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Chase Freedom Unlimited review: $200 bonus (and cash back on all purchases)

Published

4 months ago

February 7, 2023

Samara Ben

Chase Freedom Unlimited review: $200 bonus (and cash back on all purchases)

April 4, 2021 By Joseph Hostetler

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The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a rewarding credit card with no annual fee, or one that gives you cash back. This card earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which you can redeem for cash back or transfer to other eligible Chase cards to save on amazing travel experiences. If you’re a savvy consumer, the Freedom Unlimited card can be a much better pick than competing 2% cash-back cards. Keeping it at the top of your wallet is a straightforward way to continuously earn points on everyday purchases.

Right now, this card offers an easy-to-attain cash back bonus of $200 (20,000 Chase points) after you spend $500 in purchases within three months of opening the account. What’s more, you’ll earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, as well as 3% cash back on drug store and dining purchases (including takeout and select delivery services). And all other purchases will earn you 1.5% cash back. Unbelievable deal for a no annual fee card.

Often, those who apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited are seeking a card with no annual fee and that earns cash back rewards on any and all purchases.

Be sure to read our guide on common mistakes people make with cashback credit cards to get the most from this card.

Earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points with the Chase Freedom Unlimited to save money on travel to fun destinations like California. (Photo courtesy of bpperry/iStock)

Who is the Chase Freedom Unlimited for?

You might overlook this card because it doesn’t come with a massive sign-up bonus, but that would be a mistake. Some of us on the MMS team use it almost every day — it’s one of best tools for earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points. We think this card deserves a place in your award travel strategy.

As mentioned, the Freedom Unlimited has an earning rate of 5% on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards (5 Chase points per dollar), 3% on dining and drugstore spending (3 Chase points per dollar), and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases (1.5 Chase points per dollar). By way of comparison:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 2 Chase points per dollar on travel and 3 Chase points per dollar on dining
The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3 Chase points per dollar on dining and travel (excluding $300 travel credit)
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ (and Chase Freedom, that’s no longer available to new applicants) earns 5% cash back (5 Chase points per dollar) on up to $1,500 in spending in rotating categories each quarter when you activate the bonus

With these three other cards, spending outside each card’s bonus categories earns 1 Chase point per dollar, or 1% back. That means the Freedom Unlimited is the perfect card to use when you’re making a purchase that doesn’t fall into a bonus category. Note, the Freedom Unlimited is subject to the Chase “5/24 rule,” which means Chase will not approve you for this card if you’ve opened five or more cards from any bank (not counting Chase business cards and some other business cards) in the past 24 months.

Current bonus

When you sign up for the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited card, you’ll earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Plus, you’ll earn 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on drugstore and restaurant purchases, and 1.5% back on anything you buy outside these categories.

What’s more, through March 31, 2022, you’ll earn 5% back on select Lyft services made through the Lyft mobile app. Examples of qualifying purchases are rides that are taken in modes like Classic, Shared, Lux, or XL, as well as rides on bikes and scooters.

Benefits and perks

For a full look at this card’s perks, check out our post on Chase Freedom Unlimited benefits. It’s worth pointing out at the start that the Freedom Unlimited card imposes a 3% foreign transaction fee. If you’re traveling outside of the U.S., you should bring along one of the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.

Purchase protection

If you purchase an eligible item brand new, it’ll be covered against damage or theft for 120 days, up to a limit of $500 per claim and $50,000 per account. You’ll be covered as long as you made at least part of the purchase with your card. To take advantage of this perk, contact Chase within 90 days after the loss, damage or theft. They’ll explain the documentation (i.e., a copy of the store receipt or police report), which will be needed to substantiate the claim.

Items not eligible for this coverage include animals, antiques, computer software and medical equipment.

Extended warranty protection

Eligible items purchased with your Chase Freedom Unlimited could have the original manufacturer’s warranty extended by up to one year on eligible warranties of three years or less. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account. You’ll qualify for this extended-warranty coverage if you made at least part of the purchase with your card.

Taking advantage of this benefit is fairly straightforward. Contact Chase within 90 days of the product failure and provide any supporting documentation, such as copies of repair invoices or the original warranty.

The extended-warranty perk saved me several hundred dollars when my out-of-warranty laptop needed a new keyboard. As I recall, the claim process was easy. I contacted the credit card company, provided a copy of my original purchase receipt and repair invoice. I promptly received a paper check reimbursing me in full for the cost of parts and labor.

