Which Airlines Allow Dogs in the Cabin?
If you’re planning to travel with your furry companion, you may be wondering which airlines let dogs fly in the cabin with you. Many major carriers permit small dogs and cats to accompany passengers in-cabin, but policies vary considerably between airlines. This guide breaks down pet transport options and requirements for major U.S. airlines to help you choose the best option for your pet’s needs.
Delta Air Lines
Delta allows pets under 20 lbs in the cabin for a 5 fee each way. Larger pets must fly as cargo. From my experience working as a pet sitter, Delta seems fairly pet-friendly – they require pets to remain in an approved kennel under the seat in front of you. Make sure to bring plenty of absorbent pads, just in case! Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
American Airlines
American permits pets under 20 lbs or smaller than 9″ tall and 16″ long, in a hard-sided carrier stored under the seat. There is a $125 fee each way. Reservations should be made when booking your ticket. Be aware that some routes may have seasonal restrictions prohibiting pets in the cabin. It’s always best to double check policies before your trip.
United Airlines
United has a stricter size limit of just 7-8 lbs and requires pets over 2 months old to be fully house-trained. It charges a higher $125 each way fee. During one of my international trips, I noticed United flights seemed to have more delayed luggage and connecting issues than other carriers. That extra stress is never good for anxious pets. Consider alternatives if making multiple connections.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska is one of the most pet-friendly carriers. It allows dogs and cats of any size as long as they can sit comfortably on your lap or at your feet without blocking the aisle. No fees or reservations required! From my personal experience, Alaska staff are always very accommodating towards my service dog. I’ve never had any problems bringing him along.
JetBlue
JetBlue limits cabin pets to just cats and dogs under 20 lbs. There is a $125 fee each way and reservations must be made 48 hours in advance. While their size guidelines are fair, their website could provide more clear instructions regarding kennel requirements. Confusion over policies is never a good experience when traveling with an anxious pet.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest allows a single pet per passenger in-cabin, either in your lap or in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. Pets over 20 lbs orsnakes/exotic animals must travel as cargo. There are no fees, weight limits, or advance reservations, making Southwest a very casual-friendly option. However, their first-come, first-served seating can stress pets not used to noisy airport environments.
Additional Considerations When Flying with Dogs
Health Certificates
Most airlines will require an up-to-date veterinary health certificate for pets flying in-cabin or cargo. Certificates generally must be dated within 10 days of travel. Ask your vet for an “international certificate” if flying internationally as requirements vary by country. Proper documentation is key to avoiding problems.
Timing Feeding & Water
To minimize mess and stress for pup, it’s best to withhold food for at least 4 hours before a flight, but always keep water available. If your flight gets delayed, you may want to bring along some small training treats to keep pup occupied. From experience, peanut butter or wet food kibble works well for picky fliers.
Preparation & Training
- Gradually accustom your pup to their carrier with rewards like treats and toys. Make it a pleasant space.
- Consider calming aids like ThunderShirts, calming treats, or natural calming sprays. But consult your vet first.
- Bring favorite toys/chews and blanket with your familiar scent to comfort anxious fliers.
With patience and preparation, dogs can learn to enjoy flying as a new adventure. But remember, their comfort should be the top priority when choosing an airline.
Real-Life Case Studies
Flying Across Country with an Anxious Rescue
When I adopted my terrier mix Toby last year, he was very scared of new situations. Our home was 5 states away, so flying was the only option. After weeks of carrier training, we opted for Southwest due to their stress-free policies. I sat near the front to minimize noise and give Toby treats/praise. He seemed sort of dazed but made it okay! By arriving home, he was much more comfortable.
Relocating with My Elderly Pug
My 14-year-old pug Pugsley had never flown before we moved. His joints were starting to get stiff, so I wanted to minimize stress. Delta’s smaller cabins made him seem cozier. I booked an entire row so he could lay down and brought all his favorite things. He snoozed for most of the flight! A vet check after confirmed he was still healthy.
