If you’ve ever looked at a map of the Pacific Northwest and thought, “There has to be a cooler way to get there than sitting in traffic behind an RV for six hours,” allow us to introduce you to Kenmore Air Seaplanes.
We recently flew with Tilly from Washington to Vancouver Island, and not only was it one of the most scenic flights we’ve ever taken, it was also one of the easiest travel experiences we’ve had with a dog.
Spoiler alert: Tilly would absolutely do it again.
Can Dogs Fly on Kenmore Air?
Yes! Kenmore Air allows pets to travel on many flights, but there are a few important things to know before you show up with your furry co-pilot.
First, you must contact Kenmore Air in advance to add your pet to your reservation. Because these are small seaplanes, space is limited and not every flight can accommodate animals. They also recommend registering your pet within 24 hours of booking to avoid any issues if your original flight can’t accommodate them.
You’ll also want to make sure you have any documentation required for your destination, especially if you’re crossing the U.S./Canada border. Kenmore Air requires travelers to meet all health, vaccination, and entry requirements before travel.
How Much Does It Cost to Fly with a Dog?
At the time of writing, Kenmore Air charges:
As always, double-check current pricing when you book because airline policies can change.
Does My Dog Have to Stay in a Carrier?
This was probably our biggest question before flying.
The answer? Not necessarily.
Unlike many commercial airlines, Kenmore Air’s seating and aircraft layout can allow dogs to travel outside of a traditional carrier, depending on the size of the dog, available space, and crew direction. Every situation is a little different because these aircraft are much smaller than your average Boeing.
That said…
We kept Tilly in her backpack carrier anyway.
Not because anyone made us, but because she genuinely felt more secure there. She could still see us, still get plenty of reassurance, and it gave her a cozy little den while everyone else was getting settled.
Our Experience Flying with Tilly
Honestly?
We were probably more nervous than she was.
From the moment we checked in, every Kenmore Air employee was excited to meet Tilly. She received plenty of smiles, several “Who’s a good girl?” comments, and enough attention to temporarily inflate her already healthy ego.
The staff also made boarding incredibly easy. They helped us navigate the dock, made sure we had plenty of room getting onto the aircraft, and were equally helpful when it was time to unload in Victoria.
Traveling with a dog can sometimes make you feel like you’re inconveniencing everyone around you.
This felt like the exact opposite.
The Noise Factor
Let’s be honest.
Seaplanes are louder than your average commercial flight.
Takeoff and landing especially can get pretty noisy, so we packed Tilly’s noise-canceling ear protection.
We’d absolutely recommend it.
She tolerated them really well, and it gave us peace of mind knowing we were helping protect those adorable little ears.
The Moment Everything Clicked
About halfway through the first part of the flight, Tilly started getting a little squirrelly.
Nothing dramatic.
Just enough shifting around that we could tell she was thinking, “Excuse me…what exactly is happening?”
So we pulled her onto my lap.
The second she could see out the window…
Game over.
She immediately relaxed, settled in, and spent the rest of the flight watching the San Juan Islands, boats, and coastline go by like she had paid extra for the window seat.
Apparently our brindled bratwurst is an aviation enthusiast.
Why We’d Choose a Seaplane Again
Besides the obvious fact that landing on the water makes you feel like the main character in an action movie, flying by seaplane cut hours off our travel day.
Instead of spending most of the day driving and waiting in ferry lines, we were able to start exploring Vancouver Island almost immediately.
For Tilly, that also meant:
That’s what we call a successful vacation.
Tips for Flying Kenmore Air with Your Dog
If you’re planning your own adventure, here’s what we’d recommend:
Final Verdict
Flying with your dog on Kenmore Air wasn’t just possible.
It was fun.
Between the incredible staff, breathtaking scenery, and the ease of traveling with Tilly, this was easily one of our favorite travel experiences yet.
Would we do it again?
Absolutely.
In fact, we’re pretty sure Tilly is already wondering when her next flight leaves.
Because once you’ve watched your pit bull-dachshund mix happily staring out the window of a seaplane over the Pacific Northwest… Regular air travel just feels a little boring.
** Written by Emily **
