Airline Pet Carry On Size Requirements: What You Need to Know About Bringing Your Pet On Board

A Comprehensive Guide to Airline Pet Carry-On Size Restrictions

Whether you’re taking a short flight or a long international trip, it’s important to know the carry-on size limits for traveling with pets by air. The rules can vary between airlines, so in this article I’ll break down the pet carry-on policies of major carriers and provide tips to help you and Fido stay within those limits.

Standard Pet Carry-On Size Limits

Most domestic airlines in the US allow one pet carrier per passenger to be carried on as personal item. However, there are size constraints to ensure pet safety and compliance with overhead bin dimensions.

1. Length + width + height cannot exceed 18 inches total when added together.
2. Weight must be under 20 pounds including the pet.

Keep these baseline dimensions in mind as you shop for a carrier. Soft-sided carriers are usually most compact, while rigid plastic or metal ones tend to be bulkier. From my experience, most small dogs and cats fit within the 18-inch limit.

Specific Airline Pet Carry-On Policies

Now let’s break down individual carrier size rules for major US airlines:

American Airlines

American follows the standard 18x13x9 inches and 20 lbs limits. Additionally, retractable leashes must be less than 6 feet when fully extended.

Delta Airlines

Delta’s rules are the same as American’s. They also require pets to remain in carrier during boarding and flights. From my dealings with them, they strictly enforce the size limits.

United Airlines

United has the same basic dimensions but adds that carriers cannot be oblong or excessively long. My advice is to test fit your carrier in an airline-issued sizer at the airport if it’s on the larger side.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest is pretty lenient – they allow carriers up to 20x14x9 inches and under 40 pounds including pet. However, remember that soft-sided carriers have more give and may end up oversized if overstuffed with supplies.

JetBlue

JetBlue mirrors American/Delta’s limits but specifies that carriers can be no more than 18x13x8 inches. They basically squeeze pets into a slightly smaller allotted space under the seat.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines pet carriers can measure up to 18x13x7 inches. That extra inch of height makes a difference if your pet is on the taller side. Otherwise their rules are pretty standard.

Hope this breakdown of major carriers’ petite carry-on policies help you determine which airline works best for Fido’s travel needs. Let me know if you have any other pet air travel questions!

Tips for Staying Within Size Limits

Here are some additional tips from my experiences flying with pets:

1. Measure your pet’s resting posture inside the carrier and add only 1-2 inches of space for comfort.
2. Consider an airline-approved collapsible carrier that saves space when not in use.
3. Pack light with just a few small toys, treats and a water bowl rather than toys your pet won’t need at 35,000 feet.
4. Transport medication and supplies in your own carry-on to avoid overstuffing the pet carrier.
5. Write your contact info on the outside in case of separation from the carrier during travel.
6. Don’t try to sneak a large pet in – it risks denial at the airport and distress for your furry friend.

Sizing can depend a lot on your pet’s breed too. Small dogs like Chihuahuas usually comply no sweat. But I’ve seen big pups like Great Danes or mastiffs who were obviously too bulky for carry-on. So size your expectations accordingly based on your pet!

What If My Pet Is Over the Limit?

If for any reason your pet exceeds the carry-on dimensions, you basically have three options:

1. Check the carrier as luggage. Fees apply and there’s risk of mishandling, so I’d avoid this unless unavoidable.
2. Consider flying as cabin baggage instead of personal item depending on the airline. But expect a fee.
3. Travel by car or multi-leg flights if possible to circumvent size issues altogether.

In the end, it’s always safest to prepare well in advance and test your carrier size yourself. That way there’s no last-minute scrambling or extra charges at the airport. With some pre-flight planning, you can stick to carry-on and avoid excess baggage fees.

From speaking with other pet owners, I’ve also heard occasional exceptions are made for slightly oversized carriers if the pet is very well-behaved. But that’s usually at airline staff discretion rather than a given. Best not to rely on leniency and follow the rules.

I hope these details and tips help you travel stress-free with your furry companion! Let me know if any other pet travel questions come up. Safe flights to you and your pet.

Pet Carry-On Size Guide

Airline	Pet Type	Max Pet Size	Max Weight
Delta	Cats, dogs	Up to 20 inches long	Up to 20 lbs
American	Cats, dogs	Up to 18 inches long	Up to 20 lbs
United	Cats, dogs	Up to 18 inches long	Up to 20 lbs
Alaska	Cats, dogs	Pet and carrier up to 18 inches long together	Up to 20 lbs
Southwest	Cats, dogs	Pet and carrier up to 18 inches long together	Up to 20 lbs

FAQ

1. What size pet carrier can I bring onboard an airplane?

   Most airlines let you bring a pet carrier onboard as long as it fits under the seat in front of you. The max size for carriers is usually around 18 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches. But it’s best to check the specific rules for the airline you’re flying.

   

2. Do all airlines permit pets in the cabin?

   No, not basically every airline lets you bring pets along on flights. Some only allow small pets like cats and dogs onboard. Other animals like snakes and birds usually must stay in the cargo hold. It’s important to verify each airline’s pet policy before booking your trip.

3. What paperwork is required?

   You’ll need to show the airline proof that your pet is properly vaccinated and healthy. This usually means things like a wellness certificate from your vet within 10 days of flying. Your pet also needs to be in an FAA-approved carrier that is properly tagged. Without the right paperwork, your pet could be denied boarding.

4. Are there any fees?

   Most airlines charge a fee for bringing a pet on board ranging from $75 to $125 per pet each way. There may also be added surcharges for overweight pets. Make sure to verify fees directly with the airline and budget accordingly. I guess you might say man’s best friend does kind of cost a pretty penny!

5. What about international flights?

   Airlines can have very different policies for international pet travel. You’ll likely need a health certificate from a licensed vet, proof of vaccinations, and an import/export permit. Pets may need to fly in cargo instead of the cabin depending on the country. It’s always best to research destination pet travel policies well in advance. Your furry friend’s trip abroad could depend on it!

6. How should I prepare my pet for the flight?

   To help reduce stress, get your pet used to the carrier before travel day. Do some short practice trips to get them accustomed to being inside it for periods of time. Speaking of which, consider giving your pet anxiety medication if they tend to get nervous. Make sure they have ID tags and know basic commands in case they get lost. With some practice and patience, even fearful fliers can fly!

7. What if my pet seems afraid?

   It’s only natural for some pets to become frightened in new environments like an airport. However, there are things you can do to help. Try giving them a favorite toy or treat to distract from any noises or motion. Bring their bedding from home so they feel more comfortable inside the carrier. Talk to them in a soothing voice. But honestly, some pets just aren’t cut out for air travel. Perhaps it would be kinder to board them for the trip.