Trip interruption/cancellation coverage

If you’ve booked a trip and charged at least part of it to your card, you’ll be covered if you have to cancel because of an unforeseen event. The Freedom Unlimited provides coverage to reimburse you for certain eligible non-refundable expenses up to $1,500 per person, up to a maximum of $6,000 for all covered persons traveling together on the same trip.

Qualifying events include changes in military orders, severe weather, sickness affecting you or a traveling companion. You also could be reimbursed for expenses related to airline, cruise line, railroad, other common carrier fees, change fees and ground transportation expenses.

If the unexpected happens and you need to file a claim, you can expect to follow this general process:

Contact Chase at 888-320-9656. It’s recommended that you do this within 20 days of finding out you won’t be able to make your travel plans.
You’ll be sent claim forms which will need to be signed and completed.
You may need to provide supporting documentation such as copies of your travel itinerary and documents supporting your trip cancellation, such as medical documents or death certificate.

Travel emergency services

If you need help but don’t know where to turn, travel emergency services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year by calling:

Outside the U.S.: 804-673-1691
Inside the U.S.: 888-320-9656

They provide a wide range of services, but it’s important to note that they provide only assistance and referral. You will be responsible for the cost of any services or goods provided.

Here are examples of referral services:

Medical assistance

Legal assistance
Emergency transportation
Emergency ticket replacement

Lost luggage locator
Emergency translation
Prescription assistance

Roadside dispatch

Tacking on roadside assistance to your car insurance can be pricey, so if you’ve opted out of that expense on your personal auto insurance policy, the roadside dispatch offered on the Chase Freedom Unlimited could serve as a great alternative or backup.

There’s no separate enrollment process. Once you’re a cardmember, you’re automatically enrolled. Call 800-847-2869 and you can get help for the following services:

Towing (up to five miles included)

Tire changing (you must provide a good, inflated spare)
Jump-start/battery boost
Lockout service (no key replacement)

Fuel delivery (up to five gallons; cost of fuel not included)
Winching (within 100 feet of paved or county-maintained road only)

Once you call, the dispatcher will stay on the line with you while they arrange for a local towing or service provider to come to you. It saves you the hassle of having to find a local company yourself, and the fees will be billed directly to your credit card.

Auto rental collision damage waiver

When you decline a rental agency’s Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)/Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), you’ll get secondary coverage when you pay for your car rental with the Chase Freedom Unlimited. Coverage is global and is eligible with most private passenger vehicles. Covered losses are:

Physical damage and theft of the vehicle
Valid loss-of-use charges while the damaged vehicle is out of service

Reasonable and customary towing charges

How to redeem points

You can redeem for cash back, gift cards or travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal at a rate of one cent per point. For example, if you have 10,000 points, that equals $100 in cash back, gift cards or travel. Or you can get 0.8 cents per point toward Amazon purchases.

There’s no right or wrong way to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points, but MMS team members and readers know that the best way to use Chase points for maximum value is for travel. I’ll explain shortly.

Insider tips

The Chase Freedom Unlimited earns cash back in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards points. On their own, these points can be redeemed through the Chase Travel Portal for one cent per point. But if you have another Chase credit card that also earns Ultimate Rewards points, you could pool the points to get even more value. That’s because Ultimate Rewards points redeemed through certain cards are worth more through the Chase Travel Portal.

Here are some other Chase cards you can pool your points with:

Chase Sapphire Reserve (points are worth 1.5 cents per point when redeemed for travel through the Chase Travel Portal)

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (points are worth 1.25 cents per point when redeemed for travel through the Chase Travel Portal)
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (points are worth 1.25 cents per point when redeemed for travel through the Chase Travel Portal)

So you can effectively earn 2.25% back toward travel on every purchase if you have the Freedom Unlimited and Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Pairing the Chase Freedom Unlimited with other cards

The Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Sapphire Reserve, for example, make a fantastic credit card combination. You can earn 1.5 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on purchases, then move your points to the Chase Sapphire Reserve to get 1.5 cents per point toward travel (effectively 2.25% back towards travel).

Let’s say you spend $10,000 per year on the Freedom Unlimited. This means you’ll earn 15,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Moving these points to the Sapphire Reserve makes them worth 1.5 cents each toward travel through the Chase portal. So you can get $225 worth of travel.

