fly and June the most expensive.

Can flying international flights with a layover save money on airfare?

For many long-haul international flights, flying non-stop is not possible and you will have to fly with a layover. Some routes will offer both and you could consider flying with a layover for a number of reasons. Firstly, breaking up what would otherwise be a long-haul flight, taking a rest and then completing the journey might make the flight more manageable. Secondly, prices can also be lower than non-stop flights, so while it might take longer for you to reach your destination, you could save money. We’ve looked at prices over the last 12 months for the 100 most popular international destinations for KAYAK users and on average, prices for non-stop flights were cheaper than flights with a layover.

How do I find the best flight deals on KAYAK?

A simple flight search at https://www.kayak.com/flights scans for prices on hundreds of travel sites in seconds. We gather flight deals from across the web and put them in one place. Then on the search results page you can use various filters to compare options for the same flight and easily choose the best flight deal from all of the deals coming straight from the travel sites to your screen, with no extra fee from KAYAK.

Does KAYAK query more flight providers than competitors?

Yes, KAYAK has access to more data and information than online travel agencies and consistently outperforms the competition in accuracy, globally.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you flights up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. That way, you can see if leaving a day or two earlier will find you a better deal. You can also select the flexible "weekend" or "month" search options to widen your search range and find the cheapest price that works for you.

What is the cheapest day of the week to book a flight?

The best day to book your flight depends on a number of factors, but there are general trends that you can follow to increase your chances of cheaper plane tickets. Based on an analysis of KAYAK data for all flights departing from inside United States over the last 12 months, the cheapest day to fly for domestic flights is Wednesday. For international flights, Tuesday had the cheapest tickets on average.

When is the best time to buy plane tickets - Last minute or in advance?

Last minute flight deals are definitely up for grabs but when exactly to purchase your plane tickets will depend on where you’re traveling to and from. Based on all data for flight searches made on KAYAK over the last 12 months, prices for domestic flights remained below the average price up to 1 weeks before departure. For international flights, deals could still be had up to 1 weeks prior to the departure date, with prices remaining below average. If you’re flexible, KAYAK brings you both advance and last minute one-way and round-trip flight deals.

How does KAYAK find such low flight prices?

KAYAK processes over 2 billion flight queries annually and displays results from hundreds of airlines and third party sites, allowing it to find a variety of flight prices and options. It also displays results from 2M+ properties along with rental cars, vacation packages, activities and millions of verified reviews so users can see as many available travel options as possible.

How can Hacker Fares save me money?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets on different airlines when it can save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Search cheap flights with KAYAK. Search for the cheapest airline tickets for all the top airlines around the world and the top international flight routes . KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find cheap airfare and book a flight that suits you best. Since KAYAK searches many plane ticket sites at once, you can find cheap tickets from cheap airlines and for trains and buses quickly.

KAYAK also helps you find the right hotels for your needs.

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Cheap flights from Moscow (MOW) to Wilmington (ILM)

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Find the best flight from Moscow to Wilmington

Direct flights from moscow to wilmington, popular airlines flying from moscow to wilmington.

Route information

• Moscow, Russia is 5,163 miles from Wilmington
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• New Hanover County Airport is the closest major airport to Wilmington.
• New Hanover County Airport (Wilmington, NC)
• Right now, 11 airlines operate out of New Hanover County Airport.
• New Hanover County Airport offers nonstop flights to 5 cities.
• Every week, at least 209 domestic flights depart from New Hanover County Airport.

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Protect Your Trip »

The 9 best airline-approved pet carriers of 2024 + tips from experts.

Find the purr-fect travel carrier for your favorite furry travel companion.

The Best Airline-Approved Pet Carriers

Courtesy of Sleepypod

Flying with your pet requires its share of homework. Regulations on bringing your pooch or feline aboard an airplane include providing updated paperwork as well as picking a pet carrier that adheres to baggage requirements and size restrictions . (For other things to consider when flying with a pet and advice from animal experts, jump to the tips section .)

If you plan to bring your cat or dog with you on your next flight but aren't sure which pet carrier is best – or allowed – U.S. News is here to help. Start with this list of the top airline-approved pet carriers for your jet-setting four-legged friends.

Best Overall: Henkelion Pet Carrier – Medium

• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Overall, Runner-up: Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier – Medium

Best expandable: petsfit expandable pet carrier – medium, best convertible: natuvalle 6-in-1 pet carrier – small.

