Airlines That Let You Bring Your Furry Friend in the Cabin
As a frequent flyer with a beloved dog, one of my biggest concerns when planning trips is whether I’ll be able to bring my canine companion in the cabin. The good news is that more airlines are becoming pet-friendly. In this article, I’ll break down the major US carriers and who allows dogs in the main cabin versus just as cargo.
Delta
Delta has some of the most flexible pet policies. They allow dogs and cats to travel in-cabin provided the animal is under 20 pounds. Larger pets must go in the cargo hold as manifested cargo. Some key Delta pet rules:
- The animal must remain in an FAA-approved hard-sided kennel that fits under the seat.
- You can bring one pet per passenger with a maximum of three pets per flight.
- There is a $125 fee each way for in-cabin pets.
From my experience flying Delta, their flight attendants are very pet-friendly. I’ve never had an issue bringing my 17-pound terrier on board. Just be sure to plan ahead and check any connection flight rules if changing planes.
American Airlines
American allows pets in the cabin that are under 20 pounds as long as the animal remains in a kennel that fits under the seat. They charge a $125 pet fee each way, similar to Delta. However, one notable downside is that American only permits one pet per passenger rather than three like Delta.
Back in 2018, I flew American with my mini schnauzer. The flight attendants were helpful when I had questions about meal times for my pet. However, at only 8 pounds, my pup was barely over the size limit for in-cabin travel on some other airlines.
United
United has more restrictive pet policies compared to Delta and American. They only accept dogs and cats under 20 pounds in-cabin if kept in an FAA-approved kennel that fits under the seat. Any larger pets must travel as cargo in the belly of the plane.
Additionally, United charges a heftier $125 per direction fee. And they limit pets to one per passenger on domestic routes rather than three. So United may not be the best option if you have multiple pets or larger dogs.
Alaska Airlines
This West Coast-based carrier has some of the most accommodating pet policies. They allow dogs, cats, and even properly housed birds in-cabin as long as the animal is under 20 pounds. Larger pets travel as manifest cargo.
Some positives with Alaska include no limit on the number of pets per passenger and a reasonable $125 pet fee each way. From my experience, the flight crews are super friendly to traveling pets. It’s a great airline if you’ve got fuzzy family members on the smaller side.
JetBlue
JetBlue stands out for permitting dogs and cats over 20 pounds to fly in-cabin, which is kind of rare. However, there are weight restrictions – pets can be no heavier than 20 pounds when combined with their kennel. Larger pets still must travel as cargo.
Similar to other airlines, pets fly for $125 each way on JetBlue. And there is a limit of one pet per passenger. Unfortunately this option wouldn’t work for my 50-pound rescue dog. But it’s awesome for larger small dogs or cats!
Southwest
Unfortunately, emotional support animals are the only pets permitted on Southwest flights due to not having assigned seats. So if Fido isn’t a certified emotional support animal, he’ll have to stay grounded. This was a real bummer when I considered flying to Vegas with my pup.
Other Important Pet Travel Tips
Whether you go with Delta, JetBlue, or another airline, here are some pro tips to help make your pet’s air travel as smooth as possible:
- Always check for any state/country entry requirements for your destination regarding vaccines, health certificates, etc.
- Arrive at least an hour early for your flight to allow extra time at check-in.
- Bring pet dishes, extra food and water, and a favorite toy for comfort.
- Consider calming supplements or other stress-relieving aids for anxious pups.
- Let flight staff know you have a pet aboard and follow all their directions.
Hope this breakdown of major US carriers was helpful! Flying with pets basically requires lots of pre-planning. But following airline rules and keeping Stressie small should mean smooth sailing with your fur baby. Let me know if you have any other pet travel questions!
Airlines That Allow Dogs in Cabin
| Airline | Cabin Size Restrictions | Cage Requirement | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Under 20 lbs, fit in carrier under seat | Soft-sided kennel required | $125 each way |
| Delta Airlines | Under 20 lbs, fit in carrier under seat | Hard-sided kennel required | $125 each way |
| United Airlines | Under 20 lbs, fit in carrier under seat | Hard-sided kennel required | $125 each way |
| Alaska Airlines | Under 20 lbs, fit in carrier under seat | Hard-sided kennel required | $100 each way |
| JetBlue | Under 20 lbs, fit in carrier under seat | No kennel required | $125 each way |
FAQ
- Which airlines let you bring your dog in the cabin?
Several major airlines basically allow dogs to fly in the passenger cabin. United, American, Alaska, and Delta are some of the big names that let canine companions come aboard, so long as they meet size and weight limits. You’ll need to purchase an extra “pet ticket” for Fido of course. But at least this way you won’t have to put him in cargo hold and fret about his safety and comfort the whole flight.
- What are the size and weight limits for cabin pets?
The allowed dimensions vary by airline, although most permit dogs under 20 pounds. United lets them be up to about 18 inches long when in a carrier under your seat. Alaska goes a little bigger at 22 inches long. Dogs over those sizes usually must ride in cargo instead of the cabin. As for weight, forget bringing a Great Dane along – limits top out around 20 pounds or under for most carriers.
- Do I need any documents for my dog?
Yep, to fly a dog you’ll need more than just a collar and leash. The carrier will need ID tags with your contact info on the outside. And you must bring current vaccination records and an up-to-date health certificate from the vet proving your pup is fit to fly. Without all those papers airlines won’t let Fluffy board the plane. It’s kind of a hassle but at least it shows Fido meets health standards.
- Can my dog sit on my lap or does he need a carrier?
No canine cuddling allowed – for safety and cleanliness reasons, all cabin pets must ride in an approved hard-sided carrier that fits under the seat. Airlines don’t want dogs roaming loose or accidents occurring. The kennel provides confinement and a space just for your dog. It may seem restrictive for Fido but at least he gets to fly in comfort in the cabin rather than being stowed with the luggage.
- What if my dog acts up on the plane?
Hopefully good behavior is the name of the game when canine passengers take to the skies. However, if – despite training – your dog barks excessively or displays signs of anxiety during the flight, the flight crew may ask you to deplane with your pup mid-trip. Exceptions are made for legitimate service animals of course, but they must be under full control too. So it’s best to thoroughly prepare your dog and keep him chill. No one wants to be “that person” getting kicked off the aircraft!
- Is it more expensive to fly with a dog?
You’ll need to shell out some extra cash to bring a canine along on your journey. On top of his airline ticket, you may face additional travel fees – sometimes over $100 each way. Admittedly that’s not cheap. But is it worth it to keep pup by your side rather than making him fly alone as luggage? That’s for each owner to sort of decide based on individual situation and budget. At least you have the choice, as some carriers don’t allow any pets at all.
- What tips can help make flying with a dog less stressful?
To ease tensions, try practicing with Fido’s carrier before the big day. Feed him calming treats too if your vet approves. Bring favorite toys and comfort items from home. And arrive extra early at the airport to avoid a rushed start. During boarding, keep your puppy quiet, calm and under control. With smart planning like this, hopefully he’ll handle the whole experience better and your flight will go smoothly!