And for the first year, you’ll earn 5% back at grocery stores (not including Target^® or Walmart^® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year. Move those points to the Chase Sapphire Reserve, and you’re getting a minimum return of 7.5% towards travel.

In addition, when you combine your Chase Ultimate Rewards points with one of these other card accounts, you can transfer points directly to Chase transfer partners, including Hyatt, Marriott, Singapore Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines and more. Utilizing transfer partners is often the best way to use Chase points.

Bottom line

The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is a popular rewards credit card with no annual fee. When you sign up, you’ll earn $200 cash back after spending $500 in the first three months of account opening — plus 5% back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% on all other purchases.

On their own, Chase points associated with the Freedom Unlimited are worth one cent each toward cash back or gift cards. That’s good to know during the this coronavirus lock down, when you may be more concerned about paying rent than traveling. But pairing the Freedom Unlimited with certain Chase Ultimate Rewards point-earning credit cards, like the Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred, can make your points more valuable after you begin traveling again.

Combine your Chase Ultimate Rewards points with one of these other card accounts so you can transfer points directly to Chase transfer partners, including Hyatt, Marriott, Singapore Airlines, Southwest or United Airlines. And by the way, because it doesn’t have an annual fee, you can keep it open so that your Chase Ultimate Rewards points won’t expire.

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General

Published

20 hours ago

June 6, 2023

Samara Ben

Flying can be stressful for both people and animals, but especially for dogs. It can be very stressful to check in at a congested airport and board a busy plane. Due to this, many pet owners prefer traveling with their cherished furry friends in the cabin of the aircraft as opposed to the pet cargo compartment. Owners are able to keep their dog company and offer comfort and assurance in this way.

Flying can be an incredibly stressful and overwhelming experience for both people and animals, but especially for dogs. Checking in at a crowded airport and boarding a busy plane can be an intimidating experience for our beloved furry friends. As a result, many pet owners choose to fly with their beloved pets in the cabin of the aircraft, rather than in the pet cargo compartment, so that they can stay close to their dog and provide comfort and assurance. This is a much more preferable option for many pet owners.

A medium-sized dog wearing a red bandana is sitting on the floor at a busy airport, looking up anxiously at its owner. The owner is standing in front of the dog, holding its leash and comforting the animal with a soothing hand on its head. The background features a bustling airport terminal with people and luggage moving around.

General

14 Airlines That Allow Pets in Cabin on International Flights [2023]

Published

20 hours ago

June 6, 2023

Samara Ben

Traveling with our furry companions has become increasingly popular, and many airlines have recognized the importance of accommodating passengers’ beloved pets. Instead of leaving them behind or entrusting them to a pet sitter, more and more pet owners are seeking airlines that allow flying with pets in the cabin on international flights. There are many airlines that allow pets in cabin on international flights.

This article will explore several airlines that go the extra mile to ensure a comfortable and safe journey for both humans and their four-legged friends. From pet policies to cabin requirements for airlines that allow pets in cabin on international flights, let’s dive into the top airlines that warmly welcome dogs and cats on board.

The following airlines allow pets in cabin on international flights:

Aegean Airlines
Air Canada

Air Europa
Air France
Alaska Air

American Airlines
Delta
French Bee

JetBlue
Lufthansa
TAP Air Portugal

TUI Fly
United Airlines
Vueling

Which airlines allow pets in cabin on international flights?

Aegean Airlines Pet Policy.

Maximum weight: 8 kg (including carrier)
Maximum carrier size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm

Cost: 60 EUR (prices differ depending on time of year)

Additional information:

Transportation of dogs and cats to the UK is only permitted for flights to London Heathrow and only to be sent as cargo.

Visit Aegean’s website for more information.

Related post: Flying Pets in Cargo: Will My Pet be Safe?

Air Canada Pet Policy.

Maximum weight: 22 pounds (including carrier)
Maximum carrier size: 27 x 40 x 55 cm (soft-sided crate) & 23 x 40 x 55 cm (hard-sided crate)

Cost: $100-118 CAD

Additional information:

Pets cannot travel with you if you:
- Are an unaccompanied minor
- Are seated in an exit or bulkhead row
- Are travelling in Premium Economy

On flights operated by their Aribus fleet, pets may not travel in the First Class cabin.
On Boeing 789 and 788 aircraft, the pet carrier cannot exceed H20 x W40 x L43 cm
On Boeing 777-300ER and 777-200LR aircraft, the pet carrier cannot exceed H21 x W38 x L43 cm

For more info, visit Air Canada’s website.

