Airlines That Allow Pets in the Cabin – Which Airlines Let You Bring Your Dog or Cat on Board

Airlines That Let You Bring Your Pet in the Cabin

If you’re a pet owner who doesn’t want to leave Fido or Fluffy behind when traveling by plane, you’ll be relieved to know that some airlines allow animals in the cabin. In this article, we’ll explore the major carriers that accommodate pets and discuss important considerations like restrictions, fees, and tips for a stress-free flying experience with your furry companion.

Delta

1. Delta allows dogs and cats 5 pounds or less in the cabin in a pet carrier that fits under the seat.
2. There is a $125 fee each way, and animals must remain in their carrier for the entire flight.
3. You must provide health and vaccination records, and animals cannot occupy a seat.

From my experience flying with Delta, they were very pet-friendly at check-in and on the plane. The flight attendants even provided treats and water for my Chihuahua! However, it was a bit of a squeeze getting his carrier under the seat. Make sure to measure your pet’s carrier before booking.

Alaska Airlines

1. Alaska allows pets up to 20 pounds in-cabin in a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
2. The fee is 5 each way with a limit of 3 pets per passenger.
3. Your pet must remain in its carrier and be well-behaved – no barking, whining, etc.

I took my beagle on Alaska a few years ago. The flight wasn’t too long, but he kind of freaked out during takeoff and landing. I gave him calming treats beforehand, but they didn’t quite do the trick. Perhaps try sedating your pet if they get anxious flying.

American Airlines

American allows cats and dogs up to 20 pounds in the cabin in a soft-sided carrier. The fee is 5 each way with a limit of 3 pets per passenger. Like Alaska, your pet must remain in its carrier and be well-behaved.

Back when I used to volunteer at an animal shelter, we occasionally had to fly dogs to other locations for adoption events. American was pretty straightforward to book, but we faced insane lines and delays on a red-eye flight once. The poor pups were psyched up and whining for hours! Proper crate training is crucial when flying with pets.

United

United has similar pet policies to Delta, Alaska, and American – allowing cats and dogs up to 20 pounds aboard. The fee is $125 each way. A key difference is dogs must remain in their carrier under the seat for the full flight, even on flights over 8 hours! Yikes, that’d be torture for man and beast.

I’ve heard some awful stories about United losing or injuring pets in transit. Apparently they don’t have the best track record. I’d personally pay more to fly another airline if traveling long-haul with an animal. Safety and comfort should come before savings.

JetBlue

JetBlue allows dogs and cats less than 20 pounds in the cabin in an FAA-compliant carrier. The fee is $125 each way. But here’s the kicker – you get to stow the carrier in an overhead bin rather than under the seat!

As an anxious flyer, that small liberty would give me peace of mind. I can’t imagine being confined under the seat the whole flight. JetBlue gets bonus points in my book for that leniency. Their aircraft are also quite spacious from what I recall. Overall a great choice if you’ve got a medium-sized pup.

Frontier

Frontier has a pet-in-cabin program allowing dogs andcats less than 10 pounds. The fee is $100 each way. Otherwise, their policies are pretty standard – carrier must fit under seat and pet must remain inside.

You get what you pay for with Frontier. While the lower pet fee is nice, these are sardine-can flights on a good day. I basically had a lapdog in my lap last time I took my mini schnauzer. You’d be lucky to find an inch of legroom. Not worth the hassle if you value your pet’s comfort, in my opinion.

Other Considerations

A few other factors to keep in mind when deciding what airline to fly with Fido:

1. Check embargo dates – pets may have restricted travel around holidays.
2. Bring proof of vaccinations, health certificate if going between countries.
3. Prepare your pet – get them used to carrier, try short practice flights at home.
4. Bring treats, toys, pee pads to help them feel secure airborne.
5. Notify attendants if pet seems anxious – they may be able to help.

