Airlines That Allow Puppies in Cabin – Which Airlines Let You Bring Your Small Dog on Board

Airlines That Allow Puppies in the Cabin

If you’re anything like me, traveling with your puppy is a top priority. However, most airlines only allow service animals in the cabin for safety reasons. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at which airlines make exceptions for flying with puppies too.

Delta Airlines

Delta is one of the most puppy-friendly airlines. They allow dogs under 20 pounds to fly in-cabin in their carrier, which must fit under the seat. From my experience traveling with my mini schnauzer, Delta crew are always polite and accommodating towards puppy passengers. Just be prepared to show your puppy’s vaccination records at check-in.

A few things to note – Delta has a maximum of one puppy per passenger. They also charge a $125 USD passenger charge each way for in-cabin puppies. So it can get pricey if you’re traveling with multiple dogs. On the bright side, Delta allows puppies over 8 weeks old so you don’t need to wait too long after bringing them home.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines shares Delta’s pet-friendly approach. They permit dogs under 20 pounds or cats traveling in an FAA-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Like Delta, you’ll pay a $125 fee each way and can only bring one animal per ticketed passenger.

From my interactions with Alaska staff, I’ve found them consistently nice about puppy travel. One time, an employee even offered to walk my cocker spaniel during a long layover – it made a huge difference. Just be aware that Alaska has blackout dates around major holidays when in-cabin pets might not be accepted.

American Airlines

American Airlines takes a stricter stance, only allowing service animals in the cabin for free. However, they do make concessions for emotional support animals (ESAs) with valid medical documentation. As with most airlines, the animal must be reasonable sized to fit on your lap or under the seat.

While not quite as puppy-friendly as Delta or Alaska, American could work in a pinch if you obtain the proper ESA paperwork in advance. I’ve heard mixed experiences, so call ahead to confirm policies if flying American with a support animal.

United Airlines

Unfortunately, unlike its competitors, United Airlines does not permit any puppies or pets except for service animals in the cabin. They must be shipped as cargo or kept in the cabin of a private charter. From chatter online, many pet owners feel this policy is too restrictive.

Perhaps United will reconsider allowing small in-cabin pets in the future as other major airlines have embraced it. But for now, I’d avoid United if flying with young puppies who aren’t quite ready for cargo holds yet.

International Airlines

Policies get more complex when flying internationally with puppies. Most foreign carriers copy the guidelines of the originating US airline. However, some global options accept small pets too if flying direct:

1. Lufthansa (Germany) – permits puppies under 11 lbs in-cabin, fees apply.
2. Qantas (Australia) – allows pets under 16.3 lbs inside airplane, but not on all routes.
3. British Airways (UK) – only permits service animals, not pets, on flights to/from America.

Always research foreign airline pet policies well in advance. International travel documents, health certifications and quarantine holds adds extra layers to consider too when booking flights with puppies across borders.

Preparing for In-Cabin Puppy Travel

Whether flying domestic or abroad, there are some universal tips for getting your pup accustomed to air travel:

• Start training them to relax in their carrier from a young age.
• Take test runs to local vet clinics to get used to carriers before the big flight.
• Bring favorite toys/blankets and calming treats to minimize stress.
• Consider using calming aids like Thundershirt or adaptor pheromone sprays.
• Request bulkhead or aisle seats to allow standing during turbulence.

It also helps to brief cabin crew on any flight anxiety signs your pup may show. Some airlines may refuse puppies who seem overly stressed. Overall, positive reinforcement is key to laying the groundwork for future puppy-friendly plane rides.

Alternative Options if Airlines Won’t Fly Puppies

For those rare cases where no airlines accept your under-20-pound pup, here are some last resort choices:

1. Drive yourself if distance allows and stop for breaks.
2. Use a pets-only bus service like Pet Express or Pet Air Cargo.
3. Hire a professional pet transporter for door-to-door ground transport.
4. Board your pup near your destination until they’re old enough for flying.

It’s definitely not ideal keeping puppies apart from their humans. But sometimes short term solutions are better than subjecting young dogs to dangerous cargo holds. Safety should always come before convenience when traveling by air with furry family members.

With a bit of planning and by choosing pet-loving carriers, integrating your puppy into trips need not be overly stressful. Most pups adapt well to flying as long as proper preparation and TLC is provided. I hope this guide helps you and your pup enjoy smoother skies ahead!

Do you have any other questions about flying with puppies? Feel free to ask in the comments. I’m always happy to share more of my experiences navigating pet travel policies over the years. Safe journeys to all!

Airlines Allowing Puppies in Cabin

Airline	Weight Limit	Cage Requirement	Advance Notice
Alaska Airlines	20 lbs or less	Hard-sided carrier under seat	Required, at least 48 hours
American Airlines	20 lbs or less	Soft or hard carrier under seat	Recommended, but not required
Delta Airlines	20 lbs or less	Hard-sided carrier under seat	Required, at least 48 hours
JetBlue	6 lbs or less	Soft carrier only in cabin	Required, at least 48 hours
Southwest Airlines	20 lbs or less	Hard-sided carrier under seat	Recommended, but not required

FAQ

1. Which airlines allow puppies in the cabin?

   Several major airlines like Delta, American, and United basically allow small puppies to fly in cabin as long as they are under 20 pounds and can fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat. The pup has to be over 10 weeks old too.

2. Do I need any paperwork for my puppy to fly?

   Yup, you will need some documentation for your furry friend. The airline will need proof that your puppy is up to date on all vaccinations like rabies, usually with a health certificate from your vet within 10 days of the flight. You also need to purchase a ticket for the little guy.

3. Is it stressful for a puppy to fly?

   It can kinda be stressful for puppies flying for the first time with all the noise and being in a small space. However, as long as they are in a comfortable carrier, give them toys to chew on, and don’t forget to bring water, most pups do okay. Just be prepared for some anxious whining at the airport perhaps. But once airborne, amazingly many dogs seem to snooze through most of the flight!

   

4. Should I sedate my puppy for the flight?

   While sedating your pup might seem like a good idea to keep them calm, the experts actually don’t recommend it except in rare cases. The veterinary meds could possibly interact poorly with changes in air pressure or cause other issues. As long as your pup is content in their carrier, using soothing words and treats is better than risking sedatives. The vet can advise you on the pup’s individual needs though.

5. What else do I need to know about flying with a puppy?

   Arrive extra early for check-in to allow time for any paperwork checks. Bring plastic bags and paper towels in case of “accidents.” Consider booking a nonstop flight to limit stress. You might be asked to hold the carrier under the seat for takeoff and landing due to safety regulations. All in all, while it takes some prep, many puppies do just fine on flights as long as they are handled gently and given comforts from home.

Is it really worth it to fly with such a young puppy?

That’s a good question. Flying with a tiny puppy does take some effort and there are certainly stresses involved despite all the preparations. Perhaps it would be less overwhelming to wait until they are a little older when they can understand and follow basic commands better. Then again, getting early exposure to new experiences like flying might help shape a puppy into a calm and confident traveler later on. In the end, you know your puppy best – trust your instincts on what approach would be least traumatic while accomplishing your travel goals. The welfare of the pup should be the top priority in any case.

Have you ever flown with a puppy before? How did it go?