Shipping a pet by airplane typically costs $70-$1,000 each way, depending on the pet's size and distance traveled.
A small dog or cat kept under the seat costs from $70 to $175 depending on the airline.
Medium to very large dogs cost from $225 to $1,000 to fly, depending on the weight of the animal, distance flown and airline.For example, Frontier Airlines[1] charges $75 each way for pets under the seat and $150 for pets flying as cargo.
At the high end, Pet Air[2] flies very large dogs in a jumbo, 31-cubic-foot kennel for $1,000.
The cost can increase 30% and 40% for trips outside the 48 contiguous states.

Related articles: Shipping a Pet, Pet Carrier, Owning a Dog, Owning a Cat

What should be included:

Pet airline tickets should be purchased online or over the phone along with the passenger ticket.
Preparation for traveling with a pet includes labeling the carrier it will travel in, making the carrier comfortable and providing a bag of food for handlers to feed it. The Air Transport Association[3] provides information on preparing a pet for flight.
Pets in the cabin must not disturb or be in the way of other passengers. The Federal Aviation Administration has a list of generally accepted airline regulations[4] for traveling pets.
Pet Airways is a pets-only airline available in big cities. Pets fly in the main cabin and are checked on by attendants every 15 minutes. Pet Airways tickets cost $100 to $750, depending on the pet's size and the distance traveled.

Additional costs:

Typically, airlines require a certificate from a veterinarian deeming the pet healthy. The average veterinary visit costs about $100.
Carriers, also called crates or kennels, cost from $50 to $200 depending on size and features. The carrier should be large enough for the pet to stand up and turn around in.
Pet health insurance is recommended for frequent travelers. It costs from $15 to $30 per month for most pets.
If traveling with a pet often, the car club AAA's pet travel guide could be a good investment. It costs $18.

Discounts:

Some airlines, like JetBlue[5] , offer mileage points for pet travel.

Shopping for pet air travel:

Tips[6] for traveling by airplane with a pet include booking a direct flight and considering traveling during and in mild climates when the pet is shipped by cargo.
Petfinder.com[7] chose JetBlue, AirTran, Frontier Airlines and Pet Airways as the most pet friendly airlines. JetBlue has the best amenities; AirTran won most budget-conscious; Frontier was best for variety of pets it allows on board.
The American Veterinary Medical Association and several other pet organizations advise against sedating[8] a pet for air travel. A sedated pet could face breathing or heart problems, and many airlines require a signed statement that the traveling pet has not been sedated.

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