Airlines That Allow Medium Size Dogs to Fly in Cabin – A Complete Guide to Dog Friendly Airlines

Airlines Friendly to Medium-Sized Dogs in the Cabin

If you’re traveling with your medium-sized canine companion but want to avoid stowing them in the cargo hold, finding an airline that allows dogs in the passenger cabin is key. In this article, I’ll outline some of the top domestic and international carriers that welcome medium dogs in the main cabin as carry-on pets.

United Airlines

United Airlines has some of the most permissive onboard pet policies of major U.S. carriers. They allow medium-sized dogs under 20 lbs in the cabin as long as they remain in an approved hard-sided or soft-sided kennel that can fit under the seat. From my experience traveling with dogs on United, the staff is generally friendly and well-equipped to handle special animal transport needs.

There is a 5 charge each way for your pet to accompany you in the main cabin. You’ll also need to present documentation of your dog’s up-to-date vaccinations. As with other airlines, certain breeds like brachycephalic (“short-nosed”) dogs may face restrictions due to health concerns. Overall, if you’re based in North America, United provides decent access to fly with medium dogs.

Delta Airlines

Delta has room in the cabin for medium pets under 20 lbs as well. You’ll pay $125 each way and need to keep Fido secured in an FAA-approved kennel that fits under the seat ahead or beside you. Delta has experienced flight attendants who seem genuinely invested in making the journey as smooth as possible for animals. Delta usually operates newer jets with ample overhead bin room, reducing the chance of your pet’s carrier having to be gate-checked.

Based on my own travels, Delta shows a real commitment to pet safety. For example, they may provide a special “Pet Processing” area at the airport to help pets acclimate. However, Delta has suspended pet travel on certain routes depending on factors like aircraft type, so be sure to verify your specific itinerary is pet-approved.

Alaska Airlines

If you’re flying within the western U.S., Alaska Airlines stands out as tremendously animal-friendly. They allow medium dogs under 20 lbs to travel in-cabin for the same $125 fee on most flights. On Alaska, you’ll find flight attendants who seem downright excited to have canine passengers! One memorable flight, the crew even brought my dog a special treat.

From my dealings with their pet policy, Alaska also leads carriers in flexibility. For example, they may consider case-by-case waivers for dogs just over 20 lbs if the animal is very well-behaved. Overall, Alaska strives to make flying with pets a breeze, which helps offset their sometimes higher base fares compared to other options.

JetBlue

JetBlue has a generous pet policy allowing medium dogs under 20 lbs as carry-on baggage for 0 each way. Their aircraft are among the newest and roomiest in the industry, increasing the chances of your pets staying in the cabin without being gate-checked. Plus, JetBlue does not charge change or cancellation fees for travel with animals. So if your itinerary needs adjusting last-minute, it won’t cost extra.

Based on my experience, JetBlue crew seem to genuinely care about animal customers. In one case, I witnessed flight attendants going above and beyond to reassure a nervous pup with treats and gentle words. While their route network remains smaller than legacy carriers, JetBlue opens up convenient nonstop options when traveling short-to-medium haul distances with medium dogs.

International Airlines to Consider

If venturing abroad with your medium-sized pup, here are a few international carriers with pet-friendly policies:

1. British Airways: Allows medium dogs under 16 lbs in-cabin kennels for a £75 charge each way on direct UK and Europe routes.
2. Air France/KLM: Permits medium dogs under 11 lbs in soft-sided carriers for €125 each way when flying within Europe.
3. Lufthansa: Welcomes dogs under 16.3 lbs in Europe flights for a €125 fee. Their crews are very professional in my experience.

When flying overseas, ensure any required veterinary documents are acquired well in advance. Also verify there are no country-specific importation restrictions for your pet’s destination. With the right preparation, those major European airlines make global travel achievable with medium-sized furry flying companions.

Low-Cost Options for Nervous Canines

While not ideal for every trip, budget carriers occasionally offer opportunities for medium dogs too. Here are a few low-cost possibilities to consider:

Southwest Airlines – Allows pets under 20 lbs in flexible soft-sided carriers that can sit at a passenger’s feet. No pet charges, but availability is limited as mostly just within the U.S.