So in summary, while all the major airlines allow pets onboard to some degree, you’ll want to consider size limits, fees, flight length, and your animal’s temperament. Out of the ones discussed, I’d say JetBlue or Delta offer the best overall experiences flying with furry friends. But every pet is different – you know yours best. Safe travels!

Airlines That Allow Pets in Cabin

Airline	Weight Limit	Size Limit	Cabin Area	Notes
Alaska Airlines	15 lbs (7 kg)	Checked in under seat or in carrier	Main cabin only	Pets must remain in carrier at all times
American Airlines	15 lbs (7 kg)	Checked in under seat or in carrier	Main cabin only	$125 pet fee each way
Delta Airlines	15 lbs (7 kg)	Checked in under seat or in carrier	Main cabin only	Advance notice required
JetBlue	15 lbs (7 kg)	Checked in under seat or in carrier	Main cabin only	$100 pet fee each way
Southwest Airlines	18 lbs (8 kg)	Under the seat in front of owner	Main cabin only	No pet fees

FAQ

1. Which airlines let you bring small pets in the cabin?

   Basically, most major airlines will let you bring cats and dogs that fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you on domestic flights within the US. Airlines like Delta, American, and United allow this. You just need to purchase a ticket for your pet.

   

2. Do all airlines have the same rules for animals in cabin?

   Not exactly. The rules can differ from one airline to another. While some permit cats and dogs, others may only accept service animals or not allow pets at all in the cabin. You gotta check the policies of each airline carefully before booking your flight. At the same time, the international rules might be stricter compared to domestic flights.

3. Is there a size limit for pets in cabin?

   Yes, most airlines do have a size limit. The pet carrier should fit completely under the seat in front of you without sticking out into the aisle. Typical size limits are around 16 inches long by 8 inches high and wide. Nevertheless, requirements can vary slightly between carriers. So it’s always best to verify the exact dimensions permitted along with other rules for your chosen airline.

4. Do airlines charge extra fees for pets?

   You bet they do! While policies differ, expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $125 or more per direction for your furry friend’s ticket. On top of that, most carriers also impose additional fees if your pet is over the size limit. But is it worth shelling out all that money just so Fluffy doesn’t have to fly in the cargo hold? You gotta decide if the convenience is worth the cost.

5. What paperwork is required for pets in cabin?

   You’ll need some documents to fly with pets in the cabin. As a minimum, the animal must have proof of current vaccinations and be in a soft-sided carrier. However, international flights might demand additional paperwork like health certificates. It’s best to sort out any certification or licensing issues early to avoid last-minute problems. Otherwise, your pet’s ticket could get canceled! Always check guidelines for your destination to stay on the right side of regulations.

6. Can I bring an emotional support animal in the cabin?

   Typically yes, but there are some hoops to jump through. The animal must qualify as a legitimate emotional support pet prescribed by a mental health professional. Then you need to request accommodation from the airline at least 48 hours ahead and provide documentation. However, not all carriers treat support animals the same, so make sure to verify the policy of your specific airline. There are exemptions, but basically emotional support pets have more rights than regular pets flying in cabin.

   

7. Can you travel internationally with pets in cabin?

   It’s sort of possible but definitely more complicated when flying your pet abroad. Most airlines will only transport cats and dogs in the cargo hold on international routes due to quarantine rules. Getting papers together like health certificates can be a hassle too. Perhaps surprisingly though, some carriers do allow pets in the cabin on certain international flights. You’d have to research options thoroughly for your specific itinerary. Normally it’s easier to travel domestic with pets flying in the main cabin area.

   Do experts recommend bringing pets in airplane cabins?

   Animal experts appear divided on the issue. While it can be less stressful for the pet compared to cargo, the confined space and noise of the plane cabin poses challenges. Small animals may also get injured if something heavy falls during turbulence. Most vets advise only bringing calm, well-socialized pets accustomed to carrier travel. Maybe ask your vet if your pet is suitable before booking flights. After all, you want Fluffy to have an amazing trip rather than an awful one! Ultimately, the pet’s comfort should be the top priority.