2024 Airline Pet Travel Summary
Chris N
Chris started PetFlight in 2005 when he moved to Hawaii with his Retired Guide Dog, Brent. He created it to help people find pet travel information more easily. For nearly 20 years, he’s kept PetFlight up to date with the latest on pet travel incidents. Chris now lives in Utah, with his Retired Guide Dog, Missouri, and his rescue cat, Milo.
Chris N
Chris N
Chris started PetFlight in 2005 when he moved to Hawaii with his Retired Guide Dog, Brent. He created it to help people find pet travel information more easily. For nearly 20 years, he’s kept PetFlight up to date with the latest on pet travel incidents. Chris now lives in Utah, with his Retired Guide Dog, Missouri, and his rescue cat, Milo.
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.
Incident Breakdown by Airline:
| Airline | Injuries | Deaths | Total Incidents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Delta Air Lines | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Total | 4 | 8 | 12 |
This data reflects incidents reported up to December 2024.
While the number of pet travel incidents remains relatively low compared to the total number of animals transported annually, each incident underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols and informed decision-making by pet owners. Pet owners are encouraged to thoroughly research airline policies, consider their pet's health and breed-specific risks, and consult with veterinarians before opting for air travel.
A summary of all the pet incidents in 2024 can be found here.
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