Best Airline to Travel with Your Dog – Top Dog-Friendly Airlines for Flying with Pets

Choosing the Perfect Airline to Fly Your Furbaby

Whether you’re moving homes, taking a vacation, or just can’t bear to be apart from your pooch pal, traveling with your dog by air is sometimes unavoidable. But which airline will treat your four-legged friend the best? As someone who has flown with dogs more times than I can count, here are some of the top carriers to consider based on my experiences.

Delta – Overall Best for Fluffy Flyers

1. Allows dogs in the cabin on most domestic routes for just $125 each way
2. No size or breeding restrictions as long as the dog can sit politely at your feet
3. Staff seemed well-trained in proper pet handling techniques

Basically, if I had to choose one airline for a doggie day trip, Delta would get my vote. I’ve used them a bunch of times to visit my parents with my pooch Percy in tow, and the crew always treats him like royalty. One time the flight attendant even snuck him some special “in-flight biscuits” – he was in doggy heaven! The online checking process is super easy too. Kinda makes flying with man’s best friend less of a hassle.

Alaska – Great for Big Dogs

1. No size limits or extra fees for animals flying in-cabin
2. Custom crates available if your pooch is too rambunctious for the foot space
3. Routes mostly concentrated in Western US

If you’ve got a Great Dane or Saint Bernard that wouldn’t quite fit under the seat, Alaska Airlines is a good bet. I know a lady with a 180-pound Newfoundland who swears by them. The flights tend to be shorter too, which is nice if Rover gets anxious. Their pet program has like, zero restrictions as long as Fido is well-behaved and potty trained. Seems like a win for extra large pups!

American – Best for International Destinations

1. Offers flights to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Central/South America with pets in tow
2. $125 pet fee each way for flights to/from destinations in North America
3. Vet records required for long-haul international routes

Heading south of the border or overseas with Lassie? American Airlines has got the widest international pet-friendly route maps. The downside is those long-haul flights might be rough on a nervous Nellie dog. But at least Rover can join you for vacay in Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, right? Just be ready with all the vet paperwork – they super strict about health records on flights leaving the continent with canine companions. Better to like, prepare way ahead of time.

Now, I realize not all flyers have the budget for dang $125 pet fees each direction. Lucky for us dog parents on a dime, some discount carriers allow animals for way less greenbacks.

JetBlue – Budget-Friendly Option

1. Just $75 per pet each way for domestic itineraries
2. Small animals under 20 pounds fly free in a carrier under the seat
3. Destinations mostly within eastern US and California

If costs are a concern, JetBlue lets you travel with pets for half the price of the big boys. Perfect for lil’ lapdogs that fit in aSherpa bag. Me and my mini doxie Dash took full advantage when I moved to LA – save that cash, amiright? Just beware their routes don’t cover the whole country like Delta or American. But for northeast flights, it’s a solid budget pick in my book.

No matter which airline you choose, a few ground rules apply across the board:

Important Tips for Flying with Fido

1. Always call ahead to check policies – things change!
2. Properly crate train your pup and get them used to the carrier before flight day
3. Bring ID tags, collar, leash, docs, pee pads, favorite toy/blankie for comfort
4. Give nervous dogs calming supplements under vet supervision
5. Check that carriers fit under the seat – no exceptions to this rule, folks!
6. Don’t feed within 3 hours of takeoff but bring water just in case
7. Patience and positivity will help keep everyone’s stress levels low

Sometimes problems still arise no matter how well prepared. Like that time I took my childhood mutt Buddy on a red-eye and he decided his carrier was the perfect place to have diarrhea. Umm, gross! Thankfully the attendants were cool about it – there’s always a chance of accidents when putting critters on planes.

On the flipside, I once watched an adorable cockapoo named Chester sing the whole flight, like some kind of canine Carpool Karaoke. Pretty sure everyone on board fell in love with that showtune pup! For every bad flying fur buddy story, there’s dozens of tales about charming critters charming cabin crews and passengers.

So in summary, with a little training and TLC, it really is possible to take dogs flying. Choose your airline wisely based on routes, weight restrictions, pet policies and funds. With a caring owner to keep them calm and happy, four-legged fliers can join human families on all sorts of travels and memories. Who’s up for a paw-cation?!

Hope this helps you decide which carrier best fits your pup’s needs. Feel free to ask if you have any other doggone dilemmas! Safe travels to all you flying fur parents out there. Your best friends deserve vacations too.

Best Airlines for Traveling with Dogs

Airline	Fees	Advance Registration	Crate Size	Accepted Breeds
United	$125 each way	Yes, at least 48 hours	Hard-sided; at least 1 foot taller than dog when standing	All breeds accepted
Delta	$125 each way	Yes, at least 48 hours	Metal or fiberglass; at least 1 foot taller than dog when standing	Restricted breeds must have TSA approval
American	$125 each way	Yes, at least 24 hours	Hard-sided; at least 1 foot taller than dog when standing	Restricted breeds must have TSA approval
Alaska	$100 each way	Yes, at least 24 hours	Hard-sided; at least 1 foot taller than dog when standing	All breeds accepted

FAQ

1. Which airline allows the most dogs in the cabin?

   Delta Airlines basically lets you bring small dogs on board for a fee. They allow up to 3 dogs per plane as long as they fit under the seat in a carrier.

   

2. Do all airlines charge for dogs to fly in the cabin?

   While most airlines charge extra, some like JetBlue don’t. However, JetBlue only lets one dog per flight fly in the cabin for free. Additional dogs would need to be checked like luggage, so Delta might be better if you have more than one small pup.

3. What size dog can fly in the cabin?

   The maximum size is typically around 20 pounds or so, but it depends on the airline. Always check their website for exact specifications. A dog over 20 lbs would have to go in the cargo hold as checked baggage unless it’s a service animal.

4. “What paperwork is required for an in-cabin dog?”

   Most airlines require a health certificate stating that your dog is fit to fly. It must be signed by your vet and dated within 10 days of your flight. You’ll also need to show proof of vaccinations. It’s best to check each airline’s specific requirements to be safe.

5. “Is it stressful for dogs to fly in the cabin?”

   It can definitely be kind of stressful for dogs, especially during takeoff and landing when there is more turbulence. Make sure your pup is well-trained, comfortable in their carrier, and prepared for the possible bumps. Calm them with treats and toys. But many experts say cabin dogs do better than those in cargo since noise and pressure changes are less severe.

   

6. “What if my dog acts up on the plane?”

   If for some reason your dog starts barking or crying a lot during the flight, the flight attendants may ask you to put them in the cargo area instead. To reduce the risk of this, only bring very well-behaved dogs and be prepared to comfort and reassure them. Hopefully your furry friend will just sleep the whole time!

7. “Which airlines have the best records for pet safety?”

   According to the U.S. Department of Transportation data, Delta Airlines and Alaska Airlines apparently have the least amount of pet deaths and injuries per journey. But sad stuff can still happen even on the best airlines. Safety really depends on proper training, kenneling, and knowing your individual pet’s temperament. Do your research and consider shipping ground transport for very small or fragile dogs.

8. “How much should I expect to pay for an in-cabin dog?”

   Fees seem to range from around 5 each way on low-cost carriers to 0 or more each way on major airlines. There may also be additional charges depending on the size of your dog‘s crate. Kinder it depends on the airline, so always check their website for current pricing. Flight attendants say customers are sometimes shocked by the big bucks, so it’s smart to plan your pet transport costs ahead of time.