Volaris Guidelines for Traveling with Pets and Service Animals

Volaris offers clear guidelines for traveling with pets and service animals to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for both passengers and their animals.

  • In-Cabin Pet Travel: Small pets allowed with a combined weight of the pet and kennel not exceeding 22 pounds.
  • Kennel Size and Requirements: Kennels must meet specific dimensions of 17.5" long x 12" wide x 7.5" high (compressed).
  • Required Pet Documentation: Proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate are required for pets.
  • Service Animal Travel: Service animals fly for free and must be well-behaved, leashed, and stay in the passenger’s seating area.
  • Required Documentation for Service Animals: DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form and animal health certificate must be provided.
  • Cargo Travel for Larger Pets: Larger pets can travel in IATA-compliant crates, with a health certificate required within 10 days of travel.

Volaris Pet Policy for Cargo Travel

Volaris allows pets to travel as cargo in a temperature-controlled and pressurized area. Larger pets must be placed in IATA-approved crates, which should be prepared before the flight. A health certificate, issued within 10 days of travel, is required for all pets traveling in cargo. Staff will assist passengers with the check-in process and ensure that pets are correctly handled. It's also recommended to notify the captain for any necessary temperature adjustments. For international flights, additional veterinary and import documents are needed, and pet passport forms are available to guide passengers through the process. Passengers traveling with pets should also ensure that their animal complies with airline rules for takeoff and landing, including remaining in the crate. While pets do not have a seat in front, they will be safely transported in the cargo hold. In contrast, if a dog is a service animal, they are permitted to travel in the cabin with the passenger.

Recent Updates and Guidelines for Volaris ESA Policy

In line with the updated regulations under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) implemented in January 2021, Volaris has revised its policy on ESAs. Below are the key highlights of these changes:

  • Redefined Service Animals: Service animals are now strictly defined as dogs individually trained to perform tasks or provide work that benefits a person with a disability. This includes those trained to perform specific tasks that directly aid the passengers during the flight.
  • ESAs Reclassified: Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), including emotional support dogs, are no longer recognized as service animals. They are classified as pets and must adhere to Volaris' standard pet travel policies. As a result, they must travel as pets in the cabin or in the cargo hold, depending on their size and the airline's pet carrier restrictions.
  • Equal Treatment for PSDs: Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) are treated the same as other service animals, provided they meet the training and documentation requirements. PSDs are permitted to travel in the cabin and must remain in a suitable pet carrier if flying as a pet.
  • Behavioral Standards: While airlines like Volaris may refuse transportation for service animals that display aggressive behavior, this standard does not apply to ESAs. However, ESAs must still comply with Volaris’ standard pet behavior guidelines, meaning they should not be disruptive, aggressive, or pose any safety risks during the flight. A properly restrained pet carrier is necessary for ESAs traveling in the cabin.
  • No Breed Restrictions for Service Animals: Volaris does not impose breed restrictions for service animals, but this does not apply to ESAs. As pets, ESAs must meet Volaris' size and behavior requirements for pet travel. There are no specific breed-related policies for ESAs under Volaris' standard pet travel guidelines.
  • Streamlined Check-In: Service animals are permitted to bypass counter check-ins and use online check-ins, but this does not extend to ESAs. ESAs are considered pets, so you must follow the standard pet check-in procedures. For travel from the United States to Mexico, passengers traveling with ESAs will need to complete the Volaris pet transportation form to ensure all travel documents are in order.
  • Documentation Requirements: ESAs are not recognized under Volaris' service animal policies, so documentation such as the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form is not required for ESAs. However, ESAs traveling as pets still need to comply with standard pet travel requirements, such as proof of rabies vaccination and a health certificate.

Volaris Guidelines and Policies for Psychiatric Service Dogs

Volaris welcomes passengers traveling with Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs), recognizing the vital role these animals play in assisting individuals with mental health disabilities. The following are key policies to keep in mind when flying with a Psychiatric Service Dog on Volaris:

  • Free Travel for PSDs: Psychiatric Service Dogs fly for free as long as they meet Volaris’ behavioral and documentation requirements.
  • Behavioral Standards: PSDs must be well-behaved, leashed, or harnessed throughout the flight. They are required to stay in the passenger’s seating area and should not occupy a seat.
  • Required Documentation: Passengers traveling with a PSD must provide the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form and a current health certificate issued within 10 days of the flight.
  • Training Requirements: PSDs must be individually trained to perform tasks directly related to assisting the passenger with their mental health disability.
  • No Breed Restrictions: Volaris does not impose breed restrictions for PSDs, but animals displaying aggressive behavior may be denied travel.
  • Notification: It is essential to notify Volaris about your PSD at the time of booking and at check-in to ensure proper accommodations and seating arrangements.

Volaris ESA and Pet Travel Policies: A Quick Summary

  • Volaris does not accept ESAs; they are treated as pets.
  • Pets must meet size, behavior, and documentation requirements.
  • Small pets (under 22 pounds) can travel in-cabin.
  • Health certificates are required for all pets, with additional documents for international travel.
  • Service animals, including PSDs, fly for free and must stay leashed in the seating area.
  • PSDs must be trained to assist with mental health disabilities.
  • No breed restrictions for service animals, but aggressive behavior may lead to refusal.
  • Passengers must notify Volaris about service animals at booking and check-in.
  • ESAs are no longer recognized as service animals under 2021's regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Volaris accept emotional support animals?

No, Volaris does not accept emotional support animals. They are classified as pets and must adhere to the airline’s standard pet travel policies.

Can I travel with my pet on Volaris?

Yes, Volaris allows pets to travel in-cabin or as cargo, depending on the size and weight of the animal. Pets must meet specific guidelines and documentation requirements.

What documentation is required for my pet to travel with Volaris?

Pets require proof of current rabies vaccination and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Additional documentation may be needed for international flights.

Are service animals allowed to fly with Volaris?

Yes, service animals, including Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs), are allowed to fly for free, provided they meet behavioral and documentation requirements.

Can I bring a large pet as cargo on Volaris?

Yes, larger pets can travel as cargo in IATA-approved crates, with a health certificate and additional documentation required for international travel.

Do I need to notify Volaris about my service animal?

Yes, passengers traveling with service animals, including PSDs, must notify Volaris during the booking process and at check-in.

Are there any breed restrictions for service animals?

Volaris does not impose breed restrictions for service animals, but animals displaying aggressive behavior may be refused transport.

Can I check in online with a service animal?

Yes, passengers traveling with service animals can check in online or through the mobile app, bypassing the counter check-in process.

Are there temperature restrictions for pets traveling as cargo with Volaris?

Yes, pets cannot be boarded as cargo if runway temperatures exceed 84°F (29°C). Additionally, an Acclimation Certificate is required for pets traveling in temperatures below 45°F (7°C).

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