Revealed: The majority of travellers would rather sit next to a PET than a child on a plane

• Pet owners and non-pet owners were polled on their attitudes to pet travel
• One in four pet owners would rather travel with their pet than their own child 
• READ MORE: Travel expert investigates the runway that disappears twice a day 

The majority of people would rather sit next to a pet on a plane than a child, according to a survey. 

Travel site Upgraded Points surveyed over 1,000 pet owners and non-pet owners to discover what people really think of pet travel. 

One-third (34 per cent) of non-pet owners polled are not comfortable sharing cabin space with other people’s pets, while substantially more non-pet owners – 57 per cent – would prefer to spend their journey next to a pet than a child. 

And over one in four pet owners (26 per cent ) would rather travel with their pet than their own child. 

While this preference indicates a welcoming environment for people travelling with pets, other results from the survey suggest it’s not without complications. The U.S study reveals that 85 per cent of pet owners have encountered challenges or restrictions while travelling with their pets at some point. 

The majority of people would rather sit next to a pet on a plane than a child, according to a survey 

So much so, that as many as 70 per cent of people would rather bring their pet along on an eight-hour road trip than a two-hour flight. 

But this doesn’t stop travellers from wanting to bring their furry friends along, as almost two-thirds (66 per cent) of pet owners would bring their pet every time they travelled if it were possible.

The survey discovered that many pet owners are willing to go the extra mile when travelling – with 83 per cent of pet owners admitting to altering their plans to better accommodate their pet’s needs.  

The U.S study reveals that 85 per cent of pet owners have encountered challenges or restrictions while travelling with their pets at some point 

The poll found 75 per cent of pet owners would pay more for a pet-friendly hotel, with 64 per cent of pet owners saying they would splurge an extra $50 (£39) a night for pet-friendly accommodation.  

Surprisingly, one-third (33 per cent) would give up their dream destination for a standard holiday if it meant their pets could come with them. 

Alex Miller, founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, said: ‘Travelling with pets comes with a unique set of challenges and rewards.

‘Our latest study offers insight into the balance Americans strike when travelling with their pets, and what non-pet owning travellers think about it all, too.’

To see the original survey, visit upgradedpoints.com. 

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