2020 Airline Pet Travel Summary
The overall number of pet related travel incidents decreased in 2020, with 10 incidents being reported compared to 19 in 2019.
The overall total number of transported animals in 2020 decreased by 93,407 from 2019.
Hawaiian Airlines negatively stands out for the number of incedents per 10,000 transported.
For 2020, the following air carriers do not transport animals:
- Allegiant
- Frontier Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit
- Sun Country Airlines
| Carrier* | Death | Injury | Loss | Total Incidents | Total Transported | Incidents per 10,000 animals Transported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines** | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 107,042 | 0.00 |
| Horizon Air | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38,813 | 0.00 |
| SkyWest Airlines | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16,805 | 0.00 |
| Envoy Air | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13,885 | 0.00 |
| Republic Airways | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4,829 | 0.00 |
| PSA Airlines | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4,748 | 0.00 |
| Mesa Airlines | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3,101 | 0.00 |
| Endeavor Air | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,872 | 0.00 |
| GoJet Airlines | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 617 | 0.00 |
| CommutAir | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 232 | 0.00 |
| American Airlines | 2 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 80,817 | 0.62 |
| United Airlines | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 10,152 | 0.99 |
| Delta Air Lines | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 18,934 | 1.06 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 9,302 | 2.15 |
| TOTAL | 6 | 4 | 0 | 10 | 311,149 | 0.32 |
*The rankings of the carriers that had no incidents are based on total number of animals transported.
A summary of all the pet incidents in 2020 can be found here.
Related Resources
Need Help?
Have questions about pet air travel? Visit our FAQ page or explore our comprehensive guides.
View FAQsYou Might Also Like
2024 Airline Pet Travel Summary
In 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) documented 12 pet-related air travel incidents, comprising 4 injuries and 8 deaths, with no reported losses.
August 2025 Airline Pet Travel Report
# August 2025 Airline Pet Travel Report The August 2025 Airline Pet Travel Report contains pet incidents for the month of June 2025. This report...
2025 Airline Pet Travel Summary
In 2025, U.S. airlines reported 8 pet-related air travel incidents — down 33% from the 12 recorded the prior year. The year's incidents spanned four carriers: Alaska Airlines led with 3 incidents, including 2 deaths, followed by American Airlines with 3 incidents including the year's only reported pet loss. Delta and United Airlines each recorded 1 incident. Deaths fell sharply from 8 in 2024 to 3 in 2025, though the year closed on a somber note with the December death of Meli, a three-year-old Golden Retriever, on an Alaska Airlines flight in Seattle.
What Does AVIH Mean?
Traveling with pets can be stressful, especially when you need to transport them by air. There are various regulations and procedures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of animals in transit. One term that often comes up in this context is **AVIH**
Traveling with Pets on Airplanes: Is it Safe?
Traveling with your pet on an airplane can be a stressful experience for both the pet and the owner. Although air travel with pets is becoming increasingly popular, there are still risks involved. In 2021, over 256,000 pets were transported on airlines, with 7 deaths, 14 injuries, and 0 pets lost. Although the risk of death or injury of a pet while traveling by air is relatively low, certain breeds of animals are more susceptible to health risks. Brachycephalic breeds, or breeds with short noses, such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers, are more likely to suffer from respiratory issues while in the air.
July 2026 Airline Pet Travel Report
This month we have one death to report. On May 16, 2026, a French Bulldog named Guapo passed away while traveling as cargo on Alaska Airlines...