Can I Bring a Pet on a Cape Air Flight and How to Book?
Traveling with a pet isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about ensuring your furry (or feathered) companion stays safe, calm, and comfortable along the way. If you're flying with
Cape Air, you're in luck: this regional airline offers one of the more pet-friendly flying experiences in the U.S., particularly for short-haul flights across New England, the Caribbean, and beyond.
So,
can you bring a pet on a Cape Air flight? Absolutely—but there are important guidelines you’ll want to follow. From fees and kennel rules to how to reserve your pet’s spot on the plane, we’ve broken it all down in this detailed guide. Plus, we’ll show you how to book and who to call for help (
hint: 844-734-0813).
Cape Air Pet Policy: What You Need to Know
Cape Air allows
domesticated cats, dogs, rabbits, and small birds to travel in the cabin with passengers. That means your pet gets to ride with you—no cargo holds or nerve-wracking handoffs required.
However,
reservations are limited: typically, only
one live animal is allowed per flight unless multiple pets are from the same household and traveling in the same kennel. This makes it crucial to
book early, especially during peak travel times.
Some destinations and aircraft also have restrictions, which we’ll cover below. But first, let’s talk about
how much it costs to bring your pet.
Cape Air Pet Fees
Bringing a pet aboard a Cape Air flight will cost you
$30 each way. This fee is non-refundable and paid when making your reservation.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- One-way pet fee: $30
- Round trip pet fee: $60
- Service animals: Fly free with appropriate documentation
- Cape Air TravelPass customers: May fly with pets for free (call to confirm your eligibility)
If you have questions or need help adding a pet to your itinerary, you can always speak to a Cape Air rep directly at
(844) 734-0813.
Booking a Pet on Cape Air: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Review the Route Restrictions
Not all Cape Air routes accept pets. Currently,
pets are not accepted on flights to/from:
- Culebra, Puerto Rico (CPX)
- Virgin Gorda (VIJ)
- Nevis (NEV)
Pets are also not allowed on flights operated by the
Britten-Norman Islander aircraft, which is smaller and has unique configuration limitations.
2. Choose an Approved Kennel
Cape Air requires that pets be transported in
airline-approved kennels. Here are the kennel requirements:
- Hard kennels: Max size of 28″ x 20.5″ x 20.5″
- Soft kennels: Required on Tecnam P2012 aircraft and must be smaller than 12" x 6" x 8"
- Kennel weight limits: Vary depending on route; total weight (pet + kennel) must often be under 20 pounds on routes involving New York JFK and other metro airports.
On certain
short island routes (like Nantucket to Martha’s Vineyard or Hyannis), small dogs under 35 pounds may be permitted to travel
without a kennel, secured via harness in specific seating areas.
3. Call Cape Air to Add Your Pet
You
cannot add a pet online. You’ll need to
call Cape Air reservations to book your pet’s space—again, spots are limited to just one animal per flight. Dial
(844) 734-0813 to secure your pet’s seat and get all your questions answered by a real person.
4. Pay the Pet Fee
Once your pet is confirmed, you’ll be asked to
pay the $30 fee (unless you're exempt through TravelPass or other arrangements). Keep the receipt or confirmation handy for check-in.
5. Arrive Early for Check-In
Make sure to arrive at the airport early, as you’ll need to check in with your pet and complete any paperwork.
Cape Air does not accept pets as checked baggage—they must fly in the cabin with you.
Important Considerations Before Flying with Pets
- Health Certificates: While Cape Air doesn’t list health certificates as mandatory, it’s always wise to have proof of vaccination and general health—especially when flying to the Caribbean.
- Pet Behavior: Aggressive or noisy pets may be denied boarding. Your pet should be calm and able to remain in their carrier for the duration of the flight.
- Temperature Considerations: While Cape Air doesn’t fly pets in cargo, small aircraft can heat up quickly in summer or cool rapidly in winter. Plan accordingly.
- Check Seating Rules: On certain aircraft, you may be restricted to certain rows when flying with a pet.
Still unsure about the process? Don’t worry—Cape Air’s team is very helpful. Just give them a call at
(844) 734-0813 and they’ll walk you through everything.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bring my dog on a Cape Air flight?
Yes, Cape Air allows
domesticated dogs on many of their routes. Dogs must usually be in a carrier, though exceptions apply for short-haul island flights.
2. How much does it cost to fly with a pet on Cape Air?
Cape Air charges
$30 per leg for pets traveling in the cabin. Round-trip would be $60 unless you’re flying under a TravelPass plan that includes pets.
3. Are emotional support animals allowed?
Cape Air follows
federal guidelines that no longer require airlines to recognize emotional support animals as service animals. Only trained service animals are allowed at no charge.
4. Can I book a pet on Cape Air’s website?
No. Pet reservations must be made by phone. Call
(844) 734-0813 to book or get more information.
5. What type of pet carriers are allowed?
Approved
hard or soft-sided kennels are required, depending on the route and aircraft. Size restrictions vary—be sure to double-check with the airline before your trip.
6. What if there’s already another pet booked on my flight?
Because Cape Air typically limits one pet per flight, you may be asked to
change flights if space is unavailable. Booking early is the best way to avoid this issue.
Final Thoughts: Cape Air Makes Pet Travel Manageable
Cape Air’s pet policy is among the more flexible in the regional airline space—but it still requires some advance planning. Understanding the
routes,
kennel rules,
fees, and
space limitations is key to a smooth trip for both you and your pet.
Whether you're headed to the scenic New England islands or hopping across the Caribbean, you can rest easier knowing your pet is allowed in the cabin right beside you. Just don’t forget: call ahead to confirm availability and secure your pet’s spot by dialing
(844) 734-0813.
Need extra help picking the right kennel or confirming your route? Their customer service reps are more than happy to assist.
