John Wayne Airport Service Animal Policies

Assistance animals are welcome to travel with passengers who have disabilities. Certain exemptions are provided to these animals, but some rules and restrictions still apply. To determine if your dog qualifies to be certified as a Psychiatric Service Dog and can be accepted as such for air travel, you can visit Pettable’s PSD service.

John Wayne Airport Pet Relief Areas

John Wayne Airport provides three pet relief areas for passengers flying with furry friends or service animals. One pre-security pet relief areas is located near the entrance to Parking Structure A1 and another is located near the entrance to Parking Structure C. The only post-security pet relief area is located near Gates 12 and 13.

Before flying your pet through John Wayne Airport, it is a good idea to orient yourself to the space and SNA airport pet policies. Flying with an animal can be a difficult experience, especially for your furry friend. It helps a great deal to know where you are and where you’re going, and preparing ahead of time can help. This article will discuss the airport’s policies and options, and if you’d like to prepare even more, you can read about Santa Ana’s John Wayne Airport (SNA) animal relief areas.

John Wayne Airport Pet Transport

Most domestic airlines offer three ways to fly with a pet. Each airliner will have slightly different specifications and rules for your pet, so be sure to read up on what their policies are before booking your pet’s trip.

Pets in the Cabin: Pets of a certain size can fly in the cabin, and if this is your chosen method, you will need to book your pet’s ticket and bring them through security before the flight.

Pets in Checked Baggage: This is a good option for a larger pup. If you book your pet a spot in the cargo hold, you will need to check them in as checked baggage.

SNA Airport Pet Cargo Locations

If you need to send an animal as unaccompanied cargo, you can check them in at a separate facility. The cargo facility for John Wayne Airport can be found nearby at 3000 Airway Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. It seems to be a very small servicer and does not have a variety of companies operating out of it.

Southwest Airlines Cargo
3000 Airway Ave
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 241-8614

Alaska Air Cargo
3000B Airway Ave., Bay 5A
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(800) 225-2752

Bringing Animals Through John Wayne Airport Security

If you and your pet are traveling together in the cabin, you will have to pass into the secured area before you can board the plane. At the security checkpoint, all of your pet’s supplies and even their carrier will need to be scanned in the x-ray machine, but your animal will not have to be. Just walk your animal on a leash or carry him in your arms through the metal detector and follow the instructions of the on-duty TSA agents.

Animals are not allowed to be outside of their carriers while in the terminal. There are exceptions if you have a service animal such as a guide dog.

More John Wayne Airport Pet Policies

One of the most important aspects of traveling with your animal will need to be planned weeks in advance. Make sure your pet is accustomed to the container they will be traveling in, whether it is a large crate, or a portable carrier. Airports are unfamiliar and full of strange smells and other dogs. It helps your pet’s sense of security to have a familiar retreat. Consult with your pet’s vet about the best travel recommendations for your animal. Find more airport pet policies through the SNA John Wayne Airport website.

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