• Best Pet Carrier Backpack: PetAmi Backpack Pet Carrier

Best Luxury: Away The Pet Carrier

Best compressible: sleepypod air, best for dogs in cargo: sportpet rolling plastic kennel.

• Best for Cats in Cargo: Petmate 2-Door Kennel

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors.)

What sets this carrier apart: Designed with airline approval in mind, the medium size of this traveler-favorite carrier accommodates cats or small dogs with its spacious interior. Mesh panels zip open on three sides of the carrier as well as the top, ensuring a well-ventilated bag. The outer material is a lightweight and durable polyester. A removable, machine-washable woolen mat makes the interior comfy for your pet; there's also a safety leash you can use to secure your pet inside.

You can use the connectable loop handles and padded shoulder strap for easy carrying, and this carrier bag folds up when you're ready to store it away. The Henkelion Pet Carrier even comes in several fun colors, such as purple or green.

Travelers appreciate: "I have used the Henkelion soft-sided carrier many times," says Robbie Parker of travel blog Expat in Paradise , who travels with his small dogs. "These are great carriers as they are hardy for travel, collapse for storage, and fit perfectly under the seat for in cabin travel. Also, I like that they have one side that is mesh and the other side is solid with a pocket. You can face solid side toward the aisle so people walking around the plane don't upset your dog." He adds, "Overall, I would recommend it for in-cabin plane travel."

Frequent traveler and luxury travel advisor Ashley Les, founder of Postcards From , also appreciates that the design puts her cats at ease when flying. "I find that with more mesh, cats are exposed to more light and sight – it gets them more anxious," she says, adding: "There are multiple ways to get my cats in the carriers, from the sides or above, as well. I love that you can take out the bottom to wash it separately."

Price: $28.99 or less for medium

Courtesy of Sherpa

What sets this carrier apart: Beyond a patented, crash-tested flexible wire frame that keeps your little buddy safe, Sherpa provides a Guaranteed on Board program that offers a refund for your flight and airline pet fee if you're denied boarding because of the small or medium sizes of this carrier. This mesh and polyester bag is an industry standard with good airflow. The front and top entries have locking zippers, and this collapsible carrier also features a removable (and machine-washable) faux-lambskin liner, a rear pocket for storage, and a seat belt safety strap that doubles as a luggage strap.

Travelers appreciate: This Sherpa carrier is renowned for its reliable functionality and amazing value. Recent travelers say the medium carrier fits well under the seat and keeps their pet comfortable in transit.

Price: $70 or less for medium

What sets this carrier apart: This Petsfit carrier's medium size adheres to most airline requirements (as does the small carrier). One of the mesh windows can be unzipped to form an extra compartment, expanding the carrier by 9.4 inches for an extended width of 20.4 inches. This product is a great option if you need a carrier for air travel but still want your pet to enjoy a bit more space to stretch out when not tucked under the airplane seat.

The sturdy solid wire construction ensures the bag won't collapse but is flexible enough to tuck into a small space, though you may need to remove the rods on either side if the carrier is too tall to fit easily underneath. There's a side pocket for storage, double zippers and a water-repellent inner cloth.

Travelers appreciate: "The Petsfit carrier was flexible enough to squeeze under most airplane seats, but still was sturdy enough to hold," says Alexandra Lauren of the travel blog The Bucket List Mermaid , who has used this carrier to fly with her cat. "My kitty could look around the airport with the built-in leash in the carrier. The expandable portion was an added bonus because it allowed for more room for my pet when on long layovers or when I had an empty seat on the airplane." Lauren also recommends Petsfit's expandable backpack-style carrier for a hands-free option.

Price:  $56.99 or less for medium

Courtesy of Natuvalle

What sets this carrier apart: For travelers seeking versatility, this Natuvalle cat or dog carrier can be used like a backpack, shoulder bag, tote with carrying handles or even – if worn on your front – a baby carrier. This convertible choice can also be used as a car seat crate with built-in seat belt loops, and you have the option of using it either in the upright or side position. Other features include zipper locks, mesh panels, reinforced stitching, two walk-through doors and a photo ID tag. The carrier is foldable and has reflective stripes for night travel. While there are medium and large size options, the extra-small and small sizes are your best bet when it comes to fitting under an airplane seat.

Travelers appreciate: Pet owners like the versatility of this bag; some travelers say the carrier fits best under the seat when on its side, as the upright position can be too tall.