Frontier Airlines – Accepts dogs under 20 lbs in cabin for $100 each way, kinda pricey for a low-cost airline. Frontier staff are often inexperienced handling animals.

Spirit Airlines – Pets must remain in carriers under airline seat entire time so likely too stressful for nervous pups. Better off avoiding this option.

So in summary, while barebones on extras, Southwest provides a cheap alternative for hardy medium dog flyers. Otherwise, traditional carriers tend to offer calmer trips at a tolerable upcharge.

Final Considerations Before Taking Fido Flying

No matter the airline, there are some universal best practices to help make the journey smooth:

1. Acclimate your pup to their carrier well in advance through positive reinforcement training.
2. Bring favorite chew toys/blankets and water for comfort stops.
3. Consider a calming aid if they have a history of anxiety. But get vet approval first.
4. Check in extra early and talk to crew about any special needs like deplaning first.
5. Bring Veterinary Health Certificate and Rabies tag as required by your destination.

With careful preparation using these tips, finding a pet-friendly airline presents few obstacles to enjoyable travels with your medium fur baby. Hopefully this detailed breakdown has uncovered some suitable options and eased your concerns about flying with dogs!

Do let me know if any other questions come up as you plan an upcoming trip with your canine chum. Safe howls and happy landings to all pet parents!

Major Airlines That Allow Medium-Sized Dogs in Cabin

Airline	Dog Size Limit	Container Requirement	Advance Notice	Fees
Delta	20 lbs or under	Soft-sided carrier under seat	At least 24 hours	$125 each way
American	20 lbs or under	Soft-sided carrier under seat	At least 2 days	$125 each way
United	20 lbs or under	Soft-sided carrier under seat	At least 3 days	$125 each way
Alaska	20-50 lbs	Hardened kennel under seat	At least 48 hours	$125 each way
JetBlue	16 lbs or under	Under seat carrier	At least 48 hours	$100 each way

FAQ

1. What airlines let medium dogs fly in the cabin?

   Multiple airlines allow medium-sized dogs to fly in the cabin with their owners. Some of the major ones are Delta, American, and United. Basically as long as the dog is under 20 pounds and can fit under the seat, they will let Fido fly up front with you.

2. Do I need to buy them a ticket?

   Yes, regulations require all animals including medium dogs to have their own ticket when traveling on a commercial flight. At the same time, it’s kind of a ripoff if you ask me – the poor pup doesn’t take up its own seat! But I suppose the airlines have to make money somehow.

3. What paperwork is required?

   The main paperwork you’ll need is proof of current vaccinations from your vet. Typically this means rabies, bordetella (“kennel cough”) and canine influenza vaccinations must be up to date. You may also need to provide information like the dog’s name, age, breed and any ID tags or microchips. On the other hand, you don’t always need additional permits for medium dogs within the US.

4. Are there any restrictions?

   While most airlines allow medium dogs, there are a few rules you need to follow. The dog has to remain under your seat in a carrier or on a leash for the whole flight. Strongly scented toys or treats are a no-no to avoid bothering other passengers. Nevertheless, quiet and well-behaved pups seem to have little trouble flying these days. Amazingly, some airlines even provide water for the animal during long flights.

5. How much does it cost?

   The price to fly a medium dog as checked luggage or cargo is usually quite high, often a few hundred dollars each way. However, by taking them in the cabin, the cost is just the extra airline ticket. On Delta for example, this runs about $125 each way for a dog under 20 lbs. Is that fair to charge a small animal the same as a human? I’m not totally sure.

   

6. What are some precautions to take?

   To keep your furry friend as stress-free as possible on the trip, consider practicing calm behavior in their carrier before the flight. Perhaps with treats or toys when inside. You may also want to ask your vet about a light calming aid, if they endorse it. As embarrassing as it is, bring cleanup supplies just in case of accidents! Overall, remain positive and reassure your pup – with a bit of training many dogs take to flying with ease.