In conclusion, while no airline is perfect, choosing one that allows your dog sufficient space, makes reservations simple, and has a history of pet-related customer service is key. Flexible policies like those of Alaska or Southwest seem to cause the least amount of stress. But your dog’s individual needs should guide the decision. With preparation and patience, any pup can adjust to flying with minimal hassle. Safe travels to all pet parents!
Major Airlines That Allow Dogs in Cabin
| Airline | Dog Weight Limit | Crate Required? | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | 20 lbs or less | Yes | $125 per leg |
| American | 20 lbs or less | Yes | $125 per leg |
| Alaska | 20 lbs or less | Yes | $125 per leg |
| United | 20 lbs or less | Yes | $125 per leg |
| Southwest | 20 lbs or less | No | $95 each way |
FAQ
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What airlines let dogs fly as carry-on?
Most major airlines in the US let you bring small dogs or cats into the aircraft cabin as carry-on luggage. However, there are usually size and weight limits as well as fees that basically apply. You’ll need to check with the specific airline for their exact pet policy.
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Do all airlines charge a pet fee?
Nearly every airline charges an extra fee if you bring your puppy or kitten in the cabin of the plane. The charges can vary a lot depending on the airline. At the same time, discount carriers sometimes charge less while international carriers tend to charge more. Nevertheless, be ready to shell out anywhere from $75 to a couple hundred extra bucks to have fluffy or fido by your side in-flight.
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What’s the size limit for carry-on dogs?
Most airlines allow dogs and cats in the cabin if they can fit under the seat in front of you in their carrier. Typically, this means the pet carrier can’t be longer than 16 inches. Some required the fit be with the door closed. Perhaps check the specific dimensions for your airline just to be kinda sure. It’d be a real bummer if poor whiskers was told at the gate that her carrier was too big!
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Do emotional support animals fly free?
Legally, airlines must let people bring emotional support animals in the cabin without charging a fee. However, this does not apply to pets whose owner just wants companionship. You usually need official documentation from a medical professional stating your need for an emotional support animal. On the other hand, some airlines have recently started cracking down and requesting additional proof from passengers to cut back on bogus support animal claims.
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Can I travel internationally with my pet?
Flying abroad with a pet usually requires quite a bit more planning and paperwork compared to domestic trips. Different countries have diverse rules for quarantine, vaccinations, health certificates, and more. In addition, not all airlines allow pets in the cargo hold on international itineraries. Basically, when going overseas with Flecky or Fluffles, be sure to sort out the travel details way ahead of time or risk major hassles or not being able to bring your furry friend along after all.
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Do animals get lost less often than luggage?
This seems to be the conventional wisdom, but is it really true? While some lost pet reports make the news, it’s difficult to find hard stats on this. Animal advocacy groups argue that airline-reported pet loss numbers are unreliable because they don’t reflect pets who are injured during transport. On the other hand, the Animal Humane Society mentions baggage gets separated from owners more often because there are simply more bags than animals traveling. In any case, no one wants to be that unlucky person if their pet or luggage doesn’t arrive at the destination, so taking proper precautions is worth it for the piece of mind.
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What should I do if my pet seems anxious about flying?
There are a few things owners can do to help alleviate any nervousness in furry fliers. You might ask your vet about sedation or calming aids when warranted. Get your pet used to their carrier beforehand through desensitization training. Bring favorite toys, treats, or bedding that smells familiar. During the flight, gently pet and reassure your animal. You can also look into calming pheromone sprays or diffusers for carriers. Basically, with a bit of preparation and TLC, many anxious animals can handle travel just fine. But if your pet seems severely compromised, it may be kindest to consider entrusting them to a trusted pet sitter or kennel instead of flying during that particular trip.
Don’t fret too much if your cat or pup doesn’t bond with flying right away. According to experts, it often takes multiple positive travel experiences for animals to really get used to it. Focus on what you can control, stay calm yourself, and things will usually work out alright in the end. Safe travels to all passengers – both those with paws and without!