Price:  $119.90 or less for small

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Best Backpack: PetAmi Backpack Pet Carrier

Courtesy of PetAmi

What sets this carrier apart: Go hands-free with this PetAmi backpack-style carrier. A sturdy frame maintains its shape while you traipse through airport terminals, with chest and waist buckles for extra support. Four-sided access makes loading easy, and a rollaway mesh top means your furry friend can stick their head out the top when you're not in the air. The safety strap and buckle are designed to thwart even great escape artists, and a sherpa-lined bed entices fur babies to relax. The backpack carrier color options include red and purple.

Travelers appreciate: Pet owners like the easy carrying this style provides, though they advise that you'll need to store this bag on its side in the plane cabin, and it won't fit on every airline.

Price: $39.99 or less

Courtesy of Away

What sets this carrier apart: It's a splurge, but this cat and dog carrier is made by Away, a popular luggage brand known for its sleek design and functionality. The same applies to this nylon and leather tote, which comes in black or a coast blue. The water-resistant lining is paired with sherpa bedding and exterior pockets that can hold a phone, keys or waste bags. If you already have an Away suitcase, this carrier will fit seamlessly over the handle with its trolley sleeve.

Travelers appreciate: Pet owners who travel with this bag like that it's roomy, saying their pets seem comfortable inside. This carrier fits pets up to 18 pounds but is a bit on the larger side of an airline-approved carry-on, so be sure to research your airline's policies before taking it aboard.

Price: $225 or less

What sets this carrier apart: The Sleepypod Air is designed to compress to fit under the seat during takeoff and landing; when the seat belt sign is off, your pet can enjoy slightly more room (but be aware that it doesn't hold its reduced size in a freestanding position, only when tucked into a small space). This unique carrier employs sturdy luggage-grade ballistic nylon for its base, with a panel of mesh running along the front, top and back. A removable privacy panel can be slid over part of the mesh. Available in multiple colors, this crash-tested model also has a seat belt strap, a trolley sleeve and a comfortable shoulder strap for carrying it.

Travelers appreciate: Users like the carrier's many features and say it's a good option especially for larger cats traveling by air, but some pet owners felt there was not enough airflow (especially with the privacy panel) for longer flights.

Price: $199.99 or less

What sets this carrier apart: Any furry friends larger than about 20 pounds will likely have to travel in the cargo hold if they're not a service animal. You'll want a very sturdy dog crate for the journey that meets every regulation, and SportPet's kennel passes the test for many travelers. This carrier meets International Air Transport Association guidelines with two snap-on water dishes and four stickers that indicate a live animal is inside; a "floor gutter" contains messes for easy cleanup. The durable plastic frame is connected with metal nuts and bolts and features airline-required tie holes for bungees.

This travel crate comes in six sizes, from small up to XXX-large, so be sure to determine the right size for your pet. A cushioned bed is not included and costs extra. For more information on pets traveling in cargo, consult the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.

Travelers appreciate: Pet owners like the sturdy construction and the compliance with airline regulations, but the traveler-favorite feature is the removable wheels, which are included with the carrier (except with size small).

Price: Ranges by size from $76 to $385

Best for Cats in Cargo: Petmate Two-Door Kennel

Courtesy of Petmate

What sets this carrier apart: This option made of hard plastic and steel wire is tough enough to protect your cargo-contained cat, according to recent travelers. (Keep in mind that airlines do not recommend hard-sided carriers for in-cabin travel, and this kennel is too large to fit under airline seats.) The two front and top doors assist with entering and exiting, and color options like hot pink or blue will make this kennel easy to spot. The carrier comes in small (24-inch) and extra-small (19-inch) sizes, so choose accordingly based on the measurements of your cat. As with most hard-sided crates, you will have to purchase a plush bed separately.

Travelers appreciate: "I haven't traveled by air with this carrier, but I've owned it for years and really appreciate how sturdy it is," says Catriona Kendall, associate editor of travel at U.S. News. "The assembly of the carrier is straightforward, and my cats feel safe enough to hang out in it at home."

Price: $66.99 or less for 24-inch

How to choose the best pet carrier

There are a few major points to consider when choosing a carrier that will serve as your pet's safe space during a flight:

Size: Selecting the right carrier size for your pet is essential not only for your pets' comfort but also for their safety, according to Sara Hogan, hospital manager at Clarendon Animal Care in Virginia. "Please ensure the measurements for your carrier meet a standard that allows for your pet to comfortably turn around AND lay down," she says. But be aware that if the carrier is too large for your furry friend, they could end up injured in transit. The best way to determine the right size is to take measurements of your pet; to be as precise as possible, use the IATA's formula .

Keep in mind that only carriers able to fit under the seat in front of you are allowed in the plane cabin – a space that will vary by airline. Consult the next section on airline policies for more information.