Related post: Requirements for Taking Pets to Canada [Pet Passport Guide]

Air Europa Pet Policy.

Maximum weight: 8kg (10kg including carrier) or 6kg on flights operated by ATR
Maximum carrier size: 55 x 35 x 25 cm

Cost: 27-55 USD within Europe and 165 USD long-haul

Additional information:

Prices subjects to possible surcharges for taxes in certain countries.

Dogs must be at least 3 months old to travel on medium and long haul flights.
Passengers are not permitted to bring pets in the Business cabin.
Pets in the cabin may not fly in an emergency or XL seat.

Visit Air Europa’s website for more information.

Related post: How to get an EU Pet Passport

Alaska Air Pet Policy.

Maximum weight: 9kg / 20 pounds (including carrier)
Maximum carrier size: 43 x 28 x 24 cm (soft) / 43 x 28 x 19 cm (hard)

Cost: 100 USD each way

Additional information:

You may not occupy an emergency exit row, or any seat with an airbag safety belt.

On flights operated by their Aribus fleet, pets may not travel in the First Class cabin.

Visit Alaska Air’s website for more information.

American Airlines Pet Policy.

Maximum weight: 9 kg / 20 pounds (including carrier)

Maximum carrier size: depends on flight (call the airline for specific restrictions)
Cost: 125 USD each way

Additional information:

Pets are not permitted to fly in cabin on international flights over 12 hours, or transatlantic flights.
Due to the lack of under-seat storage space, carry-on dogs are not permitted in First or Business on the following Boeing planes:
- 777-200
- 777-300
- 787-8
- 787-9

For more info on additional restrictions, visit AA’s website.

Related post: How to get a US Pet Passport

Air France Pet Policy.

Maximum weight: 8 kg / 17 pounds (including carrier)
Maximum carrier size: 46 x 28 x 24 cm (soft carriers recommended)

Cost: 30-125 EUR international

Additional information:

Pets are not permitted to fly in cabin on international intercontinental flights.

Pets are not permitted to fly in cabin in business on international flights.
Each passenger may travel with only 1 pet.

For more info, visit Air France’s website.

Delta Pet Policy.

Maximum weight: No limit, but pets must fit comfortably in carrier under seat
Maximum carrier size: depends on flight (check the under-seat dimensions on your aircraft here)
Cost: 125 USD within North America, 200 USD international and 75 USD to Brazil

Additional Information:

The following age restrictions apply:
- Pets must be at least 16 weeks old for travel to/from the U.S.
- Pets must be at least 15 weeks old for travel to/from the EU.
For any travel to or from the following destinations, pets are not permitted in the cabin:
- Australia
- Barbados
- Dubai
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
- South Africa
- United Kingdom
- United Arab Emirates

For more info on additional restrictions, visit Delta’s website.

Related post: How to get a US Pet Passport

French Bee Pet Policy.

Maximum weight: 8 kg / 17 pounds (including carrier)

Maximum carrier size:43x35x20cm
Cost: 50€ each way

Additional information:

Sub-nosed animals are not permitted on their flights
- Breeds include: pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Pekinese and shih tsus
Category 1 (attack dogs) and Category 2 dogs (guard and defence dogs) are not permitted to be taken by any one under the age of 18, or by adults subject to guardianship.
- For more information on category 1 and 2 dogs check the French Bee website here.

For more info, head to French Bee’s website.

JetBlue Pet Policy.

Maximum weight: 9 kg / 20 pounds (including carrier)

Maximum carrier size: 17″L x 12.5″W x 8.5″H
Cost: 125 USD each way

Additional information:

For any travel to or from the following destinations, pets are not permitted in the cabin:
- London
- Jamaica
- Barbados
- Trinidad & Tobago
- St. Lucia
- Cayman Islands

For more info, head to JetBlue’s website.

Related post: How to get a US Pet Passport

Lufthansa Pet Policy.

