Planning a trip to Beaver Island is always exciting, but it gets a whole lot better when the four-legged members of the family get to come along. If you are looking at hopping on a flight with Island Airways, you'll be happy to know they are pretty famous for being one of the most pet-friendly outfits in Northern Michigan. Honestly, they have been flying folks and their pets across Lake Michigan for decades, so they have the whole routine down to a science. Please know everything about the Island Airways Pet Policy before you plan a trip.

Booking Your Pet's Seat

The first thing to keep in mind is that while Island Airways loves animals, the planes aren't exactly massive. We are talking about Britten-Norman Islanders, which are sturdy and reliable but don't have infinite space. Because of this, you really need to mention your pet when you make your reservation. You know, just so they can make sure there’s enough room in the cabin for everyone to be comfortable. It’s not like those big commercial jets where you just show up and hope for the best.

What Does It Cost?

Budgeting for a trip is always a bit of a juggle. For 2026, the rates are pretty straightforward. A one-way ticket for a pet is $37.00. If you are doing a round trip, it’ll be $74.00. It’s a flat fee, which is nice because it keeps things simple. If you live on the island or visit all the time, they even offer a "Dog Booklet" of tickets for $370.00. It’s basically a buy-ten-get-one-free kind of deal, which is a lifesaver for regular commuters.

The Cabin Experience

One of the best parts about flying this route is that your pet stays right there with you. There is no scary cargo hold or luggage compartment involved here. Your dog or cat (or whatever small domestic friend you have) sits in the cabin area. Now, if your dog is small enough to be a "lap animal"—usually under 30 pounds—their weight actually counts toward your 30-pound luggage allowance. It’s a bit of a trade-off, but most people find it worth it to keep their pup close by. I mean, who wants to be separated during a 15-minute flight over open water?

Rules for the Flight

Even though the atmosphere is casual, there are still rules to keep everyone safe. Pets need to be well-behaved and under your control the whole time. If you have a cat or a very small dog, a carrier is usually the way to go. For larger dogs, a sturdy leash is a must. The pilots are great, but they need to focus on flying, so making sure your pet isn't trying to jump into the cockpit is kind of your main job! Have you ever seen a dog try to "help" a pilot? It's cute in movies, but not so much at 3,000 feet.

Wait, What About Large Dogs?

You might be wondering what happens if you have a massive Great Dane or a husky that weighs a ton. Well, Island Airways is pretty flexible. For pets over 20 or 30 pounds, they just charge that standard pet fee mentioned earlier. If the pet is exceptionally large or you have a ton of extra gear, they might look at the "Extra Luggage" rate, which is about $0.35 per pound. It’s always smart to call the terminal in Charlevoix or Welke Airport on the island just to double-check if your "pony-sized" dog needs a special spot.

Preparation and "Paws" for Thought

Before you head to the Charlevoix airport, do a quick checklist. Make sure your pet has had a chance to do their business before boarding. There aren't exactly "pet relief areas" once you are up in the air! Also, the planes can be a bit loud. If your dog is the nervous type, maybe bring a favorite toy or a blanket that smells like home. Most pets handle the 15-minute hop just fine—it's over before they even realize they've left the ground. It's much faster than the ferry, that's for sure.

Checklist for the Airport:

• Confirmation of your pet reservation.
• Leash or an airline-approved carrier.
• Payment for the pet fare (Credit cards are usually fine).
• A small container of water for after the flight.

A Quick Comparison: Air vs. Ferry

Sometimes people ask if they should just take the boat. The Beaver Island Boat Company is also pet-friendly and cheaper (around $12 for a pet), but the trip takes two hours. If you have a pet that gets seasick or just hates being on a boat, the 15-minute flight is a total game-changer. Plus, on the flight, they are right at your feet or on your lap. On the ferry, they often have to stay in specific areas or in the car. It really depends on what your animal handles better.

Final Thoughts for Your Trip

Island Airways has been a lifeline for the Beaver Island community for over 70 years. They treat pets like family because, on the island, they usually are! Just remember to book ahead, keep your pet restrained, and enjoy the view. There is nothing quite like seeing the Emerald Isle appear on the horizon with your best friend by your side. If you have any doubts, just give them a shout at the terminal. They are super friendly and used to answering all sorts of "can my pet fly?" questions. Safe travels to you and your furry co-pilots!

Note: Policies can change based on FAA regulations or fuel prices, so a quick confirmation call before you leave the house is always a brilliant idea.