Airflow: Don't underestimate the importance of adequate airflow. "Carriers and crates really need to have proper ventilation for short or long-term travel," Hogan says. "There IS a difference between taking your pet down the street to a friend's house or the vet and taking your pet on a trip with any sort of additional time involved."

Stability: Check the quality of all the zippers and materials − you want this to be an escape-proof carrier, and any malfunction can put your pet at risk. "If something has previously broken or fallen off the carrier or crate look to replace the piece or the entire crate/carrier," Hogan advises.

Soft-sided vs. hard-sided: If your pet is small enough to fly in the cabin, most airlines highly recommend a soft-sided carrier, which gives the most flexibility. Airlines are often slightly more lenient with the dimensions for soft-sided carriers in the cabin as long as they are able to fit underneath the seat without blocking the aisle of the airplane. Another bonus: Soft pet carriers often come with removable fleece bedding for extra comfort.

Note: Crates and carriers destined for the cargo hold of the plane must be hard-sided. Find more details on carrier specifications for the cargo hold in the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.

Airline pet carrier dimensions

Each airline sets its own specifications and safety rules for pets in the plane cabin with you, so be sure to check with your intended airline for dimension limits, breed restrictions and other guidelines. Be aware, too, that most major airlines based in the U.S. do not offer an option to transport animals in cargo.

Use the links below to find more information on the specific pet policies for the following U.S.-based airlines. Each airline's size limit for soft-sided pet carriers in the cabin is also listed, with dimensions given in length by width by height.

• Alaska Airlines : 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches
• Allegiant Air : 19 x 16 x 9 inches
• American Airlines : 18 x 11 x 11 inches
• Delta Air Lines : 18 x 11 x 11 inches
• Frontier Airlines : 18 x 14 x 8 inches
• Hawaiian Airlines : 16 x 10 x 9.5 inches
• JetBlue : 17 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches
• Southwest Airlines : 18.5 x 13.5 x 9.5 inches
• Spirit Airlines : 18 x 14 x 9 inches
• Sun Country Airlines : 16 x 10 x 8 inches
• United Airlines : 18 x 11 x 11 inches

How to prepare to fly with a pet

Help your pet acclimate.

When preparing to travel with your furry companion, planning ahead is key, especially if your pet isn't used to being confined in a crate or carrier. "I recommend buying the carrier as far in advance of travel as possible to allow your dog to become comfortable relaxing in the carrier in a familiar home environment before traveling," says Amanda Farah, CPDT-KA, national training and behavior coordinator for Best Friends Animal Society.

Some pets are sensitive to loud noises, so one way to prepare them for the journey is by playing recordings of sounds they might encounter in transit, Farah says. "I'd say a good general rule is that because so much of what they encounter during air travel will be new and potentially stressful, you should familiarize them to many factors as possible in the weeks or even months leading up to travel."

Book your travel far in advance

Keep in mind that airlines limit the number of pets allowed on a flight, so book early and try to secure a direct flight to cut down on travel time.

Familiarize yourself with your departure airport

Before you set off on your journey, familiarize yourself with the airport you're departing from – such as where to find a pet relief area – and how to go through security with a pet in tow. For example, you must never place your pet on the security conveyor belt (only the empty carrier goes through the X-ray tunnel).

Research your destination

This is a crucial step. Some countries will not allow pets in at all, while other destinations (such as Hawaii) may have strict rules about rabies vaccines or require all animals to travel in cargo. Christine Barton, a veterinarian with The Vets , recommends checking the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website to learn about requirements for health certificates, vaccines and more.

Other considerations will depend on what type of vacation you're planning; if it involves hiking or camping with your dog, Barton suggests checking the expected weather, making a small emergency kit for you and your pet, and considering a GPS tracker for remote areas. Wherever you're headed, locate the closest emergency animal hospital just in case and make sure to book pet-friendly accommodations .

Consult your vet

Once you've done your research, your veterinarian can help ensure your pet has everything you both need to travel, such as microchipping, required or recommended vaccines (and proof of them), testing, and health records, Barton says. A vet can also address any health concerns. "Doctors can discuss risks, precautions, and things to monitor while traveling," Barton explains, adding that you should make sure your pet is up to date on needed preventive medications, such as treatment for fleas or heartworm.

If your furry friend struggles with anxiety, your vet can prescribe them a medication to make the journey less stressful for both of you. "Talk to your veterinarian before administering any sort of medication to your pet, but definitely consider it for future travel," Hogan says.