Maximum weight: 8 kg / 17.6 pounds (including carrier)

Maximum carrier size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm
Cost: 60 EUR international within Europe and 80-110 EUR international outside Europe

Additional information:

You must complete this form before boarding your flight.
You are not able to fly into the UK with a pet.

Visit Lufthansa’s website for more information.

TAP Air Portugal Pet Policy.

Maximum weight: 8kg / 17.6 pounds (including pets and carrier)
Maximum carrier size: 40 x 33 x 17cm
Cost: cost varies – check here

Aircraft Restrictions:

Pets are not permitted to be carried in Executive Class on long haul flights.
You are not able to fly into the UK with a pet.

Visit TAP Air’s website for more info.

TUI Pet Policy.

Maximum weight: 8kg / 17.6 pounds (excluding carrier)
Maximum carrier size: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (soft-sided crates only)

Cost: 50 EUR

Additional information:

On all long-haul international flights, pets are not allowed in the cabin.

On all non-European destinations in combination with Antwerp, dogs or cats are not allowed

Visit TUI’s website for more information.

United Airlines Pet Policy.

Maximum weight: No limit, but must fit comfortably in carrier under seat

Maximum carrier size: 46 x 28 x 28 cm (soft-sided) / 44 x 30 x 19 cm (hard-sided)
Cost: 125 USD (+ 125 USD service charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. or more than 24 hours outside the U.S)

Additional information:

Pets are not permitted in cabin on the following aircrafts:
- Boeing 757-200
- Boeing 767
- Boeing 777
- Boeing 778
United doesn’t allow pets to fly in-cabin on international flights to and from:
- Australia
- Cuba
- Guam
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Hawaii
- Hong Kong
- India
- Ireland
- Marshall Islands
- New Zealand
- Palau
- Panama
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Tahiti
- Trinidad and Tobago
- UK

Visit United’s website for more info.

Related post: How to get a US Pet Passport

Vueling Pet Policy.

Maximum weight: 10 kg (including carrier) or 8kg on flights operated by Iberia
Maximum carrier size: 45 x 39 x 21 cm (soft-sided crates only)
Cost: 50 EUR international

Additional information:

Vueling doesn’t allow dogs to fly in-cabin on flights to and from:
- UK
- Ireland

Visit Vueling’s website for more information.

Prepare for flying with a pet in cabin on international flights.

1. Select an appropriate, cabin-approved travel carrier.

As mentioned above, different airlines and aircrafts have different size restrictions for carriers. Be sure to check the restrictions for your specific airline, and aircraft.

For example, Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” since this fits most aircraft types.

We would recommend using a soft sided carrier as they usually give your pet more space.

2. Get your pet used to it’s travel carrier.

When flying with a pet in cabin, they will need to stay in its travel carrier for the duration of the journey. So, it’s very important that you spend some time to get your dog used to its travel carrier.

When first introducing your pet to its carrier, take it slow. Lure your dog into their carrier with plenty of treats, and let him/her play and sleep in there as much as possible. You want to avoid forcing your pet into the carrier as this may stress him or her out and may cause a negative association to the carrier.

3. Train your pet to stay calm.

Your pet will need to be calm and well behaved when flying in cabin. If they show disruptive behaviour, they risk being sent into the cargo area of the plane.

4. Exhaust your pet before the flight.

5. Limit access to food and water before the flight.

When flying with a pet in cabin, your pet won’t be able to go potty. So, it’s a good idea to limit your pet’s access to food before the flight. Additionally, some animals may experience motion sickness if they eat just before a flight. If you are flying in the morning, then feed them the night before. Air Canada suggest feeding your dog four to six hours prior to departure, as a full stomach may cause discomfort during travel.

Line the bottom of your pet’s travel carrier with a pee pad, just incase they do have an accident.

6. Familiarise yourself with the airport that you are departing from and arriving to.

Most airports will have a dedicated area for pets and service animals to rest. It is actually a legal requirement that all U.S. airports have pet-relief areas available for working animals and pets to rest. Take some photos of the airport maps, so you don’t have to wander around on the day trying to find a resting place.

7. Bring along your pet’s favourite comforts.

To maximise comfort and minimise stress, pop your pet’s favourite blanket or toy in the travel carrier with them. If your pet suffers from separation anxiety, you could even pop one of your t-shirts in the carrier.

Which dog and cat breeds are not allowed in cabin on international flights?

