Airlines That Allow Pets on Board – Which Airlines Will Let You Bring Your Dog When Flying

Airlines That Welcome Furry Friends: Which Ones Allow Dogs in the Cabin?

If you’re a dog owner who loves to travel, finding an airline that allows your dog to fly with you in the cabin can seem like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, there are more options than you might think. In this article, I’ll cover the major U.S. airlines and their pet policies so you can get Fido where he needs to go.

Delta

Delta is one of the most pet-friendly carriers. They allow dogs to fly in-cabin provided they meet certain requirements. Dogs must be under 20 lbs and fit comfortably in a carrier that can slide under the seat. No more than one pet carrier is allowed per passenger. There is a $125 charge each way for an in-cabin pet. Delta also flies unaccompanied pets in the cargo hold, though I’d only recommend that option as a last resort. Get everything in order well ahead of time, as pet travel guidelines are strict.

United

United’s rules are similar to Delta—dogs under 20 lbs in a carrier under the seat. But be warned: United has faced criticism after high-profile incidents where pets died in cargo holds. Personally, I’d feel safer flying my dog in-cabin if possible. Check baggage fees also apply for pets, even those in the cabin. As with any airline, make sure your pet’s carrier is truly airline-approved, or they won’t let Fido on board.

American

American allows dogs under 20 lbs and cats in the cabin in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. There is a flat $125 charge each way regardless of destination. American stands out for waiving fees for service and support animals. With the proper documentation, these animals fly free of charge. Just be aware of the legal definition of a service animal versus an emotional support animal.

Alaska

Of the major carriers, Alaska has some of the most generous pet policies. They allow dogs over 20 lbs in the cabin provided you purchase an extra seat for them. Carriers are not required, which some dogs may find more comfortable than being confined. Just keep Fido under control. There are no pet deposits or fees for emotional support animals with documentation. Alaska truly caters to pet lovers.

JetBlue

JetBlue customers can bring dogs and cats under 20 lbs in an approved hard-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The fee is $100 each way, and only one pet is allowed per passenger. JetBlue deserves credit for being transparent about its policies and really helping pets and their people feel comfortable flying together.

Southwest

Southwest is a great low-cost option, but unfortunately they do not allow pets in the cabin except for service animals. However, with guaranteed bereavement fares and no change fees, Southwest remains very pet owner-friendly in other ways. Just be prepared to check your furry friend’s carrier as baggage if flying Southwest.

Additional Considerations

When choosing an airline, consider not only their official pet policies but also additional factors:

1. Schedule – Nonstop flights are best to minimize stress for dogs.
2. Baggage fees – Fees apply even for pets in-cabin. Budget accordingly.
3. Tracking – Some airlines tag pets for easy identification if separated from owner.
4. Pet comfort – In-cabin permits your dog to be near you vs cargo hold.

No matter which airline you book, reviewing regulations, getting boarding passes issued, and arriving extra early can help everything go smoothly. A stressed-out pup makes for a miserable flight for everyone. From my experience, extra treats and toys are your furry friend’s best allies at the airport.

What About International Travel?

Taking pets overseas involves even more red tape. Requirements vary greatly between countries. Vaccination records, health certificates, and import permits may be required weeks in advance. Know your destination’s quarantine policies as well – some nations mandate multi-week quarantines that can be difficult for dogs. International pet relocation services can guide you, but planning extra time for paperwork is crucial.

Emotional Support vs Service Animals

Emotional support animals provide comfort merely through their presence. Airlines must allow them with proper documentation from a licensed medical professional. However, they have no public access rights.

Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks to help those with disabilities. Airlines do not charge fees for certified service dogs and give them access to all areas like restaurants. Fraudulently claiming your pet is a service animal harms those with legitimate needs – don’t do it!

hope this overview helps you and your pup secure plane tickets together! There are definitely viable options if you put in the prep work. Safe travels to all you pet heads out there. Feel free to share your own pet travel tips and experiences in the comments.

Airlines That Allow Dogs On Board

Airline	Dog Weight Limit	Dog Crate Requirement	Advance Reservation Required	Fees
Delta	70 lbs	Yes, soft-sided	Yes	$125 each way
United	100 lbs	Yes, hard-sided	Yes	$125 each way
American	50 lbs	Yes, hard-sided	Yes	$125 each way
Alaska	No limit	Depends on size	Yes	$100 each way
JetBlue	No limit	No, carrier required	No	$125 each way

FAQ

1. Which airlines let dogs fly in the cabin?

   Many major airlines allow dogs to travel in the cabin as long as they meet size and weight rules. Airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and United basically let small dogs fly for a fee. You’ll want to check each airline’s website for their exact pet policies.

   

2. What size dog can fly in the cabin?

   Most airlines only let “assistance” or “service” dogs like guide dogs for the blind in the cabin for free. Other dogs have to fit in a carrier that can go under the seat in front of you. The typical size limit is around 8-10 pounds and must fit nicely in the carrier without sticking their head out too much. Any bigger than that and the dog has to go in the cargo hold as checked baggage.

3. Is it safe for dogs to fly in cargo?

   Although airlines insist cargo is a safe place for pets, accidents do happen sometimes. Turbulence or rough handling could in theory cause injuries. The cargo hold also lacks temperature and air pressure controls for comfort. Maybe it’s safer to check smaller dogs as carry-on instead if possible? On the other hand, millions of dogs do fly safely as cargo every year according to the statistics.

4. How much does it cost to bring a dog on a plane?

   Prices vary but you can expect to pay anywhere from $100-$250 or more each direction. There will be a checked baggage fee, potentially special pets fees, and paperwork to acquire things like health certificates from your vet to prove the dog is fit to travel. But is it worth it avoid being apart from your furry friend? You’ll have to decide if the monetary and logistical effort is worth seeing the smile on your pup’s face!

5. Can dogs sit on your lap on planes?

   No, the FAA does not actually allow any pets other than trained service animals to sit in your lap onboard a plane. Something about potential allergies, barking or accidents troubling other passengers. However, there are occasional reports of small dogs slipping under the seat instead of in an approved carrier. Perhaps that’s upsetting safety rules a bit? On the other hand, it’s still a bad idea to try and bend regulations since you risk getting in trouble or delaying the entire flight.

6. Do airlines require dogs to be tagged or have ID?

   Yep, most airlines demand dogs travel with verified ID info like a collar with up-to-date rabies vaccination tags or a pet license. They also want the dogs’ carrier labeled clearly with your contact info in case little Fido gets lost along the way in the airport shuffle. Without proper paperwork, airlines may refuse the dog as cargo or in cabin. Their team has to kind of protect people from unknown health risks after all, right?

   

7. Should I sedate my dog for air travel?

   Opinions differ on this one. Calm dogs tend to fare better in new surroundings. However, sedatives can sometimes do more harm than good if not dosed properly by your vet. Turbulence may also cause issues. Maybe it’s safer and causes less stress to see how your dog acts initially on short flights before deciding about drugs? Talk things through with your vet since they know your pup best. In any event, comforting them with treats or toys can help put stress levels to “delete delete delete.”

8. Do airlines charge more for certain breeds?

   Some airlines do kind of single out specific dog breeds like pit bulls for size limits and fees that others may not face. This is likely due to perceptions about strength and aggressiveness rather than hard facts. Is that fair though? As long as an individual dog behaves well, their breed alone shouldn’t cause problems right? On the other hand, airlines have liability to consider too. Perhaps the policies aim more toward uniform rules than targeting any one type of pooch. But it still seems harsh to generalize.