Frequently Asked Questions

A carrier being "airline-approved" typically means it adheres to the airline's size requirements, is leakproof, provides adequate airflow and keeps your pet securely inside.

You can find a pet carrier on wheels, such as the  Snoozer 4-in-1 Roll Around Pet Carrier  or the  SportPet Rolling Plastic Kennel , but keep in mind that most wheeled pet carriers are too large to fit under the seat on most airlines, even with detachable wheels. Wheeled options can make your furry friend easier for you to transport, but they also tend to make for a bumpy ride for your pet, so consider carefully whether a carrier on wheels is right for your cat or dog, especially if they're easily frightened.

Most major airlines in the U.S. do not allow pets to travel in cargo; some, like American Airlines, only offer this service for active military or diplomatic personnel. Of the major U.S. airlines, only Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines currently accept animals in the cargo hold, so keep that in mind if you have a medium or large dog – or if your intended destination does not welcome in-cabin pets.

Most animals who fly in the cargo hold are fine, but there's still a risk of your pet being killed, injured or lost, according to the Humane Society of the United States. The most common dangers are excessively hot or cold temperatures, poorly ventilated crates, and rough handling. Be sure to follow all IATA guidelines for cargo crates to ensure your pet's safety. Before you book a flight, you may also want to research the airline's history with companion animals in the cargo hold.

The kennel you choose for cargo travel must allow your pet enough room to stand, sit upright, turn around while standing and lie in a natural position, according to the IATA. Carriers must made of rigid materials and include a solid roof, a leakproof base, a door with well-maintained hardware, working handles and ventilation on all four sides. Labels that say "Live Animal" and "This Way Up" are also required by the IATA.

A water dish must be securely affixed to the inside of the carrier, with open access for your pet to drink and for someone to refill it from the outside without opening the crate. A food container can either be inside the carrier if it's sealed or attached to the outside.

A pet carrier usually counts as either a personal item or a carry-on. Depending on the airline policy, you may be able to bring either a personal item or a carry-on bag (not both) in addition to your carrier. Check your airline's carry-on luggage allowance and pet policy to see what you can bring.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires puppies and kittens to be at least 8 weeks old to travel, but airlines may impose their own age restrictions on top of that. On Delta, for example, companion animals must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic flights. United Airlines says your pet should be at least 4 months old for international travel to comply with rabies vaccine requirements.

Your furry friend will incur certain fees for flying, but the cost will vary by airline. American Airlines, as an example, charges a $125 service fee for a carry-on pet, while Allegiant's fee is $50. Cargo fees may depend on trip details: Hawaiian Airlines charges $60 in fees for domestic flights and $225 for flights between Hawaii and North America, while the cargo fee on Alaska Airlines is $100. Service animals typically fly at no charge as long as they meet the airline's requirements.

It depends on your pet, according to Hogan. "If they're quite anxious you may want to offer food with a bit more advanced time prior to the flight to avoid vomiting in the carrier or on themselves, however, not too much time where they'll be hungry throughout the travel day," she advises. "Water is important to offer as often as possible in any setting. Access to using the bathroom more than once prior to travel is also advised so as not to miss an opportunity for output!"

Conveniently, some airports may have pet relief areas your dog can use either before or after you go through security, but that's something you'll have to research beforehand.

No. Unless your pet is a service animal of a certain size, airlines typically require pets in the cabin to be secured in their carrier and stowed under the seat in front of you.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Catriona Kendall is a frequent traveler and longtime cat owner who knows the importance of a sturdy and secure pet carrier. Her cats haven't managed to damage or escape from the Henkelion and Petmate carriers she's owned for years (despite their best efforts). She also recommends this pop-up Pet Fit for Life carrier for road trips. Kendall compiled this list of airline-compliant carriers using her experience as a pet owner, advice from animal experts and extensive research.

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• The Top Carry-on Luggage Pieces
• The Top Luggage Trackers
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American found with ammo in luggage on Turks and Caicos faces 12 years: 'Boneheaded mistake'

A tropical vacation has turned into a nightmare for an Oklahoma woman, who is trying to gather funds to bring her husband back home after he was detained in the Turks & Caicos Islands when bullets were found in his luggage. 

Valerie Watson and her husband, Ryan Watson were in Turks & Caicos in the company of other couples they knew to celebrate “several of their friend’s 40th birthdays” earlier this month, according to reporting by The Oklahoman, part of the USA TODAY Network. 