Unfortunately, some airlines have restrictions on the dog and cat breeds they permit on their flights.

This is because of their anatomical abnormalities, short-nosed breeds may be more vulnerable to changes in air quality and temperature in the cargo hold of a plane.

Only certain airlines have these breed restrictions, so while you may not be able to fly with one airline, you may be able to fly with another. However, it’s important that you are confident your pet is healthy enough to fly.

The following brachycephalic and snub-nosed dog breeds are often not allowed in the cabin on international flights:

Affenpinscher
American Staffordshire Terrier
Boston Terriers
Boxers
Brussels Griffon
Bulldogs (all breeds)
Cane Corso
Chow Chow
Dogue De Bordeaux
English Toy Spaniel
Japanese Chin
Lhasa Apso
Mastiff (all breeds)
Pekingese
Pitbulls
Presa Canario
Pug
Shar Pei
Shih Tzu
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Tibetan Spaniel

Related post: 21 Dog Breeds That Can Fly in Cabin

The following brachycephalic and snub-nosed cat breeds are often not allowed in the cabin on international flights:

Burmese Cat
Exotic Shorthair Cat
Himalayan Cat
Persian Cat

Documents required for taking pets in cabin on international flights.

The documents required when flying with a pet in cabin will vary depending on which airline you are flying with, and where you are flying from and to.

You will need more paperwork when traveling internationally, in most cases you will usually require the following:

Microchip certificate
Rabies vaccination certificate
Animal health certificate
Additional vaccination certificates
Rabies titer test results
Parasite treatment certificate

a) Microchip.

Many airlines require microchip documents when flying with a dog or cat in cabin. Not only is it usually a requirement, it is in your best interest. If your pet was to go missing whilst abroad, then you are far more likely to be reunited with a microchip.

Your pet can get microchipped at your local vet or a charity, such as RSPCA.

b) Rabies vaccinations.

If you want your take dog or cat on flights, it is likely that he/she requires a valid rabies vaccination. Particularly when you are taking your pet on an international flight as this is a requirement for entering most countries.

Most countries require dogs and cats to have their rabies vaccination between 30 days and 12 months prior to importing.

Related post: How Often Does a Dog Need a Rabies Shot?

c) Animal health certificate.

Most airlines will require an official animal health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian when flying with pets in cabin.

In most cases, your health certificate will also need to be endorsed by the country’s authority responsible for the import and export of animals. For example, if you are traveling from the US, you will need your documents endorsed by the USDA. If you are traveling from Canada, you will need to have your documents endorsed by CFIA.

They are normally valid for 10 days.

d) Additional vaccinations.

Depending on where you are flying to, your pet may also require additional vaccinations or treatments.

For example, Turkey requires that all dogs are vaccinated against parainfluenza, leptospirosis, parvovirus, bordetella, hepatitis and distemper before being allowed into the country.

e) Rabies titer test.

Some countries require pets to have a rabies titer test before entering. This is usually the case when you are traveling from a country that is considered high risk for rabies.

If your pet requires a titer test the process is as follows:

Your pet will have a blood sample taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination.
Your vet will then send the blood sample to an approved blood testing laboratory.
Your pet’s blood test results must show a rabies antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
You must wait 3 months from the date the blood sample was taken before you travel.
The vet will give you a copy of the test results.

f) Parasite treatment.

To enter many countries, dogs are required to be treated against internal and/or external parasites before entering. This includes treatment for tapeworm, fleas, ticks, nematodes and cestodes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to pay extra to fly with my dog in cabin?

You will yes. The amount you pay however, will differ between airlines as they charge different amounts. The charge also depends on where you are flying to and from. International flights usually cost more.

Can I fly with my pet in cabin on international flights?

You may be able to, depending on which airline you are flying with, and where you are flying to and from. Some airlines allow dogs and cats in cabin on international flights, such as Aegean Air. Southwest, however, do not let pets in cabin on international flights.

Can I fly with my puppy or kitten in cabin?

This depends on how old your puppy is, and which airline you are flying with. Different airlines have different restrictions on the age of pets that can fly in cabin. Some require puppies and kittens to be at least 8 weeks old, where others require them to be 16 weeks old.

Can I fly with a large dog in the cabin?

Unfortunately, unless your dog is an official service dog, only small dogs are permitted. Most airlines require that pets and travel carriers must have a combined weight of no more than 8kg. There are however some semi-private airlines that will allow large dogs in cabin.

