Airlines That Allow Pets In Cabin – Which Pet-Friendly Airlines Let You Bring Your Cat or Dog on Board

Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin: Your Complete Guide

Traveling with pets can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be if you choose the right airline. In this article, I’ll cover the major U.S. carriers that let you bring small pets along in the cabin rather than cargo. I’ll explain their pet policies, fees, and restrictions so you can pick the best option for your furry friend.

Airlines that Accept Dogs and Cats in the Cabin

1. Delta: Delta allows dogs and cats 5-20 pounds in the cabin in a carrier that fits under the seat. Fees are $125 each way for domestic flights and $250 for international. No more than 3 pets per plane.
2. American Airlines: Small dogs, cats and household birds up to 20 pounds are allowed in-cabin in a carrier. Fees are $125 each way for domestic flights and vary for international. Maximum 2 pets per passenger.
3. United: Dogs and cats up to 20 pounds in a soft-sided carrier are permitted. Fees are $125 each way domestic and vary internationally. Limit is 2 pets per passenger.

From my experience, United can be iffy about enforcing size limits so double check your pet fits under the seat. At the same time, their agents are usually quite polite if you have any issues.

Airlines with Special Pet Programs

Some carriers have devoted pet programs with extra amenities:

4. Alaska Airlines: As part of their “Pets on Board” service, cats and dogs under 20 pounds can fly in-cabin. Fees are $125 one-way. Special perks include pet beds and water bowls in cargo.
5. JetBlue: Pets under 20 pounds are allowed in a carrier under the seat for a $100 fee each way. JetBlue also sells snacks and beds for pets waiting in cargo.

Basically, Alaska and JetBlue go the extra yard for pet comfort. If I was traveling cross-country with pets, I’d probably pick one of them. The care and treats they provide sounds awesome – who doesn’t like a good bed and snacks, right?

Other Options for Small Animals

A few niche carriers accept additional small pets:

6. Southwest: Only accepts small dogs and cats less than 20 pounds in a soft-sided carrier under the seat. Fees are $95 each way.
7. Hawaiian Airlines: Allows domesticated birds in a secure container along with cats and dogs under 20 pounds. Fees are $125 one-way.

So basically Southwest is good for cats and tiny dogs, while Hawaiian lets you bring all sorts of common pets like parrots. Hawaiian was a game changer for travelers with feathered friends if you ask me.

Restricted Dog Breeds

Most airlines prohibit brachycephalic (“flat-faced”) breeds of dogs like pugs or bulldogs traveling in the cabin due to health risks. Also restricted are:

• Huskies
• Malamutes
• Dobermans
• Rottweilers
• Pit bulls
• Wolf hybrids

It’s kind of a bummer that snub-nosed pups can’t join the fun, but at least the restrictions promote safety. However, it does seem unfair to stigmatize certain large breeds. But I guess airlines have to draw the line somewhere.

Cabin Pet Rules and Preparations

No matter which airline you choose, follow these tips for a stress-free trip with your pet:

1. Reserve a travel crate or carrier that is soft-sided and can fit completely under the seat in front of you. Hard carriers are a no-no.
2. Provide current vaccinations, health certificate if flying internationally, and paperwork from your vet.
3. Bring your pet’s favorite toys, blankets, and treats to keep them comfortable in a novel environment.
4. Consider calming supplements for anxious pets, but check with your vet first.
5. Review any country-specific rules for layovers or final destinations. Some places require quarantine.

Basically, ensure your pet’s comfort and safety with the right prep. Kind of sucks that so many hoops need jumping through, but as any pet owner knows – our fur babies are worth it!

Cargo Hold Travel for Larger Animals

If your pet exceeds the size or breed restrictions, they must ride in the climate-controlled cargo hold. Requirements include:

6. Animals must be over 8 weeks old. No nursing mothers permitted.
7. A vet health certificate is always required within 10 days of travel dates.
8. The airline specifies the size, weight and design of travel kennels approved for cargo.
9. Special handling like “Live Animal” or “Fragile” helps ensure extra care.

Don’t be alarmed if Fido barks on take-off or landing – it’s more stressful than us, but very safe statistically. Communication with airline staff will reassure concerned owners. And having a friendly handler meet you jetway-side is sort of sweet, if you think about it!

In summary, hopefully this guide helped clarify all the major options and rules for traveling with pets domestically or abroad. With a little homework, your fur baby can enjoy life’s adventures right alongside you. Now go book those tickets – vacation calls!

Airlines That Fly Pets in Cabin

Airline	Breed Restrictions	Animal Size Limit	Cage Requirement	Advance Notice
Delta	No snub-nosed or extra large breeds	Weight under 20 lbs, height under 9 inches	Soft-sided carrier must fit under seat	At least 24 hours before flight
United	No snub-nosed breeds	Weight under 20 lbs, height under 9 inches	Hard-sided carrier must fit under seat	At least 4 business days before flight
American	None	Weight under 20 lbs, height under 9 inches	Hard-sided carrier must fit under seat	At least 3 business days before flight
JetBlue	None	Weight under 10 lbs	Soft-sided carrier must fit under seat	At least 48 hours before flight
Alaska	No snub-nosed or extra large breeds	Weight under 20 lbs	Hard-sided carrier must fit under seat	At least 48 hours before flight

FAQ

1. Which airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin?

   Many major airlines basically let small pets like dogs and cats fly with passengers in the cabin for a fee. Airlines that typically let “fur fly” include Delta, United, American and Alaska. You gotta check each airline’s specific policies though because rules can differ on size, breed restrictions, health forms needed, etc.

2. What size pets are allowed in the cabin?

   For the most part, pets must be small enough to fit under the seat in a carrier. Most airlines set a size limit of around 8-10 pounds or so. Unfortunately, larger dogs or animals wouldn’t have potentially awesome adventures gazing out the window! They’d need to go in the cargo hold instead.

   

3. Is there a charge for cabin pets?

   You bet. Taking pets in the cabin is kinda seen as a “premium service” so the airlines make you pay up. Fees are commonly $125 each way but can be even higher depending on the route and airline. Ouch! At the same time, I guess it beats shipping Fluffy as cargo.

4. What paperwork is required?

   Carriers will need valid health certificates from vets stating the pet is fit to fly. Some carriers also require proof of vaccinations. It’s best to check docs needed at least a couple months before your flight because, apparently, getting vet paperwork can take time. Plane trees don’t necessarily grow on trees!

5. Is there a risk pets won’t be allowed to fly?

   Perhaps. Even if a pet meets all the rules, airlines may refuse any animal they deem a risk to passengers due to behavioral or health issues. And oversold flights could lead to denials. According to experts, around 1-2% of cabin pets get bumped. Nevertheless, most make it just fine with the proper prepwork.

6. What about emotional support animals?

   The definition of an “emotional support animal” has become kind of fuzzy. Some airlines let them fly for free with a doctor’s note, while others impose the same fees as pets. Current rules are in flux. But it begs the question – are some people taking advantage to dodge fees? Who knows, but the airlines seem pretty dubious sometimes.

So in summary…

Major carriers do offer the option to bring pets in the cabin for a hefty fee. But regulations vary and not guaranteeing safe passage. So if important Fido flies, thorough research is totally crucial. You wanna ensure he’s comfortable at “37,000 feet and barking!” Right?