The Watson family had their lives “turned upside down” on their way back to the states after Turks & Caicos airport security found four rounds of ammunition unknowingly left in a duffel bag from a deer hunting trip, according to a GoFundMe post made on behalf of the family. 

“Now, they are facing a legal system that is unfamiliar, daunting, and expensive that operates differently than the American Justice System,” the description reads. 

Valerie Watson has since been released from custody, flying home Tuesday as Ryan Watson awaits a June 7 court appearance, according to recent GoFoundMe update. 

“We were trying to pack board shorts and flip flops. Packing ammunition was not at all our intent,” Valerie Watson told CBS News. 

USA TODAY has reached out to the Watson family for comment. 

Here’s what we know.

Future looks uncertain for Watson family, ‘may never recover’ after this 

Valerie Watson and her children are in limbo, waiting to find out how long her husband’s sentence will be. 

The couple was questioned and subsequently charged with possession of ammunition, a charge that keep you in a Turks & Caicos prison up to 12 years, minimum.  They were stuck on the island without passports, unable to get back to their two young children which left Valerie Watson “terrified.” 

“We can't both be in prison for 12 years. We have kids at home. And this is such an innocent mistake that we didn't even know we weren't– we didn't even know it was there. So yeah, my immediate thought was our kids and them being, you know, parentless for, for that long,” she shared with NBC10, a television station in Boston. 

Ryan Watson maintains that it was a “bonehead mistake” on his part, not knowing that the ammunition rounds he typically uses to hunt whitetail deer were in his bag, an NBC affiliate reported.  

"We've already talked, and we're like, what if, you know, what if we lose our house? Which, when we moved to Oklahoma, we built a home that we thought was our forever home. And to think that this is going to ruin us…” Valerie Watson told the affiliate. 

The sentiment is echoed by Ryan Watson, who says “this is something that we may never recover from.” 

A U.S. State Department spokesperson told USA TODAY Thursday that they are “aware of the arrest of U.S. citizens in Turks and Caicos.” 

“When a U.S. citizen is arrested overseas, we stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance …  In a foreign country, U.S. citizens are subject to that country’s laws, even if they differ from those in the United States.” 

USA TODAY has reached out to The Government of the Turks & Caicos Islands for comment.

Other American tourists have faced a similar situation, Turks & Caicos government ‘stiffens’ regulations

The Watsons aren’t the first American tourists to experience a similar situation in the Turks & Caicos. 

Bryan Hagerich, a Pennsylvania resident is currently awaiting trial after ammunition was found in his carry-on in February, CBS News reported.  

“I subsequently spent eight nights in their local jail. Some of the darkest, hardest times of my life, quite frankly. These last 70 days have been kind of a roller coaster, just the pain and suffering of having your family at home and I'm here,” Hagerich shared with CBS News. 

Turks and Caicos Islands prohibits anyone, regardless of status or origin, to possess a firearm, ammunition, or any other weapon.  The government issued a statement Wednesday on social media, writing that the Supreme Court is required to “impose a mandatory minimum sentence and a fine for certain firearm offenses.”

 There can be “exceptions” made, but the court must still impose “both a sentence of imprisonment and a fine” that are in line with what the court would consider “exceptional circumstances.” 

The government “stiffened” the penalties for firearm possession in February, noting that there were a handful of cases that the court found that there were “exceptional circumstances” leaving those accused tasked with paying a fine. One of those individuals was even given a “custodial sentence” below the mandatory minimum. 

Eight firearms and ammunition prosecutions in total have been brought involving American tourists since November 2022, three of which are currently before the court with each of the defendants on bail, according to CBS News. 

U.S. Embassy issues warning: Responsibility falls on you

Vedant Patel, spokesperson for the state department, addressed the arrest of U.S. citizens in Turks and Caicos in a recent press briefing , noting that the department put out a security alert in September of 2023 about the stringent restrictions on firearms in the Turks & Caicos.

“So – but beyond that, we are aware of these reports, and we are continuing to engage and provide all appropriate consular assistance,” he said. 

In the days following the coverage of the Watson family, the U.S. Embassy Nassau urged all travelers headed to the islands to “carefully check your luggage for stray ammunition or forgotten weapons before departing from the United States.” 

The embassy also reminded travelers that declaring a weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not mean they have permission to bring that weapon into the Turks and Caicos Islands 

“TSA screening in the United States may not identify ammunition in your baggage; it is your responsibility to ensure your baggage is free of ammunition and/or firearms,” the embassy wrote. They also can not secure your release from custody, even if you brought the firearm in accidentally.