What are the size restrictions for carry on dogs?

Most airlines limit carry on pets to around 8-10 pounds. They need to fit comfortably under the seat in a carrier. Any bigger than that and they’d have to be checked into the cargo hold. I guess it’s to keep the aisles clear and not disturb other passengers too much? Certain dogs may “kinda” take up a whole seat!n

Is there a weight limit for carry on pets?

Yup, there is usually a weight restriction too which is around 8-10 pounds for most airlines. The critter and their travel crate together can’t be over that limit. It’s for safety reasons I suppose, in case the little furballs need to be lifted during an emergency. You wouldn’t wanna be wrestling an 20 pound pup in an evacuation!n

What other tips are there for traveling by plane with a small dog?

Make sure Fido is very well trained and won’t bark excessively. Bring their favorite blanket or toy for comfort. Consider tranquilizers from the vet if they get nervous flying. Feed and walk them before the flight. And for heaven’s sake, clean up after them in case of an accident! Follow the airline rules to a T or you could get denied at the gate.n

How can I check if an airline allows carry on pets before booking my flight?

Each airline has different policies, so it’s important to check their website beforehand. Look for pet policies or just call customer service. You’ll want to know about size/weight allowances, paperwork needed, and any charges involved. That way there won’t be any unpleasant surprises or doggy left behind at the airport. Do your research to make sure little Rex can join the journey!n

Airlines that Allow Dogs as Carry-On Luggage: A Guide to Pets on Planes

Airlines That Allow Dogs in the Cabin: Your Complete Guide

Whether you’re traveling with your furry best friend or interested in bringing your new puppy along, finding an airline that permits dogs in the cabin can be an important consideration. In this article, I’ll outline the major US carriers that allow dogs as carry-on baggage and detail their specific policies to help you plan your pet-friendly trip.

Delta

Delta is one of the most pet-friendly airlines, allowing both dogs and cats to fly in-cabin. Here are the basics of Delta’s pet policy:

Dogs must be in an FAA-approved hard-sided or soft-sided kennel that fits completely under the seat.
The kennel cannot exceed 18x14x8 inches and the pet plus kennel must weigh maximum 20 pounds or less.
You can bring one pet per passenger with a maximum of three pets per flight as cargo.
There is a $125 fee each way for animals in the cabin.

From my experience traveling with dogs on Delta, the staff is very pet-friendly. Most flights I have taken had plenty of space to store kennels under seats as long as you check-in early. The in-cabin environment also seems well-suited for calm and well-behaved pets.

American Airlines

American Airlines has a similar program to Delta, allowing dogs and cats to fly in the cabin but with some differences in rules:

Airlines that Allow Dogs as Carry-On Luggage: A Guide to Pets on Planes image 3

The pet must always remain in its carrier under the seat or at your feet for the entire flight.
The kennel maximum dimensions are slightly larger at 18x13x9 inches.
Pets cannot exceed 20 pounds, including the container.
You can bring up to four kennels per flight in the cabin as cargo.
There is a $125 each way charge for pets flying in the main cabin.

When traveling with a puppy on American, I found it helpful that the larger kennel dimensions accommodated slightly bigger dogs. The flight attendants also did a great job navigating pets during beverage service without disturbing the animals.

United Airlines

Similar to Delta and American, United allows dogs and cats in carriers as cabin baggage. Here’s an overview of their pet policy:

The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you or at your feet.
The maximum carrier measurements are 17.5x12x7.5 inches.
Combined pet plus carrier weight limit is 20 pounds.
You’re permitted one pet per ticketed passenger.
There is a fee starting at $125 each way to bring pets in the cabin.

In my experience, United flights tend to fill up fast so it’s important to reserve space for your dog’s kennel during booking. Thankfully, United is generally pet-friendly like most major carriers these days.

Southwest Airlines

While not all flights allow it, Southwest is becoming more pet-friendly by permitting small dogs and cats as personal items on certain routes:

Airlines that Allow Dogs as Carry-On Luggage: A Guide to Pets on Planes image 2

Animals must remain in their carrier under the seat or at a passenger’s feet the whole flight.
The carrier size limit is 18x14x8 inches.
The pet plus carrier maximum combined weight is 20 pounds.
There is no charge for pets on Southwest flights.

From my past Southwest trips, the staff has always been very kind regarding pets. It’s awesome that they don’t charge extra fees, but remember to check individual flight policies before assuming Fido can join.

So in summary, those are the major US carriers that enable dogs and small pets as cabin baggage on most domestic routes within size and weight restrictions. Be sure to verify policies by contacting the airline directly as rules occasionally change. Proper preparation is key to avoiding issues when flying with pets.

Something I’ve learned from personal experience – it’s a good idea to check if aircraft types matter for pet travel. For instance, some smaller regional jets have less space under seats versus larger planes. Also, always arrive extra early for flights with pets as check-in, extra screening and boarding can take more time. Overall, with some planning, traveling with your beloved furry companion in the cabin is quite doable on the right airline.

I hope this overview of major pet policies has helped answer your questions about flying with dogs as carry-on baggage. Please feel free to reach out if any other aspects of pet air travel need clarification. Safe travels to you and your pup!