Conclusion

Traveling with your pet is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories. Thankfully, several airlines have recognized the importance of allowing pets in the cabin on international flights and have established comprehensive pet policies to accommodate furry travellers. Whether you choose Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, or JetBlue Airways, you can rest assured that your dog will be treated with care and enjoy a safe and comfortable journey by your side.

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General

4 Things to Know About Pet Travel Insurance

Published

2 days ago

June 5, 2023

Samara Ben

Traveling with your pet can be so rewarding; but it can also be a huge hassle. Between ever-changing airline policies regarding emotional support animals, to needing to shell out a few hundred dollars for a round-trip flight for your furry friend, traveling can get complicated (and costly) fast.

And that’s if everything goes according to plan. If your pet gets sick or injured while traveling or you have to cancel a trip for an unexpected surgery, things can get really hairy. So it pays to make sure that not only you and your trip are covered by travel insurance, but your pet is, too. Here are four things to know about pet travel insurance.

1. Pet travel insurance vs. pet health insurance

First things first, is pet travel insurance different from pet health insurance? In short, yes. Pet health insurance covers your furry companion’s healthcare needs, whereas pet travel insurance is offered by businesses hired to relocate your pet and only applies to what happens between the beginning and end of a trip.

Pet health insurance covers needs like vet visits, surgery, injuries and dental work. Like your own health insurance, you will pay a monthly or annual premium and can expect deductibles of varying amounts depending on your level of coverage.

Pet travel insurance, on the other hand, only covers your pet during a set period of time. This is usually from point to point and when your pet is traveling unaccompanied, like when you are hiring a service to relocate your pet. The most important distinction is only businesses can buy pet travel insurance, not the pet owner.

🤓Nerdy Tip

“Pet flight insurance” doesn’t exist.

Fortunately, many pet health insurance policies may cover some travel cancellation and health care costs for your pet if your trip gets interrupted because your pet gets sick or injured. To find out if that’s the case, be sure to read your individual policy for details.

» Learn more: How to make traveling with your pet affordable

2. Pets aren’t covered under most normal travel insurance and trip cancellation policies

Travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance is a handy thing to have when the unexpected happens, as it can help reimburse travel costs if you have to cancel a trip or call it short due to an emergency. Unfortunately, travel insurance and trip cancellation coverage don’t typically cover pets, only human travelers.

In fact, trip cancellation insurance rarely considers pet emergencies, deaths or overbooked pet reservations on an airline as valid reasons for cancellation — though there may be exceptions made in the case of registered service animals.

That said, if you still want the option to cancel travel plans and get reimbursed for your investment in the case of a pet emergency, there may be a way: You can select a travel insurance policy with “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage, which would include pet emergencies.

» Learn more: The most pet-friendly airlines

3. Some pet insurance only covers your pet in the U.S.

While there are some pet health insurance companies that offer cat and dog travel insurance coverage in the form of health care treatment when you’re away from home, not all provide coverage in all places. Some may only cover health issues and care within the U.S. and Canada, while others may reimburse you for services abroad, too (though they may be limited to certain countries).

So before you pick a plan, make sure to read the fine print to know if your pet is covered wherever you plan on traveling together, especially if you’re headed overseas.

» Learn more: How to fly with a dog

4. Pets may require additional info to fly

Do pets need insurance to fly? Generally no, though depending on the airline, you may be required to bring other information and documentation with you when you travel with an animal. Check with your specific airline before booking to ensure you’re following protocol and you don’t miss your flight for lack of appropriate paperwork.

If you’re traveling internationally with your pet and your destination country allows four-legged visitors (not all do), you’ll need an international health certificate and will be required to adhere to any specific requirements set forth by that country.

You can check the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service site from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations by country.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Pet travel insurance considerations, recapped

Traveling with a pet can be complicated and costly, but pet insurance can bring peace of mind whether you’re road tripping across the country or flying around the world.

Just make sure before you head off on your adventure to check and make sure that your pet’s health insurance policy covers veterinary treatment where you’re headed, find out whether your travel insurance offers coverage for trip cancellation or interruptions insurance because of sick pets, and consider getting a “Cancel For Any Reason” policy so you can change your plans for any and all pet-related reasons.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for: