Traveling with Pets: How to Put Your Paws on the Best Airlines and Hotels for Furry Family Members

Learn what it really takes to fly and stay somewhere with your pet, from carrier rules to hidden fees.

Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss the best airlines and hotels for traveling with pets to help you avoid hidden fees and stressed-out animals. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including elevated welcome offers on Hilton co-branded cards expiring April 15, new signup bonuses on the Atmos Rewards cards from Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines' new international business class launching from Seattle, upcoming American Express Centurion Lounge openings in Boston and Charlotte and an expansion at Dallas Fort Worth, Amex dropping Etihad as a transfer partner, Southwest Rapid Rewards cardholders now earning up to 5x points on Lyft rides, and new JetBlue TrueBlue redemption options for travel fees including pet travel.

Then, joined by traveler Jana Kate, who has brought her dog Poquito on trips across Europe, they discuss the real costs and logistics of traveling with pets, with tips and tricks on choosing the right airline and hotel for your pet, navigating fees that can vary per night versus per stay, and what to know before you book with a furry companion in tow.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Hilton AmEx Surpass Review: Credits Can Offset the High Fee 

• Hilton AmEx Review: Solid Rewards for No Annual Fee

• Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price

• Atmos Rewards Ascent Review: Well Worth $95 a Year

• Atmos Rewards Summit Card: Perks as Unique as They Are Valuable 

• Southwest Priority Card Review: Pay More, Get More 

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Review: Modest Perks, Big Bonus

• Southwest Premier Credit Card Review: The Middle Seat of Cards 

Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Best Airlines for Flying With Pets in 2026

• Best Hotels for Pets in 2026 

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel.

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